https://ift.tt/BvSMuxZ Places: A Conversation with Lauren Richardson https://ift.tt/PV6Y5Km

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Going Places is a new series from TripIt that highlights frequent travelers to showcase their unique travel styles and insider tips. 

For Lauren Richardson, travel blogger at Lauren’s Suitcase, travel is all about getting creative. That is, getting creative with how she travels, where she travels, and how she manages her travel budget. 

“As a graduate student, I have to juggle my limited budget with my passion for travel,” Lauren told me. “I’m always on the lookout for ways to save when I travel—from just taking my carry-on bag and not picking a seat ahead of check-in (no extra fees!) to relying on airfare deals and mistake fares to being as flexible as possible.” 

Enter: COVID-19, and Lauren once again had to get creative with travel planning. 

“I planned A LOT of road trips,” she said. “About six months into the pandemic, my fiancé and I converted a Subaru into a car-camper and spent two weeks traveling through some of the (U.S.) Rocky Mountain states.” 

Without these myriad obstacles, Lauren might not have visited her favorite under-the-radar destination to date: New Mexico. 

“New Mexico has something for everyone! Food, culture, camping, national parks, a hot air balloon festival… to me, it’s one of the most overlooked destinations in the U.S. If it weren’t for the pandemic changing many of my travel plans, I might not have done that trip. I’m so glad I had the chance to visit.” 

Travel planning? Music to her ears 

Whether on the road or in the sky, Lauren likes to keep her travel plans organized with TripIt. 

“I wasn’t at all organized until I discovered TripIt,” she shared. “It’s so helpful to have everything in one place. When I backpacked through Europe a few years ago, I booked so many modes of transportation: bus, train, plane—you name it. Having TripIt helped me keep track of it all.” 

“I use TripIt even when I don’t travel,” she said. “I’m a huge live music fan, so I forward all my tickets for upcoming concerts to the app—that way I know what shows I’ve booked, what venues they’re playing at, and more.” 

On staying safe while traveling solo—and learning from the locals

Another TripIt feature Lauren relies on is the ability to share her travel plans—a habit she’s gotten into especially when taking a solo trip. 

“I’m so grateful for the solo trips I’ve taken. I used to put off trips until I found a travel buddy, but then I had this ah-ha moment, like, why am I waiting for someone to go with?” she shared. “But of course, I want to be safe when I travel by myself, so the ability to share my TripIt itineraries gives me—and my family—peace of mind when I’m going it alone.” 

Lauren also keeps an eye on the safety rating of her destination with TripIt’s Neighborhood Safety Scores, so she can plan ahead if she’s visiting somewhere that has a heightened level of risk. 

So, what’s her advice for making the most of a solo trip? “Make friends with the locals! I like to get somewhere and pretend I live there. So, I always make a point to get to know the locals, and ask about what they like to do.”

“I also choose to stay at hostels for solo travelers because they have family dinners and host walking tours that make it easy to meet people,” she added. 

Did you know? Recent survey data from TripIt showed one-third (33%) of Americans planning to travel solo said their trip would also be a bucket-list trip. 

Any other tips for fellow budget travelers—solo or otherwise? “Always book your flights first,” she said. “And be flexible. Prices can vary by just a day or two, so catching a good flight deal on a slightly different departure day might open up room in your budget for an excursion you’ve had your eye on.” 

Want to learn more of Lauren’s tips for traveling on a budget? Check out her Instagram and blog for more ideas, and find out where she (and her carry-on suitcase) is headed next.  

The post Going Places: A Conversation with Lauren Richardson appeared first on TripIt Blog.

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https://ift.tt/X98Yyie Travelers Budget Thousands More to Afford Rising Costs of Trips https://ift.tt/pmlur2M

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Will rising airfare prices and inflation keep American travelers grounded this summer? Or will travelers keep their eyes on the prize—for many, their bucket-list trips—no matter the cost? 

We asked more than 1,800 U.S.-based TripIt users about their upcoming travel plans, and while rising costs and COVID-19 concern them, more than 95% of survey respondents still plan to travel in the year ahead. And some are willing to spend (tens of) thousands more to do so. 

Nearly half of American travelers planning once-in-a-lifetime trips

According to our survey data, nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents plan to travel as much—or more—in the next year versus before COVID-19. Just over a third (36%) plan to travel less. 

What do their travel plans entail? Our data shows two-thirds (66%) are planning to travel for a summer vacation; 64% plan to visit family or friends; 47% are planning a fall vacation; 45% are traveling for business; 31% are planning a winter vacation; 22% are planning a bleisure trip; 19% are planning to travel solo; and 14% are planning a camping trip. 

For almost half (41%) of American travelers, one of their trips in the year ahead will check the box on a bucket-list trip. One-third (33%) of respondents planning to travel solo said their trip would also be a bucket-list trip. In addition, 29% said their fall vacation (we see you, shoulder-season travelers!) would be a bucket-list trip; 27% said their summer vacation would be one. 

So, what about the cost of those trips? Of those planning a bucket-list trip, the majority (62%) said their bucket-list trips will be more expensive than a normal trip—for most (47%) in the range of $1,000 to $5,000 more. 

Travelers to cut back on dining to free up budget for trips

Do all upcoming trips (bucket-list or otherwise) mean spending more money? For nearly a third (32%) of respondents, the answer is yes. Our data shows more than a quarter (26%) of those who will be spending more will spend an additional $3,000 to $5,000 on travel this year. Ten percent said they’d spend more than $10,000 extra.

Americans spending more money than usual on travel attributed it to:

• Rising airfare prices (51%)
• Overall inflation (49%)
• Rising gas prices (34%)
• Planning more extravagant trips (34%)

For many, planning a trip means prioritizing their income accordingly. Almost a third (29%) of respondents have adjusted or plan to adjust their overall spending to accommodate the cost of travel. Our data also shows that 81% of respondents cutting (or planning to cut) their budget will reduce spending on eating out, 64% will cut back on events or concerts, and 58% will reduce spending on clothing to afford travel. 

As for those who say their planned budgets will be less than usual (just 15% of respondents), 79% said it’s because they have fewer trips planned, 19% are planning less extravagant trips, and 18% are planning to visit more budget-friendly destinations. 

And while some plan to spend the same, if costs do continue to rise, 38% will plan to travel less in order to not overextend their budget.

Did you know? When you add your flights to TripIt, TripIt Pro’s Fare Tracker feature will notify you if you’re eligible for a refund or credit if your airfare price drops after you book. 

Rising COVID-19 cases could impact summer travel plans

In addition to costs, some Americans continue to be concerned about the other complexities of traveling right now. 

Top concerns include: 

• A trip might need to be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions, requirements, or illness (41%)
• Flight cancellations or delays (41%)
• Costs (33%)
• Staying up to date on travel restrictions and guidelines (26%)
• COVID-19 testing for travel (21%)

Those concerns are valid for many Americans who plan to travel soon. For starters, ongoing staffing shortages at global airports (and airlines, for that matter) are making an already busy travel season even more hectic and unpredictable. 

Tip: Looking for a way to expedite the airport experience? Be sure to check out TripIt Pro’s four-month free trial and discounted membership to CLEAR—another way being a Pro member saves you money. 

On the COVID-19 front, while just 8% of those who traveled in the past six months tested (or traveled with someone who tested) positive for COVID-19 during a trip, that’s up 300% (from just 2%) according to survey data we released in March. 

Indeed, travelers are all too familiar with this reality: respondents said that they’d change or cancel their travel plans if they tested positive for COVID-19 (75%), were in contact with someone who tested positive (33%), or COVID-19 cases at their destination rose (30%). To put this in perspective, 31% will plan to cancel their current trips if costs continue to rise. 

If this trend continues, cost concerns could be on their way to outpacing COVID-19 concerns. But for now, realizing bucket-list trip dreams and/or 2022 vacation plans means adjusting for increased costs and COVID-19 requirements (and risks) alike. 

Methodology: TripIt surveyed more than 1,800 U.S.-based users to understand their upcoming travel plans, plus their attitudes and behaviors with respect to rising costs. The survey took place May 24 – June 1, 2022.

The post American Travelers Budget Thousands More to Afford Rising Costs of Trips appeared first on TripIt Blog.

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This month, many LGBTQ+ travelers will head out for summer trips and Pride Month celebrations alike. Yet, for this community of travelers, taking a trip isn’t as straightforward—or as safe—as it is for others. In some destinations, LGBTQ+ travelers still face discrimination and the risk of harm, so it’s incredibly important to know which destinations are most open and welcoming—and which require a heightened level of caution and vigilance. 

To that end, we worked with our partner GeoSure (who powers TripIt’s Neighborhood Safety Scores feature)  to understand what the safest destinations are for the LGBTQ+ community based on their analysis of metadata captured from hundreds of trusted sources. 

Some of these sources include the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, Gay Travel Index, built environment variables and keys pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community, ACLED, Human Rights Campaign – Municipal Equality Index, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Southern Poverty Law Center, Statistica, and safety experience sharing from the GeoSure community. 

Here are the top 10 safest cities for LGBTQ+ travelers, according to GeoSure data. 

10. Portland, Maine

GeoSafeScore: 82/100

As the first major U.S. city to elect an openly gay mayor—and home to a Guinness World Record-holding drag queen—Portland has long welcomed (and embraced!) LGBTQ+ travelers. 

Each June, the city celebrates Pride Month with a festival and parade. This year, it takes place Saturday, June 18. And all year long, LGBTQ+ travelers can enjoy drag performances, queer film festivals, and dance parties, as well as patronize dozens of the city’s LGBTQ+-owned businesses. 

Did you know? Travelers can access hyperlocal safety ratings for myriad categories along any point within their TripIt itinerary for more than 65,000 cities and neighborhoods. Specifically, the LGBTQ+ safety score incorporates factors such as the likelihood of harm or discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons or groups and level of caution required at a location. In the TripIt app, Neighborhood Safety Scores focus on the level of risk (whereas the rankings in the post represent the level of safety).

9. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

GeoSafeScore: 82/100

While many cities around the world celebrate Pride Month in June, celebrations—including Pride Week—in St. John’s kick off in July. This year, St. John’s Pride Week and Come Home Queer both commence on July 15. The Pride Parade takes place on Sunday, July 24. 

Need a place to stay? Check out Misterb&b—a vacation rental site that lists private rooms, apartments, and LGBTQ+-friendly hotels to help you select “welcoming accommodations that fit your style and budget.”

8. Boston, Massachusetts

GeoSafeScore: 82/100

As the capital city of the first U.S. state (Massachusetts) to legalize same-sex mariage, Boston has long welcomed LGBTQ+ travelers. 

Each April, the city hosts Wicked Queer, an LGBTQ+ film festival. For arts and culture year-round, plan a visit to The Theater Offensive—a theater company that works to elevate queer voices and highlights the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community through art.

Heading to Boston to celebrate Pride Month? Check out the city’s calendar of events for celebrations taking place all month long, including events for those with intersectional identities. 

Looking for the safest neighborhood to visit in Boston? Chinatown ranks as the friendliest, with a neighborhood safety score of 88. 

Read more: City Break: Boston

7. Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

GeoSafeScore: 83/100

Each year, Kelowna—one of two cities in British Columbia to make this list—celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with Kelowna Pride. More than 12,000 people attend the annual event that promotes “a fun and safe way to celebrate the diverse and accepting community of Kelowna.”

Not visiting during Pride? Throughout the year, there are myriad LGBT2Q+ activities taking place around the city. Visitors can also enjoy numerous outdoor activities—from hiking, boating, and skiing to winery touring. 

6. Stavanger, Norway

GeoSafeScore: 83/100

The Norwegian city of Stavanger has long celebrated the LGBTQ+ community—dating back to the inception of Gay Days in 1998 and the first official festival the following year. Since then, celebrations have taken place during the first week of September.

This year, Skeivå Rogaland Pride starts on August 29 and ends with a Pride parade and party on Saturday, September 3.

Visitors to Stavanger will also enjoy the city and surrounding area’s natural beauty, including fjords, mountains, and white beaches, as well as its many museums and charming old town. 

5. Alicante, Spain

GeoSafeScore: 83/100

The port city of Alicante is home to beautiful beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. According to Travel Gay, the city offers “a good selection of establishments catering to gay customers … you will find bars, saunas, and a cruise club, with most venues close to the seafront.” 

Benidorm, a town within Alicante, hosts an annual Pride Festival; celebrations take place September 5-11, 2022.

4. Dundee, Scotland

GeoSafeScore: 83/100

While Scotland’s bigger cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh attract the lion’s share of international visitors, the city of Dundee is the safest in Scotland (and the United Kingdom) for LGBTQ+ travelers. 

Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design, is the fourth-largest city in Scotland, and home to cultural attractions such as the picturesque V&A Museum, myriad theaters and art centers, as well as a 45-minute self-guided Dundee Architectural Trail. 

Planning to visit Dundee for Pride? Head to Dundee Pride’s Facebook page for the latest on events taking place around the city. 

3. San Francisco, California

GeoSafeScore: 83/100

San Francisco is home to one of the largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ communities in the U.S. Its history is steeped in LGBTQ+ activism and the fight for equality. According to some, it’s the Gay Capital of the World. 

That said, San Francisco is also home to one of the safest neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ travelers—the Castro District—with a safety score of 92.

Planning to visit SF for Pride? You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to events and activities happening in the city and across the Bay Area. You won’t want to miss the main event, the 52nd Annual San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration, taking place June 25 and 26. 

2. Granada, Spain

GeoSafeScore: 85/100

For some travelers, Granada is perhaps best known as the birthplace and home to one of Spain’s most famous LGBTQ+ poets, Federico García Lorca. Year-round, the city offers visitors the finer things in life: delectable cuisine, local wines, and the opportunity to get lost in its maze-like streets.

Heading to Granada for Pride? The city’s festivities—called Orgullo Granada—take place throughout the month of June. 

Tip: Follow Granada Visible on Twitter for the latest updates about Orgullo Granada events. 

1. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 

GeoSafeScore: 86/100

Clocking in at the top spot, Victoria is the second city in British Columbia—and third in Canada—to make our top-10 list. 

So, what’s on offer for LGBTQ+ travelers? For starters, the Victoria Pride Festival takes place June 23 to July 2—and after a few years of canceled and virtual events, this year is set to be bigger than ever. This year’s festival includes a new parade route and an expanded park layout for the week’s myriad signature events. 

Not in town for Pride? Victoria also boasts beautiful beaches and lakes, gardens and parks, world-class entertainment and nightlife, and much more. 

Methodology: TripIt partnered with GeoSure, which analyzes metadata captured from hundreds of trusted sources, to determine the safest destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. TripIt shows safety scores from 1 to 100, representing low to high risk, in the Neighborhood Safety Scores section (powered by GeoSure) within an itinerary.

The post Top 10 Safest Cities for LGBTQ+ Travelers to Visit  appeared first on TripIt Blog.

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