Flying (and spending) a lot with an airline will unlock the many perks of elite status — think: free bags, shorter security lines, and upgraded seats — but it’s not the only way to receive valuable perks and savings while traveling. Many travelers also sign up for travel credit cards, which — in exchange for an annual fee — provide useful benefits that can quickly add up if you fly frequently. Here are a few of our favorite, often underrated rebates and perks of travel credit cards that can save you serious money. 

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Credits

One of the best ways to speed through security at the airport? Enrolling in a Trusted Traveler Program, like TSA PreCheck. According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less, as travelers in these expedited lanes do not have to remove shoes, liquids, or laptops for screening. The TSA provides a helpful list of more than 40 credit cards that offer rebates on the application fee (currently $78 for a five-year membership). 

Many of these credit cards also cover the cost of Global Entry, a program that allows travelers to breeze through customs and immigrations after arriving from an international location. The fee for Global Entry is $120 for five years, and it includes TSA PreCheck, so check to see if your credit card covers it before signing up. Some cards also cover the cost for CLEAR, a membership program that uses biometric technology to allow travelers to bypass the ID check line and save even more time at the airport.

Free Checked Bags

With Southwest no longer the last holdout, checked baggage fees are pretty much unavoidable now — unless you hold the right credit card. This is one of the most popular reasons people sign up for airline co-branded credit cards, many of which waive the fee for your first checked bag each time you travel with that airline.

But did you know you can share this benefit with others? For instance, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card offers a fee waiver for up to nine people traveling together on the same reservation. Considering the fee for each first checked bag on Delta is currently $35, you could score substantial savings by booking your entire group or family on the same reservation. 

Airline Credits

Each time you swipe or tap your credit card on an airplane, you could also be racking up savings. Many airline co-branded credit cards offer a statement credit for in-flight purchases — for example, the JetBlue Card provides 50% off savings on in-flight food and beverages on JetBlue-operated flights. 

Other cards offer annual credits for money spent on airline incidentals, such as checked bag fees, change fees, pet fees, and seat assignment fees. The Platinum Card from American Express, one of the most popular premium travel credit cards (and one with a steep $695 annual fee), has a $200 annual credit for such purchases. However, you have to choose one specific airline each year to receive this perk. 

Offer Portals

Often, credit card holders overlook the exclusive discounts they can receive through dedicated offers. Each card issuer has a specific name for its offer portal — American Express has Amex Offers, Chase has Chase Offers, Capital One has Capital One Offers, and Citi has Citi Merchant Offers, for example. While these offers cover a wide range of retailers, some of which you may find more enticing than others, what’s true is that you will often find money-saving travel offers. 

Recently, I added an Amex Offer to spend $500 and save $100 on a Delta Air Lines purchase and to spend $350 and save $140 on a Marriott hotel stay. You should regularly log in to these portals to check and enroll for travel offers — it only takes a few minutes, and by not doing so, you’re leaving potential savings on the table. 

Travel and Rental Car Insurance

We embark on our travels with optimism, but with the understanding that sometimes hiccups can happen. That’s why many travelers opt for insurance, whether that’s trip interruption insurance or collision coverage on a rental car. But before checking that box for insurance on the checkout page for your plane ticket, check your credit card benefits to see if you’re already covered so you avoid paying unnecessarily for insurance.

Some travel credit cards offer valuable protections simply for being a cardholder and using that card to pay for your trip. For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive travel and emergency assistance, trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, auto rental coverage, and travel accident insurance, among other benefits. While you probably hope to never need to take advantage of these, you’d be covered for out-of-pocket expenses if the worst happened. 

Purchase Protection

While we’re on the topic of unfortunate events, picture this scenario: You just upgraded your iPhone so you can capture better photos during a big trip coming up, but a week before you depart, you accidentally break it. Are you on the hook for an expensive last-minute replacement? Not so fast.

Many credit card companies offer purchase protection policies that reimburse you for recent purchases if they are accidentally damaged, lost, or stolen. You’ll need to have paid for the item with your eligible card, and purchases usually must be made within the last 90 to 120 days, depending on the card issuer. Some credit card companies even offer ongoing cellphone insurance, provided you pay for your monthly cellphone bill with the card.  

Shopping Sites

Love online shopping? You’re not alone. More Americans than ever are shopping online, but many of them are leaving money on the table by not using e-commerce portals, which offer cash back or bonus points on everyday purchases. Many airlines offer their own versions, such as Delta’s SkyMiles Shopping, which awards bonus miles for every purchase. 

One of the easiest to use is Rakuten. Start shopping on the Rakuten site (or use their free browser plugin) to see cash back offers and sales across a wide variety of retailers. Once you click over to the merchant, Rakuten will track your purchase and add cash back to your account. If you hold an American Express credit card that earns Membership Rewards points, you can opt to receive points instead, which are often considered more valuable because you can use them to redeem for travel through transfer partners, often at a better rate than paying cash outright. 

After a long, relaxing vacation, the idea of coming home and getting back into a standard routine can be daunting — especially when it comes to meals. Before a trip, people tend to use up perishable items so they don’t spoil, but doing so means an empty fridge upon return. And the last thing that most of us want to do is come home, drop off our luggage, and turn right around to go to the supermarket. Thankfully, there’s a helpful hack that makes it simple to come home from vacation to a stocked kitchen.

Preschedule a Grocery Delivery

At-home grocery delivery isn’t a new concept, but it’s one that travelers should be utilizing more often. Several companies allow you to schedule grocery deliveries in advance — for example, Amazon Fresh allows customers to place an order up to a week before delivery, while Instacart allows you to place an order up to two weeks early. Many local stores offer grocery delivery as well. By prescheduling a grocery delivery, you can return to fresh food soon after you get home, which is one less important errand to worry about.

Word to the wise: When scheduling a post-trip grocery delivery, it’s important to take into account the potential for delays. We’d recommend scheduling the delivery for at least a couple of hours after you expect to get back home.

Place a Last-Minute, Same-Day Order

If you didn’t place a grocery order before your trip, don’t worry — many stores also offer same-day delivery (sometimes for an additional fee). This method works just as well as prescheduling an order, as you’ll have fresh food waiting for you shortly after you return a few hours later — all it takes is a few quick taps on your phone as you’re waiting to board your flight home. While you can still always order takeout, it’s nice to have fresh groceries as an option for a more nutritious and satisfying meal.

Don’t Get Burned by the Freezer

Of course, you can always freeze food as well, but here’s another tip for making sure that the food in your freezer is safe to eat after you get back from your trip, in case of any power outages. Before you leave home, take a few ice cubes, place them in an empty bowl, and then put the bowl in your freezer. When you return home, check to see if the ice is still in cube form. If it is, you know that your freezer worked while you were gone; if the cubes melted and refroze as one piece, you’ll probably want to toss the food as it could be unsafe to eat.

Other Proactive Tips To Keep Your Home Safe

Being proactive before a trip helps alleviate the potential for headaches after you get back, and this includes matters besides food. For instance, a smart tip is to snap photos before you leave of items like ovens and other heating elements to make sure they’re turned off or unplugged — doing so not only forces you to double-check them, but also offers peace of mind on your trip. Additionally, consider adding drain stoppers, covers, or metal screens to drains to deter pests from entering your home while you’re away.

You’ll also want to set your thermostat to a proper temperature to keep your house in good physical condition — without racking up a huge energy bill. (Follow our tips here for the perfect temperature.) 

Lastly, did you know that some home insurance policies require that someone check in on your home while you’re gone? According to TD Insurance, “Your insurer may require your home and property to be checked regularly while you’re away to confirm your eligibility for specific coverage.” If you’re a homeowner, be sure to carefully read your insurance plan before departing so you’ll be able to travel worry-free.

After a flight lands, travelers often find themselves in a sea of similar suitcases circulating around the baggage carousel. While opting to travel only with a carry-on is ultimately the best way to avoid any luggage swapping mishaps, sometimes checking a bag is unavoidable. To avoid the baggage carousel guessing game (and the risk of someone else mistaking your bag for theirs), here are seven smart tips to make your checked luggage unmistakably yours.

Add a Luggage Belt

Luggage belts — those expandable nylon straps that wrap around the exterior of luggage — provide an extra layer of security, but can also be a stylish way to personalize your bag. Available in vibrant colors and patterns, they make your luggage instantly identifiable and are adjustable to fit any checked bag size. The brand Gorilla Grip offers a multipack of single-strap belts in various colors, while Samsonite offers a brightly colored version with a built-in TSA-approved lock, adding peace of mind and some flair.

Use Wheel Covers

Wheel covers are another clever way to add a splash of color to your luggage — for under $10. Made from silicone, they also reduce noise, resist wear and tear, and protect wheels. Most wheel covers come in a standard one-size-fits-all, but make sure to measure your suitcase wheels before purchasing.

Get a Personalized Luggage Cover

Dents and scratches in checked luggage are expected by frequent flyers. That’s why many turn to luggage covers, which provide protection, easy identification, and a layer of security. Samsonite’s luggage covers come in several playful designs and are machine washable. For a wider range of styles and sizes, Travelkin’s covers are functional and affordable, fitting suitcases measuring 18 inches through 32 inches. And for a more minimalist look, RainVillage offers several bold, single-color options.

Add Stickers and Patches

Luggage stickers are one of the most affordable (not to mention fun) methods of personalizing your luggage. Rimowa made stickers cool again with its sleek city-themed or monogram-style options to decorate the luxury luggage brand’s aluminum hard-shells. Bags from Away are also perfect canvases for stickers thanks to their sleek polycarbonate shells.

Not ready to commit to putting stickers directly on your luggage? Try a clear protective cover, like those from Explore Land. Whether you’re collecting stickers of national parks or international landmarks, you can decorate the cover without the risk of leaving sticky residue on your suitcase. (Tip: Look for waterproof and scratch-resistant stickers to ensure longevity.)

For soft-sided fabric luggage, opt for iron-on or sew-on fabric patches instead. This is a fun way to personalize your bag with patches of countries visited, vintage designs, embroidered initials, sports teams, or anything else that makes your bag “you.” 

Opt for Handle Covers 

Handle covers aren’t just for aesthetics — they add comfort, especially while hauling around a heavy checked bag. But instead of picking a neutral-colored handle wrap, opt for something bold to make your suitcase instantly recognizable at bag claim. Cosmos soft handle grips, for example, come in various bright colors, and there are even handle wrap options inspired by famous artists like Van Gogh. For a custom look, embroidery featuring your name or initials is also an option.

Use Luggage Tags

Luggage tags are another low-cost add-on to make your suitcase stand out. Choose one with a bright hue, fun pattern, or even your initials. For frequent flyers concerned about durability, personalized aluminum luggage tags come in neon shades and include space for your contact details. For a more playful design, brands like Catch On and Zouity offer fun shapes such as sea turtles, flowers, and fruit. (Tip: Some designs include slots for an Apple AirTag, helping you track your luggage in real time.)

Choose Standout Luggage

If accessorizing isn’t your thing, consider investing in luggage that stands out on its own. Bold colors, unique textures, and distinctive shapes make your bag easier to spot. 

For instance, Samsonite offers vibrant luggage options such as the Venue x Large Spinner in matcha green and the Voltage DLX Large Spinner in chili red. NOBL’s All-in-One Check-In luggage (with interior compression system) features a hot pink color option. And Calpak, known for its durability, offers the Hue Large Luggage, which comes in 10 colors. Keep an eye out for limited-edition designs and seasonal color drops from these brands to make your luggage even easier to spot at baggage claim.

Featured image credit: Bet_Noire/ iStock via Getty Images Plus 

Settling down by the sea is a dream for many people in retirement, and it can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. To find the best seaside destinations for retirees on a budget, we looked to U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 survey ranking 150 of the best cities for retirement based on the happiness of residents, housing affordability, tax rates, and health care quality. Of these top cities, we’ve narrowed down the 10 most affordable oceanfront cities to retire to in 2025 and 2026. Even if you’re not planning for retirement quite yet, these 10 destinations make for great budget-friendly coastal getaways.

10. Port St. Lucie, Florida

• Cost of living: 1.4% lower than national average
• Median home value: $349,395
• Median rent: $1,290
• Percentage of population over 65: 22%

In Port St. Lucie, you don’t need to pay top dollar to retire on the Atlantic Coast. Despite being Florida’s sixth-most-populated city, Port St. Lucie is one of the Sunshine State’s more affordable places to reside. Living here comes at a fraction of the cost of cities like Miami or Naples, though it offers similar perks, such as great weather, no state income tax, and easy access to beaches, riverwalks, and nature preserves. The city’s subtropical climate makes year-round outdoor recreation possible, from enjoying coffee on a quiet beach to casting a line from your backyard fishing dock.

9. Jacksonville, Florida

• Cost of living: 4.3% lower than national average
• Median home value: $302,616
• Median rent: $1,241
• Percentage of population over 65: 15%

Jacksonville is a big city with a small-town feel. Florida’s largest city by both population (approximately 986,000 residents) and land area offers diverse neighborhoods spread across 874 square miles, from historic homes on the St. Johns River to quiet beachside bungalows. Jacksonville’s blend of coastal and urban living appeals to retirees looking for variety, with downtown entertainment venues, coastal walking trails, and scenic golf courses all within easy reach. The city also provides top-rated health care, including the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.

8. Melbourne, Florida

• Cost of living: 4.4% lower than national average
• Median home value: $310,404
• Median rent: $1,261
• Percentage of population over 65: 23%

Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Melbourne beckons retirees with sunny skies and warm weather year-round. It’s less crowded than other South Florida hot spots, creating a more laid-back atmosphere. Plus, there are many 55-plus communities, often with lower-than-average HOA fees. 

Residents can enjoy watching rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, paddling along the Indian River, and spending time on the golf course. Melbourne’s proximity to Orlando (60 to 90 minutes by car) is also convenient for accessing big-city attractions, an international airport, and top-notch medical care.

7. Daytona Beach, Florida

• Cost of living: 5.1% lower than national average
• Median home value: $301,815
• Median rent: $1,203
• Percentage of population over 65: 20%

Clearly, the Sunshine State has plenty of budget-friendly options for retirees. Daytona Beach is another one of the most affordable coastal cities in Florida, offering condos and homes with ocean views at prices much lower than other oceanfront areas around the country. Although the city boasts plenty of quiet suburbs and condo communities, things liven up every February as tourists flock here for the Daytona 500 NASCAR race at the namesake speedway. 

With boardwalk entertainment, free summer concerts, and easy access to golf, tennis, and walking trails, this city inspires active lifestyles without being overwhelming, making it ideal for those who want relaxation and recreation.

6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Cost of living: 9.6% lower than national average
• Median home value: $347,457
• Median rent: $990
• Percentage of population over 65: 24%

If you’re seeking an alternative retirement destination to Florida, Myrtle Beach boasts a low cost of living and a quiet, less touristy feel in the offseason. With a mild climate and access to quality health care, Myrtle Beach is especially popular with retirees from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. 

Situated on the “Grand Strand” on the Atlantic coastline, an area that boasts more than 90 golf courses, Myrtle Beach is also a golfer’s paradise. The low-cost beach lifestyle is made even more affordable thanks to South Carolina’s tax benefits for retirees, including no tax on Social Security benefits and retirement income deductions.

5. Savannah, Georgia

• Cost of living: 9.8% lower than national average
• Median home value: $272,339
• Median rent: $1,105
• Percentage of population over 65: 15%

Savannah, a charming coastal city in southeastern Georgia, is known for its oak tree-lined streets and quaint historic district. It boasts lower housing costs than many cities in Florida and the Carolinas, while still offering coastal amenities and a laid-back lifestyle. 

While there aren’t high-rise beach condos here, retirees looking for quiet, historic homes along the rivers and marshes will find plenty of options. Many are a short drive from popular beaches such as Tybee Island. Savannah also has a thriving cultural scene, thanks in part to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), with plenty of galleries, festivals, theater, and concerts to enjoy.

4. Pensacola, Florida

• Cost of living: 11% lower than national average
• Median home value: $296,312
• Median rent: $1,013
• Percentage of population over 65: 21%

Pensacola blends history, nature, and small-town charm on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The historic downtown district is a lively area home to boutique shops, museums, art galleries, dining, and free community events. With strong Veterans Affairs (VA) services and a significant military retiree population, it’s also an excellent choice for veterans.  Across the Pensacola Bay is Pensacola Beach, known for its white sand and unbeatable sunsets.

3. Mobile, Alabama

• Cost of living: 15.9% lower than national average
• Median home value: $177,707
• Median rent: $745
• Percentage of population over 65: 17%

Mobile is one of the most affordable destinations in the Gulf Coast region, allowing retirees to live near the water on a modest budget. Home prices and property taxes are well below the national average, and there are plenty of historic homes situated along oak-lined streets. 

Although the city is not located directly on the Gulf Coast, Mobile’s location on Mobile Bay is ideal for boating, with numerous marinas located south of the city. Mobile also boasts a lively local culture, with year-round festivals and fewer tourists than cities like New Orleans. Plus, it’s just a short drive from Dauphin Island, allowing for quick trips to the Gulf beaches.

2. Corpus Christi, Texas

• Cost of living: 16.5% lower than national average
• Median home value: $202,525
• Median rent: $967
• Percentage of population over 65: 16%

Thanks to its affordable location on the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is home to a growing community of full-time retirees and part-time snowbirds. Texas does not have state income tax, allowing retirees to stretch their dollars further. It’s one of the most affordable waterfront cities in the country, particularly when it comes to groceries, services, and insurance. With its proximity to scenic spots like Padre Island and Mustang Island, retirees can enjoy nature and quiet beaches year-round.

1. Gulfport, Mississippi

• Cost of living: 17.4% lower than national average
• Median home value: $188,052
• Median rent: $797
• Percentage of population over 65: 16%

Gulfport stands out as one of the best seaside destinations for a comfortable and affordable retirement. It’s located under two hours by car from New Orleans on the Mississippi Sound, an area known for its calm waters and white-sand beaches. Boating, fishing, and other coastal activities are part of daily life here.

Gulfport’s residents have convenient access to world-class entertainment and specialized medical care. Nearby Biloxi also offers a cruise port, casinos, and lively nightlife. Although Gulfport is Mississippi’s second-largest city, its small-town feel provides a welcoming vibe of community for retirees.

To meet the TSA’s strict liquid rules for carry-on luggage, many travelers stock up on travel-size toiletries at the drugstore before flying. However, doing so comes with its own set of considerations. Not only are those small plastic bottles wasteful, but the cost can add up, especially if you travel frequently. Here are a few clever alternatives to save money on toiletries before your next vacation.

Purchase Refillable Bottles

The best method to cut down on waste and save money in the long run is a simple one: Buy a set of refillable containers. Travelers can choose from a variety of TSA-approved options such as silicone bottles or squeezable pouches. These containers easily fit into your bag without taking up much space, and they eliminate unnecessary waste. A set typically costs around $5 to $10, so you’ll be saving money in just a few trips. When you return, simply rinse and clean them out and stow them away until your next journey.

Fill Tiny Baggies

No refillable bottles? No problem. Small plastic bags or containers can be an excellent alternative in a pinch, so long as they have a tight seal to prevent potential leakage. Consider pill bags or even contact lens cases, both of which usually measure well below the TSA liquid limit of 3.4 ounces, and can serve as makeshift toiletry dispensers when you don’t have other options. Before your trip, be sure to label each bag or case with its contents, such as toothpaste or sunscreen, and pack them in a place where they are less likely to leak.

Use What the Hotel Provides

When you book a hotel room, a variety of amenities are included in the price. This includes shampoo, body wash, hand soap, and other basic toiletries. This isn’t to say that every toiletry will be taken care of, but if you aren’t picky about hair products, soap, and lotion, you can simply take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary offerings to free up valuable space in your luggage — and avoid the cost of purchasing travel-size toiletries. Plus, if the hotel still offers single-use containers, you can also take the bottles home and reuse them on another trip. (Pro tip: Many hotels also offer amenity kits if you ask the front desk, with additional items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, lotion, and even socks free of charge.)

Stock Up at the Dentist

Nobody likes visiting the dentist, but at least you can save some money on toiletries for your next vacation by grabbing a few of those complimentary tubes of toothpaste on the way out. Most dentist offices provide floss, toothbrushes, and toothpaste samples at the end of each visit — not only are they usually free, but the smaller sample sizes are perfect for tossing into your carry-on and still meeting TSA liquid regulations.

Swap Liquids for Solids

These days, many toiletries also come in solid forms — think shampoo and conditioner bars (like those from Kitsch), powdered mouthwash packets (MySmile), and sunscreen sticks (Blue Lizard). These items are TSA-approved, and because they’re solid, you don’t have to worry about liquid restrictions in your carry-on. Plus, solid versions often last longer because they are more concentrated than liquid toiletries, which will end up saving you money in the long run. For instance, a solid shampoo bar can last for over 80 washes.

Picture this scenario: Your plane is at the gate, but boarding has yet to commence. The crew is on board and the cabin is being prepared — but what, exactly, does that entail, and why does it sometimes seem to take so long? Delve into what actually happens during what’s known as a turnaround, or the time a plane spends on the ground between flights. 

Why Pilots Walk Around the Aircraft

An aircraft’s flight crew has a responsibility to ensure that the plane is functioning as it should and that it is safe to fly. To do this, pilots and first officers carry out a host of preflight checks. You may have seen this happening in the flight deck as you board, but an exterior walk-through needs to happen, too. The pilot (or co-pilot) will walk around the aircraft, looking for visual evidence of leaks, corrosion, dents, or foreign bodies, as well as checking the condition of the engines and noting anything that seems unusual. Once all the fuel, passengers, bags, and cargo have been loaded, all flight controls are confirmed as working correctly, and the weather and flight plan have been signed off on, the plane can get on its way.  

How Flight Attendants Prepare the Cabin

The role of flight attendants is to ensure passengers remain safe at all times during the flight. Before passengers board, flight attendants thoroughly inspect the cabin, including overhead bins, seat pockets, lavatories, and underneath seats. Once these security checks are complete, flight attendants continue with other safety-related items, making sure these are where they should be and in full working order. This includes looking to see that the life vests are stowed for each seat, checking that first-aid kits are complete, and making sure that smoke detectors, the PA system, and emergency lighting are all functioning correctly. Finally, they’ll stock the galley and begin welcoming passengers on board.

What Happens When the Cabin Is Cleaned?

Between flights, the cabin of an aircraft undergoes cleaning, but how involved the process is depends on the type of flight. Between long-haul flights, the plane is typically on the ground for several hours, giving cleaning crews ample time to freshen up the space and ensure it is clean and tidy for the next set of passengers. Blankets and pillows are replaced, trash is removed from the plane, carpets are vacuumed, and hard surfaces such as tray tables are wiped down. The lavatories and galleys are also disinfected and sanitized. 

Between short-haul flights, especially those operated by low-cost airlines, the turnaround times are much shorter — sometimes as little as 25 minutes. Often, this means that cabin crew members instead of a dedicated cleaning crew will collect trash prior to boarding and try to minimize the amount of work required while the plane is on the ground, thus avoiding unwanted delays and keeping costs low.

Loading Luggage and Cargo

Proper weight distribution is one of the most important things to consider when loading cargo of any kind, including passengers’ bags, onto a plane. While load planners know the exact weight of freight containers, loose items (such as suitcases) are loaded with an assumption about average weight — such estimates vary according to whether the flight is domestic or international, for instance. Nets keep the bags in place so that the plane’s center of gravity isn’t affected. In addition, for security reasons, it’s standard practice that only accompanied baggage is permitted, which is why, if a passenger doesn’t show up for the flight, it can be necessary to offload their hold luggage prior to takeoff. 

Getting Food on Board

Before they are loaded on an aircraft, in-flight meals are prepared off-site in dedicated flight kitchens. These kitchens have strict hygiene policies and quality control measures. Hot food, for example, is thoroughly cooled before it is ready to leave and reheated through in the galley once in the air. Service carts loaded with meals are transported in catering trucks to the plane, where they replace those used on the previous flight. While passengers typically board from the left side of the plane, the doors on the opposite side are used to load catering required for the journey. Hydraulics lift the unit up to the level of the door so that carts can be easily transferred to the plane before departure.