TSA Looking to Get Rid of Double-Screenings for International Flights

We’ve all been there before. We’re returning home after a long international flight, ready to de-board and head to our final gate for a connecting domestic flight home… only to realize that there’s a second security check.

Worse, if you checked any bags, you now need to go to baggage claim, collect your suitcases, and then re-check them.

For years, the TSA has imposed strict security standards for the majority of international flights landing in the US. Both citizens and visitors must collect their bags, then head through security after clearing customs. That second security check is designed to catch anything that other airports missed.

It’s also been a huge cause for delays and unneeded stress.

But, as with many other TSA-related news topics over the last month, there’s a big change in store.

Welcome to the One Stop Program.

Inside the TSA’s One Stop Program

This new program is designed to let passengers depart their international flight, head through customs, and then onward to their connecting domestic flight without the added security check. And, most importantly, without needing to collect and re-check luggage.

It’s called the One Stop Program and is designed to streamline one of the more difficult security processes. Originally, the program was developed for pilots but is now being sampled by Delta Airlines and American Airlines.

So far, it’s been used at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for an American Airlines flight arriving from Heathrow London International Airport.

It’s one of two major changes to come from the Department of Transportation, including the end of the shoes-off rule. According to travel industry sources, it looks like the TSA’s next target could be the longstanding liquid restrictions.

Not only will these changes improve the air travel experience for millions of Americans, but changes like the One Stop Program will also play a critical role in streamlining international flight traffic for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Best Nerdy Things to Do in NYC: 10 Options for Tech, Art, Culture, & More

The Big Apple was made for nerds like you and me.

While the city has a reputation for being ultra-cool (and rightfully so), it’s also a place where mega-dorks gather, network, and thrive.

I’m talking about people with a relentless interest in history, fine art, pop culture, technology, theatre, and academia at large. (And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.)

In short, while New York City is a flashy place where you can see and be seen without any fear of being called ‘too much’, it’s also a place where you can scurry underground and find a like-minded community. After all, the city is home to around 12 million people, all with converging and diverging interests.

That means one thing for visitors like you: expect to have an endless list of things to do.

If you’re looking for kickass NYC tours, start here.

If you want the very best food tours, start here instead.

But if you want to dive deep into the nerdier activities, tours, and experiences in the Big Apple, don’t go anywhere. I’ve rounded up the coolest nerdy things to do in NYC for all types of interests.

Best nerdy things to do in NYC

Lectures on Tap
The Frick Collection
Museum of Future Experiences
Mercer Labs Museum of Art & Technology
The Tenement Museum
Xanadu Roller Arts
Museum of Broadway
LES Gallery Nights
The Polonsky Exhibition of New York Public Library’s Treasures
Toy Tokyo Underground

Best nerdy things to do in NYC

For nerds of all stripes: Lectures on Tap

I covered Lectures on Tap a few months ago—it’s one of those catchy New York City ideas that I’m sure will balloon into a well-known quantity. (Or inspire spin-offs.) The premise is simple: qualified speakers deliver mini-lessons to a bar with a captivated audience.

Just head to the Lectures on Tap website to see which lectures they have coming up and where they’re located, as the bars are always changing. Then sign up for whichever lecture catches your interest, then show up and enjoy a cocktail with like-minded nerds while you learn something new.

Fine arts: Frick Collection

If you’re a fine arts nerd, I’m sure you’re already well aware of the famous Frick Collection. (If not, it’s a private fine arts collection housed inside one of the city’s most extravagant Gilded Age mansions.) But it recently added new exhibits, while renovating and expanding certain areas. The result is a brand new twist on the beloved Frick Collection—one that’s been lauded by critics.

Tech: Museum of Future Experiences

New York City isn’t short on super-cool VR adventures, but my hands-down favorite are those offered at the Museum of Future Experiences. While it might be too modern and high-tech to be considered one of the nerdy things to do in NYC, I still think it deserves a shout-out.

Currently, the venue combines elements of VR with unique production elements, creating a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. That’s about all I want to say about this VR-enhanced adventure—it’ll be more mind-blowing to just show up and trust the process.

Tech: Mercer Labs Museum of Art & Technology

If the Museum of Future Experiences caught your interest, then don’t miss out on Mercer Labs. It’s sort of like one of those content creator-focused museums with plenty of creative and grand visual displays—except it’s more geared toward creativity.

In other words, you’re in store for a mind-blowing series of exhibits that involve video and audio design, drawing you into a playground of audioscapes and artworks that you won’t believe until you see them. (I recommend treating this experience like a visit to a fine arts museum instead of a photo op.)

History and culture: The Tenement Museum

There’s not much to say about The Tenement Museum except that it’s way, way, way cooler than it sounds. While you might not think you’re interested in seeing how New Yorkers lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s, you’ll find yourself walking around the exhibits with your mouth hanging open, stunned at the cramped, shabby replicas.

Recently, the museum added an exhibit that explores the African American tenement experience, letting you broaden your understanding of the city even more.

Culture: Xanadu Roller Arts

Roller skating rinks are cultural, which makes them nerd-adjacent. And if you’re one of those Americans (or international visitors) who have somehow missed out on the zeitgeist, Xanadu Roller Arts will take you into the fold.

You’ll get to hit the rink while learning how to skate, dance, and flirt on four wheels. (The flirting is optional, I guess—but what are you doing at a roller rink if you’re not passively putting on a show for everyone in eyeshot?)

Theatre: Museum of Broadway

(Photo by Manoli Figetakis/Getty Images)

Thespians, unite! After a long overdue opening, the Museum of Broadway is now taking visitors on a 300-year historical romp that covers the greatest shows, performers, and stages in the Big Apple.

The museum is also designed to be highly visual, meaning you can stop for photo ops while you make your way through the exhibit. Think: a Broadway museum that’s suitably flashy.

Modern art: LES Gallery Nights

(Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images)

LES Gallery Nights is a monthly event that takes place in the Lower East Side. (Remember LES = the Lower East Side.) On the third Thursday of the month, Artists Alliance organizes a list of participating galleries that are open late and free to the public.

It looks like the monthly excursions are DIY, meaning there’s no group tour to join. Instead, head out late and skip the crowds at your favorite LES galleries with one of the lesser-known but best nerdy things to do in NYC.

History: The Polonsky Exhibition of New York Public Library’s Treasures

The New York Public Library launched a new exhibition a few years ago that explores its ‘library treasures’. While that sounds a little vague, it’s got a few heavy-hitting pieces inside.

You can see things like Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, the actual Gutenberg Bible, and stuffed animals that belonged to the real-life Christopher Robin. Plus, it’s housed in one of the city’s coolest public spaces (The New York City Public Library), making it a two-for-one special.

Culture: Toy Tokyo

Want to take a trip to Japan without ever boarding a plane? Head to the wonky underground store that is Toy Tokyo. You can explore aisles of weird toys, figurines, stuffed animals, and more. As one reviewer put it, ‘This is like a magical candy store for adults to collectors and Anime fans.’

Are Five-Star Hotels Worth It? 6 Reasons They Might Not Be

Who doesn’t dream of a five-star escape?

Whether you started your travel career as a humble backpacker or have traditionally stuck to all-inclusive resorts, the allure of the five-star hotel knows no bounds.

But here’s the big question—are five-star hotels worth it?

As someone who has stayed in a wide range of lodgings, from ashram stays with thirty mats in a room to truly opulent five-star stays in the Swiss Alps, I can tell you that there are many comfortable places to rest your head after a long day.

And five-star hotels aren’t always the end-all.

In fact, I might actually prefer a four-star hotel instead.

Five-star hotels vs four-star hotels: what’s the difference?

Let’s kick things off by me giving you a dirty industry secret: there’s no single entity that’s in charge of dispensing hotel star ratings.

Usually, it’s a game of amenities and high-quality products, but there’s no overarching rubric or governing body. Instead, different hospitality organizations across the world have outlined the basics of how a hotel can advance from a one-star stay up to a five-star location. Again, it’s not uniform by any measure; there are even so-called seven-star hotels out there.

The main difference between four and five-star hotels is amenities like the number of pools, spa services, room count, and more. It’s largely about numbers instead of quality. While there is a direct (and reliable) correlation between amenities and quality products at five-star hotels, that’s not always the case.

Before you fork over thousands for a five-star hotel stay, take a look at the considerations below. Again, I don’t want to steer you away from a quality five-star stay—but I want you to know why that five-star status might not equate to a truly next-level vacation.

Are five-star hotels worth it? 6 reasons they might not be

Reason #1: Quality over quantity

Like I just outlined, the difference between hotel star counts comes down to amenities. At a one-star hotel, you might be expected to fork over for basics like Wi-Fi and television.

At a five-star stay, by contrast, you should have access to large rooms, fine dining options, a spa, a fitness center, pools, and plenty more. A ‘true’ five-star hotel also comes with a personal butler.

In other words, it’s a game of quantity—and quantity doesn’t always translate to quality. I’ve noticed this at many five-star resorts compared to hotels. The resorts are bloated with amenities that get them that five-star listing—but don’t actually feel elevated, refined, or luxurious.

Reason #2: It’s a boutique thing

If I could give you one piece of hotel advice, it’s to ignore the star ratings and go for a boutique experience. And most of those fantastic boutique hotels have four stars instead of five.

That’s because they run a tighter and more specialized operation—one that isn’t dependent on large pools or fitness rooms with pricey equipment.

In other words, some four-star hotels actually give staff more freedom to focus on quality because they’re smaller and more specialized. While they might not be as grand as a five-star, you can still find boutique four-star stays that absolutely feel like a five-star experience.

Reason #3: No premium price tag

There’s not much to say here except that when hotels aren’t forced to offer so many amenities, they can keep their room rates lower. Plus, many four-star hotels that do offer elevated amenities let you pay for them a la carte.

Instead, you can scale up toward a more five-star experience if you want. If not, you can enjoy those four-star prices.

Reason #4: Five-star hotels in big cities tend to underdeliver

Again, I’d hate to dissuade you from splurging on that five-star stay—but I don’t usually think a five-star hotel in a city or busy area is worth it. While a five-star resort or a more remote hotel might take you on a wildly luxurious adventure, hotels located in cities have little space to work with.

And while five-star hotels might still cram a bunch of amenities into that hotel, it might not actually feel that much different than a four-star stay. In short, there are times when a five-star hotel will underdeliver—and that’s usually in cities, in my experience.

Reason #5: Unless you’re staying at the hotel, you might not need all those amenities

Let’s stick with this city example. If you’re heading to San Francisco with plans to stay out all day (and all night) to explore the city, then what’s the point of splurging on a five-star hotel room? You need to be hanging around the grounds to take advantage of those amenities and the high-class atmosphere.

After all, what’s the point of having a personal butler at a five-star hotel if you’re going to spend most of your trip skipping around town? (By contrast, if you plan on unwinding on the hotel grounds for a significant portion of your trip, those five-star amenities might be worth it!)

Reason #6: True luxury is invisible—it’s not at five-star locations

Here’s my last piece of advice: while most of us see five-star hotels as the uppermost echelon of luxury, the finest hotels, rooms, and experiences aren’t advertised.

In other words, don’t overspend on a five-star hotel because you want to know what it feels like to live in the lap of luxury—at least, not just any five-star hotel.

If you want to forge into a world of true luxury, you need to do some research to figure out where the elites are hanging out—because it’s not at the average five-star resort in Florida.

World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 8 – The Ujjayi Breath

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / In Darjeeling

When our silent retreat ended, our group packed our bags and left Rumtek Monastery deep in the Himalayan Foothills. The Jeeps were loaded up, then sent back to Gangtok, the capital of India’s Sikkim territory.

From there, we drove south to Darjeeling. The famous tea town is situated amid steep hills, like San Francisco. It would be our group’s final hoorah in India before heading back to Kolkata and flying west to the United States.

And we had one last mission from our group leaders.

Having experienced a Hindu temple in Kolkata (see: Chapters 3 & 4) and learned about Tibetan Buddhism at Rumtek Monastery (see: Chapters 6 & 7), we were now tasked with delving into yoga.

As with many other topics in this world tour of travel stories, I’m deferring to the experts.

Like Hinduism, yoga is a vastly complex belief system. The asanas (body postures) we learn about in the West are only one tiny portion of yogic teachings—and there are dozens of branches, with smaller shoot-offs.

If you want to learn about yoga, please focus on Hindu sources—again, I can’t begin to explain how ancient, intricate, and diverse the yogic schools of thought are. On top of that, there’s also a big push to ‘take back yoga’ from teachers who aren’t qualified to teach the subject.

Now’s a good time to remind you: during this adventure, I was seventeen years old on this trip. Though I was interested in yoga and had heard and seen plenty about it in the United States, I had little to no idea what was in store for me when I signed up for a yoga class in Darjeeling.

Part II / The yoga class

Over the course of this trip, I’d gotten closer to one of my groupmates. In fact, we’re still great friends, and manage to schedule phone calls though we’re separated by a nine-hour time difference.

In Darjeeling, she and I decided to sign up for our yoga class together.

After getting lost a few times in the busy city center, we eventually found the yoga studio. It was a large, modest basement room. Around thirty adults were seated on mats spaced evenly around the room.

Everyone turned and stared when we arrived.

We explained that we didn’t speak Hindi but were interested in joining the yoga class. The seated adults were very patient and welcoming, looking surprised but accepting of our arrival. The teacher sat us at the front of the class, sensing that we’d need a bit of extra help.

In another painfully kind gesture, the teacher taught the class in both Hindi and English. And, as with every yoga class I’ve taken in India, it started off with a philosophical lecture. During this time, we learned about breathwork, which is called pranayama.

When the philosophical lesson ended, it was time to start a series of breathing exercises.

Part III / The Ujjayi breath

The first ten or twenty minutes of class went wonderfully. We learned about the foundational beliefs of pranayama, how they can be applied in daily life, and how it centers the mind and body.

Then we moved on to the breathwork exercises, which were more intense than I’d imagined.

Then came the ujjayi breath.

Ujjayi is an exercise where you breathe using your diaphragm. I remember breathing using my stomach while slightly narrowing my throat to create a slight sound when inhaling and exhaling.

It took a while to get into a rhythm, especially because my friend and I were struggling to breathe in the ujjayi form. It’s a forceful breath that you need to concentrate on during inhalations and exhalations.

Then, seeing us struggling, our instructor snuck up behind me and started doing ujjayi breaths as loudly as possible right into my ear to exemplify what I should sound like. It was one of the most unintentionally hilarious moments of my life; I was then concentrating on not laughing while also trying to do a ujjayi breath.

Eventually, my friend and I got the hang of things and began to sync up with the rest of the group. Though difficult, I was beginning to sense the mind-clearing and mind-centering effects of the intense exercises.

But the class didn’t stop; over the next twenty minutes or so, I kept opening my eyes a sliver to check on the other practitioners, wondering how long the lesson would go on.

I wish I could tell you how long the full yoga class went on—it couldn’t have been more than an hour, though it felt much longer. All I know is that, feeling exhausted and on the brink of quitting those intense ujjayi breaths, I started to transcend.

The instructor ended the ujjayi session and had the group lie on our backs, fully relaxed.

The intensity of the shift was immediately noticeable; my mind was alert but calm, while my body felt like melted butter.

At which point I had a full-on spiritual vision—it was almost like being in a trance. To this day, I remember that vision very specifically. Sometimes, it makes more sense than others.

Again, I don’t know how long I lay on the mat, but it couldn’t have been long. When it ended, my friend and I headed back to our group in a kind of stunned but content silence.

TL;DR my world tour of travel stories: Learn yoga from Hindus.

Family Vacation Rentals in Branson, MO: 12 VRBOs & Airbnbs

Branson, Missouri, is one of the state’s best-kept secrets.

While out-of-towners from nearby Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee regularly head over to enjoy summer in one of the US’s live music capitals, it flies under the radar for thousands more.

It’s got Silver Dollar City, a charming amusement park. There’s also a Titanic Museum and the World’s Largest Toy Museum, if you like funkier side quests. Plus, you have access to unspoiled stretches of Ozark forest and hills, and, the big coup, nearby watering holes like Table Rock Lake.

I’m more than a little biased here because I’m from Missouri. Still, if you’re a fan of summer vacation places like Myrtle Beach or Pigeon Forge, home to Dollywood, then you’ll love Branson. I’ve also made it even easier for you to enjoy the summer fun with my top family vacation rentals in Branson, MO.

From these solid rentals, you can take off to enjoy Branson at your own pace—whether that involves hiking through Marvel Cave, catching Dolly Parton’s Stampede, or exploring artifacts from the Titanic.

12 family vacation rentals in Branson MO

Walking distance to downtown: Roark Creek Retreat

If you want to be within walking distance of Branson’s coolest shops, restaurants, and boutiques, then Roark Creek offers a great location. Aside from the great spot, the retreat also includes access to an indoor and outdoor pool, a play area, and a relaxing gazebo. Consider it your launching pad for all those great Branson adventures.

Pet-friendly condo stay: Fall Creek Resort

Missourians are dog people—so if you want to bring Fido along for your Branson adventure, this spot is ready to roll out the doggy bed for you. It’s located on a quiet, peaceful resort area where you can expect tranquil vibes throughout the day.

Plus, there’s plenty of grassy areas for your dog to go out—and, of course, those resort amenities, including an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and more.

Lovely condo on Lake Taneycomo: Pointe Royale Golf Resort

You’ve got just about everything you could want from any family vacation rentals in Branson, MO, at this Pointe Royale condo. Pointe Royale is one of the better resorts in town, giving you access to indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course, a fantastic playground, and even tennis courts. Plus, if you’re up for it after a long day, the walk into downtown is only around 15 minutes.

Golf course access: Thousand Hills Golf Resort

With three king bedrooms and three separate bathrooms, your family will have plenty of space to unwind. There’s also a covered balcony so you can enjoy meals and downtime in the outdoors. Plus, you’ve got access to the Thousand Hills course—just make sure you reserve this spot and call ahead to book a tee time. It fills up fast, especially during summer.

Free passes to local attractions: Thousand Hills Golf Resort (2)

This rental comes with one huge perk: you get free attraction tickets to participating locations that renew each day. (As in, you can use one free pass per day.) That list is pretty hefty, including Silver Dollar City, White Water, WonderWorks, the Titanic Museum, and more.

On top of that very welcoming offer, expect a fantastic experience at Thousand Hills Golf Resort. As with the other rental property on this resort, listed above, you can call ahead to nab a tee time, too!

Classic log cabin stay with multiple options: Grand Mountain

Grand Mountain offers amazing log cabin rentals around Branson; I’m recommending two on this list, including the option below. With this link, you can explore four different cabin options, including two and four-bedroom picks.

Some also include a jetted tub and gas fireplaces. (Bonus: While this list is focused on the best family vacation rentals in Branson, MO, Grand Mountain also offers small one-bedroom rentals that are great for romantic getaways!)

Classic log cabin stay that sleeps 6: Grand Mountain (2)

This log cabin comfortably sleeps six, though I’m sure smaller kids could share beds for even more bunkspace. This gorgeous cabin comes with a stone fireplace with a gas hookup, plus a screened balcony for added outdoor time. This cabin is also a walk-in, making it great for any families with members who have mobility concerns.

Close to Silver Dollar City: Timber Lake Lodge

You’ve got it all at this lovely, four-bedroom cabin. Silver Dollar City is only a few minutes away by car, letting you take on the old-timey-themed amusement park at a moment’s notice.

But there’s also the Indian Point Marina for any families that want to get out on the water, making this a great jumping-off point for nature excursions. (It also has a fresh, crisp interior that feels cozy.)

Cabin with private jacuzzi & arcade: Stonebridge Golf Community

Get out into the woods with this private cabin. Located in Branson’s western area, it’ll give you a more remote feel than the other rentals on this list. But that doesn’t mean you should expect less.

This rental also offers a private jacuzzi and—the real coup for families—an arcade room. Personally, I’d probably book it for that balcony view, which showcases the surrounding greenery.

20 acres of private land to roam: Serenity House

Let’s assume getting out into nature is high on your priority list—the cabin above would be a great choice, along with this stunning property. The Serenity House is located on 20 private acres, giving your family space to roam.

Plus, there’s a great outdoor barbecue setup. But you might also find yourself spending a lot of time indoors, as this rental is newly renovated and has a professional, modern design.

A mini-cabin for a short stay: Tiny A-Frame

I know, I know—jamming a family of four into a tiny house isn’t how traditional vacations are built. That being said, this is a very cool mini A-Frame that more adventurous families would enjoy during a short stay. Despite its small size, there’s also a great covered porch setup, a fully functional kitchen, and, most importantly, access to Table Rock Lake.

Large cabin with room for the whole fam: Bucksaw Bear Cabin

Forget the tiny A-Frame if you’re going to bring the whole family with you. If that’s the case, head to Bucksaw Bear Cabin. Not only does it have enough space to sleep ten, but it also has the types of outdoor and indoor seating areas that you’ll need to relax with a larger group.

After all, what’s the point of looking into family vacation rentals in Branson, MO if there’s not room for everyone to comfortably hang out? It also has a wood-burning fireplace, a gorgeous set of wood stairs, and other unique bespoke elements.

How to Get Cheap Last-Minute Vacation Packages: 5 Easy Steps

Step one on how to get cheap last-minute vacation packages: have a flexible job and, ideally, some PTO. (Or get fired. I won’t judge.)

Step two on how to get cheap last-minute vacation packages: know the basics of finding last-minute deals, including the platforms that offer them and the types of bundles that will work for you.

Sounds pretty straightforward so far, right?

Unfortunately, the toughest part about getting a cheap last-minute vacation package is the flexibility mentioned in the first sentence.

If you want access to huge savings, you need to be dynamic. And by dynamic, I mean you need to be ready to hit buy on those deals and have your bags packed by morning. Also, you might need a pet sitter on speed dial.

But let’s assume you’re not worried about that flexibility. Maybe you have an unexpected vacation coming up, or maybe you’ve already taken off and plan on going on vacation, but you just haven’t figured out where yet.

You’re in the perfect spot to get a last-minute vacation for pennies on the dollar.

Ready to learn how to get cheap trips at the last second in five easy steps? Assuming you’ve got those vacation dates in mind, here’s what to do next.

How to get cheap last-minute vacation packages in five easy steps

Step 1: Set your parameters

Here’s the thing about planning last-minute trips: you’ll do the planning and booking fast. Lightning fast, depending on prices. To prevent yourself from overspending or getting distracted, write down these three important factors.

First, what’s your budget? Make a little financial plan for your getaway.

Second, what form of transportation are you taking? Planes, trains, buses, and airport transfers are probably in the mix; write it down so you don’t forget a step.

Third, what ‘vibe’ are you going for? Before you start shopping for deals, figure out if you want a lazy/active trip, a beach/winter destination, and so on. Or, at least, figure out what you don’t want beforehand.

Step 2: Know where to find last-minute deals

There are tons of ways that you can find last-minute deals. I suggest digging into my article about planning last-minute escapes, but let me summarize briefly.

You can find cheap last-minute vacation packages directly from resorts, from basic room rental platforms, and from OTAs (online travel agencies) like Priceline and Booking.

You must always read the fine print; cheap and last-minute vacation packages usually come with the most basic tier and offers. To confirm what is and isn’t included, I suggest following up with the resort (not a booking agency) directly via phone.

I recommend looking for slashed room rates at HotelTonight or looking for multiple deals (including flights) from platforms like LastMinuteTravel. However, these usually don’t include vacation packages.

If you want a full package, go to Priceline’s homepage and look at its Quick Escape or Deal of the Day sections. They include both flights and hotels. Another good option is Booking.com’s offers (on the homepage) and their seasonal and holiday deals page, which includes flights and hotel offers.

Step 3: Know what affects those last-minute deals

This isn’t a traditional ‘step’, but it’s a good time to dig into why you’re going to see all these discounted vacation packages.

Just like airlines overbook flights to compensate for no-shows, hotels and resorts really want to fill up their rooms during the low season or following a natural disaster.

But that’s not always the case. For example, many resorts in Turkey are rolling out the red carpet for tourists, as its travel industry is being affected by conflicts in the Middle East. Though the conflicts haven’t touched Turkey, many travelers are turning away out of fear. If you aren’t easily spooked by those topics, then you can find cheap last-minute packages for hotels and resorts around the country.

In short, there are tons of reasons aside from seasonality and weather that you might see great vacation packages from resorts. And it’s never a bad idea to reach out directly to ask if they have any sale periods coming up.

Step 4: Choose your champion

Now that you have fifty tabs open, it’s time to narrow down your favorite deals. Look for offers that include airport transfers—those can be an unexpected expense. And—again—remember to read the fine print. The next step involves booking every other aspect of the trip, so this is your last chance to figure out what’s included and what you need to cover.

Step 5: Hammer out those little details

This is the time to hammer out all those little details, from booking flights to finding a pet-sitter. Depending on how last-minute your trip is, you might also be running out of time to do other important things.

Off the top of my head, I can think of topics like finding an eSIM, refilling any medication prescriptions, alerting your bank that you’re heading abroad, borrowing items (like a Kindle reader), and letting your family know that you’re skipping town for a little bit.

Here’s your five-step summary on how to get cheap last-minute vacation packages:

Set your parameters for the trip in terms of budget, the types of transportation you need to book, and what type of trip you don’t want to go on.
Look through the last-minute vacation package platforms to find an option that works for you.
Don’t be afraid to keep shopping; you could find better options based on season, location, and even recent events.
Pick a winner, then follow up to figure out what is and isn’t included in the fine print; there will probably be a lot.
Plan the rest of the details—don’t forget to book transportation, to pick up any medications, to alert your bank that you’re traveling, and so on.