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Tripit Pro Review: The Must Have Travel Organizer App

Let’s get straight into it. What does it do?

TripIt organises your travel arrangements in a neat, easy to read, and consistent format. 

Tripit is a travel booking and itinerary application from Concur designed to let you “instantly organize” all your travel plans in one place.

I’m a big fan of apps that help me cut down on administration tasks. Logging into airline portals and managing flights should be simpler. Tripit offers a solution to the multiple-itinerary logistics issue that many travelers have to deal with.

And while you’re evaluating Tripit, check out this slick new competitor as an alternative flight management app: App In The Air .

Why should you use it?

Use Tripit Pro to organize trips, save time, and easily view all your schedules. Tripit now offers COVID-19 travel guidance in the app so you can find out what kind of restrictions you might have to deal with.

How do I set it up?

For people who want to jump straight in, download the TripIt app from the App store here and Google Play.

Once you’ve downloaded the app (or are using the website) you will need to enter some details to start your account. You can sign in with an email account and password or use a social media account.

I chose to use my e-mail address for login access. I am not a big fan of connecting my social networks to mobile apps. The social media login is a bit more streamlined (no password required) so you might prefer to use that.

You also have to allow the app access to your email service’s inbox in order for it to automatically import travel itineraries and booking for you, so make sure you use the e-mail address you typically have all your travel info sent to when you make plans for a trip.

Is TripIt Pro Worth It?

There is also a Pro subscription option for an additional annual fee that adds useful features frequent travellers will love such as Seat Tracking, Check-In Reminders, Rewards Point Trackers, Flight Status Alerts, Check-in Reminders, Alternate Flights, and more.  At a very reasonable $49 a year, it’s definitely worth the money.

In the interest of getting into the best of what Tripit Pro had to offer, I took the plunge and signed up for the 30-day Tripit Pro trial. You do have to enter a credit card in order to get access to the free trial, but the trial is 30 days, which should give you plenty of time to decide if the Pro features are worth the annual cost to you when you travel. After I verified my email to finalize my login credentials via mobile web, I fired up Tripit from my apps screen. 

To book a trip manually, a large friendly orange and white plus sign button right on the app’s home screen gets you started. Tapping the button pulls up a blank form with all the necessary details for your trip such as destination, travel dates, a name for the trip (If I travel for work I might name the trip with a project name for tracking expenses), and a description section for any notes about the trip you may want to jot down.

There are also two switches to mark the trip private to keep it unshared, and to mark if it is a business trip or not, which really comes in handy for deducting business expenses come tax time each year.

Once you have entered and selected all pertinent trip information, you just need to tap the light blue floppy-disc-shaped Save button in the top right corner, and the trip now appears in your home screen with your travel dates, in addition to the length of the trip and how long until you depart for the trip.

When you tap on the trip itself in the list, it opens up the Plans screen, where you can add your more specific travel information. Since I had not set up any of that information yet, I had to tap the Add Plans button to enter it manually. I tapped on flight first, and then entered in some potential flight information for my outbound flight.

As soon as I had saved the flight numbers for the first two legs of the trip, Tripit immediately added them to my Plans screen and displayed the current status of each flight as well, both of which were showing All Clear with no delays. It also had the option to use the Pro features like Seat Tracker and Alternate Flight right on the Flight screen for easy access.

Tripit Pro also had another extremely convenient feature I had not previously encountered in a travel app: at the bottom of the flight screen was a row of side-scrolling buttons with a map of the departing airport, a list of lounges at the departing, a map of the arrival airport, its lounges, and available ground transportation at arrival.

In short, with just two taps, I could quickly access all the important information I needed to navigate both airports right from where my flight information was listed.

I tend to struggle with airport navigation and finding a place for a quick snack or drink doesn’t often work well for me since I am not able to find and get to my gate fast enough before departure to enjoy any R&R in a lounge. However, if I can map out my transition in advance, this allows me to schedule extra time for that brief break before my next flight.

After looking at the handy navigation tools in the flight screen, I proceeded to add car rental and hotel stay information to get an overall idea of what a complete travel plan looked like in the app.

Everything was neatly listed with times, dates, important information, shuttle times from the destination airport to my hotel, and literally everything I would need to know from my doorstep to my destination lodging.

It even had the hotel address and car rental addresses listed to make navigating via Google Maps a breeze. Best of all, there was not a single hiccup in the operation of the app the entire time, and all information pertinent to my trip available from other sources updated near instantly after I clicked save for each entry. 

How Well Does It Work?

In order to test out all features completely, rather than book and cancel travel plans for myself I asked a colleague to forward me their booking emails from their upcoming trip out of town for business. Sure enough, the app immediately added a trip to my Not Traveller column of the home screen, and I was able to view real-time flight and travel updates regarding this co-workers trip.

I was also able to edit the way in which the trip displayed information according to my preferences for flight, car rental, and hotel. The convenience and speed with which this app operates is nothing short of astonishing, and I could instantly access or share every detail of my trip and my co-workers trip with just a couple taps on my phone. Now that I had real data to play with, it was time to test the Pro Features .

Seat Tracking

I started with Seat Tracker. This handy Pro feature allows you to set alerts for seating availability and any changes in seating in real time so that you can select the best possible seat or change your seat if a better one opens up. When I added a Seat Tracker, the app pulled up a diagram of the aircraft for the flight I had listed, and highlighted my currently booked seat.

I then entered my preferences for a better seat using the Select Seat Preferences menu and tapped save. If a better seat opened up, it would pop up an alert on my lock screen that a better seat had been found and I would be able to contact the airline to make the seat change for my ticket.

The only part that took a little while was loading the diagram of the aircraft for my specific flight. But selecting an alternate seat to keep an eye out for was quick and easy, and once the aircraft diagram was downloaded for that flight number it loaded near instantly after that.

Alternative Flight Options

Next, I decided to test out the Alternate Flight utility. This Pro feature lets you check listings for alternate flights departing on the same date or in the same time frame as you current flight, thus allowing you to search for earlier or later departing flights directly from your mobile device. The default search is for an alternate flight in the same time frame for the same airline, which yielded no results on my first search.

Once I altered the search criteria using the Search button, I was able pull up a full list of flights departing the airport all day from my starting location and browse to see the number of available seats, as well as which specific seats were still available. It did not list the difference in fares, but when you need to make a flight change and want instant access to what else is available, you can worry about pricing out the best flight when you contact your airline for a refund or go to book an alternate flight time with another airline. 

The flight monitor feature can easily save you the cost of your annual Tripit Pro subscription with just one flight refund

The speed at which Tripit pulled up flights and departure times was very satisfying though, and the ability to near-instantly browse  available flights and seats when your flight has been cancelled or delayed and you are on a tight schedule is a level of convenience I never knew existed. Generally, if I needed to choose alternate flights in the past  I would have to go from airline to airline and ask them to search for me, or I’d need to break out my laptop and browse for flights that way. 

Cheaper Flight Monitor

The final Pro feature I looked into was Flight Refund Monitoring. The way this feature works is by constantly scanning airline prices regularly in order to see if a better price for your fare comes along that is lower than what you paid when you booked your flight. If Tripit Pro deems the difference in price claim worthy, you get an alert on your phone letting you know to contact your booking agent or carrier to file for a refund.

This feature can easily save you the cost of your annual Tripit Pro subscription with just one flight refund, so it is definitely worth configuring and using for each and every flight you take.

Overall, this app is an incredibly powerful and convenient tool for regular travellers who need to keep their colleagues and loved ones in-the-know about travel plans while maintaining access to all of their travel information at the mere tap of a smartphone screen. I really liked the way that the widget can be configured to allow access to updated travel information right on your phone’s home screen or additional app screen without having to find and tap the app’s icon.

It’s like having an instant memory recall for all of your information with just a couple taps.

Furthermore, the TripIt Pro subscription service will save you in time and money a great deal more than their asking price for a year, especially if you are a frequent flyer who is on the road or in the air most of the year. I also cannot emphasize enough how simple the app interface is to use and how easy it is to add and edit trip information.

I find that the older and busier I get the more absent-minded I become, and having all my important travel information like my flight numbers, gate numbers, and ticket numbers readily accessible in one place on one lightning-fast app is an absolute lifesaver.

The best part about Tripit though is automated importing directly from your e-mail to a well-designed, easy to use, and useful travel organizer that keeps you on time and arms you with all the latest information affecting your trip in real time so you can make smart travel decisions on the go. Give the Tripit app a try for free, and if you are travelling in the next thirty days, try out Tripit Pro to see how much time, headache and anxiety it can save you. Safe travels!

I trialled the app on both a Samsung Galaxy and an iPhone 5. The software performed equally on both platforms.

When connected to 5G WiFi, I downloaded the Tripit app directly from the Google Play Store in under a minute and created a free Pro account directly from my phone. Easy

What are some Tripit alternatives?

The best alternative Tripit Pro is App In The Air . In fact, it’s currently my go-to app for managing flights.

One alternative to Tripit worth a look is Kayak Trips .

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TripIt Review: Final look at the old app in a new era [2024]

From one of the best travel planning apps out there to an outdated and pricey travel planner. If you're wondering if you should use their app for your next trip, you'll definitely want to catch up on what we really think of TripIt. Oh, we also provide better alternatives!

The idea of a vacation after a long term of work or studies can easily excite any traveler. It’s all fun and games until you realize how exhaustive travel planning can be when it comes to scheduling and organizing tasks.

But, here's the good news: We've found these best travel planner apps that can help you create a full-fledged itinerary with just a few taps, so you don’t have to pull your brains out doing it yourself!

TripIt travel planner is one of them. While it's primarily used for business travel, it can be used for vacation travel as well. 

In this article, we are going to review this travel planner and find out whether it delivers what it promises! If you are looking for planning vacation travel, however, we recommend using Pilot , a great travel planner app we built specifically for vacation planning.

Let’s start the review of TripIt with what exactly are they.

What is TripIt?

TripIt is a travel planning app that is designed to create itineraries by integrating all your travel details in one place. It helps travelers organize, manage, and track itineraries in a hassle-free manner. But if you know already, there are other travel apps out there offering similar services. 

So, how does the TripIt app stand out from the crowd?

As a travel planner, TripIt does a bit more than allow you to create itineraries for your favorite destinations. It makes sure you get to your destination on time and enjoy your tour by avoiding obstacles and making use of opportunities on your way. All and other additional useful features, with a pricey premium subscription, unfortunately.

Is the TripIt app worth your time, and should you upgrade to a TripIt pro if you’re an avid traveler? Let’s find out how and if TripIt is worth it!

Is TripIt free?

The short answer is "it depends". 

There are 4 different plans for TripIt depending on your needs. The basic plan is free to use but offers a limited-service of additional features that can benefit frequent travelers. So, how much does TripIt Pro cost?

TripIt Pro costs $49 annually, with per-user license plans for TripIt for teams and up. Below’s a rundown of TripIt’s subscription plans and the features that they offer.

TripIt Subscription Plans

Still not sure if you should get TripIt Pro or just stick to the basic plan? We'll give you a rundown of all the features that is covered in each plan so that you can be well informed before you make the purchase.

The basic plan is free to use. Its features are limited to gathering all travel-related details into an itinerary. It’s recommended for starters or people who don’t travel very often. Here are the features offered in their basic subscription:

• Organized Trip planner + master itinerary
• Cross-platform access
• Auto-import plans straight from your inbox
• Syncs plans onto your calendar
• Group trip planner
• Important travel information
• COVID-19 travel guidance
• Shows Transportation options (includes airport and terminal maps)
• Shows neighborhood safety scores
• Nearby place recommendations
• Tracks and summarizes your travel stats
• Carbon footprint and carbon offsetting options
• Upload up to 3 documents per trip

TripIt Pro:

The paid version costs $49 annually and offers additional features that come in handy for regular travelers. The additional features that you can’t find in the basic subscription include:

• Seats, fares, and points tracker
• Real-time flight alerts
• Check-in reminders + commute times to the airport
• Shows terminal and gate reminders and security wait times
• Airport and terminal/gate navigator
• Country-specific information
• Faster security lines with CLEAR membership
• Travel your rewards program
• Updates friends and family on your travel plans
• Upload up to 25 documents per trip

TripIt for Teams:

The version is great for companies to create and share trip plans related to business trips with their employees. This version is more of a centralized control center for travel operations. 

TripIt for Travel Management Companies:

The specialized version is geared towards travel management companies (TMCs). If you are traveling with one of their partners, you’ll be able to access and change your plans through the TripIt app anytime on any device! You can also access your TMC contact information on the app and contact them for any questions.

What are the Major Features Offered by TripIt?

There are many features that TripIt and TripIt pro offers, but here are the major features that a subscription to TripIt gets you:

• The ability to create multiple itineraries that include all travel-related details from flights, accommodation to car rentals
• Displays interesting travel stats, total carbon emissions of your past flights, neighborhood score, and nearby attractions of places you visit

TripIt Pro has additional paid features that include,

• Flight status, real-time alerts on flight delays, transportation options, and alternative flights 
• Rewards point tracking, seat tracking, and VIP travel benefits to help you save money
• Detailed maps of airports

How Does TripIt Work?

Once a user creates an account on TripIt, it will form itineraries based on confirmation emails regarding flights, accommodation, and other bookings. These details can be gathered automatically by the app from the inbox or manually forwarded to TripIt’s email address by the user. Once done, you can share it with other people, edit it, or sync it with your calendar. 

In order to view your trips, others need to have a TripIt account as well. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to use Tripit Pro, but you still have to enter your credit card details.

How to send your itinerary to TripIt?

The first step to generating your itinerary from TripIt is to forward all of your bookings to their system. This step is super simple! After booking your flight, hotel, rental, or other tickets and reservations, forward the confirmation email to [email protected] . They will instantly generate or add the reservation or ticket into your own master itinerary.

You can also set up their auto-import email services so that they’ll be able to automatically scan through your emails for any reservation or tickets and add them to your itinerary! Find this feature on the home page of your TripIt app.

How to cancel your TripIt Pro Subscription?

Say you’ve upgraded your TripIt to their TripIt Pro Subscription and are not impressed with the features that come with your subscription. It’s super easy to modify or cancel your subscription. Here are the steps

• Make sure you’re signed in to your account
• Click on your username.
• Go to “Settings”, then “Billing Information”

In this section, you’ll be able to modify your billing information as well as cancel your current subscription to TripIt Pro. TripIt will not offer you a refund of your annual fee, so make sure you cancel your subscription or turn off auto-renewal before the renewal date!

If you’re on the TripIt Pro free trial and would not like to get charged the annual fee, make sure you follow the steps above to cancel your subscription before your free trial ends.

Is TripIt Pro worth it?

If you’re a frequent traveler and would like to have the added benefit of real-time alerts and updates to your travel plans, it’s definitely worth it! 

However, for 49$ a year, the features that come with TripIt Pro subscription does not seem worth it to us. For example, we’ve found that many of the alerts that TripIt sends out are a mere duplicate of alerts airlines sent to travelers. These TripIt alerts can also sometimes be inaccurate, which may lead to frustrations.

There are other alternatives out there that offer more document uploads, group planning, trip updates, and organized itineraries, such as our Pilot travel planning app!

Here's a rundown of all the pros and cons of TripIt in detail.

What We Like About TripIt

Automation .

With the auto-import feature, you have to invest little to no effort to create an itinerary because TripIt will handle most of it. This is an impressive feature for busy professionals who don’t have time to sort emails and send them to TripIt manually.

Convenience 

We think TripIt does a great job in bringing all vital details regarding your trip into one place. You don’t have to go through the hassle of rummaging your bag to find out reservation receipts or scour through emails to retrieve flight information as everything is there in the app. 

Useful Features

TripIt walks an extra mile in certain aspects. Its features like neighborhood safety score help you stay clear of shady areas or be more vigilant when you are touring in cities like Mexico. It also tracks your flights’ carbon footprint and suggests ways to offset them, which is awesome.

Prompt Alerts

For TripIt premium users, the app is really useful when it comes to receiving real-time notifications on flight delays, cancellations, and gate changes – sometimes, even before the airlines! It even alarms users when the departure time is close, so you won’t miss the flight.

Ability to Plan Trips in Groups

You can invite your friends and family members to join TripIt and plan your travel journeys together. Users can share their itineraries with others and grant access to contribute or edit details. It also makes it easy to share important trip-related details with multiple people.

Why TripIt is Outdated

Premium version is expensive.

If you are not a frequent traveler, the TripIt premium version may not be a cost-effective option because the free version is equipped with most of the essential features of a trip planner. In comparison, most more modern travel planning tools, such as Pilot, are a free service.

Too Many (Annoying) Emails

Some users have complained TripIt spamming the inbox with excessive and unnecessary emails about every single update. It can be annoying as the whole purpose of using a travel app is to minimize clutter. But, you can manage it by changing the settings via the desktop app. TripIt is owned by SAP, a large and old company that isn't exactly known for being "customer-centric."

It isn't "fun"

TripIt was built for business travel, not vacation travel, meaning it lacks a lot of features that would have you replacing Google Docs, Spreadsheets, etc. You're frankly still better off using those tools than TripIt in its current iteration (that's why we built Pilot). It can be useful, but there's little delight or fun in using the tool, since it wasn't built for that. 

That's fine if that's what you're looking for, but we believe that travel planning should be a fun experience given the anticipation for your trip!

Issues with Auto-Import 

Although the app works well most of the time, users have encountered some issues where the app has failed to import confirmation details automatically, especially if it’s a small hotel or rental service. In this case, you have to enter the details manually.

Dull and Dated Web Interface

Compared to the mobile version, the web app is particularly outdated. It can certainly shine better with a good upgrade. It can be useful, but it's certainly not "cool". This unfortunately also results in a subpar user experience compared to more modern apps.

Inaccurate Alerts (sometimes)

There tends to be rare inaccuracies related to flight delay alerts and information related to alternative flights. But, this is a small percentage of users. As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to double-check with the airlines regarding these matters – so you won’t miss a flight.

Is TripIt Worth it?

Now for the final question, is TripIt actually any good, and if so, should you pay for their pro subscriptions?

TripIt is a great app if your main concern is having all travel confirmation and reservation details organized in one place, especially with regards to flights.

But, if you are looking for a more modern trip planner that focuses on the “experiences” of your trips like where to go, what to see, and do, then you need a better option. Besides, the antiquated look doesn't really match the excitement of traveling!

I certainly think there are better free options to use than TripIt, so for that instance, We believe that you should not sign up for its pro version unless you're a frequent or business traveler looking for a way to stay organized.

Our Rating: 3.8/5 

• Automated itinerary.
• Convenient all-in-one itinerary
• Cool and useful extra features
• Instant alerts
• Group trip planning is available.
• Expensive premium subscription
• Bland design and user experience
• Very “official”, lacks fun
• Spams emails with notifications.
• Issues with auto-import and inaccurate alerts.

A newer alternative to TripIt

We also didn't think TripIt was enough. That's why we've created our own social trip planner, Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

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TripIt Review: A Worthwhile Travel Planning Tool or an Outdated Resource?

September 28, 2021 6 min read

Keeping all information relating to a trip organized and in one place can be stressful. That’s why finding a great travel planning app is so important. 

TripIt is one option on the market. It claims to organize all travel details, such as flight information and hotel reservations, in one place. You can also receive notifications relating to your travel bookings. 

But is TripIt really the best option out there? This TripIt review intends to offer an overview of how to use TripIt and its pros and cons to ultimately answer the question: Is TripIt worth it? 

What is TripIt?

TripIt is a travel planning app that generates itineraries and keeps all details relating to your trip in one place. As opposed to apps that make travel suggestions, like Wanderlog , TripIt simply consolidates all of your already planned trip information in one place. Things you can add include transport, accommodation, and activity details. 

TripIt intends to take care of your travel details to lower stress and worry when traveling and improve organization. You can use TripIt online, or there’s a convenient TripIt mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android.  

This app has been touted as a good choice for those that have their travel plans set. However, TripIt is not the place to find vacation inspiration. 

Despite some drawbacks, the company has caught the eye of many publications and has been featured by The New York Times , NBC , Forbes , Travel+Leisure , and more. 

Is TripIt Free? 

If TripIt sounds like something that would interest you, you may be wondering: “Is TripIt free?” Conveniently, the basic plan is free. However, this plan offers limited features (discussed below.) 

How Much is TripIt Pro? 

TripIt Pro is a paid subscription option offered by TripIt that provides more features and benefits than their basic plan. TripIt Pro costs $49 a year, and you can try it free for 30 days. 

TripIt for Teams 

TripIt also has a third membership option, TripIt for Teams. This option helps plan travel for business and other “team” type situations. 

It keeps all team member’s itineraries in one place and can make different itineraries for different travelers on the trip. The team can then access a travel calendar with everyone’s schedule on it. 

TripIt for Teams costs $29/month for 1-10 users, $49/month for 11-25 users, $89/month for 26-50 users, and $159/month for 51-100 users.  

TripIt vs. TripIt Pro 

So, how exactly do you compare TripIt Pro vs. TripIt basic?  

When comparing the two for this TripIt review, we found that TripIt Pro offers more updates on your trip and a few extra features. 

Extra features you’ll be provided with when using TripIt Pro vs. TripIt basic include:

• Seat upgrade information 
• Check-in reminders
• Fare trackers
• Reward program points tracker
• Flight updates 
• Security wait time updates
• Information on finding connecting flights
• Baggage claim location 
• Gate information and updates 
• Interactive maps 
• Estimates of the best time to leave for your trip (for example, when to leave home to catch your flight) and estimated travel times
• Ability to send travel plans to friends and family
• Ability to add documents and files to your itinerary, like PDFs or photos 

How to Cancel TripIt Pro 

If you purchase TripIt Pro and don’t like the upgrade, it’s easy to cancel. To cancel TripIt Pro:

• Sign in to your account
• Click your user name, then “Settings”, then “Billing Information”
• Press “Cancel TripIt Pro.” 

When looking into cancellation for this TripIt review, we discovered that you can’t get a refund on your annual fee. If you want to cancel, auto-renewal will be disabled, but you must finish the year-long subscription.

If you want to cancel the TripIt Pro free trial before you get charged the annual fee, follow the same steps as above. 

How Does TripIt Work?

• Download TripIt for Android, iPhone, or iPad, or visit tripit.com.
• Sign up for an account and decide if you’ll upgrade to TripIt Pro. 
• Select “Start Itinerary.” 
• Add your destination city, travel start and end dates, a trip name, and a description (if you like.) Then click “Add Trip.” 
• You can then manually add to your itinerary or email information to be added. 

Information you can add includes: 

• Hotel and other accommodation reservations
• Flight bookings
• Car rentals
• Restaurant bookings 
• Meetings 

TripIt also shows predicted weather conditions during your trip to help plan activities and what to pack. Additionally, TripIt is currently offering Covid-19 travel guidance. You can see the carbon footprint of the trip along with ways to offset emissions too.   

How do I email an itinerary to Tripit? 

To email travel information to TripIt, forward all travel plan confirmation emails from your email to [email protected] . 

You can also agree to let TripIt scan your email and add travel plans relating to your trip as you receive email confirmations. If doing this, make sure the email account you create your TripIt account with is the one you use for travel confirmation emails. 

How to add itinerary to TripIt

Once in your trip itinerary, click “Add Plan,” and you can choose a range of things to add under the subheadings “Transportation,” “Activities,” and “Other.”

What are the Benefits of Tripit? 

Easy to Add Transport, Accommodation, and Activity Details

When testing the app for this TripIt review, we found that adding information to your trip itinerary was very easy. The process of manually adding transport, accommodation, and activities, and forwarding confirmation emails is straightforward and low hassle. 

Allowing TripIt to scan your email makes the process even simpler as they will automatically add things relating to your trip to your itinerary as you receive confirmation emails. 

Once your itinerary is created, it’s also very easy to understand. 

Automatic Reminders and Updates 

If you opt for TripIt Pro, you’ll receive updates and reminders about your trip. These updates make staying on top of what is going on simple. These notifications include suggestions as to when you should leave to reach a location on time, transport updates, and much more.

Can Use via Mobile Device or Online 

You can conveniently access TripIt both via web browser and an app for mobile devices. Having a mobile app is especially handy as travelers can check their itinerary on the go.   

Does TripIt Have Any Drawbacks? 

Too many notifications and emails.

TripIt sends a lot of emails and notifications, especially if you use TripIt Pro. They send travel updates for almost any activity relating to your travel, many of which you don’t need to know. They also often provide the same updates multiple times. 

This issue results in user inboxes becoming full and can mean they miss other important emails. You can turn off email and other notifications. However, you won’t get notified of significant updates, which is one of the purposes of the app.   

Alerts Can Be Incorrect  

When looking at customer feedback for this TripIt review, we found that some negative reviewers of TripIt mention that incorrect alerts relating to their travel plans were given. In some cases, users have even missed their flights because of this! If you choose to use TripIt Pro, always double-check the alerts before acting on them. 

Imported Trip Details Can Be Incorrect 

Users have also said that automatically added trip information has been imported incorrectly. For example, confirmations not related to the trip have been added along with duplicates. 

TripIt Pro is Expensive 

More and more travel planning software is offering all premium features for free. Therefore, paying $49 a year to access TripIt Pro is quite expensive. For example, Wanderlog offers a host of benefits, including itinerary creation and activity suggestions, at no cost. 

Comparable to Google Docs and Sheets 

Some say that as TripIt offers basic features, it’s comparable to simply adding your travel info to a Google Doc, Sheet, or other similar document. 

Slightly Boring and Outdated Website 

TripIt’s website, and to some extent the app, is relatively outdated and features a basic design. In addition, some of the website pages don’t load properly or don’t redirect as they should. 

This dated user interface ultimately affects usability, and there are many alternatives to TripIt with more functional (and fun) websites and apps. 

Does Not Suggest Places to Visit During Your Trip 

TripIt is simply a place to store information relating to your trip that you have already planned. TripIt doesn’t give any suggestions on where to stay, what transport route to take, or what activities to do at your destination. 

This is a big disadvantage as many alternatives to TripIt do offer suggestions. For example, Wanderlog allows you to create travel itineraries with information you already have planned. But we also offer lots of suggestions to make your trip even better. If you like any of our activity suggestions, you can easily add them to your itinerary. 

This TripIt flaw could occur because the software was originally intended more for business travel than for vacation travel. 

Is TripIt Worth It? 

Having used the software for this TripIt review, we would say that there are benefits to using TripIt. However, there are better options on the market. For example, other travel planning apps , like Wanderlog, offer suggestions on accommodation and activities in your destination. 

Despite this, those that have used TripIt seem to be satisfied. The company receives 4.1/5 Stars based on 220+ Facebook reviews.

Positive reviewers like:

• The convenience of the app
• How all their travel info is in one place
• The fact that alerts and updates are offered, for example, updates on flight information  

One particularly happy user says, “ My [favorite] app! Especially love how the pro version keeps me updated on flight changes including gate updates and delays. Easy to forward. Easy to forward emails from travel Booking confirmations to create your plans. Seeing all my planned trips [on] one screen is what keeps me sane every day when I’m dreaming about my next holiday!”

On the other hand, negative reviewers mention: 

• Trip details not getting imported correctly
• Notifications, especially relating to flights, being incorrect 
• Receiving too many emails and notifications, many of which say the same thing 

Another question many people have when considering using TripIt is: “Is TripIt Pro worth it?” If set on using TripIt, the Pro version is a good choice for those that travel a lot. 

However, the only real added benefit is alerts and updates relating to travel plans. For the most part, you can set those up directly for most things. For example, many airlines will text or email with flight updates.  As mentioned, there are also many free alternatives to TripIt Pro (like Wanderlog) So, paying $49 a year isn’t necessary. In fact, with Wanderlog, you have access to all the features offered by TripIt. Plus, you can access activity suggestions and benefit from our more modern and user-friendly interface, all at no cost. Sounds good? Start using the Wanderlog travel planner today!

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TripIt vs Google Trips

We give you the lowdown on which to use

Organizing flight reservations, booking hotels, and renting a car can be both frustrating and time consuming. Fortunately, there are free travel apps that can not only consolidate all of these tasks but also give you tips on your travel destination.

Of all the travel apps out there, which one is best for you? How do you know which to use? There are several options, but we’ve narrowed it down to two: Google Trips and TripIt.

Here’s a list of must-haves when it comes to choosing the right service:

• Easy to use and mostly automatic itinerary creation
• The ability to share an itinerary with others
• Automatic updates for flight changes
• Data synchronization across multiple devices
• Smooth and easy-to-use user interface

Tip: You might also like to use a travel app that helps you find travel deals .

TripIt provides both a free and paid service ($49 a year) for those who travel frequently. TripIt Pro includes a few extra features like real-time flight alerts, seat tracking, and an alternate flight finder. However, for most of us, the free version should be enough.

TripIt is straightforward in its execution. Simply forward to TripIt all confirmation emails from the services you’ve purchased (e.g., hotels, car rentals, tours), and the app will instantly create a travel schedule that’s right for you. You can also have it scan your email for new confirmations so that it can auto-add and organize them into trips in the app.

The TripIt travel app not only consolidates all services into one place, but also tells you when to arrive at your flight gate, when to pick up your car rental, and when you’re able to check in at your hotel. TripIt even keeps all of your restaurant reservations in one place!

We also really like the alerts you can enable in the TripIt app. You can receive notifications for when booking emails have been received, when an upcoming trip is approaching (as if you’d forget!), and for when the trip itinerary has been shared.

There’s also a neat calendar subscription feature built-in to TripIt so that you can share your travel calendar (as an ICS file) with anyone, and all they have to do is add your feed URL to their calendar. It’s as simple as that to share your travel plans via calendar events.

Google Trips

Google joined in with their own “personalized tour guide in a pocket” app known as Google Trips. When you sign up with Google Trips, Google automatically synchronizes the app with your Gmail account, so reservations are added to your travel schedule immediately, which is super handy. You can also enter your own reservations manually.

The Google Trips app also has an offline mode that lets you open your schedule even when there’s no internet connection, which is perfect when you don’t have cell service or Wi-Fi, and doubles as a battery saver when needed. Offline mode works for your entire destination guide, too.

This is all starting to sound similar right? The big stand out with Google Trips is their combination of data from Google Maps and crowdsourced contributions from what people post about restaurants, tourist attractions, points of interest, and more. The Things to do tab shows local sites such as historical sites, museums, parks, shopping, and kid-friendly places of interest.

Google Trips also has useful information on transportation, including walking routes, ride sharing services, and public transportation. While you’re searching for a ride, you can access information over local dining venues, bars, and clubs, or even a place to get a good cup of coffee.

As an added bonus, Google Trips includes a discount tab, its items of which vary depending on the destination but might include money off things like car rentals, plane tickets, tours, events, and even select restaurants.

If you’re not sure whether you really want to visit any particular place while on your trip, just mark it as a location that you might want to visit, and it’ll be stored in Saved places . This is a great way to plan a rough trip without feeling like you’re tied down to a super-strict schedule. All of your saved places can be browsed on Google Maps for an awesome overlook of all your potential visits.

The Differences

Nobody is stopping you from using both services, but a key difference between TripIt and Google Trips is their travel itinerary features, or Google’s lack thereof. For example, TripIt lets you add an extra traveler who can share suggestions and edit trips, which is extremely useful if you’re bringing someone with you but they have ideas for the trip, too.

What Google Trips does bring to the table is their ability to pull together suggested day trips with a Google Maps plan. This lets you see sites on interesting listings, making the service feel more like a personal e-guidebook.

Plus, Google Trips is simply easier to use. You can install the app, log in with your Google account, and see all your past and upcoming trips in literally seconds. Quickly finding things to do in a new town and locating restaurants on the fly will be what you walk away with when you use Google Trips.

TripIt includes an auto-add feature from email, too, but it doesn’t seem as streamlined. However, it’s a bit more customizable and includes easy-to-use web access (Google Trips can be used online , too). If you like to be hands-on with your trip and store specific details like your passport and driver’s license, you’ll enjoy that app.

Both TripIt and Google Trips are available on Android, and iOS and are absolutely compatible with each other. In other words, you can use both apps at the same time without feeling like they’re tripping over each other.

Founder of Online Tech Tips and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications. Read Aseem's Full Bio

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The New Normal of Travel Is Here: What It Looks Like and What’s Next

June 20, 2023

Business Travel

Since the start of the pandemic, Americans have anticipated and speculated as to when we’d return to travel normalcy. And we finally have the answer: we won’t—return, that is. 

Instead, we’re in the midst of a new normal of travel : one that looks a bit like pre-COVID travel, but with new challenges and opportunities, such as budgeting more for travel due to inflation and prioritizing the environment when planning a trip. 

Beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency , it’s Americans' travel behaviors that signal—and solidify—that the new normal of travel is here. 

Last month, we asked more than 1,300 U.S.-based TripIt users about their recent and upcoming travel plans. Here’s what you need to know according to our data: 

• Expect a busy summer travel season: Nearly all (88%) respondents plan to travel this summer. 
• Travel plans trend up and to the right: 43% of respondents said they’ve traveled more in the past year than in previous ones. And going forward, 91% plan to travel more than or about the same as they did this past year. 
• Travelers are spending more*, but they’re also more prepared : 74% of respondents had already booked or partially booked their summer travel plans. And they have their travel documents in order, too: 72% said they already have a REAL ID, and 84% have passport validity for at least the next year. 

Let’s take a closer look at these trends, plus what else travelers had to say. 

The future of travel is more of it

To better understand our new travel normal, let’s first reflect on travel volume over the past year. Nearly half (43%) of respondents said they’ve traveled more in the past year than in previous ones; 31% said they’ve traveled about the same; 27% said they’ve traveled less. 

Since February: 

• 68% of American travelers have taken a flight within the U.S.
• 65% have stayed at a hotel
• 59% have taken a road trip 
• 32% have flown internationally 
• 25% have taken a trip to stay with family or friends 

Of those who’ve flown in the past three months, 81% said their flight boarded on time and 40% said their flight landed early at their destination. Of those who took a road trip, 60% said it was hassle-free and 7% said they actually paid less for gas than expected. 

Looking ahead, almost all (91%) respondents plan to travel more than or about the same as they did this past year; just 9% will travel less. This summer alone, nearly nine in 10 respondents plan to travel: 

• 50% plan to visit family and friends
• 46% will fly domestically
• 38% will travel internationally
• 35% are planning a business or bleisure trip

Traveling “more” or “less” can feel intangible, so we asked travelers what their typical year of travel looks like. Here’s what they said:

So, why do Americans plan to travel more in the year ahead? More than two-thirds (69%) said they have a general desire to travel more. 

Other top reasons included: 

• Bucket-list trips (38%)
• Increased business travel (34%)
• Upcoming events (30%)
• Travel feeling safe again (27%)

“Travelers are excited to get back out there after three years of too many missed trips,” said Jen Moyse, Vice President of Product for TripIt. “Nearly three quarters of respondents to our March survey said they’re feeling optimistic about their travel plans for the year. And we expect that excitement to translate into high demand this summer, especially after seeing TSA numbers for Memorial Day weekend surpass pre-pandemic levels.

“However, higher demand means more opportunity for travel disruptions,” Jen shared. “My advice for smooth summer travel is to make a plan b and pack your patience. Keep in mind the travel industry is still experiencing labor shortages and flight crews, hotel staff, travel agents, and other service workers are doing the best they can. Practicing patience and civility can help you (and fellow travelers) make the most of your trip—even if you do encounter disruptions. In the end, don’t let disruptions ruin your trip. Plan ahead by packing an extra change of clothes, essential items or medications, device chargers, and snacks in your carry-on bag in case you experience delays.” 

Costs matter most to American travelers 

Respondents also ranked cost as their top priority when booking a trip, followed by cultural experiences, and personal safety and well-being. 

We found that cost matters even more to travelers age 40 and younger. Our survey data shows 89% of respondents in that age bracket chose cost as a top priority when booking a trip, compared to 77% of respondents age 41 and older. 

It’s not difficult to see why Americans prioritize cost when it comes to planning their trips. According to survey data we released in March, 79% of Americans said inflation had impacted their travel planning for the year ahead. Over a quarter (26%) of survey respondents said inflation has caused them to budget more than usual for travel.

How much more? More than a quarter (27%) said they would spend at least $5,000 more; some said $10,000+ more. 

“Travel is expensive right now, and ticket prices will rise as summer travel demand picks up,” said Jen. “My advice for people who know where or when they want to travel this summer is to book your trip now and monitor for potential price drops. Waiting to book could mean getting stuck with multiple layovers or less-than-desirable flight times. Travelers who want extra reassurance that they are getting the best price can benefit from using the TripIt Pro Fare Tracker feature after they’ve booked a flight. TripIt Pro monitors existing flights in your itinerary for ongoing changes in price and alerts you when a potential airline credit or refund may be available.

“If you have a flexible schedule or are open to any destination, then keep an eye on travel deals and book quickly when a deal surfaces. Those deals are usually short-lived, but a great way to save big—especially when booking family travel.” 

High prices and travel woes have molded more prepared travelers  

To help mitigate rising costs—among other reasons—many Americans plan their trips in advance. At the time of the survey, 74% of respondents had already booked or partially booked their summer travel plans. 

Of those who had not yet booked (26%), most (45%) are waiting on summer travel schedules; 19% are waiting for business travel approval; and another 19% wait to book travel plans until one month before. 

But booking one month before isn’t the norm; in fact, just 14% of Americans said they do this. Most (41%) plan two to three months in advance. 

Many Americans have their travel documents in order, too: 72% of respondents said they already have a REAL ID , and 84% have passport validity for at least the next year. 

In part, recent headlines about travel chaos have lent to this level of preparation: 86% of respondents said they’ve adjusted their behavior in some way to minimize the risk of travel disruptions. Nearly half (45%) said they now only book with brands they trust; 37% arrive at the airport earlier than ever before; and 34% avoid checking a bag. 

Real-life experiences play a role here, too: While 81% of respondents said their recent flights boarded on time, 36% experienced a delay of an hour or more and 10% had a flight canceled. 

Being more mindful in the next normal 

While the experience of travel will never be perfect, there are ways to mitigate stress, be more mindful while traveling, take into account the impact trips have on the local economy and environment, and more. 

Indeed, when we asked travelers about their top priorities, 52% said cultural experiences, yet very few said they prioritize limiting their impact on the environment (4%) and the local economy (4%) when they travel. 

These gaps are opportunities for what comes next in travel: more travel—yes—but also, more intentional planning; more mindful experiences; and making more of a positive impact on the places we travel to and the people we meet along the way.

* According to survey data we released in March 2023.  Methodology: TripIt surveyed more than 1,300 U.S.-based users to understand their past and upcoming travel plans, plus their priorities, attitudes, and behaviors regarding travel and travel planning. The survey took place May 5-16, 2023.

• Prepare for Your Trip with TripIt’s IBM-Powered Weather Forecasts (Plus 4 More Tips)
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She's from Green Bay. He's from the United Kingdom. On their wedding day, they went head over heels at Kwik Trip.

GREEN BAY - When James McKenzie-Brown came to Wisconsin from the United Kingdom, he didn’t just fall head over heels for Pati Holschbach.

He fell in love with  Kwik Trip , too.

It was Holschbach first, mind you, and the popular Wisconsin-based convenience store chain second. That’s important to note in a love story that spans 3,903 miles, two and half years and countless Big Buddy fountain drinks.

When it came to their wedding day on March 29, it just seemed right that it was all three of them — a nurse from Green Bay, an armed police officer from London and Kwik Trip store No. 827 on Lombardi Avenue — together in their photos.

Love, Wisconsin style.

To appreciate the sweetness of the photo shoot, at a gas station on the happiest day of their lives, you have to first get to know the couple.

“To tell people our story of how we began, if anybody else would tell me this story, it would sound kind of, I would say, crazy,” Holschbach said.

The two met on Tinder. She was living in Milwaukee at the time and had the distance for potential matches on the dating app set to within 80 miles. He was in Twickenham, just outside London, and had his set to 10 miles. There were 3,903 miles and a whole big pond between them. Their profiles should never have crossed paths but somehow they did.

Love works in mysterious ways.

Within 24 hours, they were talking. Eighteen days later, on Dec. 8, 2021, he flew to Wisconsin to see her. From the moment they said hello to one another, it felt different.

“We both just knew,” Holschbach said.

They felt incredibly comfortable around each other and discovered they had similar senses of humor. They had both chosen the careers they did, because they wanted to help people. They both enjoyed going to estate sales and looking for antiques.

“But one of the things that really attracted me to him and him to me was we both absolutely love animals, like we’re obsessed with dogs and cats,” she said. “We’re the kind of people where anytime we see a dog, we have to point it out, like it’s our first time seeing a dog.”

It was Holschbach’s elderly 15-year-old rescue pitbull, Minnie, who sealed the deal. An excellent judge of character but leery of men due to her past, the first thing she did when McKenzie-Brown came to visit was climb right into his lap and snuggle in.

“She wouldn’t even climb in my lap and I was her mom,” Holschbach said. “Then I just instantly knew. ‘Yep, this is the one.’”

They were engaged on April 13, 2022 — four months and five days after they met.

Big Buddy drinks are their go-to, but you can't beat the fried chicken

Before they could marry, they had to secure a K-1 visa , which allows a U.S. citizen to bring a fiancé or fiancée to the country for the purpose of marriage and becoming a lawful permanent resident. It was a process that stretched across nearly two years and required many back-and-forth trips.

That’s where Kwik Trip enters the story.

McKenzie-Brown found himself “enthralled with all that is Midwest culture” whenever he came to visit. Potluck staples — can’t-miss fare like walking tacos, scotcheroos, Snickers salad and especially beer dip — fascinated him. Being from the U.K., where people love nothing more than to talk about the weather, he also appreciated Wisconsin’s four seasons, sometimes all in the same week, as a goldmine of conversation.

More local flavor YouTuber Nick Johnson spent 3 days in Green Bay, discovered a 'uniquely American' city, super nice people, lots cheese

Holschbach grew up in Green Bay and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1996. She was well acquainted with the joys of Kwik Trip and its status as a Wisconsin institution. She knew her future husband had to experience it for himself.

“He was like, ‘You want to take me to a gas station?’” she said. “I’m like, ‘Yes! But you just wait, you just wait.’”

He was immediately smitten. He loved it all, from the feeling that he had just walked into a little city all onto itself to the signature “see ya next time” from the clerk on his way out the door.

During the couple’s many trips back and forth to the airport or on the drive up to Green Bay to see Holschbach’s parents, Kwik Trips became a part of their lives. Their go-to is the Big Buddy fountain soda, but the Glazers doughnuts, Cinnabon cinnamon roll-flavored cappuccinos and the cheesy chicken casserole are also among their favorites.

“And you can’t beat their fried chicken,” Holschbach said. “Their fried chicken is really good.”

After the ceremony at the Brown County Courthouse, it was off to Kwik Trip on Lombardi Avenue

One of the conditions of being issued a K-1 visa is that once the fiancé comes to the United States, the couple has just 90 days to get married. That makes planning a large, elaborate wedding nearly impossible, so Holschbach and McKenzie-Brown opted for a small, intimate ceremony with family and a few friends.

There were two things they knew they wanted to be part of the day.

One was a hand-tied bridal bouquet of five dozen white carnations from Petal Pusher Floral Boutique in the Broadway District. Holschbach had worked for owner Nichole Campbell years ago and adored that same bouquet Petal Pusher had created for a wedding expo. She never forgot it.

The other was to have photos taken at Kwik Trip by Erika Krause Photography . Holschbach has known her for 14 years, ever since she was the labor and delivery nurse assigned to the birth of her second child at Aurora BayCare and then again for her third child. Krause was excited to do her first bride-and-groom-at-Kwik Trip photo session.

More: 'See ya next time': How a neighborhood grocery store grew into today's Kwik Trip phenomenon

After the couple exchanged vows in a civil ceremony at the Brown County Courthouse, they headed to a Kwik Trip, where the employee in charge told them not only was it OK to shoot photos inside the store but that it happens all the time.

“They were just the nicest bunch of people,” Holschbach said.

They even gave them a complimentary doughnut as a prop. There are shots of the happy couple with intertwined arms with Big Buddy cups, sharing a smooch in one of the aisles and standing by a cooler door that reads “Cold Beer Enter Here.”

Two of their favorites portraits were taken outside, with Holschbach’s bouquet and McKenzie-Brown’s mini Union Jack flag outshone only by the smiles on their faces.

You might be wondering if there was a Kwik Trip-themed wedding dinner with fancy three-tiered plates of Glazers, platters of fried chicken and barbecue pork rib sandwiches and baskets of reasonably priced bananas. There was not. They did their dining at Italian restaurant Angelina in downtown Green Bay.

Years from now, when they look back at the photographs taken at store No. 827, what might they think?

“I’m sure we’ll probably say, ‘Oh my God, we really had our pictures taken at a gas station.' But that’s just part of our personality,” Holschbach said. “We’ll just more so, I think, remember it for how much fun it was and just how happy everyone was and how supportive they were. It was a great day. It was a very joyous day ... and that’s conveyed in the pictures.”

The couple, who just moved to Kimberly, already know how they’ll celebrate their anniversary each year: a fountain drink at Kwik Trip and dinner at Angelina.

Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or k [email protected] . Follow her on X @KendraMeinert . 

I'll only allow clapping on a solar eclipse flight: Here's what it was like onboard

Millions of people across North America watched the total solar eclipse Monday, but I was one of the few in a lucky group to see it from the sky.

It was certainly a different perspective. On the ground, the main event is, of course, seeing the moon fully obscure the sun. But from the sky, the real show was seeing the shadow of totality sweep over the landscape below, to watch as street lights flickered on in that temporary darkness while daylight reigned just over the edge.

I flew as a guest of Delta Air Lines on Flight 1010 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Detroit, and we encountered the experience of totality for about four minutes over southeastern Missouri.

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Because the eclipse itself was only visible to those on the south side of the plane, the team at Delta planned ahead and got special permission to execute turns during totality so everyone onboard could see – about two minutes per side.

“For us, it’s a normal flight. For this flight just knowing where the sun was going to be, just trying to maximize the opportunities for the passengers,” Alex Howell, chief standards captain for Delta’s Airbus A320 fleet and pilot in charge on Flight 1010 told me just after we landed in Detroit. “It was great. It really went off without a hitch.”

Onboard, the mood was festive. I can’t remember the last time I was on a flight where there was applause after almost every announcement, at the start of the takeoff roll, again when we lifted off the ground and once more when we landed. Usually I’m not a fan of this kind of clapping, but for the solar eclipse, I could make the exception.

Delta’s representatives told me it was a cross-company effort to get the flight I was on, as well as another eclipse special from Austin, Texas, off the ground. It was a good reminder that the miracle of flight can unlock many other experiences for passengers.

How the flights were planned

According to Chris Clisham, a Delta flight superintendent, the first step in planning these special eclipse flights was determining the timing.

“What went into it is seeing where we wanted to intersect that shadow, where we wanted to see that totality and work backward from there,” he said. “Then we backed up and said, ‘OK, what kind of departure time do we need for that?’”

After that, the planning happened much like any other flight, although some extra, advanced communication with air traffic control was involved.

“The planning was, on one hand, routine, what we do for every flight, every day sort of a thing, but on the other hand, as we got closer to the event today, the focus became on cloud cover,” Warren Weston, Delta's lead meteorologist, told me in Dallas before we boarded. 

It was cloudy as we departed Dallas, and even at cruising altitude (ha!) there was some wispy coverage, but it broke just before the moon and sun did their tango.

What else you can see from a plane

Of course, eclipses are fairly rare events, but they’re hardly the only natural wonders visible from commercial flights.

Mark Vanhoenacker , a Boeing 787 pilot for British Airways and author of “Skyfaring” and “Imagine a City,” told me flying is a constant reminder of the magic going on in the sky.

“The northern lights are, I think they’re probably the most amazing thing we see from the flight deck,” he said. “It’s such an amazing thing, and they shimmer and they kind of have this quality of milk landing in coffee. They have this very slow motion that you almost can’t perceive until you look away from them and then you look back and it’s different.” 

Vanhoenacker said auroras and eclipses aren’t the only spectacles out the window of a plane, either.

“I joke in ‘Skyfaring’ that we kind of run out of wishes. You see so many shooting stars. It’s a challenge to maintain our childhood excitement at that kind of thing, about all the wonders of flying, really,” he said. “One of the things that’s most special about flying is being above the clouds. A lot of people are not going to see the eclipse. One of the best ways to ensure you see any phenomena of the night sky is to be above the clouds.”

What it was like onboard

That idea of a nearly guaranteed eclipse sighting was certainly a draw for passengers on Flight 1010.

Many told me they had seen eclipses before and wanted to get a new perspective, and the mood onboard was friendly and celebratory – I, again, note all the clapping.

Clisham made a prediction ahead of the flight that turned out to be true: “The biggest difference is you’re going to see all the window shades up for once,” he said. “Everyone’s going to want to look out the window.” 

As I sit in an aisle seat writing this on another flight where almost all the shades are down, I wish my fellow travelers would bring Vanhoenacker’s sense of wonder to every flight rather than just those that are marketed for what’s going on outside the window. Even if it’s not an eclipse, there’s always a lot to see from 35,000 feet. 

The reporter on this story received access to this flight from Delta Air Lines. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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Shohei Ohtani tag-out at home plate defines Dodgers' road-trip finale loss to Twins

Dino Ebel waved his arm. Shohei Ohtani churned his legs.

For a brief moment, as Ohtani barreled toward the plate, trying to score a tying run from first base, it seemed like the Dodgers ’ two-way star would make it.

Instead, in the defining moment of the team's 3-2 loss at Target Field on Wednesday, the Minnesota Twins ' defense turned a picture-perfect relay play.

“That’s as clean as it gets,” said Ebel, the Dodgers’ third-base coach. “They made a perfect throw.”

When the juggernaut Dodgers (10-5) lose games this year, it likely will often be because they get beat on the margins.

Read more: Tyler Glasnow strikes out 14 as Dodgers defeat the Twins

Sometimes it might come down to an underwhelming starting pitching performance. Other times, a bullpen blunder or bang-bang play on the bases.

In Wednesday’s series finale, the Twins (4-6) capitalized upon all three — stressing Bobby Miller in a four-inning, two-run start; taking the lead on an Edouard Julien home run against reliever Alex Vesia in the fifth; then holding on through a couple of late-game scares, none bigger than their tag-out of Ohtani in the top of the seventh.

After a walk by Austin Barnes led off the inning, consecutive fielder’s choice grounders by Mookie Betts and Ohtani left the speedy two-time MVP standing on first base.

When Freddie Freeman ripped a double into the right-field corner with two outs, it looked like Ohtani would score.

Given his speed — he raced 270 feet in just 10.89 seconds — and the awkward hop the ball took off the wall by the foul pole, both Ebel and manager Dave Roberts said waving Ohtani home was an easy decision.

“When I saw the bobble down in the corner … I said, ‘There it is,’” Ebel recounted.

“With two outs,” Roberts added, “you've got to make them make the play."

Make a play, the Twins did.

Right fielder Alex Kirilloff quickly recovered and fired a relay throw to infielder Carlos Correa . From just beyond the dirt in shallow right field, Correa then ripped a 92-mph throw to the plate.

Initially, Ohtani was ruled safe by plate umpire Marvin Hudson. Upon a challenge by the Twins, however, the video review showed that Minnesota catcher Christian Vázquez executed a perfect tag on Ohtani — who declined to talk to reporters after — a split-second before his foot touched the plate.

“He aced a throw to home plate,” Roberts said of Correa. “If it was a little bit higher, he still would've been safe.”

There were other little ways the Dodgers lost Wednesday, in the finale of a 3-3 Midwest trip.

Miller grinded through his start, continually falling behind hitters because of poor fastball command and execution of his secondary pitches.

The right-hander did limit the damage to two runs. And unlike last week, when he failed to get through two innings at Wrigley Field, he at least kept the Dodgers — who did their only scoring on a Teoscar Hernández RBI double in the first and Max Muncy 's solo home run in the fourth — in the game.

“Not super happy about the outing,” Miller said. “But with only two runs, given the amount of baserunners I had and amount of times I fell behind in the count, that gives me more confidence. Because I could easily have given in and made it a four- or five-run game.”

Read more: James Outman blasts away his slump with home run in Dodgers' win over Twins

In the end, it didn’t matter. Miller’s replacement in the fifth inning, Vesia, gave up a home run for the second straight game.

“I missed my spot,” Vesia said, “and he got me.”

The Dodgers finished one for seven with runners in scoring position, eight runners left stranded — and one other that, in the game’s pivotal sequence, was thrown out at the plate.

“It was just a really good baseball play,” Roberts said. “Unfortunately, we were on the wrong end of that one."

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

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Jill Zarin blames ‘Below Deck’ star Fraser Olender for ‘disaster’ yacht trip

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Jill Zarin blamed “Below Deck” head steward Fraser Olender for her “disaster” megayacht outing, which was documented on an episode of the Bravo series last week.

The “Real Housewives of New York City” alum said she didn’t have any regrets about her behavior, which included taking issue with the food service, requesting a specific type of ice and even suggesting guests be given a bell to summon crew members.

“I went into it with the attitude that I want to make a good show. I was me, I literally was me. I was me the way I am in my real life,” Zarin, 60, told Heather McDonald on Tuesday’s episode of her  “Juicy Scoop” podcast .

“If I like my Diet Coke then I want another. If I don’t like it then I will send it back. If I don’t like my food then I send it back. Most people do,” she continued.

“I think if the crew had a different attitude toward me and said ‘Jill, she’s a little pushy, she’s a Jewish mother, she’s a little bit of a know it all’ I think everybody would have leaned into it.”

The reality TV star went on to detail the two-day stay, which cost her pal an eye-watering $45,000 for “five meals” along with lodging.

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“You get on the boat at 12 and right away you get lunch,” she said. “You get an explanation — which I actually taped on my phone that I am going to post — of Fraser [Olender] explaining the layout of the next two days.”

Zarin continued, “In fact, one of the things he emphasized which is ironic is that there would be snacks and food all the time everywhere. He actually emphasized and completely didn’t deliver. When I think about the trip, it was the head stew’s job to make sure things went seamlessly, and I kind of blame him for the trip being a total disaster.”

The Bravolebrity noted that she “felt terrible” for her friends who paid for the trip.

You (and a guest!) could win a VIP experience in NYC for Virtual Reali-Tea Live!

“They spent an enormous amount of money [and] I wanted them to have an amazing experience,” she said.

“I did this show because my friends wanted to go on TV. I don’t blame them, a lot of people do. [But] I didn’t mind doing it with them because as long as I am me, I am good.”

“Below Deck” cast member and stewardess, Barbara “Barbie” Pascual, later admitted Zarin “was right” about some of her seemingly outlandish requests on the show.

“You guys, I watched the show back, and I don’t think that Jill was as bad as it looked, and I just wanna also say that there were so many other moments where she was super fun and sweet and nice,” Pascual said on her Instagram Story last week.

She acknowledged that the former “Housewife” was “demanding,” but she was “not rude” and was making requests that were “actually normal yacht requirements” and “pretty logical.”

“She was right. She just wanted nugget ice in her Diet Coke, that’s not a big deal,” the stewardess added.

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However, during the episode, Pascual said Zarin was “too much” to handle.

“I think she’s annoying. You’re a freeloading guest who’s extremely demanding. This is too much for me. I need another stew just for Jill,” she said in a confessional.

Meanwhile, Olender quipped, “Jill is crawling into my brain and eating away at my soul.” 

Chef Anthony Iracane also took a swipe at the Jill & Ally founder in his confessional.

“I think the primary, she’s OK, but her friend taking over the boat, it’s like she’s a f–king captain. Like taking over the ship,” he said.

“Below Deck” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo

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This Y Combinator Startup Wants To Be Africa’s ‘Backbone of Travel’

Elizabeth Casolo , Skift

April 10th, 2024 at 3:27 PM EDT

Some investors are hesitant to fund startups in places experiencing currency volatility, but Triply overcame that challenge while consolidating payment tools for smaller travel businesses.

Elizabeth Casolo

You finally found the perfect hotel for your upcoming trip. You check the total in U.S. dollars and input your credit card information. Booked. Easy, right?

For travel businesses and travelers in Africa, the experience isn’t always that simple. Triply Co-founder and CEO Peter Wachira said some booking companies do not account for the cultural and economic differences in many African countries. 

For example, M-PESA , a popular mobile money service for Kenya, isn’t compatible with some booking platforms. And the Kenyan shilling’s value can have big swings against the U.S. dollar .

Wachira and his co-founder Collins Muthinja needed to consider where travelers in Kenya and other African countries come from: mostly through offline channels and social commerce. With 56% of hospitality expenditure in Africa coming from the countries’ domestic visitors in 2019, travel platforms need to cater to these audiences.

This is where Wachira’s Triply, previously Tripitaca, comes in. Not only does Triply help African travel businesses manage operations, but it also can help domestic travelers. The company’s software combines several features, one being a wallet to collect payments from customers and to pay business expenses. While the wallet can currently only hold Kenyan shillings, Wachira said he hopes to expand the wallet’s currencies going forward. 

“Having your funds held in the same currency as you were paid allows you to protect its value in the long run,” Wachira said. This can ease future transactions in that same currency.

Wachira said Triply’s wallet feature can limit scammers and build trust with customers, as well.

Triply also provides a platform to manage tour and accommodation listings. The company generates revenue through commissions, a subscription to use the platform, and payment processing fees.

Getting into gear with Y Combinator

Startup incubator Y Combinator helped thrust companies like Airbnb, Stripe, and DoorDash into the limelight by providing funding and mentorship. The program is competitive, and Triply applied twice before getting accepted. Tom Blomfield, a group partner at Y Combinator, said Triply’s profitability and growth helped it stand out on the third try.

With the volatility of certain currencies in East Africa, some investors are wary of the region, said Blomfield.

“What we’re seeing in these African businesses is they’re having to grow revenue and get to profitability to be self-sufficient,” Blomfield said. “They can’t rely on external venture funding in the same way perhaps an American company could.”

During its Y Combinator Batch, or cycle, Triply secured the organization’s standard $500,000 investment . 

“I think what set them up best was their ability to keep growing revenue,” Blomfield said. The challenges ahead of Triply include understanding other African countries’ markets and working with bigger partners in Kenya. Blomfield sees potential for Triply to collaborate with larger hotel chains. 

While Y Combinator provides support, Wachira faced logistical challenges as an overseas business in the program.

“You’re spending most nights running things back at home and spending the rest of the day managing going through the (Y Combinator) process,” Wachira said. “I would say it’s really overwhelming, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Triply presented during Y Combinator’s Demo Day on April 3 and April 4. Demo Day allows companies to share their businesses with previous Y Combinator investors. 

“You come from a region, and you’re supposed to be the best of the best of companies in that particular region,” Wachira said the next day. “And then you come, and you’re listening to really incredible pitches.”

Despite the competition, Wachira said emails flooded his inbox following Demo Day.

“People are lining up to support you and learn more about what you’re doing,” Wachira said.

Empowering Africa’s travel industry

While the company has roots in Kenya, Wachira aims to establish Triply as “the backbone of travel on the continent.”

“We want it so that (when) you were thinking about travel in Africa, there’s only one platform that you can think of, and that’s Triply,” Wachira said. “Even though you’re not (always) necessarily booking through our marketplace, the payments that you’re making — to an accommodation, to our hotels, to our travel agents — it’s more or less being supported by Triply.” 

Covid challenged Africa’s travel industry, but Triply hopes to continue identifying and filling gaps in the market.

“Nothing was getting deployed on the travel side, and so that’s the main reason as to why we’re doing this… to change the narrative to support businesses,” Wachira said. He aspires to “bring to life the true capability of travel on the continent.”

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Tags: africa , africa tourism , booking technology , Collins Muthinja , conversions , fintech , hotel tech , kenya , peter wachira , short-term rentals , startup , travel startups , Tripitaca

Photo credit: Triply Co-founders Peter Wachira and Collins Muthinja. Photo: Peter Wachira Peter Wachira

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I'm a Travel Editor, and I Built the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe From 14 Basics You'd Never Guess Are From Amazon

I can make dozens of outfits with them — and still fit them all in a carry-on.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Building the perfect travel capsule wardrobe takes a lot of thoughtful consideration. You need a cohesive set of pieces that can easily be mixed and matched, ones that are versatile enough to pull their weight in almost any situation — and work double duty for multiple outfits so you can save precious space in your suitcase.

After years as a travel editor, I’m happy to report that I’ve finally perfected my list. These are the timeless, effortless pieces I reach for trip after trip, and they have basically paid for themselves over the years. From the comfortable Allbirds sneakers that I can’t leave home without to the black pants that I wear on repeat , each of these styles has been tested over thousands of miles and many hours of travel. Best of all, I found them all at Amazon for as little as $13.

Oversized White Button-down

This is the holy grail, friends, and one of my most-worn travel pieces. It’s dressy enough for a work trip but when left unbuttoned, it can be used as a casual cover-up at the beach. Wear it with almost any pair of shorts, midi skirt, or pants, and tucked in, unbuttoned, or even tied in front to change any look — making multiple outfits with just a slight tweak. The options are practically endless. Trust me, this breezy top has been with me around the world, from the office in New York City to the beaches of Florida, and it’s always come in handy. As other reviewers mentioned, “ it doesn’t wrinkle easily ,” but it does have its limits, so make sure to fold it nicely when you’re packing.

Black Pants

Versatile black pants like these Baleaf joggers are your best friend for travel; I find they’re an easy base for any airport outfit or hiking outfit. I’ve taken this particular pair everywhere from Vietnam to Iceland, and I couldn’t imagine a comfier, more useful pair at this price point. They’ve performed on hikes up waterfalls and 14-hour flights, plus a Mekong Delta tour in the 100-degree heat. I even got a compliment from the tour guide in Vietnam, who said these are the perfect lightweight pants for the tour because they’re quick-drying, so they wick sweat in the heat but still provide necessary sun (they’re UV-blocking with a UPF 50+ rating!) and bug protection. If you’re looking for something a little less sporty, I also think this Skechers Go Walk pant would be excellent for everyday wear (and you could even get away with dressing them up with an oversized blazer).

Supportive Running Sneakers

There’s no doubt about it, comfortable walking shoes are an essential you just can’t skip out on — nor can you skimp on the quality. That’s why if you’re going to splurge on any one item, you should make it running sneakers, because there’s no faking quality support, especially if you’re hoping for out-of-the-box comfort and cushion that will carry you through even the longest travel days. That’s why I love the Allbirds Wool Runners — they have cushioning for days. Case in point: I hiked up Hawaii’s Diamond Head wearing these straight from the box and never got a single blister.

Black Dress

Walking tours, the perfect sunny picnic day in the park , pickleball matches, running errands — when isn’t a casual black dress useful? I always have one on rotation, including this one from Amazon-loved brand Ewedoos. It’s sweat-wicking, so it’s great in the heat, but if there’s a breeze, I like to layer my oversized button-down over it. For something a bit longer when I’m traveling to a more conservative place like Egypt where it’s best to wear longer lengths, I also have a black dress similar to this Amazon one that I wear at least once a week in summer.

Travel + Leisure / Kayla Becker

Basic Tanks

When I first received these flattering tanks, I was shocked at how good the quality was considering the low, two-for-one price tag that brought them to just over $7 each. But they are my repeat M.V.P.s on trips, whether I need an undershirt or just a basic white tank to pair with jeans or skirts. Trust me, when you’re a carry-on-only traveler , less is more. Plus, I’ve found that these are easy to care for on the go.

Black Midi Skirt

This is an all-seasons skirt that practically lives in my suitcase. In summer, I wear it with a tank and sandals; in winter, with a chunky turtleneck and tall booties. The silky material can make this look dressed up for nice dinners out with the right top and heels, but it can also be dressed down with casual sandals and accessories. Plus, it folds up into practically nothing. 

True story: I love this belt bag so much that I bought it in two colors that easily fit into my monochrome capsule wardrobe, white and black. If you’re starting with one, I recommend the black one since it’s easier to keep clean and blends seamlessly into any look. I love that these keep my hands free at the airport but my belongings close to my chest (aka pickpocket-free) and reviewers point out that it’s “ high-quality and half the price of Lululemon .” No wonder it’s an Amazon No. 1 best-seller.

White Sneakers

These Vejas are beloved by globetrotting celebrities (and me!), and I will tell you exactly why. They’re seriously stylish and more put-together than your average athletic sneakers, so they can easily pair with sundresses and shorts; but they also look right at home with comfy joggers, too. I’ve worn mine to Egypt and France, at home in Boston, and beyond, and they fit in everywhere I go.

Bike Shorts 

I use these high-waisted Gym People yoga shorts for working out on repeat, but they’re also my go-to athleisure for summer or lounging around. I like to pair an oversized sweatshirt over them Princess Diana-style , and sometimes, I’ll throw them under dresses if the destination I’m traveling to is windy. Oh, and they have a perfect side pocket for your phone.

One-piece Swimsuit 

I have an Amazon bikini that I absolutely swear by, but my favorite swimsuit of all time has to be this striped one-piece . Why? It doubles as a cute tank under shorts or a skirt, making it an easy-as-can-be, full-fledged outfit on beach or boat days. I also like one-piece swimsuits because, for me, they tend to offer the most secure fit, so I can partake in active adventures like snorkeling, cliff diving, or jumping off the back of a boat in the Aegean without worrying about wardrobe malfunctions. I’ve had this flattering, full-coverage Amazon one since I bought it for a trip to Bolivia in 2019, so it’s lasted five years and counting.

Wide-leg White Linen Pants

I wear these breezy linen-cotton blend pants on repeat in the warmer months and during beach trips any time of year. You can throw them over a one-piece bathing suit and wear them straight from the beach to a bar or restaurant, or you can dress them up for a resort-ready look on a big night out with the right sparkly accessories. But hey, don’t just take it from me. One traveler, who took them on a 10-day trip to Europe, said they “ wore them every day .”

Waterproof Sandals

My white EVA Birkenstocks are a must for the beach since they’re waterproof, but I also wear them for walking around town because they have cushioning, arch support, and a lip that folds up to keep dirt off your toes (these Amazon sandals are their budget-friendlier twins).. When my outfit calls for black footwear, I also have these Teva sandals that I got from Amazon and are absolute game-changers. They can get wet in a beach situation, and I love that they have hook-and-loop straps that secure them to your feet for day hikes.

Matching Set

My favorite trick of the trade for maximizing the number of travel outfits you can stuff into one carry-on is to invest in a neutral-colored matching set — you can mix the top with other pieces in your wardrobe (that silk midi skirt! Your wear-everywhere pants and jeans!) as well as the shorts (with that button-down! Or over your swimsuit!), or wear them together for a super on-trend, effortless look, resulting in at least three separate outfits with just one buy. I currently have a set from Anthropologie, but I’m eyeing this Automet matching set at Amazon that’s sitting at just $26 for all of my 2024 trips.

Comfy Jeans

Hot take: jeans are a necessary travel wardrobe essential. A lot of travelers will disagree, finding them too rigid, but I always have a pair in my suitcase to switch up my look or give it a more put-together feel. Plus, they look so classic with a white or black tee and white sneakers (show me a city that this combo wouldn’t look good in!) The key is finding a pair that’s equal parts flattering and comfortable. I swear by Abercrombie and Fitch’s mom jeans, which have way more give than any other pair of denim that I've tried, but this Lee pair from Amazon is similar and has an even lower price tag.

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How a guy from Shaker Heights built a 30-year tourism career in Jamaica

• Updated: Apr. 11, 2024, 11:04 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 11, 2024, 10:18 a.m.

Shaker Heights native Lee Weinstock enjoys a cold coconut on the south coast of Jamaica, en route to YS Falls. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

• Susan Glaser, cleveland.com

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Lee Weinstock made his first trip to Jamaica in the late 1980s, a student at Ohio State University enamored with reggae music.

He was hooked.

Fast forward more than 30 years, and Weinstock has spent the majority of his career helping to support the tourism economy of the small island nation.

His career here has run the gamut – organizing tours for thousands of cruise passengers, setting up meetings at the island’s swankiest resorts, even taking a fellow Shaker Heights native (yours truly!) on a tour of some of the country’s best jerk chicken.

He’s experienced the island’s tourism economy from nearly every angle – from the opening of the upscale Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort in 2000 to the COVID crisis two decades later.

Most recently, he’s relaunched his own business, Travel True Jamaica , an updated version of a tour company he started years ago. He’s working with both corporate and individual clients, crafting experiences and tours that highlight the island’s best known sites and hidden gems.

“I like both sides – being able to help Jamaicans and help tourists have great experiences,” said Weinstock, 57.

Kept going back

After traveling to Jamaica that first time, Weinstock found reasons to keep going back.

“I came back every year – spring break, winter break, sometimes both,” he said.

His roommate at Ohio State was Clevelander Packy Malley, a fellow Bob Marley fan who founded the Midwest Reggae Festival in 1991 in Cleveland and ran it for more than two decades.

Malley, a retired executive with family-founded Malley’s Chocolates, is currently serving in the Peace Corps in Jamaica and meets up with Weinstock from time to time for concerts and other occasions.

“I have a saying in Jamaica -- always trust Lee,” said Malley. “No one knows Jamaica better than him.”

After graduating from Ohio State in 1990, Weinstock took a job selling ads for an entertainment magazine in Columbus. But it didn’t take him long to figure out he wanted more.

“There’s more to life than Columbus,” he observed recently.

He got hired as a representative for Apple Vacations, and was assigned to Montego Bay.

Since then, he’s worked in Mexico, Arizona and Florida, for some of the biggest names in hospitality.

He always found his way back to Jamaica.

“I like being an hour from a waterfall,” he said.

He helped open the Ritz-Carlton in 2000 (now the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall) and worked to establish Secrets St. James and Wild Orchid resorts a decade later.

Over the years, he’s had a front-row seat to Jamaica’s evolution from a country with a relatively modest tourism infrastructure to one with beaches lined with massive all-inclusive resorts. Last year, the Jamaica welcomed more than 4 million travelers, a record.

It hasn’t always been easy, of course.

Weinstock, a 1985 graduate of Shaker Heights High School, has been through his share of tourism slumps and economic downturns, including 9/11 and the COVID pandemic.

This year, Jamaica is dealing with the repercussions of the U.S. State Department’s updated travel advisory for the country , which earlier this year recommended that Americans “reconsider travel” to the Caribbean nation due to issues related to high crime and health-care accessibility.

The travel advisory perplexed Weinstock, who believes the country is safe for tourists (although not always for locals).

Tourism operators in Jamaica are already feeling the effects of the advisory. Some Americans aren’t coming, he said, “And a lot of people who are coming aren’t leaving their resorts.”

Despite the setback, Weinstock believes there’s a market for the service he provides. “I know where to go. I know how to get you on the golf course when no one else can.”

He offers these tips for both first-time and repeat travelers to Jamaica:

* Get away from the resort. Hire a driver or take a tour and see some sights. “It is safe to leave your hotel,” he said. “See Jamacia, experience Jamacia.”

* Everyone speaks English, although Jamaica patois is the local dialect, a lyrical creole language with influences from West Africa. “If you don’t understand, ask them to repeat what they said,” said Weinstock.

* There’s no need to exchange U.S. currency to Jamaican dollars. Every business accepts U.S. cash. Bring smaller bills for tips and roadside stops. “Tip like you do in the States,” he said.

* You can bargain for prices in most places. “But don’t get so caught up in bargaining that you don’t get what you want. If you like it and the price is fair, get it.”

* Try the local food, including jerk chicken, pepper shrimp and fried bammy. If you don’t know what it is, ask.

* Tap water is fine to drink everywhere.

Information: To reach Weinstock, email [email protected]

5 days in Jamaica, from Negril to Montego Bay, beaches, bamboo rafting and waterfalls

Is Jamaica safe? State Department advisory raises concerns; here’s what to know

Will this new Frontier flight from Cleveland to the Caribbean last? Enjoy it while you can

Lee Weinstock, with Travel True Jamaica, swings into a pool at YS Falls on the south coast of Jamaica. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

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