Table of Contents
1 Using Technology for Planning Travel
Find, Download, and Install a Mobile App
Working with a Desktop or Notebook Computer
Putting Travel Technology to Work
Travel-Related Websites, Online Services, and Mobile Apps
Using Technology to Become Your Own Travel Agent
2 Researching Travel Opportunities
Making the Important Decisions
Using Your Devices to Conduct Pre-Trip Research
Digital Editions of Travel Magazines
Popular Online Travel Services and Websites
Websites Operated by Individual Departments of Tourism
Map Apps on Your Smartphone or Tablet
Using AARP Travel to Conduct Research
Use AARP Travel to Choose a Destination
Using the Travelzoo Website and Mobile App
Getting Advice from Fellow Travelers
Use TripAdvisor on Your Computer
3 Getting to Know Some Popular Travel Tools
Use the Airbnb Website or Mobile App
Use Priceline to Make a Booking
4 Using Travel Provider Websites and Mobile Apps
Airline Websites and Mobile Apps
Finding and Making an Airline Reservation
Check In for Your Flight and Create Boarding Passes
Managing Your Itinerary from an Airline’s Website
Accommodation Websites and Mobile Apps
Make a Reservation Using a Hotel’s Website
Using a Rental Car Company’s Website or Mobile App
5 Finding and Booking the Best Airfares
Calculating Added Costs Associated with Air Travel
Understanding Baggage Allowances
Determining the Type of Airline Ticket You Want
Five Tips for Finding the Lowest Possible Airfares
Research the “Discount” Airlines Separately
Look for Package Deals or Travel Bundles
Set Up Free Price Alerts and Take Advantage of Price Match Guarantees
Additional Considerations for International Travel
Applying For or Renewing Your U.S. Passport
Understanding Travel Visas and Travel Warnings
6 Finding Ground Transportation
Considerations for Selecting a Rental Car Company
Use a Travel Service’s Website
Using a Specific Rental Car Company Website
Tips for Saving Money on Rental Cars
Choose the Right Type of Insurance Coverage
Select the Correct Pick-Up and Drop-Off Dates and Times
Understanding Your Rental Car Insurance Options
Exploring Ground Transportation Alternatives
Navigating Using Your Mobile Device
The Maps Apps Offer Multiple Viewing Perspectives
Use the iOS 9 Edition of the Maps App
Use the iOS 10.1 Edition of the Maps App
7 Finding and Booking Accommodations
Define Your Accommodation Wants, Needs, and Budget
Understanding the Accommodation Ratings
Understanding Vacation Home Rentals
Considering Renting a Timeshare Unit
Finding and Booking Traditional Hotel or Motel Accommodations
8 Finding and Booking a Cruise
Getting to Know the Popular Cruise Lines
Mobile Apps That Enhance Your Cruise Experience
9 Finding All-Inclusive Vacations and Vacation Package Deals
Understanding the Drawbacks of All-Inclusive Vacations and Travel Packages
Finding and Booking All-Inclusive Vacations
Use Expedia to Book an All-Inclusive Vacation
Finding and Booking Vacation Packages
Vacation Packages Through Airlines
Find a Vacation Package Using Kayak
Creating Your Own Travel Bundles
10 Mobile Apps to Use at Your Destination
Apps to Help You Get Where You’re Going
Airline, Hotel, and Rental Car Company Apps
Finding Restaurants and Making Dining Reservations
Locating Attractions, Stores, Businesses, or Services
More Ways to Use Your Mobile Device While Traveling
Use the AAA Mobile App to Save Money
Use the AARP Member Advantages App to Save Money
11 Online Travel Discounts By Association
AARP Travel-Related Resources Beyond AARP Travel
Get Recommendations from AARP and Expedia
Finding Discounts Offered to AAA Members
Use the AAA Website to Find Discounts
Discovering City-Specific Discounts
Use Groupon and Living Social to Find Discounts
Getting Perks from Your Credit Card
Find Travel-Related Discounts Offered By AmEx
12 Finding and Purchasing Travel Insurance
When You Travel, Things Can Go Wrong, So Be Prepared!
Purchase Travel Insurance Online
13 Services for Managing Travel Itineraries
Mobile Apps for Managing Your Travel Itineraries
Travel Itinerary Management Options for Your Computer
Ways to Meet Fellow Solo Travelers
14 Connecting Your Computer, Smartphone, or Tablet While Traveling
Cellular Data Versus Wi-Fi from Your Mobile Device
Ways to Avoid International Roaming Charges
Wi-Fi Options for Making and Receiving Calls
Taking Advantage of a Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot
Create a Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot Using Your iPhone or iPad
Create a Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot Using Your Android Device