Make the Most of Your Holiday: How to Save Time Traveling Abroad

We all want to make the most of our holidays but travel often involves (what can feel like) endless lines and layovers. From the time you leave your home, to the time you arrive at your hotel, chances are you’ve hit more than one frustrating roadblock, and while waiting is a natural part of traveling, there are ways to cut down stagnation and have more time to actually enjoy your holiday. Here is our list of some of the best ways to efficiently use all your vacation time.
 

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TSA Pre-Check

 

Very few travel steps are as unpredictable and frustrating as security lines. Whether you arrive hours before your flight, or with just enough time to board, passing through security is a stressor for most airline travelers. The possibility to skip the line is usually reserved for first class flyers, a costly luxury out of most people’s price range. Thankfully, there is another option: TSA Pre-Check.

TSA Pre-Check allows you to skip the unpredictable security lines, and you’ll be able to breeze through without having to take off shoes, belts, or other timely measures taken in regular security lines. Signing up is easy, with a quick online application, followed by an in person registration (which you can schedule at an many different location for whenever is convenient). The best part? Instead of paying thousands for first class access, TSA Pre-Check is only $70-$80 for 5 years! Some credit cards (especially travel cards) will actually reimburse you for this fee- making it free!

*TSA-Precheck only applies to security lines in US airports*

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Priority Pass

 

Now you’re past security, but you still have hours until your flight, what do you do? This is where Priority Pass comes in. With Priority Pass, you get access to over 1,300 first class lounges around the world for a fraction of the price of a first class ticket. Memberships range from $99/ year (with $36 fee every visit) to $469/ year (unlimited access with no visit fee).

While pre-flight lounge access is certainly a treat, layovers and delays are where Priority Pass really shines. Everyone has been in the position of having a long layover or delay, leaving you spending $15 on a soggy sandwich and packed in like sardines at the gate. Priority Pass allows you to actually enjoy your layover, with unlimited free food and drinks, showers, and comfortable seating. Is your back stiff from the flight? Priority Pass also has deals (how good depends on the membership you choose) on airport spas, so you’ll land well rested and relaxed.
 

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Reserve Your Rental Car in Advance

 

This one can not be stressed enough. Nothing ruins a vacation quicker than waiting hours in line for a rental only for them to run out of cars before you can reserve one, or overcharge you (trust us, it happens more than you’d think). To avoid this, we recommend booking your car in advance. Not only will you get the guaranteed lowest price (and if it drops, we’ll match it), but you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your car will be waiting for you when you arrive. Change of plans or delayed flight? Don’t stress! Auto Europe will take care of any changes and make sure your rental experience is as smooth as possible.
 

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Global Entry

 

It’s the end of your holiday, you’ve landed back at your home (or layover) airport, and the finish line is so close you can taste it. Then you get to customs. After a long day of travel, the last thing you want to do is wait (potentially) hours to get past border patrol. That’s why we love Global Entry. Like TSA-Precheck, Global Entry is another service offered by the US Department of Homeland Security, allowing you to bypass the line with expedited entry into the United States.

The application process for Global Entry is a bit more extensive than TSA-Precheck, requiring a background check and interview, but if you travel to and from the United States often, it’s worth it. Global Entry requires an $100 non-refundable deposit with your application, but if it’s approved, you’ll also have access to TSA Pre-Check!
 

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Want More Travel Inspiration?

Did we miss one of your favorite attractions, restaurants, or hotels on this list? Let us know below in the comments, or connect with us on social media!.