Latest news with #Nastro
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
These Are the Best Cities To Fly From To Save Money Going Almost Anywhere
Are you trying to find cheap flights to save money? Whether you are heading to the Caribbean or a domestic location, you'll find many different fares and flight options. Read Next: Explore More: Here are some of the best cities to fly from to save money going almost anywhere, according to a travel expert. So what are the best cities to fly from to save money? GOBankingRates spoke with Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the Going app. 'The most airports that we often find deals to [are] LGA, FLL, EWR, MIA, JFK, LAX, SNA, ORD and BOS,' Nastro said. In other words, the airports are LaGuardia Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Newark Liberty International Airport, Miami International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, John Wayne Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport. 'There is no surprise here that these are all based in major metro areas that either have competition from other airports in the area and have a wide variety of both domestic and international carriers for travelers to choose from,' Nastro said. For example, at the John F. Kennedy airport, there are more than 70 different airlines. This means the likelihood of multiple carriers flying the same route is high. To gain your business, airlines may lower their fare price. Check Out: By default, most people search for flights from their closest airport. However, repositioning a flight can result in significant cost savings, especially during peak travel seasons, like spring break or over the holidays. Flight repositioning involves using multiple stops to get to the same destination. Nastro described the best way to reposition your flights, saying, 'Typically, we would suggest finding a quick budget flight to reposition yourself 1-2 hours away to another airport to then fly from there. Alternatively, I've even used miles to reposition myself to LA, for example, from NYC. Fares to Asia at the time I was traveling were 40% less expensive from LA. So, to take advantage of that savings, I booked a separate round-trip flight from New York City to LA to reposition myself at no additional cost (minus the taxes).' When looking for cheap flights, you could consider choosing a city that has high competition. This means there are dozens of airlines and route options for you to choose from. Similarly, consider repositioning your flights. You might be surprised to find that booking two flights can save you hundreds of dollars compared with one direct flight. More From GOBankingRates 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses This article originally appeared on These Are the Best Cities To Fly From To Save Money Going Almost Anywhere
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
These Are the Best Cities To Fly From To Save Money Going Almost Anywhere
Are you trying to find cheap flights to save money? Whether you are heading to the Caribbean or a domestic location, you'll find many different fares and flight options. Read Next: Explore More: Here are some of the best cities to fly from to save money going almost anywhere, according to a travel expert. So what are the best cities to fly from to save money? GOBankingRates spoke with Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the Going app. 'The most airports that we often find deals to [are] LGA, FLL, EWR, MIA, JFK, LAX, SNA, ORD and BOS,' Nastro said. In other words, the airports are LaGuardia Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Newark Liberty International Airport, Miami International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, John Wayne Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport. 'There is no surprise here that these are all based in major metro areas that either have competition from other airports in the area and have a wide variety of both domestic and international carriers for travelers to choose from,' Nastro said. For example, at the John F. Kennedy airport, there are more than 70 different airlines. This means the likelihood of multiple carriers flying the same route is high. To gain your business, airlines may lower their fare price. Check Out: By default, most people search for flights from their closest airport. However, repositioning a flight can result in significant cost savings, especially during peak travel seasons, like spring break or over the holidays. Flight repositioning involves using multiple stops to get to the same destination. Nastro described the best way to reposition your flights, saying, 'Typically, we would suggest finding a quick budget flight to reposition yourself 1-2 hours away to another airport to then fly from there. Alternatively, I've even used miles to reposition myself to LA, for example, from NYC. Fares to Asia at the time I was traveling were 40% less expensive from LA. So, to take advantage of that savings, I booked a separate round-trip flight from New York City to LA to reposition myself at no additional cost (minus the taxes).' When looking for cheap flights, you could consider choosing a city that has high competition. This means there are dozens of airlines and route options for you to choose from. Similarly, consider repositioning your flights. You might be surprised to find that booking two flights can save you hundreds of dollars compared with one direct flight. More From GOBankingRates How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region This article originally appeared on These Are the Best Cities To Fly From To Save Money Going Almost Anywhere
CNBC
25-05-2025
- CNBC
Summer 2025 is a 'perfect storm for cheap flights,' expert says: 5 destinations that won't break the bank
June is right around the corner, but there are still some great deals available if you're looking to book your summer travel. Typically the best summer airfare prices dry up by late May and early June, but 2025 isn't shaping up to be like most years. "At this point in the year, trying to get an affordable deal for July would [normally] be like finding a diamond in the rough," Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going, tells CNBC Make It. Due to a number of factors, there are still great fares out there for travelers to find. "It's sort of a perfect storm of all these different factors," Nastro says. "There's some economic uncertainty, so people might be hesitating to book. There's more flights on the schedule. Fuel is down a little bit as well. It's really sort of this total perfect storm for cheap flights." For travelers hoping to book a last-minute summer vacation, Nastro has one key piece of advice: Flexibility is your best friend. "If you're flexible, you are really in a great position," she says. "Not only in where you go, but also in your timing. There is widespread availability for multiple dates. August is your best target month if you're looking to book something and you haven't done so." If you're looking for a summer travel destination that won't break the bank, the experts at Going flagged five cities that have consistently had lower-than-average prices stretching into the fall. Take a look. What the experts say: Inbound travel from Canada is down just shy of 20%, and because of that we have seen some uniquely low fares for summer to various destinations across Canada. One such place, Calgary (Lake Louise trip anyone?), has seen consistent widespread availability. Average deal prices start at $258 roundtrip, while from some cities we've seen fares as low as $142. Average prices sit at $521 roundtrip, but keep your flight alerts on for price drops as we may see some fluctuation this summer. What the experts say: If you are looking for a less humid and more pleasant vacation, head to the southern hemisphere. From large cities the average deal price we've seen is roughly $355, while from smaller cities it's a bit higher in the $699 range. Average prices range from $600-$1,000. The dollar goes pretty far in Brazillian Reals, making it doable for most budgets. What the experts say: While Dublin isn't the cheapest city to explore in Europe, it's certainly not the most expensive. Dublin is a great jumping-off point to explore the countries vast green landscape, and uber-affordable to get there this year. From most major cities we are still seeing peak date summer availability to Dublin sitting in the high $300's to $400's, with an average deal price for all cities sitting at $511 roundtrip. Average prices run up into the $954+ area, but with more nonstop routes added to the Emerald Isle from large and medium cities like Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Nashville, it's not luck of the Irish, it's just great deal availability this year. What the experts say: Some may avoid Mexico in the summer months because of the heat and humidity that can ensue, but sitting on the coast, Cabo enjoys miles and miles of the deeply refreshing water of the Pacific, even on the warmest days. Average deal prices for Mexican Coastal cities like San José del Cabo are in the $354 roundtrip range, but we've seen lower as in $292 from Austin. Average prices sit at $640+ roundtrip, so a savings of roughly 45% off. And, considering the fact you can get direct flights from major cities on the East Coast to Cabo, travelers located in this area can enjoy a hurricane-risk-free beach vacation for July and August. What the experts say: The Northeast really shines in the summer, stretching well outside the cities to the various pebbly beaches of Connecticut's south coast, into Rhode Island and up through until you get to Maine. Average deal prices for various New England cities like Bangor, Boston, and Hatford (which is just the starting point) have been sitting at $149 roundtrip. Average prices for various New England cities are $351+ roundtrip, so we're seeing a savings of just under 60% off. Most people get outside the cities and hit the coast, but one tip is to also enjoy the mountains and lakes in Vermont and New Hampshire which arent just great for skiing! ,
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
New Mandatory IDs: 4 Documents You Need To Get a Real ID and What It Costs
The REAL ID Act has been 20 years in the making. Introduced for the first time in 2005, the law was designed to 'establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production,' according to On May 7, 2025, the TSA and federal government began enforcing a need for state-issued REAL IDs to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities. Travelers still need a passport for international flights, to cross borders by land or to embark on certain cruise ships that visit international destinations. Read Next: Check Out: If you haven't already gotten your REAL ID, it's not too late. You can make an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get one now. However, you may be able to save the hassle of long DMV lines, and some administrative costs, by waiting until your license is up for renewal. Here's what to know about REAL IDs, including if you need one immediately, how to get one and how much this new travel essential costs. 'If your ID is up for renewal within the next six months and you have no plans to travel by plane or already have an alternate form of ID, it may be worth waiting until your renewal,' advised Katy Nastro, spokesperson and travel expert at Other acceptable forms of ID, according to AAA, include: Valid passport or passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. military ID Permanent resident card See More: The cost of a REAL ID varies by state. Some states, like Alabama, Oregon and Pennsylvania, charge a fee of $30 or more on top of what you'd normally pay for a license renewal. In some states, you'll only pay the standard license renewal fee. 'I know in New York, for example, they are automatically providing REAL IDs for renewal, but this isn't the case for all states,' Nastro said. 'At a certain point, states may require any driver's license renewal to automatically be a compliant REAL ID.' If you live in a state with an added charge for a REAL ID and plan to fly before your license is up for renewal, another alternative is to get a passport. 'You would be out-of-pocket at least $130 for a passport,' said Nastro. 'So that's the more expensive route to go.' Like the cost of a REAL ID, the documents you'll need to present at the DMV to apply for a REAL ID vary by state. In general, according to you'll need: A document showing your full legal name and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate) Two proofs of address (such as a utility bill, mortgage statement, lease paperwork, bank or credit card statement or pay stub) Proof of your Social Security number If you don't have your Social Security card, you can use a W-2 form, 1099 or a pay stub with your name and Social Security number on it as proof. Editor's note: The Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, may be called something different where you live depending on your state. Make sure to check your state rules regarding REAL IDs before heading to a DMV location, as every state has different requirements and some prefer you to fill out an application online or make an appointment to go in person. More From GOBankingRates 5 Luxury Cars That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Spring 2025 8 Items To Stock Up on Now in Case of Tariff-Induced Product Shortages These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 Sources TSA, 'Real ID' Katy Nastro, This article originally appeared on New Mandatory IDs: 4 Documents You Need To Get a Real ID and What It Costs
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Yahoo
5 hidden travel costs that make vacation more expensive (and expert tips to avoid them)
Vacation memories may be priceless. But the actual vacation? It'll cost you a pretty penny (or Euro or pound …). And if it seems like it's even more pricey to travel this year than ever before, you're not imagining it. Average travel costs are 1% higher than they were this time in 2024, according to NerdWallet's Travel Price Index, which combines data from individual travel categories tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Consumer Price Index, such as airfares, lodging, meals and rental cars. The silver lining for travelers is that the 1% increase in travel prices is lower than broader inflation rates. While airfare and rental car prices are down, the cost of hotel rooms is slightly up. No matter how carefully you budget for a trip, hidden fees and surprise costs are bound to pop up. It became so problematic that Joe Biden's administration called on government agencies and companies to be more upfront about total costs and not tack on 'junk fees' at checkout. In December 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced a final Junk Fees Rule to ban bait-and-switch pricing and other tactics used to hide total prices and bury junk fees in the live-event ticketing and short-term lodging industries. While murky costs are problematic across all industries, they come up a lot when you're traveling with resort fees driving up your hotel bill and rental car companies hitting you with extra fees when you drop off your car. Here are five hidden costs that are common when you travel, according to experts, plus tips on how to dodge them. Many people don't realize that depending on the airline, the cost of checking a bag can vary depending on when you decide to pay, explains Katy Nastro, travel expert with formerly Scott's Cheap Flights. Take Jetblue, for example. When booking a Blue fare online (regular economy), you can pay $30 for the first bag and $50 for the second, Nastro explains. 'Once you check-in or arrive at the airport, the price increases by $5 and $10, respectively,' she says. 'Not exorbitant, but annoying enough.' Jetblue calls it 'non peak' and 'peak' pricing. When it comes to low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier, though, the time you choose to pay for a checked bag really matters, Nastro explains. For example, on Spirit, you could pay $26 for a checked bag during booking; $36 during online check in; $50 at the airport; and $65 at the gate! How to Avoid The Cost: If you need to check a bag, minimize costs and pay upon booking, Nastro says. Another option is a gamble: Try bringing it through security (be sure its size fits through the security scanner), and volunteer to check at the gate once asked, Nastro says. 'Many flights these days are asking for volunteers to check their bags before boarding due to lack of overhead bin space,' she says. 'The odds are your gate agent will call for volunteers, which means you get to check your bag for the best price - for free.' Resort fees are mandatory fees that are often not included in a room rate, explains Nate Hake, the founder and Editor in Chief at Travel Lemming, an online travel guide. They're supposedly meant to cover the cost of access to resort facilities like pools, gyms, and other amenities, and you've got to pay these fees even if you don't plan on going for a swim or never step foot on the treadmill. 'The fees are often not well disclosed during booking, but "mandatory" regardless of whether or not you use the services,' he says. 'I once paid a $35 per night resort fee in Las Vegas, which was nearly half the cost of the room itself.' How to Avoid the Cost: Here's an instance where reading the fine print will help you budget better. 'You can also just Google the name of the hotel plus 'resort fee' and that will usually let you know what to expect,' Hake says. You can also sign up for resort loyalty programs, which will sometimes extend perks like free early check-in and parking. Hake also points out if a hotel is charging exorbitant resort fees, they'll probably try to nickel and dime you in other ways. (Think: A bottle of water from the mini fridge, expensive parking and the like). When you swipe your credit card outside of your home country, you're subject to a foreign transaction fee, says Sky Ariella, a senior writer for Travel Lemming and a full-time traveler. The transaction fees are usually in the neighborhood of 1 to 3 percent of the amount you're charging. For example: If you were to spend $1,000 on your credit card, you'd be hit with $10 to $30 in foreign transaction fees depending on your credit card company's fees. How to Avoid the Cost: At the very least, check with your credit card company before you travel to understand their foreign transaction fees. Better yet, Ariella suggests, look into a travel credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. These no-transaction fee credit cards often have annual fees, so you'll need to determine whether the benefits will outweigh the costs. Traveling internationally? Also watch out for the extra ATM fees, specifically the Dynamic Currency Conversion (or DCC for short) fees, cautions Hake. These fees are charged by ATMs and credit card terminals for the supposed "convenience" of paying in your home currency, Hake points out. Combined with the foreign transaction fee, these charges can amount to 3 percent of the amount you're withdrawing (or even more). You may also come across a DCC fee option when you're using a credit or debit card to pay at a restaurant. How to Avoid the Cost: This is a pretty easy fee to avoid! Always select "decline conversion" at the ATM, Hake says. When you rent a car, you've got a few options for filling up the gas tank. The first, most economic option is you'll fill the tank on your own so that the fuel gauge is at the same level it was at when you drove it off the lot. The second option most rental car companies offer is a 'pre-paid fuel' fee that requires you to pay for a full tank of gas upfront. In turn, the rental car company will fill up the tank when you drop the car off and you don't have to worry about making a gas station stop as you're headed to the airport. Most times this is advertised as being comparable to local gas prices, however it's not necessarily a good deal because you're unlikely to roll into the rental car return area with the gas tank on 'E' and companies won't offer a refund if they only need to fill up, say, half the tank. The third option, and by far the most expensive one, is if you don't fill up the tank before you return the car and you don't pre-purchase the fuel. Rental car companies, in this instance, will charge you a hefty premium to fill up the tank. Unfortunately, the rate isn't usually something they'll share on their websites because it can vary by region and fluctuate with gas prices. However, you can get an estimate at the counter. A personal anecdote that I was able to find by going through receipts: I returned a rental car in Sept. 2022 to a major agency in Michigan and was charged $10.02 per gallon. (It was an erroneous charge and I was able to get it reversed by providing a receipt showing I had filled up the tank at a gas station within a mile of the rental car return lot). How to Avoid the Cost: The best option is to fill up your tank on your own. Research which gas stations are close to the rental car return spot and make sure their pumps are open when you go to drop off your car. (I.e. you don't want to be driving around at 4 a.m. looking for an open gas station before an early-morning flight).
