TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Stop Waiting in Long Security Lines—Schedule a Time Slot at These Airports

Stop Waiting in Long Security Lines—Schedule a Time Slot at These Airports

Airports are more crowded and hectic than ever before—and the TSA knows it.

Despite the complex and at times maddening nature of air travel in the US, the TSA is continuously looking for ways to streamline the passenger experience.

Programs like Global Entry and mobile apps like Mobile Passport Control shorten the time that US citizens need to wait in customs when returning to the US.

Meanwhile, programs like TSA PreCheck and MyTSA make it easy for domestic travelers to get to their gates on time thanks to expedited security lines.

Despite how difficult air travel can be, the horizons of improvement are constantly expanding. One of the latest developments related to domestic air travel is the ability to schedule time slots to go through security at certain airports.

Thanks to the Reserve by Clear program, you can book ahead to reserve a time slot to go through security. The best part? It’s free.

A partnership with Clear

Before I start listing airports that let fliers book time slots to go through security, we need to talk about Clear. As of 2024, Clear is spearheading the push for reservable time slots at airports across the US.

Clear is a company that offers expedited trips through security through the usage of biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans. Rather than speak with an agent or go through traditional security lines, Clear members verify their identities at digital kiosks before heading to expedited lines.

Clear’s program is similar to both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry but isn’t run by the TSA. Clear is a private company that works according to TSA regulations. Because of this, it’s easy to bundle Clear with TSA PreCheck for an even more expedited experience.

If you want to streamline your experience at the airport, you might want to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Clear for domestic trips and Global Entry for international vacations.

However, you do not need to be enrolled in Clear or TSA PreCheck to reserve a free and expedited security control time slot. Clear is simply the company that’s managing time slot scheduling at US airports. You’ll use their platform to schedule a time to go through security at eligible airports.

US airports that let you schedule a trip through security

As of October 2024, Clear’s technology allows you to reserve a time slot to get through security at seven US-based airports.

International airports that let you schedule a trip through security

As of October 2024, passengers can reserve time slots at these international airports. Those marked with an asterisk are powered by Clear. Others are independent programs from airports.

Time Out Just Named This Portland Neighborhood as the Coolest in the US

Portland, Oregon is widely regarded as the US’s hipster capital.

It’s a diminutive term in most cases, tossed around to summarize the city’s interest in both independence and uniqueness. From a political and legal perspective to a social and cultural perspective, Portland does things differently—for better or for worse.

That type of intense distinction has made Portland a dreamy destination to some and an ongoing joke to others.

But the data is in. A report on the coolest neighborhoods in the world from Time Out pulled together expert opinions on ‘coolness’ from around the world—and Portland outperformed other US-ranked neighborhoods in Miami (Little River) and New York City (Flatbush).

When it comes to ranking coolness—which includes criteria like great food, unique culture, community, street life, and art—Portland came in fifth place in the world.

Well, not Portland itself but one of its longest-standing neighborhoods: Kerns.

So, what makes this neighborhood so noteworthy? And what should you do when you finally make it to the promised land of Kerns?

Welcome to Kerns

Let’s cut to the core of what makes a place cool: Authenticity.

Whatever a place is doing, it should be doing it at full force and with greater regard for its own pleasure and functionality than for others.

The No. 1 spot on TimeOut’s list is located in Marseille, France, and it’s second in Casablanca, Morocco. In both locations, you can find colorful street art galore, locals rubbing elbows in casual settings, and plenty of hole-in-the-wall, mom-and-pop establishments.

In Kerns, Portland, the same is true.

Street art blankets brick buildings, while locals chatter and exchange at the dozens of small restaurants, coffee shops, and indie establishments like the famous Laurelhurst Theater.

The district is home to dozens of independent projects with few chains around. Most uniquely of all, Kerns is one of the US’s most walkable neighborhoods—a rarity in North America.

Half the neighborhood’s streets are residential, letting locals wander from coffee shops to comedy shows to ponds all in a single go. It’s beautiful, it’s functional, it’s independent.

And if you’ve been following my coverage of hostels for adults, you might recognize the neighborhood. Kerns is home to Kex, one of the coolest boutique hostels I’ve ever seen.

The perfect day in the neighborhood

According to Portland local and writer Alice Wolfe, the best way to spend a day in Kerns is to wander from one mom-and-pop shop to the next.

Here’s where you should make sure to pop in the next time you’re in Portland:

Best food & drink in Kerns

Best bars in Kerns

Best retail in Kerns

Do You Like the Shire? You’ll Love These Hobbit House Rentals

Hobbit houses were once a thing of fiction.

While earthen dwellings have existed for millennia, JRR Tolkien’s Middle-earth of The Lord of the Rings fantasy series introduced a novel type of subterranean home.

A hobbit house, specifically.

These dwellings are constructed into hillsides and hillocks, designed to blend with nature. Rooms and windows are usually circular rather than square, home to cozy fireplaces and sitting areas.

Given their earthen nature, many hobbit houses are built from eco-friendly materials and run on renewable energy. Though fantastical, many are cutting-edge in terms of structure and functionality.

The best part? Despite being partly subterranean, most hobbit houses have ample light and modern amenities.

And while most feature a charming and cozy design reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, that’s not the case across the board. There’s a hobbit house out there for just about every traveler.

Want a little bit of Middle Earth magic on your next vacation? If you like the Shire, you’ll love these hobbit house rentals from Airbnb.

[Or, if you want to hunt for the perfect hobbit house yourself, start here with Airbnb’s Earthen home category.]

Best hobbit houses in the US

Hobbit Style Underground Cabin

Broadway, Virginia

Airbnb

What’s better than getting to stay in a beautiful and hand-built hobbit home? Finding one that has views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This is my top pick thanks to its unbeatable location. No matter the season, you’ll be treated to beautiful views and scenery.

In terms of interiors, too, it doesn’t get any better. Despite its bespoke features, this hobbit house looks like it was crafted by professional teams and craftspeople. I’m in love with the wooden features, in particular.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

The Bag Inn A Hobbit Home

Salem, Oregon

Airbnb

This is a luxury take on hobbit houses. With over 1,000 square feet of interior and 2.5 acres of sprawling forest to explore, it’s a grand escape.

Even the bathroom takes you into the lap of luxury, with cobbled walls, a freestanding soaking tub, and a massive walk-in shower.

If you’re a little shy about leaving your creature comforts behind to explore the world of Middle-earth, then start here.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

The Hideaway at Creekside Meadows

Clancy, Montana

Airbnb

I’ve been swept away with a few hobbit houses with stellar interior designs—but this is my favorite selection based on the organic and natural exterior.

With less fanfare than the others on this list, this dwelling literally looks like it’s something from a fantasy world. It looks so natural to its setting that it almost looks casual.

But the interior is austere—and on par with a boutique hotel. The coolest feature has to be the grand walk-in shower which is situated inside a large dugout tree trunk. A close second is the stacked bunk beds—all of which are built into their own cove.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Forest Gully Farms

Santa Fe, Tennessee

Airbnb

Forest Gully huts are hobbit homes built into the earth at Forest Gully Farms—a largescale and eco-friendly operation, from what I can tell.

This family-owned establishment lets visitors rent out earthen homes while they stay on the grounds, exploring the orchards and nearby waterfall.

If you want to learn more about the basics of permaculture, I’d wager this is a great place to start. Or if you only want to kick back with your wooden pipe (it’s a hobbit thing), then the ample outdoor sitting areas and forest views should do you just fine.

With plenty of kid’s books and twin beds, this is a great choice for families with kids, too.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Hobbit House – Welcome to the Shire

Greensboro, Georgia

Airbnb

Don’t let the official title of ‘Lizardsniffer’s Hobbit Hole’ throw you off. Middle Earth has a lot of personality, and hobbits are known for their adventurous endeavors.

This hobbit house has all the cozy comforts you’d expect in an Earthen stay, along with warm and bespoke features like a cobbled bar.

As a bonus, you also have the benefit of staying on a large plot of land. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can try out other activities like kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Cedar Bluff Hobbit House

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Airbnb

This hobbit house is technically a geodesic dome, meaning there’s a large frame that the home is built around. While that makes it slightly less subterranean than other hobbit houses, it gives you the benefit of a large, clear dome top.

For anyone who likes star-gazing, that should be a plus. On top of its clear dome top, I also love the unique sitting areas and living room in this hobbit house.

The wooden and stone elements are organic, while many of the kitchen and bathroom features are modern. Just look out for the Golem plushies. They’re terrifying.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Covington Hobbitlike House

South Sioux City, Nebraska

Airbnb

This delightful escape takes you straight into the world of bespoke hobbit homes. In this case, you’re in for a more rural and rustic experience.

There’s no TV on the premises—which invites you to soak up the surroundings and relax. The outdoor patio is picturesque, as is the fire pit area.

Just keep in mind that this rental isn’t a true two-bedroom. Though there are two sleeping areas, the interior has an open floor plan. It’s comfortable and cozy—so long as you’re okay sharing quarters.

Make this hobbit house your hobbit home

Why Travel Protection Matters During Medical Emergencies Abroad

One of the most important travel topics is safety.

Travelers are regularly exposed to things like germs, scams, and inclement weather when taking domestic and international trips. Usually, the best policies to protect against unwanted surprises are health insurance, traveler’s insurance, or some combination of the two.

But there’s a huge range in the quality and value of those policies—and those distinctions matter when traveling domestically and internationally.

Imagine this: You’ve just touched down in Cairo, Egypt, and can’t wait to explore one of the world’s greatest wonders: the Pyramids at Giza.

You leave your hotel to go on a long-awaited tour, but disaster strikes when an accidental slip on the granite sees you break a hip and wrist. You’re ferried to the nearest hospital thanks to your insurance policy where you’re awaiting medical attention.

But the hospital isn’t quite up to your standards. In fact, it’s full of cats.

So, what do you do with a broken hip, broken wrist, and a hospital full of strays they’re using for rodent control?

Unfortunately, this isn’t an allegory. This scenario became a reality for a traveler named Jeannie Walla on a trip to Egypt. Though Mrs. Walla’s travel insurance covered her medical care at the nearest hospital, it didn’t specify the type of hospital she’d be taken to or the type of care she’d receive.

That’s when your travel protection policy matters the most—and where added protection, like a medical transport membership, can come in handy.

Let’s dig into what to do during a medical emergency when traveling and how to find the right insurance policies.

Travel insurance

Falls can happen anywhere—so how do you avoid ending up in a cat-infested hospital?

Unfortunately, that depends on the fine print. Most travel insurance policies have medical benefits that cover basic overseas sicknesses and injuries, helping you get care from a local doctor.

Most also provide bare-bones evacuation coverage in case of emergency, to get you to that local doctor. They cover hospitalizations, doctor visits, medications, and—in some dire cases—airlifts to the nearest medical center. And that’s about it.

If you dig a bit deeper into these policies, you’ll notice there are plenty of exclusions, from pre-existing conditions to high deductibles to maximum limits.

The repatriation benefits (the “get you home after an illness” benefits) consist of rebooking your flight once you’ve been treated to “the fullest extent possible” at the local facility you landed in.

In other words, the policies are incredibly basic and designed for near-death incidents.

What does total travel protection look like?

Prior to traveling to Cairo, Mrs. Walla had enrolled in Medjet—a trusted and specialized name in travel protection. Unlike travel insurance policies, Medjet’s focus is on getting members moved to a hospital of their choice at home.

They get members moved home safely, quickly, and back to the medical care they know and trust.

It specializes in one of the most important elements of travel protection: Providing members with an elevated sense of safety and care by making sure they have the choice to be treated at home.

As someone who has been sick and sent to hospitals in places like Costa Rica, Spain, India, and Taiwan, I can tell you that the feeling of being cared for is critical. (Along with sound medical care, of course.)

What makes a sick person even more unwell? The stress of worrying about whether they’re receiving adequate care and knowing what comes next.

If you’re traveling alone, being alone in a far-away hospital is also extremely stressful. Toss in language barriers and the experience becomes even more of a nightmare.

Medjet’s team immediately stepped in and arranged for a private air ambulance to transport Mrs. Walla to her hospital at home in Burbank. There, she received world-class medical attention from doctors she knew in a hospital she trusted.

Because she was a Medjet member, Medjet picked up the entire cost of the trip: the aircraft, the fuel, the crew, and the ground ambulance transfers to and from the aircraft.

Aside from Mrs. Walla’s case, Medjet’s team has transported injured athletes (they even protect the NFL when they play their games overseas), toddlers needing more specialized medical care, and members who were injured while at sea.

Medjet offers two programs for travelers, MedjetAssist and MedjetHorizon.

Choosing the right option—for you and loved ones

Medjet offers comprehensive and reliable services for travelers domestically and internationally.

They not only have medical transport membership; you can also add security and crisis response services. I think that’s worth looking into, especially as a solo traveler—but it’s also a great choice for adults who want to find more comprehensive protection, and a way home if the worst happens, for elderly parents who travel.

Here’s the other feature I like about Medjet—it’s got options. The company offers annual and short-term memberships, along with specialized options for college students, expats, and domestic travelers. If you ride a motorcycle, you can also add coverage that gets your bike home if you can’t ride it.

The distinction between its MedjetAssist and MedjetHorizon programs is that the latter offers crisis response and security, in addition to its medical transport benefits.

From political uprisings to natural disasters, disappearance and violent crime, the MedjetHorizon program has thought of just about every type of security emergency and offers a 24/7 response line to call for help.

Is Medjet right for you?

I suggest taking a closer look at Medjet’s membership options to see which are most applicable to your travel needs.

For the degree of care and extra attention they provide, they’re extremely accessible in terms of pricing (memberships start at just $99)—which makes Medjet wonderfully accessible for all types of travelers.

I’ll keep Medjet on my radar for upcoming solo trips; it’s a great option for independent travelers who will be facing language barriers in their destination—and offers a wonderful peace of mind.

These 5 TSA Hacks Will Help You Get Through Security Faster

Hectic security lines are a special kind of hell.

Whether or not you’re worried about missing your flight, a noisy and unorganized experience in security is always challenging. From shouting agents to clueless travelers to spilled hair gel, bothersome surprises seem to await us at the airport.

And, as with many other air travel experiences, our best option when facing long security lines is to put on a brave face.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few tried-and-true hacks to get through that line faster. After all, even if you’re not rushing to your gate, you’ll be happy to be done with security sooner rather than later.

According to the TSA, these are the five hacks you need to know to get through security faster.

Hack #1: Join TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Association (TSA) offers two programs that frequent fliers should be aware of: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. The Global Entry program allows pre-approved travelers to jump into expedited customs lines when re-entering the country.

TSA PreCheck, by contrast, is a domestic program for American fliers that gives them access to specialized (and expedited) security lines at the airport.

To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you need to pass a background check and pay a one-time application fee. TSA PreCheck also charges $78 every five years. You can easily register online here.

Global Entry now has an accompanying app, which slashes the time that you’ll wait at in customs when returning from abroad. While Global Entry’s app is only available at around a dozen airports as of October 2024, it’s expected to expand rapidly.

If you want to skip lines for security and customs, opt for both programs. It’s really that easy.

Hack #2: Use biometrics with Clear

Clear is the latest program to expedite security lines, which you may have seen advertised at airports around the US.

First off, it’s worth noting that Clear is run by a private company, while the TSA runs Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. However, Clear comes bundled with TSA PreCheck and vice versa, making it easy for you to enroll in both after applying to one.

But TSA PreCheck and Clear work differently.

Clear logs a member’s biometric data, collecting a scan of their iris and fingerprints. This information is used to verify a flier’s identity at small kiosks. In addition to verifying identities at airports, Clear is also being used at select stadiums and arenas for smart ticketing.

Just like TSA PreCheck, Clear offers benefits like expedited security lines, along with a mobile app that estimates the time to your gate.

However, Clear only has kiosks at around 50 airports compared to the 200+ that TSA PreCheck serves. At $199 a year, Clear is definitely steep. However, for frequent fliers, it’s a pretty robust option for streamlining air travel.

Hack #3: Schedule your trip through security

Want to know one of the best ways to skip the security line? Schedule your visit.

As air travel becomes more popular, airports are desperately working to figure out how to safely and quickly get passengers to their gates.

The grand idea? Reserve a time slot to go through a private security screening… for free, I might add.

At the moment, these airports let you schedule a time slot to pass through security. Simply head to the airport’s website and find the correct page for making reservations. Make sure to read the fine print—every reservation program works differently.

  • JFK
  • DFW
  • LAX
  • EWR
  • MCO
  • PHX
  • SEA

Hack #4: Buy the fast lane

Did you know that you can also purchase access to certain security lanes? According to TSA workers, there are plans to expand tiered security lines.

At the moment, La Guardia offers a B-Fast lane, which lets passengers pay a one-time fee for immediate access to a shorter security line. However, some TSA insiders believe that purchasing a one-time ticket to a faster security lane could be par for the course for busy airports.

Hack #5: Identify the fast lane: businesspeople, frequent fliers, etc.

Want to know one of the more unique pieces of advice on getting through security from TSA agents? No need for TSA PreCheck or any scheduled visits.

The key is knowing what sorts of passengers to avoid following in line.

So, if security lets you choose your line, then here’s how to pick the fastest one. Just like George Clooney suggested in Up In the Air, businesspeople are going to move the quickest. If you see anyone in a suit and a smart suitcase, get behind them.

Usually, older travelers, families with multiple children, and first-time tourists take the longest to get through security. Avoid them.

Parents & Kids Love These 5 Disneyland Hotels

A whopping 17 million visitors graced Disneyland in 2023.

Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland is one of the US’s most frequently visited amusement parks. While it doesn’t hold a candle to Disney World’s attendance numbers (58 million in 2023), it’s the West Coast’s most popular choice for parents and kids.

With plenty of Disneyland adventures baked into the vacation, the big question for many families is where to stay and what to pack. (Looking for suggestions on where to stay in Orlando while visiting Disney World? Start here.)

Is it best to stay in Anaheim and pay for a cheaper hotel with a longer commute to the park?

Is it worth it to shell out for an official Disney hotel?

And what about alternative hotels for families that want more than a shared room?

Let’s explore what you need to know about Disneyland hotels, along with the top picks from parents and kids.

Should you stay at an official Disney hotel?

The big question for families heading to Disneyland is whether or not they should pay for a branded Disney hotel.

The answer comes down to two factors: your family’s love of Disney and your trip budget.

If you’re part of a hardcore, Disney-loving family, it’s probably worth it to pay more for an on-site hotel. It puts you right in the center of a highly curated Disney experience—from Mickey Mouse pools to Buzz Lightyear sitting areas.

That being said, staying at an official Disney hotel requires a liberal budget, as these hotels are some of the priciest of the bunch.

And while Disney hotels are themed and exciting, they don’t offer too many perks in terms of features and amenities. That means regular Disney fans might prefer to spend their hard-earned money elsewhere.

Best Disneyland hotels

Best Disneyland budget pick: Residence Inn by Marriott at Anaheim Resort

Booking

This newly opened Residence Inn gives you all the necessary amenities for a great Disneyland experience.

It’s located within walking distance of the park entrance, includes free breakfast, and offers a larger room size than its competitor budget options.

Those three features should grab your attention. While many hotels are within walking distance of Disneyland, the Residence Inn offers a top-tier breakfast buffet and ample space for families to unwind after a long day.

You won’t find either feature for a cheaper price around Disneyland.

Book a room here

Best luxury Disneyland hotel: Westin Anaheim Resort

Booking

If you’re not concerned with savings, then book a room at the Westin.

Not only is this establishment a AAA Four-Diamond hotel but it’s also got plenty of on-site amenities that parents appreciate after long and exhausting days. I’m talking about high-class on-site restaurants and a full-service spa.

But the real magic here seems to be the hotel’s clean and tidy atmosphere, along with its quiet hush. I imagine the quiet hush is an unspeakably wonderful thing after a big day at Disneyland.

Book a room here

Best kid-friendly amenities: Courtyard by Marriott Theme Park Entrance

TripAdvisor

Want to keep the Disney fun going even after you leave the park?

This Courtyard by Marriott project offers tons of thematic zones for kids to enjoy… and then some other added bonuses. Its outdoor pool, for example, includes a full-scale water park that lets you get in plenty of playtime without leaving the grounds.

Best of all, the park is also located at the gates of Disneyland. That lets families get up early and take advantage of the park before it fills up each morning.

For hardcore Disneyland fans who don’t want to shell out for a Disney hotel, this should be your top pick.

Book a room here

Best Disney option: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Expedia

Are you interested in staying inside the Disney bubble while you’re exploring the park? If so, I suggest you book a stay at the Grand Californian.

The hotel has a long list of live events and themed public spaces that you and your kids won’t forget anytime soon. Despite the focus on fun, the Grand Californian is also designed to feel a bit more upscale, giving both parents and kids the chance for meaningful downtime.

Most importantly, it offers unbeatable proximity to the park.

Book a room here

Best apartment-style hotel: Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort

Booking

It’s close to the park but otherwise distinct. The Hyatt House offers apartment-style rentals that let families more comfortably enjoy their alone time.

That makes this a solid selection for families exploring Anaheim and Los Angeles—not just Disneyland.

If you want a spacious and clean escape from the wild world of Disneyland, you’ll find plenty of room to relax at Hyatt House. Plus, it’s got tons of family-friendly amenities, from free breakfast to surprise gifts for kids at check-in.

Book a room here

Didn’t find what you were looking for in terms of Disneyland hotels? Shop around for rentals near Disneyland instead.