Take advantage of these travel insights to save you money and have a carefree vacation

Planning a vacation requires a lot of organization and important details can easily get overlooked. CheapOair®, an online travel agency and leading provider of cheap flights, is proud to share its top travel tips and hacks for 2019. With these insights, travelers can enjoy their next vacations even more by securing great deals, saving money, and traveling both smarter and safer.

Booking Hacks:

Two countries for the price of one
Many travelers may not like the idea of long layovers, but this hack can give you extra days in another country, often without any added airfare costs. As an added bonus, you may be eligible for free hotel stays, tours, and/or airport transfers provided by the airline. Check with your airline for stopover specifics.

Mix and match airlines to save
Booking your departure and return flights on different airlines can often save you money. Two one-way tickets on separate airlines can sometimes be cheaper than a single round-trip ticket on one airline. CheapOair’s flight search does this automatically by pairing one-way flight options to help you find their cheapest price.

Book in advance
The early bird gets the deal! You might be familiar with the term “last-minute travel deals” but booking as far as three months in advance can often save you much more. Additionally, you’ll guarantee yourself accommodations, have access to the best selection of seats on your flights, and have your choice of excursions and tours.

Travel Tips:

Make copies of your passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, you might find yourself stuck at the airport or border and could even be denied entry into your home country. Make at least two copies of your passport before traveling. Keep one copy with you and give the other copy to a friend or family member whom you can get in touch with while you’re away. You can keep yours as a printed copy or it can be digital if you’ll have access to email or your smartphone.

Plan out your payments
When traveling, certain establishments may only accept certain credit cards. Having at least two different cards from different financial institutions will help to ensure you’re able to complete your transactions. If you’re not comfortable carrying credit cards, cash is always the best way to ensure you aren’t stuck in a difficult situation. It’s recommended to inform your bank of your specific travel plans because if a purchase or cash withdrawal is made in another country the bank may freeze the account as a security precaution.

Always negotiate prices first
Utilizing fun local transportation options such as cabs, tuk tuks, or rickshaws are great ways to immerse yourself in a new country. Before you get in, make sure to negotiate the price, especially if there isn’t a meter. Check directions as well to inform your driver of the closest intersection, notable landmarks, and expected travel time. The more you know about your trip, the less likely a driver will be able to take advantage of you.

Be prepared and carry a small first aid kit
You never know what may happen on your journey; that’s why it’s best to have a small first aid kit on you to speed up your recovery should you become sick or injured when traveling. It is recommended to pack bandages, antibacterial wipes, aspirin, safety pins, tweezers, and pain relief creams. You can make a DIY kit or buy one at your local pharmacy.

By consistently monitoring travel trends, CheapOair’s mission is to educate and aid consumers and travel professionals in both planning their travel accommodations and staying current on the most popular destinations.

For more information, please visit www.CheapOair.com, www.cheapoair.com/mobile, or our social media pages, www.Facebook.com/CheapOair and https://twitter.com/cheapoair.

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About CheapOair
CheapOair is an online travel agency that specializes in providing cheap flights and great last-minute flight deals for travelers worldwide. Consumers can book online, on mobile apps for iOS and Android, by phone (1-646-738-4820) or live chat. Part of Fareportal’s family of travel brands, CheapOair bridges the gap between an online travel agency and a traditional agency with certified travel agents available to help find discount flight tickets to global destinations on over 450 airlines, a million hotels, and 100s of car rental companies. Follow CheapOair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , and Pinterest to learn how to travel the world for less.

CheapOair®, an online travel agency and leading provider of cheap flights, has announced its travel trend analysis for 2019 and top affordable destinations for each month in the new year. By analyzing year-over-year data and taking factors into consideration such as the economy, fuel costs, demographics of travelers, and airline trends, CheapOair is anticipating some rising travel trends and interesting destinations throughout 2019.

In 2018, the cost of fuel increased by approximately 25%, however due to the increase in low-cost carriers (LCCs), airfare in 2019 will continue to remain very competitive among domestic and international travel. “The increase of capacity by LCCs on both North American and international routes will have carriers continuing to compete for customers,” said Tom Spagnola, Senior Vice President of Supplier Relations for CheapOair. “Lower prices will remain common in the travel industry in the new year and travelers will be able to take advantage of affordable airfare to the most popular and up-and-coming destinations, including Cairo, and Tokyo, amongst others.”

CheapOair’s picks for destinations worth checking out in 2019 are a mix of both international and domestic cities, with new destinations on the travel industry’s radar including Asheville, North Carolina and Manila, Philippines. “If consumers are planning to travel this summer, airfare will see some spikes heading into the peak summer months. Travelers should take advantage of affordable pricing during the first half of 2019,” continued Spagnola.

CheapOair’s 2019 Top Travel Destinations are as follows:

In January, travel to Aspen, Colorado: Take advantage of discount airfares to Colorado for an early ski vacation this winter. Although Aspen is a year-round destination, the ski resort town comes alive in the winter with events and activities taking place through the end of April. In January, travelers can also attend the 2019 Winter X Games from January 24^th – 27^th or enjoy a relaxing weekend on the slopes to unwind from a hectic holiday season.

In February, travel to Memphis, Tennessee: Aside from world famous BBQ, Memphis is home to some powerful civil rights history and also to iconic blues music. Travelers should take advantage of affordable travel to Memphis this February as there are plenty of low-cost carrier flight options to choose from.

In March, travel to Cairo, Egypt: Cairo is known for its hot sunny weather and travelers will be able to enjoy this throughout March at a very affordable price point. Travelers should take advantage of Cairo while it’s still affordable and somewhat under-the-radar. After a 68% increase in travelers from 2017, Cairo is becoming a popular destination, but cheap prices can still be found in this sprawling capital on the Nile River.

In April, travel to Bangkok, Thailand: If you want a true Thailand experience, visit the country’s capital in April for the Thai New Year, which takes place from April 13-15. There will be an increase in flights to Bangkok with plenty of travel options for an affordable trip due to the high-volume of bookings for 2018. April is also prime time to visit Thailand, as monsoon season will hit shortly after in May.

In May, travel to Manila, Philippines: Travel to Manila before the capital’s peak travel season when flights are affordable. With an increase in flights this year, travelers will be able to find a diverse selection of airfares to Manila from the U.S. to take in the Spanish colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and of course, delicious cuisine.

In June, travel to Anchorage, Alaska: Anchorage offer travelers a bounty of outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. In June, the temperature stays fair at around 60 degrees, which is prime weather for outdoor activities with family, friends, or a solo adventure. During the summer solstice, travelers will also be able to experience the rare sight of nearly 20 hours of daylight.

In July, travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota: As the land of 10,000 lakes, it’s no wonder that Minnesota was within CheapOair’s top 30 highest booked destinations in 2018. Minneapolis is a perfect summer destination for outdoor activities galore, and also a city that boasts nightlife, cultural landmarks like the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art museum, and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

In August, travel to Portland, Maine: Take a weekend getaway to Portland for an end of summer coastal retreat. As one of the top rated romantic getaways in the U.S., there’s plenty of restaurants, shops, and cozy bed & breakfasts for a memorable stay. Summer is a popular time to visit the waterfront city, so travelers should book airline tickets and hotel rooms early for the best prices.

In September, travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico: During the affordable fall travel season, flights to San Juan will be drastically more affordable than the summer months. By waiting until September to visit the historic city, you’ll also miss out on the large influx of tourists and experience a more temperate climate.

In October, travel to Tokyo, Japan: Cross Tokyo off your bucket list during the height of autumn, which is also known as one of the best times of year to visit the spectacular city. You’ll be able to experience traditional festivals, art and cultural activities, and culinary-focused events including the Tokyo Ramen Show. The acclaimed event runs through the month, giving travelers a unique opportunity to savor

In November, travel to Asheville, North Carolina: Asheville is located within the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for having one of the longest and most colorful fall foliage seasons in the world. On top of stunning sights, Asheville is also home to plenty of craft breweries, making this town a prime spot for fall travel.

In December, travel to Paris, France: Take advantage of affordable end of year flights to Paris to take in all the city has to offer during the holiday month. Christmas markets throughout the city and an illumination of Christmas lights along the Champs-Elysees make Paris an unbeatable trip for the holiday season and an unforgettable destination for New Year’s Eve travel.

By consistently monitoring travel trends, CheapOair’s mission is to educate and aid consumers and travel professionals in both planning their travel accommodations and staying current on the most popular destinations.

For more information, please visit www.CheapOair.com, www.cheapoair.com/mobile, or our social media pages, www.Facebook.com/CheapOair and https://twitter.com/cheapoair.

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About CheapOair
CheapOair is an online travel agency that specializes in providing cheap flights and great last-minute flight deals for travelers worldwide. Consumers can book online, on mobile apps for iOS and Android, by phone (1-646-738-4820) or live chat. Part of Fareportal’s family of travel brands, CheapOair bridges the gap between an online travel agency and a traditional agency with certified travel agents available to help find discount flight tickets to global destinations on over 450 airlines, a million hotels, and 100s of car rental companies. Follow CheapOair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , and Pinterest to learn how to travel the world for less.

Online Travel Agency Donates to Non-Profit Organizations

In November 2017, Fareportal, the travel technology company powering CheapOair.com and OneTravel.com, launched it’s Personal Impact Program; a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative driven by the passions of its employees. Over the course of 12 months, employees nominated their most-cherished non-profit organizations for the opportunity to have a donation made on their behalf as well as to have their charity highlighted within the company’s internal communications initiatives.

“The Personal Impact Program was designed to give our employees more of a say in how we give back to the community,” said Corissa Leong, SVP of People & Culture. “We were excited to see the enthusiasm our employees’ put into their entries and are glad that we were able to make a difference to organizations that mean the most to them.”

Over the past 12 months, recipients spanned many categories including health and wellness, education, homelessness, and animal welfare. The organizations contributed to included:

• Team for Kids
• The Valerie Fund
• We Win
• LUNGevity
• National MS Society
• Coalition for the Homeless
• Inner City Scholarship Fund
• National Hemophilia Foundation
• Connor and Millie’s Dog Rescue
• Korean K9 Rescue
• Norma Pfriem Breast Center
• U.S.T.L.E.365 Inc.

“As a global company, we are involved with charity organizations all over the world,” said Sam S. Jain Founder and CEO at Fareportal. “We started the Personal Impact Program to increase employee engagement in our corporate social responsibility efforts and this year the program proved to be a great success. We are excited to continue partnering with employee-chosen non-profit organizations in the year ahead.”

Fareportal has a longstanding commitment to helping communities in need through charitable donations and volunteer work. The company is always seeking out new opportunities to get involved with charity organizations both at home and abroad. 

About Fareportal

Fareportal is a travel technology company powering a next generation travel concierge service. Utilizing its innovative technology and company owned and operated global contact centers, Fareportal has built strong industry partnerships providing customers access to over 450 airlines, 1 million hotels, and hundreds of car rental companies around the globe. With a portfolio of consumer travel brands including CheapOair and OneTravel, Fareportal enables consumers to book online, on mobile apps for iOS and Android, by phone, or live chat.

Leading Online Travel Agency Releases Tips for Thanksgiving Holiday Travel

When traveling over the holidays, travelers have come to expect that they will likely face crowds, long lines, and even delays. According to data reported by CheapOair®, the day before Thanksgiving is consistently ranked as one of the top three busiest travel days of the year. This year, the online travel agency and leading provider of cheap flights is offering some tips to help holiday travelers breeze through the airport.

Allow Extra Time

From the ride to the airport to the lines for security, passengers should plan on allowing extra time for Thanksgiving air travel. For starters, travelers should check-in online as soon as the option becomes available – typically 24 hours before departure. Next, comes ground transportation. Whether relying on family, friends, a cab, or public transit, travelers should remember that air travel isn’t the only transportation pain point during the holidays. Factors such as weather and time of day should be taken into consideration when evaluating the already congested roadways. Lastly, it is important to remember that everything at the airport takes longer on those extra busy travel days. Travelers should allot plenty of time for checking bags, clearing airport security, and getting to the gate.

Charge Up Mobile Devices in Advance

For busy travel days like Thanksgiving, travelers can expect to spend more time in the airport compared to a typical travel day. More time in the airport often means more time spent on mobile devices. Though many airports have started adding mobile-friendly amenities such as charging stations, it’s best not to count on these being available. Instead, CheapOair recommends that travelers charge up devices before heading to the airport and consider carrying a portable charging device, just in case.

Stay Ahead of Delays and Disruptions

No one likes to be delayed, especially during the holidays. Before heading to the airport, travelers should double check with their airline to make sure there haven’t been any drastic updates to their flight. To eliminate the manual work, many airlines offer travelers the ability to opt-in for SMS updates while checking-in online.  This allows updates to be automatically sent as they happen. In the case of a delay, it may be tempting to put off going to the airport. However, travelers should keep in mind that new departure times are estimates and can be moved forward if the cause of the delay has been resolved. If an extended delay or cancellation arises, CheapOair advises calling the airline’s customer support line instead of waiting for assistance at the airport. The agents on the phone are generally able to assist in the same way as the gate personnel.

Pack Less and Carry On

Thanksgiving air travel often means long lines, especially to drop-off baggage. With a little preparation and planning, travelers can limit their baggage and plan to carry-on rather than check their luggage. CheapOair suggests that travelers should verify to see what is included with their ticket before packing, keeping in mind that most Basic Economy fares do not include carry-on baggage.

Splurge for an Airport Lounge Pass

The battle with the masses might seem over after passing through airport security, but oftentimes the gate area can be just as crowded. Day passes to many airport lounges can be purchased for a fee and offer a calmer and more comfortable place to relax, plus complimentary food and drinks.

For more information, please visit www.cheapoair.com, plus follow our social media pages, www.facebook.com/cheapoair, www.twitter.com/cheapoair, and www.instagram.com/cheapoair.  Download the CheapOair app for iOS or Android for an on-the-go travel concierge experience.

CheapOair’s mission is to educate and aid consumers in both planning their travel and staying current on the most popular destinations. With a portfolio of travel products, including cheap airfares on over 450 global airlines, CheapOair is a great way to book the airline tickets that are right for you.

About CheapOair

CheapOair is an online travel agency that specializes in providing cheap flights and great last-minute flight deals for travelers worldwide. Consumers can book online, on mobile apps for iOS and Android, by phone (1-646-738-4820) or live chat. Part of Fareportal’s family of travel brands, CheapOair bridges the gap between an online travel agency and a traditional agency with certified travel agents available to help find discount flight tickets to global destinations on over 450 airlines, a million hotels, and 100s of car rental companies. Follow CheapOair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , and Pinterest to learn how to travel the world for less.

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