Welcome to Check-In, our weekend feature focusing on all things travel.
Are Black Friday Travel Deals Worth Looking For?
Black Friday is almost here, and while we all know it’s the day to steal on things like TVs and vacuum cleaners, is it worth putting down the pumpkin pie to look for travel deals, too? Experts say yes, it is – but keep a few things in mind.
Jennifer Yellin at The points guy recommends doing some prep work before Black Friday — for example, get on airline and hotel email lists in advance so you’ll have deals sent straight to your inbox, and start price tracking now for tickets that you care about, so you’ll know on Black Friday (or Cyber Monday) if it’s actually a good savings. Just because something is a agreement, is not necessarily one steal and doing homework beforehand is rewarded.
We’re almost back to pre-pandemic travel levels, and because there’s such high demand, a lot of companies that are “trying to get back … don’t have the incentive to offer a lot because everyone wants to travel,” he said. Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews.com New York Times. Instead of Black Friday price cuts, look for extra perks being offered instead, like dining credits tied to a room reservation. Ramhold also highly recommends reading the fine print on any deal that’s tempting — you need to know in advance whether it’s nonrefundable or subject to blackout dates.
Jamie Collins of Before recommends … the 5 toiletries he can’t travel without
As the co-founder of the self-care company Before, Jamie Collins thinks a lot about the toiletries he packs — and he thinks travel isn’t the time to try something new. “I tend to stick with what I know and I’ve been successful,” he said Week. Collins shared the five must-have toiletries he takes with him on every trip and how he makes sure they make it to his final destination in one piece:
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Osmosis Skincare MD – Rescue: “The best serum around to keep my face healthy and clear when I travel. Ultra-soothing and feels like water. A little goes a long way.”
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Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50: “I don’t like complicated products and my skin can be sensitive, so this is a good one. I use it morning and night.”
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Tom Ford Noir Extreme Cologne: “This is one of my favorites and doesn’t take up much space in my toiletry kit. I love discovering new colognes when I travel to Europe, they have such a passion and nose for fragrances.”
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Davines This is a sea salt spray: “I don’t like a lot of product in my hair, but this hairspray has enough hold and is easy to use. It also smells great without being overpowering.”
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Before cleaning the toothpaste – whitening: “We just spent three years developing the perfect toothpaste. It’s called Before and it tastes and feels incredible. Plus, it’s full of clean, dentist-approved ingredients and features eco-friendly recyclable packaging and looks great in any bathroom the hotel.”
When it comes time to pack everything, Collins puts things like floss and dental picks in the bags and makes sure to get travel-size products, not full-size ones. “I usually keep my toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant in my carry-on in case I miss a connecting flight or lose my luggage,” he said. “I missed a link from Italy to Canada this summer and was happy to enjoy the evening in Munich knowing I had what I needed.”
Courtesy of Forward
5 Star Gift Idea: Hotel Kit Plus by Fluff Co.
The holiday countdown is on, and if there’s someone on your list whose favorite part of travel is staying in a hotel, help them recreate the experience at home. Fluff Co. makes luxury bed and bath items at affordable prices, and their Hotel Kit Plus comes with a plush robe, comforter, towel and two pillows (soft and firm). It’s everything your hotel-loving friend needs for a stay that never has to end.
Courtesy of Fluff Co.
Plan accordingly: Upcoming events to add to your calendar
Let’s Glow SF—billed as the largest holiday design arts festival in the United States—will light up downtown San Francisco from December 2nd to 11th. Each night from 5 to 10 p.m., different works of art will be projected onto notable buildings such as the Pacific Exchange, each telling its own story. This year, 15 artists are participating, including Los Angeles-based collective Liquid PXL. Six of their gigantic Electric Dandelion sculptures in steel and acrylic will be on display in Mechanics Monument Plaza – flowers by day, they transform into fireworks by night.
Courtesy of Downtown SF Partnership
Lucia’s Day has been celebrated in Sweden for 400 years, bringing light to the darkness of winter. Candlelight processions are held every December 13, with participants wearing white dresses and singing carols. They are led by a girl chosen to be that year’s “Lucia,” who wears a crown of candles (almost always electric) on top of her head. Visitors to Sweden can attend celebrations across the country, in churches and town halls, and if you’re not around an event in person, some are broadcast on television or radio.
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