Checklists are a key step in travel preparation for many people. Passport — check. Phone charger — check. But have you checked to make sure you’re fully utilizing the travel perks offered by your credit card?

Whether you’re a seasoned jetsetter or a novice traveler seeing the world for the first time, benefits from the right credit card can make a trip more convenient and more comfortable.

Here’s a credit card checklist to review before you hit the road this summer.

1. Bring a card

First things first — be sure to bring a credit card! Many airlines, and even entire airports, are now cash-free. That means you’ll need a card to pay for that pre-departure drink or in-flight snack. You might even earn bonus rewards.

For example, if restaurants are a bonus category for your card, sit-down establishments within the airport will usually still earn that higher rewards rate. If your card earns a bonus on travel purchases, you’ll usually earn that bonus for in-flight purchases.

2. Register for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or a CLEAR+® membership

Airports are more crowded than ever, with 2024 air passenger growth up 6% and foreign travel up 24% year over year versus 2023, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. Expect even bigger crowds for the summer of 2025.

To ease the burden of long lines, check if your card offers a credit that covers the cost of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR+®. These programs allow you to speed through the line at security or customs, but since they all require a background check and an in-person interview, you’ll need to register well before your trip. Even if you haven’t been verified for this trip, register today to prepare for your next trip.

3. Register for lounge access

Airport lounges offer a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal, with most offering free food and drinks. If your card offers access to Priority Pass lounges, you’ll need to register for that benefit before you hit the road.

Don’t forget your physical membership card, or even easier, download the Priority Pass app and use your phone to access the lounge.

4. Notify your issuer of your travel plans

Few things can create issues like having your card unexpectedly stop working when you’re away from home, especially internationally. With rates of credit card fraud increasing, it’s possible your card could stop working if you’re spending outside of your normal patterns or locations. To preempt this, notify your issuer before you travel. Often you can do this online or through the app, but just in case, be sure to travel with at least two cards.

5. Avoid paying foreign transaction fees

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you have a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If your card does levy those fees, try to get a different card before you leave the country.

6. Pay with your most rewarding card

Be sure to identify opportunities to leverage your trip and earn outsized rewards. For example, if you know you’ll be staying at a Hilton brand hotel, you might consider applying for one of the Hilton credit cards offered by American Express and earn up to 14 Hilton points per dollar you spend at the hotel. Those points can stack up fast and easily defray costs for your future travel.

But you’ll need to bring the physical card with you. Many hotels aren’t able to accept digital wallet payments, so if you can’t swipe your card, you’ll miss out on those heightened rewards.

7. Check your card’s money-saving offers

Most UAE travellers’ insurance policies do not cover claims related to war or conflict, so checking coverage details is crucial before travel. (Representational Image/ AI for creative and illustrative purposes only)

Travel Disruptions and Shifting Plans

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

The Impact of Recent Events on Travel Insurance Demand

Travel Insurance: Increasingly Important and Often Mandatory

Rising Costs of Travel Insurance in the UAE

Khaleej Times

Summary for UAE Travellers:

War and conflict-related claims are generally excluded from standard travel insurance policies.

Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, baggage loss, trip delays, cancellations, and some operational airline failures.

Demand for travel insurance is rising due to regional instability and high-profile incidents like the Air India crash.

Many countries require travel insurance as part of visa entry rules, particularly in the Schengen zone and some Gulf countries.

Travel insurance is a smart financial safeguard against rising medical and travel-related costs abroad.

Premiums have increased by up to 18% in the UAE, but affordable tailored options remain available.

Recent upheavals in the Middle East , including missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, have led to significant travel disruptions. For UAE travellers, this has sparked a growing interest in travel insurance, as many seek protection against unexpected events like flight cancellations and delays. Yet, understanding what travel insurance actually covers, especially in cases of war or geopolitical conflict, is crucial before booking that next trip.Following the escalation of armed conflict in the region, UAE airlines have extended flight cancellations to key destinations including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel. Many travellers from the UAE have had to make last-minute changes to their itineraries, either switching destinations or opting for countries where air travel remains unaffected to avoid delays on their return trips.Despite these challenges, summer travel plans are still in motion for many Emiratis and expatriates. For them, travel isn’t just leisure, it’s a family tradition and a vital part of their lifestyle. However, it is important to note that most standard travel insurance policies do not cover claims arising directly from geopolitical unrest or military conflict.Speaking to a local news agency, Khaleej Times, Toshita Chauhan, Chief Business Officer- General Insurance at Policybazaar.ae, explained that “Claims arising directly from geo-political unrest or military conflict remain excluded under typical policy terms.”She further clarified, “A standard travel policy offers financial protection against baggage loss, medical emergencies, trip delays, and cancellations but does not provide compensation for in-flight events or operational airline failures unless linked to broader delays or trip curtailment.”Chauhan emphasized that travel insurance still plays a critical role in addressing other common travel issues: “For problems like missed connections, baggage delays, or last-minute cancellations due to operational failures, travel insurance is proving to be an important safeguard.”She noted a rising trend, stating, “Recent travel disruptions across the Gulf, especially flight delays, cancellations, and temporary airspace closures, have contributed to a perceptible uptick in demand for travel insurance, with trip cancellation and flight delay coverage becoming some of the most searched-for features.”Another factor contributing to increased interest in travel insurance was the tragic Air India plane crash. According to Chauhan, “The Air India incident has undoubtedly triggered a rise in consumer interest but with an important distinction. What many travellers are looking for is flight protection or airline coverage, which differs from traditional travel insurance.”She added, “We’ve seen a spike in queries related to coverage scope, indicating that travellers are more discerning now—they are asking the right questions and seeking clearer coverage terms before purchasing.”While not every country mandates travel insurance, there is a clear global shift toward stricter health and financial safeguards for visitors, especially since the pandemic.Chauhan pointed out, “Countries within the Schengen zone, for instance, require travellers to have a minimum coverage of €30,000 (Dh126,387) for medical emergencies. Similarly, destinations like Thailand, Turkey, and certain Gulf nations have introduced mandatory travel insurance policies for specific visa categories.”She stressed, “The global trend is clearly shifting toward stricter health and financial safeguards for visitors, and travel insurance plays a critical role in this framework.”For many UAE travellers, purchasing insurance is more than just a precaution, it’s a smart financial decision. “With rising international medical costs, a single hospitalisation abroad can run into thousands of dollars,” Chauhan said. “Travel insurance offers comprehensive protection against such expenses, including emergency medical treatment, trip cancellations, baggage loss, flight delays, and even Covid-19-related disruptions. ”Additionally, several foreign embassies across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia now require proof of travel insurance as part of the visa application process. UAE expats visiting their home countries increasingly include travel insurance as a necessary part of their travel checklist, mindful of the risks posed by unexpected medical emergencies or travel mishaps even during short visits.Even before the recent escalation in Middle East tensions, travel insurance premiums in the UAE were already rising sharply. According to data from Policybazaar UAE, premiums have increased by 12 to 18 percent year-on-year. This surge translates to an added cost of between Dh15 and Dh70 per policy, depending on factors such as trip duration, destination, and the traveller’s age.Hitesh Motwani, Deputy CEO at Insurancemarket.ae, told, “There are tailored policies that allow travellers to choose coverage that fits their specific needs and financial plans.”Despite these increases, Motwani reassured travellers: “Travel insurance remains relatively affordable on a per-trip basis.”Travellers are encouraged to carefully review the terms of their insurance policies, understanding exactly what is covered, especially in uncertain times, and to plan their travel with these considerations in mind.

Most Canadians are skipping out on travel insurance because they believe they are already covered through their provincial coverage, employer or credit card. (Credit: Getty Images)

Most Canadians looking to stay closer to home this summer season are doing so without travel insurance despite the risks.

Half of the 73 per cent of Canadians intending to travel this summer are looking to stay in Canada as the country faces a trade war with the United States, according to a recent survey by Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Still, 49 per cent of Canadian travellers aren’t planning to buy travel insurance for their domestic travel, and just 42 per cent plan to buy just emergency travel medical coverage.

Most Canadians are skipping out on travel insurance because they believe they are already covered through their provincial coverage, employer or credit card, but, as TD points out, passing on travel insurance leaves some holes in coverage that can leave you exposed.

“Planning for the unexpected is just as important as planning your trip,” Anthony Ricci, associate vice-president of Life, Health & Credit Protection at TD Insurance, said in a release. “Don’t assume your existing provincial or territorial health plan is enough — travel medical insurance can fill critical gaps.”

TD points to an example in Nova Scotia, where Ontarians solely covered through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) could be on the hook for more than $700 for an ambulance ride in that province.

“There’s an assumption that because you’re in Canada, you don’t have the same risks as going abroad, but that simply may not be the case,” Ricci said. “Canada is a very big country — it’s a longer distance to fly from St. John’s to Vancouver than it is from Toronto to Paris — and a lot can happen to upset your vacation in that distance.”

Still, domestic travel insurance is growing in popularity. The British Columbia Automobile Association last week said purchases of travel insurance for trips within Canada have climbed 22 per cent this year, while similar purchases for U.S. travel have fallen 18 per cent.

To support the influx of Canadians exploring this summer, the federal government announced the “Canada Strong Pass,” which includes free admission to national parks and national historic sites, free admission to museums for children under the age of 17 and free VIA Rail travel for those under 17.

“Our Canada Strong Pass aims to make it even easier for families to choose Canada — to discover the beauty of our country, connect with nature, and enjoy our culture all summer long,” Culture Minister Steven Guilbeault said in a release.

TD recommends checking what your coverage entails before your vacation, bringing all insurance documents with you on the trip and checking with your insurance provider to learn about what limitations your policy may have.

If you’re looking to save some money on your next flight, check with Google before you hit the buy button. Yuttapon Busu/Getty Images

Summer has officially arrived, and it’s vacation season once again. It’s one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which can make hopping on a flight a much more expensive endeavor. The good news is that you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a flight if you know where to look. Even during the peak of summer, it’s still possible to find affordable flights, and Google has tons of information to help you make an informed decision.

Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important takeaways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money.

For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET’s roundup of the best headphones for travel.

What days are the cheapest to fly?

CNET

If you’re planning to book a flight, you’re likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data.

Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly.

Do layovers on flights save you money?

It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight.

Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights?

There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren’t really cheaper days to book. “There’s not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week,” according to the Google report.

Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.

Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance?

To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it’s better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it’s better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel.

For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip — with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average.

For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it’s generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, “Average prices don’t meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself” for international travel from the US.

Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again. Anton Petrus/Getty Images/Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET

When is the best time to book a flight in every season?

Here’s what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations.

Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book.

Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest — meaning it’s best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October.

Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It’s best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October.

Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average.

When is the best time to book a flight to Europe?

International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it’s generally best practice to book as early as you can.

When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean?

International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That’s because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest.

For more, check out CNET’s picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.

Energy customers warned of July 1 deadline and urged to act or face bill hike

Families need to take one important step with their energy bills before the end of the month, which only takes a minute and could save you money

Householders are being urged to take action to help save money on their energy bills (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Millions of people face higher energy bills if they fail to take action before July 1, experts have warned. Householders are being urged to take a meter reading before the end of the month to help save money.

More than seven million homes face being overcharged from July 1 if they fail to submit updated gas and electricity readings, according to research by price comparison site Uswitch.com. They say households on standard variable tariffs could save £50 next month alone, with the average energy bill expected to fall from £113 in June to £63 in July – thanks to lower summer usage and a drop in the energy price cap.

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But anyone without a smart meter who doesn’t give their supplier a reading could be billed using older, more expensive June rates – costing households up to £1.93 extra per week. If all affected homes miss the deadline, the nation could collectively waste more than £14 million in just one week, reports the Express.

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Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, said: “If you want to make the most of lower prices this summer, read your meter before July 1. It only takes a minute, and it could save you money. Without an accurate reading, suppliers may assume your usage falls into the old June pricing – meaning you pay more than you should.”

It comes amid warnings that energy prices could rise again this autumn, as instability in the Middle East sends wholesale costs soaring. The energy price cap – which limits what suppliers can charge per unit – is expected to rise in October, just as colder weather drives up demand.

To protect against a potential autumn price shock, consumers are being urged to consider switching now. Uswitch says there are currently 10 fixed tariffs on the market cheaper than the upcoming July price cap, with the best deals offering average annual savings of around £145.

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Mr Gallizzi added: “There’s a lot of global uncertainty at the moment. Fixing your energy deal now could help you stay ahead of any future hikes. If you can switch to a tariff cheaper than the July price cap, now is a good time to do it.”

The call to action comes as many households admit they’ve lost the habit of submitting meter readings. One in five people without a smart meter haven’t given their supplier a reading in the last three months, and 6% haven’t done so in over a year.

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Among the reasons are forgetfulness and confusion. A third said they didn’t think they needed to submit readings that often, while 16% simply forgot.

To help consumers stay on top of their bills, Uswitch has issued a simple three-step checklist:

CHECK: Submit a meter reading before July 1 if you don’t have a smart meter. This ensures you pay the correct rate for what you actually use.

TRACK: Monitor your usage with a smart meter or an energy tracking app — it helps spot patterns and cut back where possible.

CHANGE: Consider switching to a fixed-rate deal now, before prices rise again in October.

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More help and advice, including how to read your meter, is available at Uswitch.com.