The Top 9 Ways to Get Upgraded on a Flight

And what NOT to do under any circumstances.

Sherri Gardner Associate Editor At the end of this week, I'll be leaving on my first vacation in almost a year. After a quick stop in St. Louis for a college reunion, I'll be doing the Highway 1 road trip down the California coast. This trip has been months in the making but the pre-trip process has been so taxing that I needed a vacation from vacation planning! Finding flights that were affordable and on a reasonable timetable took weeks, and sifting through dozens of hotels in four different cities gave me headaches for days. On top of just choice paralysis, I, like most Americans traveling this summer, have seen how much inflation is impacting domestic travel prices. Maybe it's just because I haven't booked a flight for myself in a very long time, but three one-way tickets shouldn't cost more than round-trip airfare for two to Rome. And gas prices are so obscenely high that I abandoned my convertible Mustang dreams for a much more practical and far less sexy Prius. Even then, I'm not sure how much money it will save me because—surprise, surprise—rental cars are more expensive than ever (thanks to smaller fleets and high demand) and California gas prices seem to be especially high. But for all the headaches and hours staring at hotel websites and meticulous budgeting, I couldn't be more excited for a trip. I don't know about you, but these past 10 months have been just plain grueling. So a healthy dose of sunlight, wine tastings along the coast, the wind blowing through my hair, and a girls' trip with one of my closest friends might be just what I've been missing. On Our Radar Hospitality in the New South: How Luxury Brands Are Shaping the Region's Future There's a newly-energized drive to get beyond tired tropes. Hilton Is Opening a New Maldives Resort With a Private Pool in Every Villa If there's one destination topping our summer travel bucket list, it's this one. You Can Win a Free Cruise Courtesy of JLo and Virgin Voyages—Here's How 1,000 lucky winners will get an unforgettable vacation. Destination of the Day Wales With more than 600 castles, unique cultural and culinary traditions, and an untamed, dramatic coastline, it's shocking that only a small percentage of visitors to the United Kingdom set foot in Wales. There's something for everyone here, whether you're into trekking mountain peaks in Snowdonia National Park, exploring "Dr. Who" filming locations in Cardiff, or strolling among Easter egg-hued beachfront cottages in quaint Tenby. Plus, it's remarkably easy to get to. Read on for the top destinations in Wales. Cardiff Even if you're planning on heading further afield, spend at least a day or two in Cardiff, Wales's largest city. This bustling university town has excellent nightlife and restaurants and is also home to the National Museum of Wales, which houses one of Europe's best collections of Impressionist art. Active visitors will enjoy the miles of trails, complete with sweeping natural vistas and gardens, in the Cardiff Bay area or behind Cardiff Castle along The River Taff. Then, round out your stay with an action-packed traditional rugby match to truly immerse yourself in the culture of this Welch capital city. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park This national park is particularly unique, as nowhere in the park is more than 10 miles away from the coast. There are more than 600 miles of public trails and footpaths to explore, including the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales. Don't miss the offshore islands, including Skomer Island, home to a colony of puffins, which can be accessed by boat tour. The coast, of course, also has some of the best beaches in Wales, from Marloes Sands to Saundersfoot Bay. Conwy With so many castles (and ruins) across Wales, it's hard to choose which to visit. But if you only visit one, make it Conwy Castle. The castle still has a complete set of medieval royal residential rooms, and visitors can walk a full circuit of the eight-towered battlements and town walls. Elsewhere in town, you'll find the Smallest House In Great Britain, Aberconwy House, and Plas Mawr—a restored Elizabethan townhouse that offers daily tours. Conwy also has a scenic harbor, inviting travelers to walk along the water or seek out waterside restaurants. Numerous beaches are located a short drive away, too—look for Colwyn Bay Beach or North Shore Beach. Snowdonia National Park Snowdonia National Park, located in North Wales, boasts some of the highest peaks and best views in the United Kingdom. The massive park is known for its hiking and camping, but there's plenty to see and do in the area for all types of travelers. It's home to Mount Snowdon, Wales's highest mountain, as well as iconic peaks like Cader Idris, and Tryfan. The park also contains numerous towns and villages within its diverse landscape, which ranges from mountains to valleys to beaches.   Vacation Like a Pro   While Wales is part of the U.K., don't call a Welsh person British! The Welsh are fiercely protective of their country's history and traditions, and the country has its own set of customs, holidays, and even political practices that distinguish it from England. If you're visiting Wales in August, don't miss the annual National Eisteddfod, a massive celebration of Welsh music, poetry, and art. Laura Ratliff Senior Editorial Director Your Packing List April through July are the driest months, with central Wales seeing an average rainfall of fewer than 4 inches a month. Be sure to pack a lightweight rain jacket (with a thin fleece shirt or two for layering underneath) and waterproof shoes. If you are planning to be on the coast, where it's usually a bit warmer, you can pack some shorts and T-shirts for catching the sun when it shows its face. Keen on swimming? Unless you are accustomed to really cold Atlantic waters, bring a wet suit. Even in the summer, the water temperature rarely rises above 61 degrees. Trending in Travel How to Up Your Chances of Getting a Flight Upgrade Italy Just Lifted All COVID-19 Entry Restrictions The Best Women's Flip-Flops for Any Warm-Weather Trip Get Inspired Situated off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is an Indian Ocean archipelago with endless opportunities for beachfront relaxation. One of the country's best beaches is located on the main island, near the small town of Trou-aux-Biches. A mile-long stretch of fine sand, the town's public beach boasts calm, family-friendly waters. Its west coast location means that it is largely sheltered from the weather during the rainy season, while local restaurants serve cuisine that reflects Mauritius' multicultural heritage.   Got Any Tips?   Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve? Send us a note at feedback@tripsavvy.com and you may just see it in a future newsletter! You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the TripSavvy newsletter. A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005 © 2021 tripsavvy.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy

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