Photo credit: www.cnbc.com
Jason Stevens has a wealth of experience in addressing travel-related challenges. As the CEO of Wayfairer Travel, a company specializing in high-end vacations for Fortune 500 executives and affluent clients, Stevens routinely assists individuals in resolving various travel issues. His problem-solving skills range from securing last-minute reservations at exclusive ski resorts to ensuring travelers reach their African safaris after mistakenly taking the wrong flight.
A seasoned traveler himself, Stevens has explored all seven continents and a multitude of major cities. This extensive background equips him and his team to curate some of the most enjoyable travel experiences available—typically costing over $30,000, with certain packages exceeding $200,000. However, Stevens emphasizes that you don’t need to be a corporate leader to enjoy a memorable vacation.
Instead, he proposes three practical tips that can enhance anyone’s travel experience.
1. Protect Your Luggage
Avoiding the chaos that comes with lost luggage can significantly improve your travel experience. One smart strategy is to pack extra clothing in your carry-on. Stevens suggests using a luggage tracker, such as an Apple AirTag, to help monitor your checked baggage throughout your journey.
“I often have layovers on long-haul flights, and knowing where my bag is gives me peace of mind,” he explains. “It helps to confirm that it has made the transfer and is being loaded for the next leg of the trip.”
If your bag goes missing, having a tracker can assist airline staff in locating it more efficiently. According to Stevens, one of his friends was able to recover his bag quicker by directing airline workers to its last known location after it failed to make a connection in Istanbul.
“Without that visibility, they just follow the standard procedures,” he notes. “Visibility gives you a better chance of a successful recovery.” Additionally, Stevens advises including a day or two’s worth of essentials in your carry-on, as bags can take time to reappear, if they turn up at all.
2. Spend Wisely
Prior to embarking on an international journey, it’s crucial to research whether your destination accepts U.S. dollars. “You’d be surprised how many places welcome U.S. currency with open arms,” he states.
However, travelers should remain cautious; acceptance of U.S. dollars does not guarantee that smaller denominations will be available. For instance, don’t expect a taxi driver in Bangkok to have change for a large bill on a short fare. To navigate such situations smoothly, it’s wise to carry smaller bills or to consider getting a multi-currency card, such as Wise, before your trip.
“Once you step out of your home with a multi-currency card, you immediately start saving money,” he explains, highlighting the benefits of avoiding unfavorable exchange rates and extra fees.
3. Explore Beyond the Tourist Hotspots
For travelers looking to stretch their dollars, staying outside city centers can pay off. Stevens advises considering accommodations further from the hustle and bustle of major cities like New York or Santiago. “You don’t have to travel far to find better hotel deals without sacrificing quality,” he notes.
When visiting large urban areas where public transport is accessible, he often seeks out lodging that offers a different atmosphere, which also comes at a more budget-friendly price.
He recommends utilizing Google Street View to get a sense of the neighborhood surrounding potential hotels. If uncertainty remains, reaching out directly to the hotel can provide clarity. “I’ve found that hotel staff can offer invaluable insights about the area that travelers might overlook,” he says.
Source
www.cnbc.com