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Flying with your pet? Here's how much it will cost

For many of us, pets are a part of the family. They eat the same food, sleep in our beds and some even dress better than other humans. So when it comes to flying, travelers want the best for their pets. Here’s what you need to know:

The basics

It might sound like a no-brainer, but the first question you should ask yourself is, “Is your animal a pet?” According to the FAA, a pet refers to dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, hedgehogs, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. It’s important to note that birds like turkeys, chickens, doves and geese do not count as pets.

When it comes to service animals, the rules are totally different. These animals are not considered pets, and are seen as workers with a job to do. Service animals are typically dogs and airlines don’t charge a fee for them to fly. Many travelers with physical impairments travel with these animals that provide support, guidance, and assistance to their owner. Travelers flying with a service animal are typically asked to provide a credible verbal assurance stating the animal’s purpose and supporting documentation from a doctor. Those traveling with emotional support animals also need a doctor’s note. These animals come in many forms (pigs, turkeys, even monkeys) and owners avoid paying fees because the animal is said to help them deal with the anxiety of flying. The practice, however, has gotten so out of control that the Department of Transportation is currently debating if airlines should adopt a stricter policy on what kinds of service animals should be allowed on planes.

Many airlines require health certificates for your pet or service animal to travel. According to VetInfo, the certificate involves a veterinary consultation and the cost of vaccines, so it can cost anywhere from $35 to $200 if you’re pet’s shots aren’t up to date.

Safety first

If you have a small animal weighing less than 20 pounds, most airlines will charge you $125 to $150 to carry-on your pet. Every airline requires that your animal be placed in a carrier that can comfortably fit under the airplane seat.

For animals over 20 pounds, nearly every airline requires you transport your pet in a kennel in the cargo area of the plane. This can cost anywhere from $150 to $600 depending on the airline, size of the dog and destination. This practice has become controversial because of the risks. From May 2005 to July 2016, the Department of Transportation reported that 320 pets died while flying in the cargo area of planes. This figure includes 247 dogs, 48 cats and 6 birds. During this period, 82 of the animal deaths occurred on Delta, 64 died on United Airlines and 51 on American Airlines.

In response, airlines like Delta have strengthened their pet programs over the past year by providing safer transportation options and closer monitoring. Still, if you’re worried about your pet’s safety, it might be worth your time to consider other options. Many people choose to kennel their dog or hire a dog walker to stop by the house a few times a day while out of town. Each of the options can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 a day depending on where you live.

Every airline has slightly different domestic pet policies; here’s a breakdown from five major US carriers.

American Airlines (AAL)

Carry on: To carry on a pet, the animal must be at least 8 weeks old, and it must have a kennel that comfortably fits underneath the seat. The airline will charge a fee of $125 for flights within and between the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

Checked: To check a pet, owners must contact the airline at least 48 hours prior to arrival, however, pets are accepted on a first-come basis, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. Checking a cat or dog will cost approximately $200 per kennel.

More from United.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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10 cheap US destinations for the holidays

Very few of us have a real say in where we travel for the holidays. It’s all about family and friends, so oftentimes that means sleeping on a pull-out couch or twin bed in your childhood bedroom. But for those with a little flexibility, there are some budget-friendly places to get away for the holidays.

According to Kayak, Las Vegas is the most wallet-friendly domestic destination for travelers this holiday season. If playing roulette and watching Celine Dion belt out her greatest hits sounds appealing, the travel booking site predicts the average plane ticket could cost $258 in November. If you can wait a few additional weeks, the median airfare could to drop to $247 in December and $221 in January.

Hotel rooms might also be uber affordable during the winter months. In November, the median hotel rate is expected to drop to $146 a night, and we found an impressive nightly rate of $159 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino the weekend before Thanksgiving. Prices just might reach an average $171 a night by January.

Kayak’s 2016 Holiday Travel Hacker Guide is not really a prediction tool. Instead, it uses historical data and trends to estimate what travelers might encounter as they book airfare and hotels in the winter months. To pinpoint wallet-friendly destinations, Kayak rummaged through data from November 2015 through January 2016 on searches conducted in the US and Canada.

Skate away the winter blues in Chicago. (Getty Images)

Surprisingly, another destination that might be easier on your wallet is Chicago. Kayak says the median airfare could reach $244 in November. Prices might jump up to $261 in December, before dropping to $184 in January. It’s no secret that Chicago is downright frigid in the winter, but there are some wintry activities to put visitors in a festive mood. Go ice skating in Millennium park with the Chicago Skyline as your backdrop, shop till you drop on the Magnificent Mile, or laugh till it hurts at the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival from Jan. 7-17.

Rounding out the top three, Kayak estimates that Atlanta could also be an affordable destination this holiday season. According to its data, the average price of round-trip plane ticket might cost about $262 in November. Prices may increase slightly in December before dropping to $206 in January. The temperature in Atlanta hovers in the 40s and 50s during December and January, so the slightly warmer weather is reason enough to fly south for a few days. Hotels rates are also a selling point. Guests could pay as little as $140 for a nightly stay in November. That could jump up to $161 a night in January.

Here is a full list of wallet-friendly destinations this holiday season

Las Vegas

Chicago, Ill.

Atlanta, Ga.

Denver, Colo.

Dallas, Texas

New York, New York

Washington DC.

Orlando, Fla.

Boston, Mass.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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College-bound students should apply for financial aid this month

Senior year of high school is filled with many stressors, and none spur anxiety – for students and parents alike – quite like applying for financial aid. The whole “how to pay for college” process can be overwhelming in the extreme, but some recent changes from the Department of Education are aiming to make it smoother.

In July, the DOE announced that students would be able to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid starting on Oct. 1. (The FAFSA is the form they must complete in order to be eligible for need-based financial aid.) Federal financial aid is given out on a first-come first-served basis, which means if you haven’t started the process yet, you might be missing out on free money.

By lengthening the application period (previously it started Jan. 1) the hope is that more students will have time to gather all the information they need. In past years, students couldn’t apply for aid until after the holidays. Most states require the finished application by February or March, giving families a small window of time to get in all of their paperwork.

The new application also allows families to submit their tax information from the previous year. This means students seeking financial aid for the 2017 school year can use their parents’ tax information from 2015. In the past, families would estimate their income, which led to a large number of applications needing to be verified.

This was time consuming and required families to provide all of their documentation for a second time. The new system eliminates that process all together. But you still need to submit other documents, including parents’ bank statements, record of investments, most recent federal income tax returns and other records of money earned.

“This will benefit low-income students who often have trouble completing verification because there can be challenges like getting their parents to provide the info twice,” Mark Kantrowitz, publisher at Cappex, a free website connecting students with financial aid. “I think we’ll see some improvements in who completes the FAFSA, who gets to enroll in college and who graduates.”

Mobile reminders

To help students manage their FAFSA applications, some organizations are reaching out to students on their phones – which is likely where they are much of the time already.

Common Application allows students to enter their information one time and use it to apply to multiple colleges. It also details requirements for specific schools and tracks your progress on each application. To help students stay on top of their financial aid, the site will send text messages to 60% of its 2 million users who indicate financial need. The text will nudge them to get their FAFSA in on time, so they have better options when it comes time to select a school.

In Delaware, the program Delaware Goes to College will send students and parents text messages once or twice a month to remind them about the FAFSA, financial aid and scholarships, and checklists. Students and parents must enroll via text message.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has initiated the texting trend in the Lone Star State, and UAspire sends text messages to select students in Boston.

Helpful financial aid resources

FAFSA4caster

It’s a good idea to complete your FAFSA, even if you don’t think you’re eligible for financial help. If you want a little more insight into your options for paying for college, FAFSA4caster will estimate your eligibility for federal student aid.

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool

Since the previous year’s tax return will be used, most of the complicated questions can be filled in automatically with the IRS Data Retrieval tool. This tool transfers information directly from tax returns to the FAFSA so you don’t have to.

Loan options

If you have to borrow money to pay for college, federal loans will likely be the more affordable option. Direct Subsidized Loans are for students with financial need, and the Department of Education pays the interest while the student is enrolled in school and for six months after they graduate. Direct Unsubsidized loans don’t require financial need and students are responsible for paying the interest at all periods. Direct PLUS Loans are for graduate and professional students, and the Federal Perkins Loan has a low interest rate of 5% and is awarded to students who show exceptional financial need.

When all’s said and done, federal loans will have lower interest rates than private loans. Loans funded by the government also provide more options for repayment, allowing students to file for a deferment or forbearance if they are unable to keep up with payments after graduation. In order to qualify for any of these loans, however, you have to send in your FAFSA. Ultimately, the Department of Education decides which loans you qualify for, but familiarizing yourself with the options early will enable you to act quicker down the line.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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6 traits shared by successful entrepreneurs

Amy Wilkinson shares two traits of successful creators at Cosmo and SoFi’s Fun Fearless Money Conference on September 24 in New York City.

Do you have a fresh idea for an existing company? Did you find a solution to a problem that’s been plaguing you for years? Perhaps it’s time to take a chance and start your own business.

For women, the timing has never been better. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than 9.4 million companies were owned by women in 2015, and those businesses employed nearly 7.9 million people. To bring attention to all of the women in charge, October is recognized as Women in Small Business Month, a time to reflect on the growing number of women who have taken the leap to start and grow their own businesses. The road to transforming an idea into a profitable business is long and winding, but those who have seen their hard work pay off will assure you that the journey can be fulfilling and profitable.

No one knows this better than Amy Wilkinson, an author and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business who spent five years interviewing 200 of the world’s top entrepreneurs. After milling through 10,000 pages of transcripts, Wilkinson released her findings in a book called “The Creator’s Code,” which highlights the six traits that every successful entrepreneur possess. She interviewed both men and women, and her research found that neither gender is more hardwired for success than the other.

“I think if you want to start and scale a company, it’s hard to do, but I don’t think that there is a skill difference between men and women,” Wilkinson told Yahoo Finance. “My point of view is that women are not different, women are equal, and when they are in the marketplace they can do every bit as as well as men.”

Though there’s no gender-based difference in skill or potential, in her book, Wilkinson hones in on three factors that can make it harder for women to break into business. First, she points out there aren’t as many women enrolled in business schools. According to a 2015 survey from the Forté Foundation, women make up about 40% of people enrolled in an MBA program. Attending a school like Kellogg or Wharton can help give you access to a network; but without that social circle, getting connected to someone who can help you launch a business is just that much harder. “If you didn’t go to those business schools you may not know who to call or where to start,” said Wilkinson.

Another obstacle facing women is access to capital – after all, you need money to start a business. And finally, Wilkinson says some women struggle with the confidence to really take their business to the next level. “You want a business to go to scale. You want to solve a problem that affects a lot of people,” she says. “If you can have the confidence, the skill, and the help of people around you…that’s when it gets really good.”

So to all of the women out there trying to get a business off the ground, hang in there. As you grow your idea, reference these six traits that Wilkinson identified in every successful entrepreneur. If you don’t have all of them right now, it’s OK. The traits are learnable, and it’s possible to incorporate all six of them into your life and company.

1. Find the gap

The first step is to identify an opportunity others have looked over. By staying alert, creators spot opportunities that others don’t see. They keep their eyes open for fresh potential, a vacuum to fill, or an unmet need. You have to be curious and ask a lot of questions. “Women have their own set of experiences that are unique,” says Wilkinson. “You might be dropping your kids off at school and see something that doesn’t work in the carpool lane, and that could turn into a business.” Case in point, Sarah Blakely invented Spanx after cutting off the legs of her pantyhose because she liked the control top but didn’t want the leg coverage. There was nothing on the market that filled this need, so she experimented with materials, formed a business and today Spanx is a $1 billion company.

2. Drive for daylight

Just as race-car drivers keep their eyes fixed on the road ahead, creators focus on the future, knowing that where they go, their eyes go first. They move fast and don’t get caught up in where their peers are. Instead, they focus on the horizon, scan the edges, and avoid nostalgia to set the pace in a fast-moving marketplace.

3. Fly the Ooda loop

Creators continuously update their assumptions. In rapid succession, they observe, orient, decide, and act (OODA). Like legendary fighter pilot John Boyd, who pioneered the idea of the “OODA loop,” creators move nimbly from one decision to the next. They master fast-cycle iteration and in short order gain an edge over less agile competitors.

4. Fail wisely

Creators understand that experiencing a series of small failures is essential to avoiding catastrophic mistakes. In the course of practicing and mastering this skill, they set what Wilkinson calls failure ratios, place small bets to test ideas, and develop resilience. They hone the skill to turn setbacks into successes.

5. Network minds

To solve multifaceted problems, creators bring together the brainpower of diverse individuals through on- and off-line forums. They design shared spaces, hold prize competitions and build work-related games. They even convene small working groups to troubleshoot big problems. “Assemble a flash team by getting a group of people together just for one project,” Wilkinson says. “They can help you for a limited time and you can tap into the brain power of other people.”

6. Give small gifts

Creators unleash generosity by helping others, often by sharing information, pitching in to complete a task, or opening opportunities to colleagues. Offering kindness may not seem like a skill, but it is an essential way that creators strengthen relationships. In an increasingly transparent and interconnected world, generosity makes creators more productive.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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Travel credit card competition heats up with revamped AMEX Platinum

Last month, Chase (JPM) released the Sapphire Reserve credit card, which many touted as the best travel credit card ever created and has developed a cult following. In fact, so many people applied for it that Chase ran out of the metal used to make the sleek card, and had to send out plastic replacements to thousands of customers.

While that card received a lot of attention from the media, the American Express Platinum card (AXP) quietly rolled out some new travel features on Thursday, which definitely give the Chase Sapphire Reserve a run for its money. The battleground for credit card customer loyalty is heating up, and travelers are definitely the ones reaping the benefits.

So which card is superior? Let’s compare.

First, we’ll list the similarities. Both cards come with a steep $450 annual fee, a tough pill to swallow no matter how you look at it. Both cards also come with a $100 credit for Global Entry and TSA precheck, which is added to your card every five years on the American Express Platinum card and every four years on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

When it comes to airport lounges, both cards provide users with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which gives travelers access to more than 900 airport lounges around the world. Purchased on its own, standard Priority Pass Select membership costs $99 a year. As for rental cars, users can enjoy special rental privileges with select carriers on both cards.

And finally, neither card imposes a foreign transaction fee, which can save you up to 3% on purchases made outside the United States.

Now to the differences, and there are quite a few.

Sign-up bonus

Amex Platinum users will earn 40,000 bonus points (worth about $400 in travel) after using their card to make $3,000 in purchases in the first three months. This falls way short of the 100,000 points awarded to Chase Sapphire Reserve card holders, who have to spend $4,000 in the first three months to get their points. Those 100,000 points equal $1,500 when you redeem the travel through Chase Ultimate rewards.

Points

Amex Platinum card holders will get five points for every $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel. This means it will be easier to accumulate points as long as you don’t book flights through a third party like Priceline.

In comparison, the Sapphire Reserve awards three points for every dollar spent on airfare, hotels, taxis, and trains, regardless of where you book it. Cardholders also earn three points for every dollar they spend on restaurants around the world. And if that wasn’t enough, you also get 50% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Airline credit

The Platinum card comes with a $450 annual fee, but one thing that eases that cost is the $200 airline fee credit. After selecting a qualifying airline, card users can get up to $200 a year in statement credits for incidental fees. Meaning, if you assign Delta as your preferred airline, you’ll get a $200 credit to cover things like baggage fees, upgrade fees and inflight meals charged to your Platinum card.

For the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the statement credit is bigger and less restrictive. Their $300 annual travel credit is automatically added to your statement as reimbursement for any travel-related purchases charged to your card.

Airport wi-fi

While more and more airports are installing free wi-fi, finding a connection can still be hit or miss when traveling around the US. So it’s especially beneficial that American Express Platinum comes with complimentary access to unlimited wi-fi at more than a million hotspots worldwide with the Boingo American Express Preferred Plan.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve does not have an option like this. However, card users have access to more than 900 airport lounges which almost always have free wi-fi.

Hotels

There are definitely some perks to using your American Express Platinum card to book hotels. Card users can upgrade to Starwood Preferred Guest Gold Status without meeting any of the requirements. Likewise, users will automatically get Hilton Hhonors Gold Status, which will help them earn reward status faster at Hilton properties.

If travelers book their hotel stay through American Express Travel, they can receive a $75 hotel credit to be used on dining, spa and resort activities. To earn the credit, guests must stay a minimum of two consecutive nights at one of the properties in Hotel Collection. Guests will also receive a room upgrade, if available.

And finally, those card holders choosing to book through Fine Hotels and Resorts (the American Express hotel booking platform) get daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available, complimentary wi-fi and a $100 amenity credit.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card says that card holders will receive exclusive benefits at the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, but we were unable to find details on what that includes.

Transfer points

With the American Express Platinum card, consumers can transfer their points to a participating Frequent Flyer program, like Delta SkyMiles. A fee of 0.0006 per point will be charged to your credit card account. There is a maximum fee of $99, and the company may offer cardholders the option to redeem points to cover this fee.

Over at Chase, Sapphire Reserve cardholders get a 1:1 point transfer to leading airline programs, like United MileagePlus. Points can also be transferred to hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Rewards and IHG Rewards Club.

Verdict?

We can’t say which card is better or worse: both have plenty of attractive features for travelers. With the American Express Platinum card, customers have to spend less upfront to get their bonus points. And earning five points for every dollar spent is a feature unmatched by any other card. There also seems to be more perks when customers choose to book hotels through the company.

On the other hand, the 100,000 bonus points Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get after signing up and spending the required amount is a major selling point. Cardholders also have more freedom when it comes to how they earn points. Sure, they only get three points for every dollar spent on airfare, but they can book it wherever they want and it also applies to hotels and taxis. The $300 travel credit also comes with fewer strings than the Amex Platinum’s $200 airline fee credit.

Ultimately, consumers have to select that card that works best for them. Regardless of which you choose, it’s clear travelers have more options than ever before.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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What you should know about travel insurance after the Kim Kardashian robbery

The world is still abuzz after Kim Kardashian was robbed during her recent visit to Paris. The assailants reportedly snuck into her hotel in the middle of the night, restrained her, and walked away with more than $10 million in jewelry. Kardashian returned to New York City shaken, but unharmed.

Few of us own anything worth $10 million, but the prospect of getting robbed on vacation – or being the victim of any sort of crime – is still alarming and very real. In addition to the emotional toll, the financial loss can be costly, especially if your belongings aren’t insured.

The silver lining here is that you might already have an insurance policy that protects your stuff while traveling. Here’s a look at how common insurance policies have you covered on the road.

1. Homeowners insurance

Cost: Homeowners might pay $35 per month for every $100,000 of home value.

Homeowners insurance covers most of your personal possessions from loss or theft. We reached out to Allstate, who told us that many of their basic plans include coverage for personal possessions even when they’re located outside of the home.

“Say you have a $200,000 home, 60% of that policy would cover your stuff, so you’d have $120,000 worth of coverage on personal belongings stolen from your home,” says Justin Herndon, spokesperson for Allstate. “If you take your belongings off-premise, like on a trip, you get 10% of the coverage, or $12,000.”

In this scenario, the stuff in your suitcase would be insured up to $12,000, after you pay a deductible (which can be $1,000, depending on your policy). Even so, jewlery has an inside limit of $5,000, so if you had a pricey heirloom packed away, you probably want to consider extra coverage.

When it comes to expensive equipment or jewelry, Herndon suggests thinking about scheduled personal property coverage. This protects valuable items that are unique and need to be insured for their full value. “As long as you have your appraisal on the item, you can get coverage on the same day you’re leaving for a trip,” he says.

2. Renter’s insurance

Cost: According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average renter’s insurance premium is $187 a year.

If you don’t own your home, renter’s insurance is a great way to protect the items in your house or apartment. Most plans are designed to cover fire, damage to furniture or clothing, and personal liability if another person gets injured in your home. This type of insurance also covers your personal belongings whether they’re in your home or traveling around the world with you.

But there’s one caveat: State Farm says renter’s insurance coverage is limited when your personal belongings are taken abroad. In fact, their plans will insure your belongings against loss or theft, but not against accidental loss while you’re traveling. In other words, if you drop your expensive ring down the drain at an island resort, you won’t get reimbursed for that.

Keep in mind that every renter’s insurance policy is different, so read the fine print on yours to see what is and isn’t covered. If you don’t feel like the coverage is adequate, State Farm and most insurance companies offer policy enhancements or add-ons that will provide extra insurance for more valuable items.

3. Travel insurance

Cost: Typically 4%-8% of your trip cost.

Many travel insurance policies include coverage for personal items if they’re lost or stolen while traveling. But don’t get too excited, the plans often limit how much is covered. “Plans usually insure personal items for $500 to 2,500 per person,” says Rachael Taft, spokesperson for Squaremouth, a site that compares travel plans from more than 21 insurance providers.

When it comes to expensive items like jewelry or electronics, there are limits on how much is covered, and it’s usually around $300 to $1,000. So you might want to look at more complete insurance options if the items in your luggage are expensive. “We usually recommend looking at your homeowners policy options if you have an expensive ring or something,” says Taft.

While theft is a concern, lost luggage can be an expensive mishap as well. Travel insurance will protect your stuff if an airline loses your luggage. If your bags get delayed, the majority of policies will provide a certain amount of money per day for incidentals.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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Airlines waiving change fees as Hurricane Matthew heads to Florida

The National Weather Service has issued a warning to Florida and parts of the Southeast, as Hurricane Matthew moves northward from the Caribbean. Weather officials predict the storm will become a Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches Florida on Thursday, pummeling the Southeast with winds up to 130 mph. Thousands of locals are evacuating their homes and airlines are warning travelers to brace for widespread delays and cancellations.

To accommodate the chaos, most airlines have issued waivers to eliminate change fees for travelers looking to alter their itineraries. Here’s a look at rebooking policies for major airlines:

Alaska Airlines (ALK)

Due to Hurricane Matthew, Alaska Airlines is offering a waiver for passengers to change, cancel or postpone their flight.

Affected cities include: Charleston, SC (CHS); Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (FLL); and Orlando, Fla. (MCO).

Tickets must have been purchased on or before Oct. 4, 2016, and original travel dates must fall between Oct. 4-7, 2016. More details here.

American Airlines (AAL)

If the weather has impacted your travel plans, American Airlines is allowing travelers to change their trip for no fee.

In Florida, the change fee will be waived if you bought your ticket by Oct. 4, 2016, and are scheduled to fly between Oct. 6-7, 2016. Affected cities in Florida include: Daytona Beach (DAB), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Jacksonville (JAX), Key West (EYW), Melbourne (MLB), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), and West Palm Beach (PBI).

Hurricane Matthew is also expected to affect travel through countless cities in the Southeast, including: Augusta, Ga. (AGS); Savannah, Ga. (SAV); Charlotte, NC (CLT); Fayetteville, NC (FAY); Greensboro, NC (GSO); Greenville, NC (PGV); New Bern, NC (EWN); Raleigh/Durham, NC (RDU); Richlands, NC (OAJ); Wilmington, NC (ILM); Columbia, SC (CAE); Charleston, SC; Florence, SC (FLO); Hilton Head Island, SC (HHH); and Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR). Change fees will be waived for travelers who booked their tickets by Oct. 4, 2016, and are scheduled to travel from Oct. 6-8, 2016.

If you plan on traveling to the Caribbean or Bahamas, there are additional travel notices in place.

Delta Air Lines (DAL)

If travelers want to cancel their flight because of a flight cancellation or significant delay (more than 90 minutes) they’re entitled to a refund for the unused portion of their ticket. When rescheduled travel occurs beyond the ticket reissue date, the change fee will still be waived, but a difference in fare might apply.

In Florida, travelers can get a refund if they were scheduled to travel from Oct. 6-7, 2016. Rebooked travel must begin no later than Oct. 12, 2016. Affected cities include: Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville (JAX), Key West (EYW), Melbourne (MLB), Miami, Orlando and West Palm Beach.

For the rest of the Southeast, impacted travel dates are Oct. 6-9, 2016 and rebooked travel must begin no later than Oct. 14. Affected cities include: Brunswick, Ga.(BQK); Charleston SC (CHS); Fayetteville, NC (FAY); Jacksonville, NC (OAJ); Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR); New Bern, NC (EWN); Raleigh, NC (RDU); Savannah, Ga. (SAV); and Wilmington NC (ILM).

More details here.

Frontier

Frontier enacted new guidelines for customers traveling Oct. 5-8, 2016, through parts of Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and St. Augustine (UST). Customers who purchase tickets on or before Oct. 4, 2016 will be allowed to to make one itinerary change without incurring a fee.

Travel must be completed by Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. Origin and destination cities may be altered. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request a refund.

More details here.

JetBlue (JBLU)

JetBlue has promised to waive change/cancel fees and fare differences for passengers traveling on Oct. 5-9, 2016.

Affected cities include: Charleston, SC, Daytona Beach, Fla., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jacksonville, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Raleigh/Durham, NC, Savannah/Hilton Head, Ga., West Palm Beach, Fla.

Customers can rebook their flights for travel through Oct. 16, 2016. If your flight was canceled, you can opt for a refund.

More details here.

Southwest Airlines (LUV)

Southwest Airlines warns that scheduled service may be disrupted from Oct. 4 until Oct. 8 in parts of Florida including, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Myers (RSW) and Jacksonville. Weather might also disrupt service Charleston, SC, and Raleigh-Durham.

Those who want to rebook their travel plans in the original class can do so without paying any additional charge. Travel must take place within 14 days of their original travel date between the original city pairs.

More details here.

Spirit Airlines (SAVE)

Customers traveling to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando from Oct. 5-7, 2016, can change their reservation at no cost. Modification charges and fare differences will be waived through Oct. 14. After that date a fare difference may apply.

Travelers flying through Myrtle Beach, SC, on Oct. 5-8, 2016, can also change their itinerary for no charge through Oct. 14.

More details here.

United Airlines (UAL)

United Airlines is offering travel waivers that allow passengers to change flights without paying a fee.

In Florida, airports affected include Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and West Palm Beach. If the original flight was scheduled from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7, the change fee and difference in fare will be waived for a new flight scheduled on or before Oct. 12, 2016.

In the Southeast, affected cities include: Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Columbia, SC; Fayetteville, NC; Greensboro, NC; Myrtle Beach, SC; Raleigh/Durham, NC; and Savannah. If your original flight was scheduled from Oct. 6 to Oct. 9, 2016, the change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for a new flight departing on or before Oct. 14, 2016.

More details here.

Virgin America (VA)

Guests traveling to or from Fort Lauderdale or Orlando on Oct. 5-7, 2016 may change their travel dates by Oct. 8, 2016 without paying change fees or the difference in fare. This rule is valid through Nov. 16, 2016. Travelers can also cancel their itineraries without incurring any cancellation fees.

More details here.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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This couple retired at 31 to travel around the world

The American (and Canadian) dream hasn’t really changed in the past 50 years. You go to college, find a job, get married, buy a house, have a couple of kids and retire at 65. It’s pretty straightforward, but what would happen if that model were flipped upside down? If you skipped a few steps and went straight to retirement?

It sounds impossible, but it’s a reality for Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung, a Canadian couple who retired at 31 and are traveling around the world.

Shen and Leung, now 33, both worked as computer engineers making about $60,000-$70,000 annually. They had been aggressively saving money since about 2006, got married in 2010, and by 2012 the newlyweds had saved $500,000 to use as a down payment on a house in Toronto. But when it came time to find the perfect home, they were shocked at how expensive and limited the options were.

“When we went house hunting there were so many bidding wars and so many realtors doing shady stuff. There were a lot of games,” Shen told Yahoo Finance.

“There is this shared madness that everyone participates in, even though it’s stupid,” Leung added. “It caused us to look for another option.”

Plan B

After doing some research, they discovered the concept of financial independence referred to as the “4% rule.” With this system, investors attempt to build a portfolio large enough to extract 4% every year to cover living expenses. This method is often used by people planning for retirement, but Shen and Leung simply sped up their timeline.

By saving and picking smart investments, that initial $500,000 turned into a $1 million portfolio by 2014, making the couple millionaires by 31. It sounds impossible, but they were were able to reach their goal by following these five simple investment rules:

Invest using low-cost index ETF funds

No stock picking or following hot tips.

Avoid actively managed mutual funds.

Pick an asset allocation that balances volatility based on risk and distance to retirement.

You sell what’s high and buy what’s low.

With their new financial freedom, Shen and Leung quit their jobs and planned to travel around the world for a year.

Kristy Shen exploring Switzerland.

Their adventure started in the US, with visits to Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and then they headed across the pond to the United Kingdom. When all was said and done, Shen and Leung traveled to 15 different countries throughout Europe and Asia during their yearlong adventure. They returned home to Canada in Spring 2016 to see loved ones and plan their next steps.

“When we came home, we realized our portfolio had grown and that we had actually made more money than the cost of the trip … so it was basically free,” Leung said.

“During that first year of travel we actually saved money. We spent $40,000 compared to the $50,000 we would have spent living in Toronto.,” Shen said. “So why wouldn’t we just travel forever?”

So in August 2016, the couple set out on their next global adventure. They started in Japan and are currently in Vietnam. They plan to ride out the Canadian winter on the beaches of Malaysia and Thailand before heading home to spend next summer with their friends and family.

To keep their budget in line, the couple is strategic with the cities they visit. If they spend a few months in the United Kingdom, they will spend the next couple of months in a country like Vietnam, which is much less expensive.

Shen admits the couple also loves to travel hack by using credit cards to earn loyalty program points for free flights. “We saved $6,000 on our travels just by using credit card deals,” she said. The couple also frequently uses Airbnb when traveling through Europe, because they say hotels cost nearly twice as much. And finally, even though Shen and Leung are officially retired from their jobs, the couple still enjoys finding creative ways to make moneyby keeping a blog and writing children’s books.

Silencing the critics

Bryce enjoying Belgian waffles in…Belgium.

There are plenty of naysayers who question the legitimacy and even the sanity of what Shen and Leung are doing … including her parents. “My parents are very traditional and see buying a house as a better investment,” Shen said. “They thought we were crazy, and our relationship is still pretty strained.”

Other people have expressed their belief that the couple would have been better off buying a house. Leung says they analyzed and compared their costs, and in the end, buying a house just would not have been profitable. “We broke down the costs involved with owning a home, including things like property taxes, maintenance and a mortgage,” he said. “Even if the house made $120,000, all of those costs would eat up up 95% of the profit.”

As a couple, they are pretty passionate about what they call the Millennial Revolution, which encourages young workers to become financially independent and to live the life they want, not the life they think they are supposed to want.

Sure, their methods are on the extreme side, but it does appear that Shen and Leung have a finger on the pulse of what’s going on with today’s millennial workforce. According to a study by LinkedIn, millennials who graduated between 2006-2010 are expected to change jobs four times by the time they reach 32.

“The idea of people working at Ford for 25 years is laughable now. We are told that it makes sense to buy a house, but it reduces your mobility, and if a job becomes available across the country you can’t take it because you’re tied down to a house,” Leung said.

The couple during a trip to Scotland.

But Shen and Leung aren’t the only ones avoiding the housing market. Many people around the US are still recovering from the Great Recession, which caused millions to lose their jobs, and forced students to rack up large amounts of student loan debt just to attend college. Perhaps that’s why many millennials are putting off buying a house. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, more adults 18-34 are living with their parents instead of living on their own or with roommates. The research looked at data from 2014 and found that 32% of young adults were still bunking up with mom and dad. This was the first time in 130 years that this living arrangement outranked other options.

Indeed, it looks like the same rules that applied to the baby boom generation do not apply to millennials.

“We’ve broken all of these rules and it’s been awesome. I have zero regrets,” Shen said.

What’s next?

The future is wide open for Shen and Leung, who plan to travel for as long as possible, staying in cities where the cost of living is low. They do want kids one day, and say that they’ll continue to travel even when they have a toddler. If or when they do decide to plant some roots, it will be in a city of their choosing and buying a home won’t be a big concern.

“Freedom is the best thing. Being able to do what you want without having to listen to a boss … being able to wake up and do what you want. It’s the best thing ever,” Leung said.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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The best dates to book airfare for Thanksgiving and Christmas

The brisk fall weather means pumpkin spice lattes and hayrack rides, but for many travelers it also means stress — as planning for the dreaded holiday travel season begins.

In 2015, AAA reported that 46.9 million Americans traveled for Thanksgiving, with about 12 million deciding to fly. During Christmas and New Years Eve, things get even more chaotic, with nearly 100 million travelers hitting the skies and highways. Airlines intentionally bump up domestic airfare prices during November and December to deal with the demand, which can make finding a good deal difficult — but not entirely impossible. The key is deciding WHEN to book.

For help, it’s wise to set a price alert on your favorite travel booking site like Hopper, Kayak, Skyscanner or Airfare Watchdog. This way, experts can analyze the travel data and let you know when the lowest ticket prices are available. In the meantime, here are some general guidelines for deciding when to book your holiday travel.

Thanksgiving

According to Skyscanner, the week of Oct. 31 is the best time to book air travel for Thanksgiving. The holiday falls on Nov. 24, which is the same weekend as last year, so the global travel search company looked at 2015’s data to make a prediction. If booked during this period about four weeks before Turkey Day, tickets will be about 7.7% cheaper than average.

This time frame matches up with Kayak, which suggests booking airfare for Thanksgiving about two to four weeks in advance. The travel booking site also mentions that flying on Thanksgiving day is the best way to save money. According to its data, travelers who depart or return on Thanksgiving Day typically pay 30% less for fares. With that said, delays are to be expected during holiday travel, so weigh the risks if you decide to travel on the day-of. As an alternative, if you can tolerate the extra family time, Kayak also suggests staying through the weekend to pay less. Last year, travelers who departed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving saved about 20% compared to other travelers.

Keep in mind that Oct. 31 is a great time to book if you’re traveling solo, but not necessarily if you’re traveling with your family. Many travelers start to book holiday travel in September, which means the planes are already starting to fill up. If you’re looking to book three to five seats on a plane, it would be wise to book now to avoid the headache of seat shortages down the road.

(Photo: Skyscanner)

Christmas and New Year’s Eve

Riding on a one-horse open sleigh might sound idyllic, but it’s certainly not the best way to get home for the holidays. Many of us have to fly, and when it comes to Christmas, the most affordable time to book airfare is around Thanksgiving. According to Skyscanner, travelers who book airfare the week of Nov. 21 can save about 6.41% compared to the average ticket price. Booking about three weeks out can feel a bit stressful, but again, it might pay to wait if you just need one ticket.

Similar to Thanksgiving, traveling on Christmas day typically yields airfare about 14% cheaper than other tickets — but it’s a risky choice. It’s important to consider the likelihood of travel delays, and the possibility that one small glitch could result in missing the holiday with your family.

As for New Year’s Eve, tickets are predicted to be 10.57% cheaper the week of Dec.5. Flying on New Year’s Day is also a bit cheaper … if you don’t mind traveling with a hangover.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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Are airline frequent flyer programs worth your loyalty? Experts weigh in

Travelers are urged to join airline frequent flier programs with the promise of getting perks and free flights down the road. But while earning status on an airline seems like a great idea, it quickly becomes clear that seeing any real benefits is going to take time…and a lot of money.

So is all of that loyalty really worth it? Or would flying be better if travelers just picked the airline with the cheapest airfare?

That question was a hot topic during a panel discussion with “The Points Guy” Brian Kelly, and Airfare Watchdog founder George Hobica, at Skift’s 2016 Global Travel Forum. Both men have made a living sharing travel advice and tips with travelers, but they had very different views on the current status of airline loyalty programs.

Is your loyalty being returned?

It’s no secret that airline loyalty programs are changing. The days of acquiring points based on distance flown are past, with more airlines now rewarding points based on the amount of money a traveler spends. In fact, American Airlines (AAL) switched over to revenue-based awards programs in July. Delta (DAL) and (UAL) a similar switch in 2015. This model makes it harder for regular travelers to earn perks, while offering more benefits to high-spending business-class travelers.

Airfare Watchdog is an online resource that helps travelers find cheap airfare. At the forum, Hobica announced he recently gave up the chance to earn a higher status on American Airlines because he was able to spend $300 less, per ticket, on another airline. He didn’t want to invest in a program that doesn’t give him much in return.

“Why should I be loyal to American?” Hobica said. “From now on, I’m going to shop for the best deal.”

Kelly didn’t agree. “People always say how bad frequent flier programs are, but I think our programs are really lucrative,” he countered. “I think in the US we’re just so used to them being insanely lucrative and now they are less so. But there is no culture of free upgrades in Asia and Europe. So I don’t think it’s doomsday if we don’t get something we didn’t pay for.”

Brian Kelly (center) and George Hobica (right) discuss the relevance of airline loyalty programs.

While Kelly makes a valid point, it seems some consumers are feeling disenchanted with programs and their ever-changing rules concerning how travelers earn miles or reach status. According to U.S. News and World Report, American Airlines was the second-most popular frequent flier program in 2015. After switching to a revenue-based program, the airline dropped to seventh on 2016’s list, which was released in August.

When it comes to airlines giving travelers the best quality, Alaska Airlines (ALK) topped the ranking, due in large part to the fact that its program still uses a distance-based rewards model. The Alaska Airlines program is also a member of several carrier alliances (OneWorld and Skyteam), so travelers have more freedom to transfer miles to other airlines.

JetBlue’s (JBLU) TrueBlue loyalty program was a close second, which Kelly attributes to its simplicity. “Jetblue is adding to their program. They aren’t promising free upgrades, but they are promising better experiences, enhanced earning, change flexibility, and same-day confirmations,” he said.

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Program wrapped up the top three, being labeled as the program most beneficial for budget-minded travelers.

What about those credit cards?

Airlines spend a lot of time and money trying to gain customer loyalty. Personally, I get a flyer from an airline almost every day in the mail, offering me a credit card and promising bonus miles in the airline’s loyalty program if I sign up. The same credit cards are offered to me at the airport and even on the plane during flight attendant announcements.

The offers are certainly tempting: I mean, who doesn’t want a free ticket to a far-off destination? But getting those rewards typically requires card users to spend thousands of dollars in a short amount of time, which Hobica says can lead consumers to spend recklessly in order to earn travel perks.

“I think the people who get those credit cards and spend $3,000 or $4,000 in a few months, they probably buy stuff that they don’t really want, and the banks know that,” he said. In other words, travelers are overspending to earn a “free” plane ticket, instead of budgeting their money to pay for a trip when they can actually afford it.

On the other hand, Kelly says the most popular stories on his website are those centered around how to get the most out of credit card perks. He is adamant that customers can benefit from the spending as long as they know the rules.

“I disagree that consumers are racking up debt,” Kelly said. “These cards are good for smart consumers, and we’re able to educate credit card holders on benefits of the card in ways to maximize the points.”

The conservation quickly turned to the new Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which is being touted by many as the best travel credit card on the market. This is the one time Kelly suggested that straying from frequent flier programs and opting for a bank credit card could be better for consumers because they are less restrictive.

“Why would you put money on an airline card? When you’re investing into one program, you’re overexposing yourself to risk when that program inevitably makes changes,” he said.

Verdict

Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear cut answer on this one.

“I think frequent flier programs have outlived their usefulness,” Hobica said. “They’re expensive to administer for the banks, for the airlines, and I don’t think they provide the value that they did when they were founded.”

For Kelly, the rewards far outweigh the risks.

“I think frequent flier programs are the greatest loyalty marketing instrument ever created. They drive business, they drive jobs, they’re good for consumers when you know how to use them,” he said. “I don’t see a doomsday scenario approaching, they are too much of a big business.”

Where do you stand? Do you think frequent flier programs are worth your time and money?

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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West Elm goes beyond retail with new boutique hotels

The hospitality industry is experiencing a renaissance, giving travelers more options for lodging than ever before. But while big hotels and home sharing services like Airbnb duke it out for travelers, a new brand of boutique hotel is poised to disrupt conventional options — giving customers the best of both worlds.

On Monday, Brooklyn, NY-based West Elm announced plans to open hotels in five major cities around the US. The home furnishing company, which is part of Williams-Sonoma (WSM), is partnering with DDK, a hospitality management and development company, to bring boutique hotels to Detroit, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Savannah and Indianapolis by the end of 2018. For consumers, the new hotels will offer all of the convenient amenities of a hotel, as well as the local and homey feel of an Airbnb.

According to Peter Fowler, head of West Elm’s hospitality and commercial furniture businesses, the company sought out cities and locations that were constantly overlooked despite their unique vibes. “Places like Detroit just have such interesting downtown rejuvenation, and our location there in midtown has a great story,” Fowler told Yahoo Finance. “There is a resurgence to rebuild neighborhoods and we’d like to be one of the early adopters in those areas.”

Boutique hotels are known for their original decor, intimate settings and unique amenities, and while major chains still dominate the lodging market, big brands like Hyatt and Hilton are forming their own boutique properties in order to attract younger travelers. It’s competitive, but according to IBIS World, the hotel industry will continue to grow for the next five years — which means there is room for new players like West elm.

Looking to compete with other value brands, Fowler predicts room rates will be between $175 and $400 per night at West Elm Hotels. He notes that final pricing will depend on the city and size of the room. Each hotel is expected to have 100 to 150 rooms, typical boutique hotels have anywhere from 10 to 100 rooms.

The idea for hotels was sparked three years ago when West Elm was looking for ways to extend the brand and its presence beyond retail. It started with West Elm Workspace, which highlights furniture designed for communal workspaces. After creating experiences for customers at home and work, West Elm wanted to reach people when they were away home.

“We’re passionate travelers ourselves, so it’s just natural for us to want to create a 24-hour experience for people to see the world through the eyes of West Elm,” said Fowler.

While the hotels will be decked out in West Elm – which sells contemporary and modern furniture — that doesn’t mean the spaces will feel like a showroom. About 60% of the hotel will be custom designed for each location, and the retailer plans to feature local artists and themes in each property. With that said, they do plan to provide easy access for customers to purchase items if they fall in love with say, a dresser. For reference, a sofa from West Elm can cost anywhere from $999 to $1,999. A dresser will cost you at least $899.

West Elm currently has a deal with Springhill Suites by Marriott, where rooms in certain locations are decorated with exclusive designs from the company. Fowler says this relationship won’t be affected by the new boutique hotels.

“We’re going after unique, downtown locations, and the Springhill Suites are not typically located in those markets,” he said. “ For this reason, we don’t see a conflict of interest.”

West Elm’s foray into hospitality isn’t the first time a retail store has showed interest in the hotel business. In August 2015, Restoration Hardware announced plans to open a 14-room hotel next to its flagship store in New York’s meatpacking district. An opening date has not been announced.

For West Elm, the challenge now is incorporating its design concepts with all of the amenities guests are used to. From technological innovations to streaming entertainment from your own device, Fowler says his team will explore all options to make the simple things in life even better.

“Our goal is to really achieve whole-hearted hospitality,” said Fowler. “To fulfill all of the basic needs, but also adds that extra little kick that makes you want to come back and replay the story.”

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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How the Marriott, Starwood merger will affect loyalty program members

Marriott International (MAR) and Starwood Hotels (HOT) officially joined forces Friday, creating the largest lodging company in the world. As far as business is concerned, this is a big deal involving two huge brands and a lot of money. For consumers, it doesn’t really mean much — unless you belong to one of the brand’s loyalty programs.

Before joining forces, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty members had access to 1,300 hotels and resorts around the world. Now that Marriott and Starwood have joined forces, members of both loyalty programs can now access 5,700 hotels and 1.1 million rooms in more than 110 countries. This includes 30 of the world’s most popular brands, like The Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott and W Hotels.

Starting Friday, members of SPG, Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards are able to link their accounts at members.marriott.com. By doing this, members of the three programs will be able to experience perks and benefits not previously available to them.

“Marriott’s and Starwood’s guests have shown tremendous loyalty to our brands and now that we are one company, we are seizing the opportunity to reinforce our loyalty to them,” said Stephanie Linnartz, executive vice president and global chief commercial officer. “Beginning now, we’re drawing upon the best of our loyalty programs by enabling members to join or link their accounts and immediately receive reciprocal status and benefits.”

Marriott International doesn’t expect to have a fully combined loyalty program until 2018. Until then, here are a five major things loyal members should know:

1. Two does not become one

Even though the two companies have merged, the loyalty programs are still separate. In other words, you can only earn Marriott Rewards points at Rewards participating hotels, and Starpoints at SPG participating hotels. You still need two accounts — one for each program.

2. Your points will go further

Members who link their accounts will be able to transfer points on a three-to-one ratio, or three Marriott Rewards points for one SPG starpoint. This means you could pile all of your points into one account and redeem them for stays at Marriott or Starwood properties around the world. On the flipside, you can keep the accounts totally separate … It’s up to you. One important thing to note is that only points can be transferred. So, if you’ve received an elite night credit stay, or a promotional item (like free breakfast or resort credit), it must be used in the program that you earned it.

3. You won’t lose status

After linking your accounts, your status will be matched across programs. This means if you have Gold status on SPG, then you will instantly receive Gold status on Marriott Rewards. This only applies to your highest non-promotional status level. If you’re one of the lucky travelers who has attained lifetime status in one of the loyalty programs, you will continue to reap those benefits.

4. Lower room rates

One of the perks of joining a loyalty program is accessing lower member rates — that won’t change. When users book directly on the Marriott app, SPG app, online, or over the phone, they are guaranteed the lowest possible rates at all 5,700 hotels.

5. Credit cards won’t change

If you have a Marriott Rewards, Ritz Carlton Rewards, or SPG credit card, absolutely nothing will change. Users can continue to use their credit card to accumulate points towards the program it is affiliated with. One perk is that members will be able to transfer points earned on their credit card from one program to another.

Enrollment for the hotel branded credit cards will stay open until the programs merge in 2018.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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7 ways Google Trips takes the stress out of vacation planning

This week, Google (GOOGL) released Google Trips, a free app that essentially turns your smartphone into a travel agent. Similar to apps like TripCase or TripIt, Google Trips promises to make planning a trip effortless by pulling all of your vacation information into one place. As someone who constantly books trips, I was curious to see if Google’s newest feature lived up to the hype. In the end, I found seven things I loved, and three things I think the app could improve on.

What I loved:

1. Imports your itinerary

If you have a Gmail account, Google Trips will scan your email account for new and old travel itineraries. By seamlessly pulling in your airline reservations and travel dates, the app is able to automatically curate suggestions tailored to your trip.

2. Easily accessible travel information

Another benefit of pulling in your airline and hotel reservations is that it makes accessing your travel information even easier. If you’re curious how long your flight is, or need to quickly access your booking confirmation number, one swipe on your smartphone puts everything at your fingertips.

3. No Wi-Fi, no data? No problem

We’ve all been there: You get in a taxi in a foreign country when the cab driver asks for your destination. You pull out your phone, but without an international data plan, you can’t pull up the hotel’s address. In other words, you might as well be holding a rock. With Google Trips, you’ll be able to access your travel itinerary even when you aren’t connected to WiFi or data. Everything you need to know is right there!

4. Tells you what to do

Travel books provide tons of great information about a new city, but they are typically thick and too heavy to carry around. With Google Trips, a list of the most popular sightseeing destinations are easily accessible and broken up by category. After selecting the place you’d like to visit, the app will tell you hours of operation, address, and phone number. You can even read reviews from people who have previously visited.

5. Tells you where to eat

Finding a great restaurant is one of the hardest parts of traveling, especially when you’re visiting a city with limitless options. Narrow your search by clicking the “food and drink” tab on Google Trips. In addition to sharing some history on foods unique to area, the app will suggest dining options for every situation. From high-end restaurants to family-friendly options, finding a place to chow down has never been easier.

6. Automatically plans your day

Headed to a new city, but not a fan of planning daily activities? No worries! By using the “Day Plans” option, the app maps out popular destinations for you to check out. If you don’t like the proposed itinerary, you can simply click the magic wand, and it will offer new suggestions.

7. Answers all of your questions

Under the “Getting around” tab, users can learn more about the cost, efficiency and accessibility of public and private transportation. Under the “Need to Know” tab you can learn more about shopping neighborhoods, healthcare options and currency. Basically, any questions you have about how to navigate a new city are answered by Google Trips.

So what’s missing?

1. Will it rain?

I was surprised to find no mention of weather in the app. As we all know, the forecast can greatly affect a travel itinerary, so showing the projected temperature for your travel dates would be a great help while planning.

2. Tickets please!

Google Trips already puts all of your travel information in one place, so it would make sense if there were a way to access your boarding pass as well. If the app isn’t able to actually import your pass, it would be great if travelers could click a button and get connected to their boarding passes in Apple Wallet (if you’re an iPhone user).

3. Needs a bit more history

As a lover of history, I was also hoping the app would provide more information on some of the suggested attractions. It doesn’t have to be a Wikipedia page, but providing more insight into why a destination is important could help travelers to better plan their itinerary.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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Americans spend over $3,600 a year just to work — How you can save

We work to earn money, but a new survey finds that working actually costs us money.

That’s right, turns out that the cash you throw down for daily lunches, transportation and uniforms is really adding up. In fact, Schwinn, the bike company, says the average American spends $176,979.67 in their lifetime or $3,611 a year just to work.

Schwinn conducted a survey of 2,000 employees in various industries throughout the US, and found the biggest expense is typically transportation. According to the poll the average worker spends about $1,667 a year on gas, cab fare and public transportation. In comparison, AAA says the average American spends about $1,267 on gas alone. This is down about $414 or 25% compared to the previous year.

If you factor in the cost of owning and operating a car (which you need to get to work), that number quickly increases. AAA predicts the annual cost of maintaining a standard sedan is $8,558 per year.

An infographic showing the cost of working. (Photo: SWNS Media)

Other than transportation, food is definitely the next thing costing American workers. Your daily coffee habit, snack purchases, and take-out ordering costs you about $1,532 a year. That might make you think twice the next time you head to the vending machine.

And lastly, American workers spend about $300 a year on work attire or uniforms, and $106 on other work-related purchases.

While some of these expenses are unavoidable, here are some ways to save:

1. Tax deductions

Some of your expenses might be eligible for deductions on your tax return. For instance, commuter expenses (the cost of getting to and from work) are not eligible for a tax deduction. However, if your job requires you to drive to and from client meetings during the work day, the money you spend on gas, tolls and parking are work-related and therefore deductible.

The cost of uniforms and supplies can also be deducted as long as your company does not reimburse you for those costs.

2. Use credit cards to buy gas

Since buying gas is unavoidable, why not fill up with a credit card that provides some perks? Some cards, like the Chase Freedom or Discover will give you 5% cash back on gas station purchases during the first quarter of the year. Sure, it’s just 5%, but cash back is cash back.

3. Change your coffee routine

Unfortunately there isn’t a quick fix for saving money on food, but there are a few things you can do to keep from overspending. While office coffee is rarely as flavorful, drinking it is one of the easiest ways to cut down on expenses. After all, that $3 latte you buy from Starbucks every day costs you nearly $60 a month. If breaking your morning coffee routine is out of the question, consider using these Starbucks hacks to save yourself some moolah.

4. Buy a discounted lunch

According to Time, workers spend about $1,500 on lunch a year if they eat out three days a week. Naturally, the easiest way to spend less is to bring in your lunch from home, but sometimes the burden of prepping your meals doesn’t feel worth the savings.

If you’re looking for a compromise, consider using one of the new lunch apps popping up across the US. MealPal is a lunchtime subscription that allows you to order meals from local restaurants at half the cost. The subscription is $119 a month, and after ordering from a participating restaurant through the app, you simply pick up your meal when it’s ready.

The company says that at the end of the month, the cost of lunch averages about $6 a day. Considering many people spend $10-$20 a day for lunch, this app could could be a great way to eat out while saving money. MealPal is currently available in New York, San Francisco, Miami and Washington D.C.

A great way to cut back on snack spending is to buy in bulk at a store like Costco. Get variety packs of snacks and fill up a drawer in your desk. This way when cravings hit, you can snack without spending $2 on a tiny candy bar from the vending machine.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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Power up! This electric bus goes 350 miles on one charge

The Proterra Catalyst E2 Series.

As green initiatives become a priority in cities across the US, the face of public transportation is changing. Nowhere is this more evident than on the roads, where diesel-guzzling buses are being replaced by more energy-efficient models. In fact, according to the American Public Transit Association (APTA), nearly half of the country’s public buses are hybrids or run on alternative fuels.

One company leading the charge in green public transportation is Proterra, an innovator in heavy-duty electric transport. On Monday, the company unveiled its high-performing battery-powered bus, the Proterra Catalyst E2 Series, which has zero tailpipe emissions and contains a battery the size of a twin mattress with a storage capacity of 440-660 kWh.

That massive battery allows the bus to travel up to 350 miles on a single charge, which the company says makes it capable of completing nearly every US mass transit route without needing to power up. When it does run low on power, the E2 Series requires 3.5 to 5 hours to charge, which can easily be done overnight when buses aren’t running.

Under test conditions, the E2 Series traveled up to 600 miles on a single charge.

While Elon Musk’s battery-powered Teslas continue to draw media attention, his invention simply takes one gas-guzzling vehicle off the road. The 42-foot Catalyst E2 Series seats 40, which would result in taking more than three dozen cars out of traffic if drivers chose to take public transportation.

Cost

One thing that might make cities hesitant to adopt electric buses is cost. The Proterra Catalyst E2 Series has a base price of $800,000, which more than doubles the $300,000 cities typically pay for a conventional diesel bus.

Of course, there are the savings that come along with the zero-emission Catalyst E2 Series. Over the lifetime of the bus, Proterra claims that owners can save up to $237,000 in maintenance fees because the battery-powered bus has 30% fewer parts and needs 75% fewer brake repairs and no oil changes.

“The question is no longer who will be an early adopter of this technology, but rather who will be the last to commit to a future of clean, efficient, and sustainable mobility,” said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra.

One region leading the charge is Foothill Transit, the transit authority that operates a fixed-route public bus service in the San Gabriel Valley of Greater Los Angeles, Calif. The transit system currently has 15 Proterra electric buses, and plans to get the new Catalyst E2 Series on the road as early as 2017. This area, which serves more than 14 million customers, plans to have their fleet of 300 buses completely electrified by 2030.

Proterra Catalyst E2 Series

“This ambitious goal emphasizes our continued commitment to sustainability and electric bus technology,” said Carol Herrera, Chair of the Foothill Transit Executive Board in a statement.

For bigger cities, transforming to all battery-powered buses would be costly. For example, New York City has 4,373 public buses and would have to pay nearly $3.5 billion for a full fleet of Catalyst E2’s.

In addition to Foothill transit, Proterra is currently operating in 10 cities – including Louisville, Ky. and Worcester, Mass. – and has sold more than 312 vehicles to 35 different municipal, university, and commercial transit agencies throughout North America.

Environmental impact

According to Proterra, when one of its zero-emission buses replaces a diesel bus, emissions are reduced by 243,980 pounds of CO2 a year. Emissions for greenhouse gases, carbon monoxide, and methane also drop dramatically when cities stop using buses powered by diesel.

In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reported that 26% of greenhouse emissions came from transportation, which involves burning fossil fuels for our cars, trucks, and planes. Of that, only about 4% of the emissions can be attributed to buses. So while battery-powered buses aren’t a cure-all, they will help to cut down on pollution and reduce oil dependence.

The American Public Transportation Association reports that a two-person household can save an average of $10,174 by downsizing from two cars to one. This statistic makes public transportation sound like a no-brainer, but Americans need more persuading. In 2013, data from the University of Michigan Transportation Center found that just 5% of American workers use public transportation to get to work, while 75% drive to work alone.

Furthermore, Americans took 10.8 billion trips on public transportation in 2014, the highest annual public transit ridership in 58 years. But while commuter rail and subway ridership increased, APTA revealed that bus ridership actually decreased nationally by 1.1%.

In other words, the Catalyst E2 Series is environmentally friendly and will save you money if you use them. But the only way for this new wave of electric buses to have a positive impact on the environment is for people to ditch their cars and jump on a bus— which could prove difficult.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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There's an air traffic controller shortage. Are you qualified?

The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) handles nearly 70,000 flights a day, and at any given moment there are 7,000 planes zooming through the clouds above. Air traffic controllers (ATC) keep order in the sky, but recent statistics show turbulence in the FAA’s ability to hire enough to keep airports running smoothly into the future.

According to National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the FAA has missed hiring goals for seven consecutive years. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi has gone so far as to say that the hiring shortage has reached crisis level, with the number of fully certified ATCs falling to a 27-year low.

That’s likely why the FAA has made a recent push to bring in new recruits. On Sept. 7, the FAA opened a vacancy announcement, seeking candidates with 52 weeks of full-time air traffic control experience in addition to other certifications and ratings. Applications are due by Sept. 20, 2016. The FAA also sent out a call for entry-level air traffic control candidates on Aug. 2. By the time the application window closed on Aug. 15, the FAA had received more than 29,000 applications.

“Although NATCA does not believe that the safety of the air traffic control system is at risk, without proper staffing at our facilities, efficiency and modernization efforts are being negatively affected,” said Rinaldi in a press release. “This could lead to further system inefficiencies, delays, and a reduction in air traffic services for the flying public.”

So why doesn’t the FAA just hire a bunch of air traffic controllers? Easier said than done. There are currently 14,000 certified ATCs in the US, but it’s estimated that only 2% or 3% that group has the right personality and aptitude to be successful at the job.

An air traffic controller “should have a super short-term memory so that he or she can deal with what is in front of them and disregard no longer relevant information,” says Tammy Jones from the FAA communications office. “They need to be fast, real-time thinkers – able to process visual and audio information simultaneously from multiple sources.”

To become an air traffic controller, applicants must be a US citizen, speak English clearly and be under the age of 31. The age requirement is so low because the mandatory retirement age is 56. Most air traffic controllers average 20 years of service.

Last month, the FAA announced it was teaming up with SureSelect, an ATC-specific-recruitment and pre-screening assessment. The personality and aptitude test was given to 2,000 candidates, and an FAA study shows that those who performed well went on to be successful air traffic controllers.

“It is one of the most stressful positions in the world, and personality testing is all about fit,” said Greg Ford, psychologist and CEO of TalentClick, a personality testing company. “There is no wrong personality, but some people are a better fit based on their hard wiring.”

Being an air traffic controller is serious, stressful, and has zero margin for error, so passing the assessment isn’t a silver bullet. Once accepted, trainees must undergo qualification training at the FAA academy in Oklahoma City, Okla., where they gain air traffic control knowledge through classroom and simulation training while making a salary of $18,343 a year.

Initial training can take up to five months, after which trainees move on to more advanced training and ultimately, two or three years of on-the-job training. The FAA spends about $480 million to train ATC’s every year, but nearly $143 million is spent on trainees who fail to quality or complete the program.

Those who do make it through the training can expect to make about $38,000 during their initial assignment. The pay range for Certified Professional Controllers varies within a pay range from $49,666 to $144,195 a year, based on the level of the facility, employees’ experience and other factors.

The FAA says there was a dip in hiring after the 2013 government shutdown and budget cuts, which curtailed controller hiring and training at the FAA academy — delaying initial training for several classes of new ATCs. Still, they’re confident their numbers will rise in the near future, and they plan to hire 1,781 new controllers over the next year and 6,836 over the next 5 years

“The agency has been working hard to hire at an increased rate to meet its air traffic controller staffing targets,” said Jones. “We are on track to meet our hiring goals.”

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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6 ways the Apple iPhone 7 will improve your travel life

The tech world stood still on Wednesday as Apple (AAPL) unveiled the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Except for the missing headphone jack, the phone doesn’t look wildly different. Still, there are some product improvements and new features that will certainly make the phone more convenient for consumers.

One area where the iPhone 7 will have a huge impact is travel. From an extended battery life to an improved camera, here are some features of the new gadget – available for purchase on Sept. 16 – that will make your next trip easier.

Water resistant

It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for — the iPhone 7 is more splash and water resistant than previous models. Gone are the days of sticking your dead phone in a bag of rice after dropping it in the toilet and praying to the Apple gods to bring it back to life. Now you have nothing to fear if you get caught in the rain during a long hike. You might get waterlogged, but your iPhone 7 will be just fine (Apple said the iPhone 7 can withstand immersion in water to one meter, or 3.3 feet, for 30 minutes, tested in laboratory conditions.)

Use Siri to book a travel

In addition to giving you movie times and telling you how many ounces there are in a pound, Siri can now help you to book travel. During the most recent product announcement, Apple discussed how the new iOS 10 operating system will come equipped with SiriKit, an innovative way for users to interact with apps.

In the US, it will be easier to order transportation. Users will be able to ask Siri to book a ride on Uber or Lyft without ever opening the apps. Instead, Siri is able to share where you are and where you want to go.

In Europe, you’ll be able to get a taxi on demand. IPhone 7 users (or those with iOS 10) will be able to ask Siri to call a cab with mytaxi, the largest e-hailing app in Europe. In China, users can ask Siri to hail a ride on the rideshare app Didi Chuxing, which allows you to call a ride in more than 400 cities across the country.

With third-party app extensions you can book travel without leaving the Maps app.

Book travel through Apple Maps

According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, consumers will now be able to use other app extensions within Maps. This means you’ll be able to make reservations at a restaurant via OpenTable or order a car on Uber or Lyft from one place.

Apple has also improved the public transit feature within Maps. The signs on the screen will match the signs on streets; you’ll be able to find the nearest subway stations and with one tap you can pull up bus and train schedules. This improvement will make it easier for travelers to navigate public transportation in 31 cities around the world where the transit feature is available.

Longer battery life

Apple Maps is a great tool to have when navigating a new city. It’s the perfect way to get accurate directions, but the GPS function also drains your phone — and being in a foreign place with a dead phone is the last thing you want. The battery in the iPhone 7 provides for up to 14 hours of talktime on 3G, which is about two hours longer than the one in the iPhone 6s. With the 7 Plus, you’ll get up to 21 hours of talktime on 3G, or about an hour more compared to the iPhone 6s Plus.

Take more beautiful images

We all know that showing off your vacation photos on Instagram is nearly as fun as the vacation itself. Apple improved the camera on the iPhone 7 to make photos better and brighter. It has a 12-megapixel sensor that is more energy-efficient and the Quad-LED flash puts out 50% more light for taking photos in low-light conditions. The new and improved optical image stabilizer helps to reduce blur, which will come in handy as you’re sightseeing and taking photos on the go.

As for the iPhone 7 plus, it comes with two cameras, both working to create crisp images. The first lens is standard, but the second is a telephoto lens with a 2x optical zoom and a digital zoom up to 10x. This advancement means that you can zoom in closer closer without jeopardizing clarity or quality.

Coming later this year:

Shallow depth of field will soon be an option on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. This will allow users to take photos where the object in the front is in focus, but the background is blurry. To use this feature, users would simply select “portrait” from the list of camera options.

Apple Pay available in more countries

Making payments while traveling abroad will also be easier. Apple reports that merchants in the US say 90% of all contactless transactions are made with Apple Pay. The secure payment system allows users to ditch their wallets and pay by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch at the checkout counter.

During the product announcement, Apple revealed that the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will include FeliCa contactless technology. This allows Apple Pay to be used in Japan starting in October. In conjunction, iOS 10 will feature support for transit throughout Japan, making it easier for travelers to pay for public transportation with Apple Pay.

In Japan, many travelers use Suica, a smartcard that can be used to to pay for subways, buses and trains. Currently, users tap their cards to gain access to public transportation. In October, users can add Suica to their Apple Pay and simply tap their phone on the turnstyle gate to gain entrance to trains on JR East, the world’s largest passenger railway company in the world.

New Zealand will also start accepting Apple Pay in October. Russia will follow later in the fall.

Brittany is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

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