You can buy simple stainless steel cubic zircona rings on Amazon for between $10 and $20.  This is a very popular solution for those who still want something that looks legit.  For those with deeper pockets, there are pricier and better quality solutions at stores like Nordstrom or Lord and Taylor.

It’s definitely uncomfortable to just not wear a ring after being engaged – it would feel weird and vulnerable.  So definitely think about alternatives!

Propose With The Real Thing Or A Stand-In?

If you are the one proposing, then traveling to a distant location with an expensive ring can feel very stressful.  Most people will want to propose with the real thing – I mean, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and you don’t want to disappoint with a lackluster diamond engagement ring.  However, to avoid any travel mishaps follow these tips:

• Pack the ring in the box, and keep it in a sock to avoid it banging around.  It’s also a good hiding place.
• Avoid wrapping the box to avoid TSA questioning and the need to possibly unwrap it.
• Attaching a note to the box, aka “Engagement ring inside, please be discreet” will notify TSA agents and they won’t flash the ring around if they feel they need to inspect your baggage.
• It’s a good idea to register the engagement ring before you travel, or at least take a photo of it with yourself prior to traveling overseas in order to prove that you didn’t purchase it overseas or intend to sell it.
• Plan to propose early in the trip to alleviate stress of carrying around, especially if you’re doing outdoorsy things.
• Utilize the safe in your hotel room!

Other Ring Travel Tips

Insuring your engagement or wedding ring is a good idea.  Declare it on your homeowners insurance or simply purchase a plan for it if it’s over a certain amount.

Consider bringing a “stand-in” ring if you decide to propose with the real thing.  If you’re in a place where a diamond ring will stand out and attract unwanted attention, definitely use a low-key fake after the proposal.  Keep the real ring for when you’re home and in a more familiar location.

Take lots of photos!  But avoid using geotagged social media posts in case it attracts unwanted attention.  Perhaps a bit paranoid but maybe worth it.

Bestseller No. 1

Silver Rose Gold 2 Carat Wedding Engagement Eternity Bridal Ring Set (Silver, 7)

• Rhodium Plated on Brass, Wont Rust or Green Finger Easily
• Two-in-One Set, AAA Grade Cubic Zircon Stones. Main Stone Size: 2 Carat
• Wedding, Anniversary, Valentine, Statement, Cocktail, Engagement, Birthday Occasions
• Gift for Wife Daughter Girlfriend Mother's Day
• Gift box is NOT included

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Bestseller No. 2

Bo.Dream Cushion Cut 3ct Cubic Zirconia CZ Platinum Plated Sterling Silver Engagement Rings (7)

• This elongated cushion cut engagement ring design featuring center stone 3 carat (8mm x 10mm)AAAAA cubic zirconia, there is a 3mm magenta stone underneath, embedded in the metal, scrolled with total 0.36ct delicate smaller CZ stones in both paved bands. This stunning ring total carat weight 3.36ct.
• Crafted in solid .925 Sterling Silver, platinum plating added to enhance shine and durability. Nickel free, safe for wearers with nickel allergies.
• 5A Cubic Zirconia (CZ)'s sparkle, durability, affordable price and ethical sustainable resources make this stone the perfect engagement, anniversary or travel ring choice.
• A size 7 ring for women. This ring is true to size. please reference : Inside Diameter 0.682inch (17.3mm), Inside Circumference 2.141inch (54.4mm)
• NOT STONE FALL OUT. Free exchange or return exchange accepted within 60 days of the delivery date, if the stone on your ring unfortunately fall.

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Bestseller No. 3

18K White Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Promise Halo Engagement Promise Eternity Ring for Women (rhodium-plated-brass, 5)

• Material:Brass Plated With 18K White Gold,Size Available:5/6/7/8/9/10
• Halo promise square ring,Mainstone:Cubic Zircon,Stone Color:White,Size: 7MM
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• Perfect gifts for Promise, Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary Day, Birthday to your girlfriend, wife, mom,yourself or someone special.

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Bestseller No. 4

2 Carat Round Brilliant Cubic Zirconia CZ Sterling Silver 925 Wedding Engagement Ring Size 5

• Elegant and stylish, this gorgeous solitaire engagement ring showcases a fiery 2 Carat round-cut AAA grade cubic zirconia stone mounted in a classic 4-prong stetting.
• Featured ring is constructed with fine 925 Sterling Silver, and is lavishly plated with rhodium plating, giving it the perfect white Goldtone look. All of our silver rings are stamped 925 to assure proper concentration of 92.5% solid silver.
• Stone measures in width: 8MM (millimeters). Ring width: 2MM.
• Includes a complimentary elegant jewelry box. Makes a perfect gift for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, wedding, engagement, or Valentine's Day Gift.
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Bestseller No. 5

1 Ct Halo Solitaire Cubic Zirconia Promise Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Ring Sizes 6

• Quality - 925 sterling silver rhodium plated, paved with aaa+ clear sparkling cubic zirconia stones,hypoallergenic and nickel free, safe for sensitive skins.
• Size - 5 6 7 8 9
• Delicate, beautiful, and timeless, this diamond engagement ring in 925 sterling silver features a half circle of sparkling petite pavé diamonds to complement the center zirconia stone.
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• Box - Packaged in a leather box for a great presentation and storage. Backed by 30-day money back guarantee.

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Bestseller No. 6

TIVANI Women's 2PCS Pretty 18K White Gold Plated Princess Cut CZ Bridal Engagement Wedding Band Set Best Anniversary Promise Rings for Her Eternity Love Collection Jewelry Heart Arrow Rings (7)

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• Best Fashion Jewelry Promise Anniversary Princess Ring for Women
• Classic Created Wedding Engagement Solitaire Diamond Promise Ring for Her
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Bestseller No. 7

Palm Beach Jewelry 18K Yellow Gold Plated Round Cubic Zirconia Solitaire Engagement Ring Size 7

• Main Stone: 1 Round Radiant Cut Cubic Zirconia, 1.88 carats, 7.75 mm x 7.75 mm
• 18k Gold-Plated
• Measures: 18 mm wide x 7.25 mm long x 7.25 mm high; Shank Width: 2.0 mm wide
• Includes gift box and drawstring pouch

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Bestseller No. 8

BERRICLE Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Round Cubic Zirconia CZ 3-Stone Anniversary Engagement Split Shank Ring 1.7 CTW Size 9.5

• METAL: Crafted in sterling silver, rhodium plated, stamped 925, nickel free. Ring measures 8.5mm in height. Band measures 2.5mm in width.
• CENTER STONE: Center stone features premium quality 0.8 carat (6mm) round cubic zirconia in 4-prong setting.
• SIDE STONES: Two side stones feature 0.5 carat total (0.25 carat per stone, 4mm) round CZ. Accented with 0.4 ct. tw. CZ to add a sparkle.
• FREE BERRICLE gift box included. FREE return within U.S. WARRANTY: Warrants against defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days from the date of purchase. General wear and tear, misuse, accidental damage are not covered. Question? please contact us.
• This 3-stone halo split shank ring will multiply your magnificence with elaborately intricate designs. Ideal for engagement, this ring will be perfect for your special one.

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Bestseller No. 9

JewelryPalace Wedding Bands Engagement Rings for Women, 14K Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Promise Rings for Her, Infinity Anniversary 1.5ct Simulated Diamond Ring Set Size 7

• √ HIGH-QUALITY AAA CUBIC ZIRCONIA INFINITY 925 STERLING SILVER RING SET: Ring for women is made of solid S925 sterling silver, known amongst jewelry wearers for its strength, brightness, and shine.Sterling silver in our wedding bands is tarnish-resistant, ensuring there is no tarnish residue on the skin. Rhodium plating provides a long-lasting luster and makes anillos de plata 925 women tarnish resistant! Completely allergy-free, nickel-free, lead-free, and cadmium free to prevent irritation.
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Bestseller No. 10

Silver Rose Gold Three-in-One Wedding Engagement Bridal Halo Ring Set (Silver, 8)

• Silver and Rose Gold Plated Brass, Never Rust, Nickel Free, Hypoallergenic
• AAA Grade Cubic Zircon Simulated Diamond, One Ring, Two Bands
• Anniversary, Valentine, Statement, Cocktail, Proposal, Promise Birthday and More.
• Graduation Mother's Day Bride Eternity Stacking Gift
• Gift box is NOT included

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Here are some interesting pieces of info on international tattoo scenes as well as some tips and pointers to think about before you get inked while overseas.

Pointers:

Avoid Shops With Red Flags

Don’t be that guy (or girl) who gets a weird sketchy tattoo from a temporary stand set up on a boardwalk, or some weird back alley job.  Make sure you do your due dilligence on the shop where you get inked.  Check around for some reviews and ensure that they are practicing adequate safety measures and observing cleanliness standards.  Tattoo shops are a legitimate business and any artist worth their salt is going to have a properly set up shop.  Avoid shops that have a ton of touristy stuff for sale too, like t-shirts, shot glasses, bongs, etc.

Take Online Reviews With A Grain Of Salt

Although online reviews can be a great source of information, be wary of places that seem “too good to be true”.  Check out their websites, online portfolios, and any hashtags or references people have made to them online.  It’s a good idea to ensure that there’s a decent fan following or at least a loyal clientele.

Simple Is Better

A vacation probably isn’t the best time to get an entire sleeve tattoo or back tattoo.  Smaller and simpler may be the way to go when in a foreign country.  Unless it’s something that you’ve really planned ahead for and this trip is a destination just to get tatted by an artist that you like, it’s best not to get anything too complex.  The best large tattoos are generally done in multiple sessions or at least have a lot of back and forth between the subject and the artist.

Time Your Tattoo Thoughtfully

Getting tatted is probably best left towards the end of the trip, after you’ve taken in all the sun and sand and water or touring around that you want.  It’s also a good idea to drop into the shop you want to get tatted at beforehand and have a talk with the artist about what you’re thinking of doing.  This gives you a chance to get a feel for the artist and the shop as well to ensure you get a feel-good vibe.

Keep Your Health In Mind

It goes without saying that most tattoo shops in first world countries have really gotten good about keeping disease at bay and following basic cleanliness standards.  However, when you’re straying more and more off the beaten path into some third world countries, it can sometimes be a gamble.  The language barrier is also an issue.  Just make sure you check around and follow your gut!

Have Fun!

Hey, you only live once.  If you’re thinking that getting a tattoo on your life-changing backpacking trip is the perfect endcap, by all means go for it.  Even if it’s not 100% perfect it will commemorate a period in your life when you were happy and free.

Many people feel nervous the first time going because there is so much to remember. If your company is relying on you to make a good impression, it can feel like a lot of pressure as the business culture in China is very different compared to the rest of the world. Below are some things to consider when traveling to China for business.

Make Advanced Preparations

One of the most important things to know about business meetings in China is that it is considered extremely rude to be late. Ironically, China’s airports are reported to have some of the worst delays. This means you really need to plan your flight so that you give yourself hours before your meeting. This way, in case your flight is delayed, you will still arrive at the meeting on time. Being late is not a good first impression and may even hurt your opportunity.

Guanxi – What is That?

This is a term the Chinese use for making friends before business partners. It is a process that cannot be rushed. The main idea is that you must get to know your business partners before you agree to work with one another. This may be in the form of a dinner or event where it is customary to ignore the work talk and get to know each other. If there is an event planned upon your arrival, be careful to not talk about work itself. Wait until it is brought up to you.

Bring a Special Gift

It is customary to bring a special gift when going into a business meeting. Since many people in China do not get the opportunity to travel abroad during their lifetime, they are appreciative when a gift is given that comes from your home country. This could be in the form of some kind of special food such as chocolate or nuts that are from your homeland.

Business Cards

If you are doing business with someone from China, you should plan ahead to get business cards made that will leave a lasting impression. It is suggested that the business cards are two-sided. One side should have your information in English, and the other in Chinese. This will not only show that you understand the customs of their culture but will also leave a good impression that you are attempting to learn the language and have put in the effort. You should also know the correct way to give and receive the cards.

When receiving the card from a potential business partner, you should take it with two hands and carefully look at it to show you are interested in the information. Don’t just shove it in your pocket, either. Place it safely in your wallet or purse. When giving the business card, hand it over with two hands and make sure the Chinese side is up.

Learn Some Phrases

As with going to any country, you will make them feel respected if you learn some simple phrases. This is a simple kindness that shows you are interested in their language and culture. Learn how to say simple things like, “Hello” and “Thank you”. This will leave a positive impression on anyone you encounter. You are not expected to speak fluent Chinese, so don’t stress out about it before your trip. Just show kindness by learning and remembering some simple sentences and when to use them.

Make Sure You Have Proper Registrations

Chances are if you are traveling to China, you and your company have thought this process out. There is a lot to plan when you are traveling to China for business. Not only are you required to have a passport, but you also need to apply for a Chinese Visa before you go. Without it, you may not be allowed to enter the country. Also, take into consideration that your passport must be up to date and cannot expire within 6 months of your arrival. If your passport is set to expire within 6 months, you also may be denied entry.

If you are not planning to stay at a hotel, you must register with the local police department, otherwise, you may be considered as noncompliant and could even be fined. If you are staying at a hotel, your information is automatically sent to the local police department when you check in. Finally, if you are traveling from the US, you should check into the US Embassy so they can keep you updated on travel information and even help you and your family in the event of an emergency.

Consider Getting a VPN

 A VPN is a virtual private network. The Chinese government puts a lot of restrictions on internet usage when in the country. With a VPN that was purchased before your trip from your home country, you will not have the firewalls that the government sets up. If you end up getting a VPN when already in the country, you will find that many of those restrictions are in place. VPNs cost from $60 – $70 for a year, which isn’t bad.

Other Advice

A few other miscellaneous pieces of advice when traveling to China for business are to write down your hotel address in Chinese. This is important in case your phone dies. Instead of having to recall the information for the cab driver or to ask someone directions, you can have it written on a piece of paper that you can show a person. Another important thing to remember about Chinese culture is that putting others’ needs before your own is customary to make a good impression. Adopt local practices, and be genuinely interested in learning the language.

This is a lot to remember, but you can make it a successful business trip. You are already doing a great job reading up on what you need to know for your trip, so you will be all set. The most important thing to remember is to be kind and follow these tips.

It is important that you make your traveling as stress-free as possible so that you don’t go out of your mind. This top 10 list of the most essential travel gear for business people will help you to make sure you get the job done while keeping your sanity.

1. Portable Battery

Everything these days can be charged with a portable battery. For the most part, most electronics and phones can be charged via USB.  Having a portable batter can be a lifesaver. While this does have to be charged before you leave, it tends to hold battery power for a while so that you can charge whatever you need to whenever you need it. It can be very important while traveling for business since you will need to stay plugged in most of the time, especially if you have an aging phone that doesn’t hold a charge all day.

I really like Anker products.  I have found them to be extremely reliable, portable, and fast charging.

• For my phone I have the Anker Astro E1, which is extremely portable and at full charge will charge my iPhone 7 two times.
• For longer trips where time between outlets will be extended or there are several people in your group, the Anker Powercore+ is a great choice, with the ability to charge the average iPhone 7 four times.
  

2. Travel Adapter (with USB Ports, if Possible)

Depending on where you are going, you may need to get a travel adapter. This is important especially if you are traveling to a foreign country because they may not have the same wall charger as your home country. If this is the case, you should research the country you are traveling to and find out what type of adapter is needed. If the adapter has a USB port, that is even more beneficial since most devices will be charged this way.

Travel adapters are fairly advanced these days, and come in several options for your specific needs.

• The LOOP World Adapter is a great compact option.
• When I went to Australia and had to charge multiple camera batteries I purchased the Bestek Power Adapter which has three plugs and 4 USB chargers.

3. Good Quality Headphones

This seems like such a simple addition to your bag, but it is an important one. Headphones can help you to enjoy music or a movie on a flight or in a hotel room when you feel as though you need to escape and relax. When traveling, you may find it difficult to calm yourself down since you are not in the comfort of your own home. To have the ability to drown out the noise around you will be necessary to wind down after a difficult day.

• I have had excellent experience with the Bose QuietComfort headphones, which have noise canceling technology that will drown out the din of a cafe or the rumble of an airplane engine.
• A less expensive option that still blocks out quite a bit of noise are the Sony Step Up Series EX Earbuds.  When I have these in and music on, I can’t hear ANYONE around me!

4. A Good Laptop Bag

This is important to make sure you can organize all of the things you need for your meetings. If you have a good laptop bag that can help you contain all your work materials, you will look professional when arriving at your next company meeting. It will also keep your laptop or tablet safe when you are traveling. This is important since all your work is usually stored in one place.

• If you will be walking around a lot, a classic backpack is the best bet for ergonomics.  Single strap bags are hard on your shoulders and neck.  I’ve been rocking an STM laptop backpack for quite a while now.

5. Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow

If you are a frequent flyer, then you know how uncomfortable those airplane seats can be. The Cabeau Evolution Travel Pillow was an impulse buy at LAX just before I boarded a 12 hour flight to Australia.  I was skeptical, but this pillow absolutely blew me away.  I wrapped it around my neck, cinched the drawstrings, and fell asleep for 7 hours.  The pillow kept my VERY sensitive neck straight, and I slept like a baby.  If you need to take a long flight or a flight that requires you to be in the air overnight, then it could be beneficial if you decide to invest in one of these pillows. They support your neck and help you get a good night’s sleep so that you are ready for anything when you arrive.

• Get the best price on the Cabeau Evolution Pillow here.

6. External Hard Drive

This is something that may not seem necessary, but if you are traveling with a laptop and it gets stolen, not only is your company’s information at stake, but so is your personal information. If you store your most important information in an external hard drive, it will help you protect yourself. It would be difficult for a thief to take off with both your device and the external hard drive. This will help you to keep both your personal and business information safe from others.

• I have been using Western Digital My Passport hard drives for years to back up photos and videos on filming trips, and they have performed beautifully.  They now come in an Ultra Portable version which might be my next purchase.
• Slightly more expensive but faster and more durable are the new SSD portable hard drives.  The Samsung T3 drive is one of the most popular options.  With less moving parts, however, SSD drives are more reliable and less likely to fail.

7. Portable Hotspot

If you frequently work on your laptop computer, you will most likely need internet. While many cell phone companies can provide a personal hot spot for you, it is important to make sure you have access to it at all times no matter where you are traveling to. Even though most places have Wi-Fi in public areas, you might not be able to find it when you need it most – meeting a deadline or taking advantage of some quiet time to get work done. Carrying around your own portable hot spot will help you to make sure you get your work done on time. Check with your mobile phone company to see what they offer depending on where you are traveling to.  Some cell phones are also able to become a hotspot, provided you have the appropriate plan.

• The Verizon LTE portable hotspot is a cheap option and runs on a pre-paid plan with no contracts.  My friend has one of these and we both used it when WiFi was not available.  It was fast and easy to use.

8. Portable Keyboard

This is especially important if you use an iPad or tablet as it might be difficult to type quickly and efficiently to get tasks checked off your to-do list. If you have a portable keyboard, they are easy to hook up and can help you get your work done so you are not missing deadlines because of slow touch-screen typing.  It’s also good for ergonomics, allowing you to lift your tablet or laptop up high and have a keyboard at elbow height.  Frequent laptop users’ necks will benefit.

• Depending on the size you’re looking for, I’m a fan of the IBM ThinkPad bluetooth keyboard, which is on the larger size however is very light.
• For those looking for smaller size items, the Anker Bluetooth Ultra-Slim is a great option.

9. Smart Suitcase

This is a new gadget that can really benefit you when you are traveling. The suitcase is basically programmed to your phone and has many safety features. It has a GPS with a sim card so that you can track it if it were to go missing. This would be especially helpful in a situation where your baggage was misplaced by the airline because you would be able to track its whereabouts. You can also lock the suitcase immediately with the app so that if it did go missing, you could ensure your things would still be there when it turned up. It also has a USB charger so you would be able to charge your phone or device when needed.

• The TYLT Pro Powerbag is a great entry level option for those looking to test the smart suitcase waters.
• The Bluesmart One is a more elite carry-on style smart suitcase that has more options and is slightly more expensive.

10. USB And Cable Organizer

If you’ve ever traveled with a tangled mess of cords, chargers, and USB drives, then you will thank yourself for getting a universal cable organizer.  These bags are extremely useful and will keep you sane when you’re fishing for that one cord in the bottom of your bag that you can never seem to find.

• I have a small universal organizer from BUBM that I really like
• BUBM also makes a larger case for things like hard drives, mice, wires, and other gadgets.

These are the 10 most essential gadgets for traveling for business. You should have at least a few of these gadgets to make your travel easier and more comfortable.

Not all jobs require travel, but those that do can be exhausting. Having to work while sleeping in a hotel room and eating room service is not all fun and games. Some people may love traveling for their job, but others may find that it disrupts their life at home. If you have children or a spouse, it can be stressful to leave them for weeks at a time. Make the most of your business trip by following these simple tips. You might even find you enjoy it.

Plan Ahead

One of the most important parts of traveling, whether for business or fun, is to plan ahead. Not only should you make sure that your flight, hotel, and transportation is set for your arrival, but you should also plan when you will need to eat, sleep, and try to have a little bit of down time.

Traveling for work can be stressful because you spend a bunch of your time traveling. While some people can enjoy reading or watching movies on the flight, it is still not relaxing like it is sitting at home. If you are trying to make a meeting right when you land, it can be worrisome if your plane is delayed or you run into other problems.

This is why it is important to make sure you plan out your trip as best you can. If you know you are going straight to a meeting when you get there, try to eat something while on the plane or during a layover. The last thing you want to do is walk into a meeting and be starving.

Try Not to Check a Bag

Checking a bag can be expensive and time-consuming. Even if your company is paying for your accommodations, you don’t want to be rushing to your meeting after having to wait for your bags. Try to fit whatever you can in your carry-on. This will save you hassle later.

If you can use a soft type of bag that can be squished into the overhead compartments or under your seat, that would be best as if you are not one of the first on the plane, finding space can be tricky.

Join a Rewards Program

There are many rewards programs out there through credit cards, hotels, and online booking sites. Find a program that works for you so you can earn points and get neat perks such as free upgrades, travel fee reimbursement and even VIP treatment.

You can usually earn points when you go out to eat, rent a car, or stay at a hotel. Once you accumulate points, you can get all sorts of rewards the next time you travel.

Understand Company Policies for Reimbursement

Usually, if you are traveling for work, your company will pay many of your accommodations. While a perk of business trips is that you don’t have to use your hard-earned money to pay for your hotel or rental car, you should definitely know what is and is not covered. For example, they may cover you for a meal or two a day, but not all three.

Your company may not reimburse you if you go exploring in your down time. If this is your first time traveling for this company, ask them what is covered so you are aware of how much you can spend. This way, if you decide to go somewhere during your trip that is not business-related, you will know if you have to pay for it or not out of your own money.

Dress Professionally

Remember as you are traveling, you are representing the company you work for. If possible, you should dress as you would when you go to work. While this can be uncomfortable, it also has some positive aspects to it. People who are dressed nicely are usually more respected and it might even help you land an upgrade or a free meal now and then.

You will also be more likely to get what you ask for when flying or staying in a hotel. You could also avoid having to stuff your suit in your suitcase if you are wearing it. There is less of a chance it will get wrinkled, and it’ll be ready to go when you need it.

Traveling Internationally? Take These Things into Consideration

If you are traveling internationally, make sure you understand currency exchange between your home country and the one you are going to so you have sufficient funds while there. You should also take into consideration whether or not you will need a special electrical plug as countries differ in their outlets.

It may be helpful if you can charge your cell phone using a USB as most computers will have those ports. This way, you will not have to carry a ton of plugs. Make sure you have an adapter for your laptop or business equipment if necessary.

Try to Do at Least one Enjoyable Thing

While some business trips may be short and hopefully sweet, others may be a week or two at a time. You might be traveling to a place you have never been before, or a place you go to frequently because of your company’s business. Either way, you should try to do one exciting thing that is not related to work while you are there. This will make you feel your trip was worth it if you come home with a memory more than a boring meeting. Even if it is eating dinner at a landmark place while you are there, you will have something to talk about that you did besides work.

Traveling for work can be super stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. While we all need to do things sometimes that we don’t want to in order to pay the bills, we can learn to make the most of the situation.

Looking to make your travel less stressful? It sounds like it’s time for you to consider TSA Precheck or Global Entry, especially if you travel from and to the United States. These two options can help you make your time at the airport more expedited and pleasant. Luckily, there are also credit cards that will reimburse you the application fee so you can save some money, too.

What is TSA Precheck and Global Entry?

TSA Precheck and Global Entry are for making your time at the airport stress-free. TSA Precheck will allow you to cut the lines when checking in because you have already been checked. Going through security may also be a bit easier as you may not be asked to take off your shoes or belt like usual. Global Entry can help you by making your trip back into the US hassle-free. When coming in from other countries, you will not have to fill out the dreaded blue customs form. You will have special identification on your boarding pass that shows you have been background checked and interviewed by the Global Entry authorities so that you can skip all the lines.

Choosing Between The Two

A note about which is better: I recommend getting Global Entry. It only costs $15 more to get than TSA Precheck and TSA Precheck is included in Global Entry, as is SENTRI if you are near the Mexico border.

What Do the Credit Cards Have to Do with It?

Signing up for Global Entry or TSA Precheck will cost you a little bit of money. Most application fees for Global Entry are $100, and for TSA Precheck, you would pay about $85. Some credit card companies will reimburse you for your application fee and are also useful for other travel purposes which will be discussed.

Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Card

This credit card will not only reimburse you for the $100 Global Entry application fee, but it also has other great benefits for domestic and international travelers. You can obtain this card by frequently staying at the Ritz-Carlton hotels found all around the world. There is an annual travel credit of up to $300, which can be used for seat upgrades or baggage fees. When you get a luxurious room at any Ritz-Carlton, you will get five points per dollar spent. If you use your card to book your airline tickets, rent a car, or eating out at restaurants, you can get two points per dollar. The cost of the card is $450 annually and will not cost you fees during foreign travel.

Citi Aadvantage Executive World Elite Card

This credit card allows you to get a credit for both Global Entry and TSA Precheck if you pay the fee with your card. It will take a billing cycle or two to get reimbursed, but it is worth it. There are also other benefits of the card like 50,000 Aadvantage miles after spending a certain amount of money, Admirals lounge access, and 2 points per dollar spent on purchases.

American Express Platinum

Whether you have a personal credit card or business credit card, the American Express Platinum card will reimburse you for your TSA Precheck or Global Entry fee if you pay with the credit card when applying for your application. You can also add family members as authorized users and be credited for their application fees as well. Depending on the type of card you have, personal or business, you can earn from 40,000 to 75,000 membership rewards points after completing a certain amount of spending. You can receive a $200 travel credit and lounge access. Another benefit is to earn 5x the points on every dollar spent on airline travel if you are a personal card holder. Business card holders can receive a 50% airline bonus and GoGo and Boingo access.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

This is the card I use, and discuss over on my review of the Chase Ultimate Reserve points program.  This credit card has many benefits, including reimbursement for your TSA Precheck and Global Entry fees. Another benefit to having this card is earning 50,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from the time you opened the card. That would equate to about $750 in travel rewards. You get a $300 annual travel credit to use on seat upgrades, baggage fees and more. You get 3 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining expenses.

Citi Prestige Card

This credit card will not only reimburse you for your TSA Precheck and Global Entry fees but also has some other amazing benefits as well. There is an automatic credit applied of up to $250 when using your car to book flights and other travel expenses. You can also earn points on your purchases. For travel and airline expenses, you can earn 3 points for each dollar. You can receive 2 points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment whether you are traveling or enjoying it at home. You can transfer points to other participating travel partners, and it can help you access some VIP lounges. This card has no foreign transaction fees and has a $450 annual fee.

These are some of the best cards that can help you earn money and be reimbursed for travel expenses if you are a frequent traveler. Whether you travel for business or for pleasure, there are many benefits to holding one or more of these cards and using the points to get free rewards. If you are considering Global Entry or TSA Precheck, you definitely should look into using a card that will help you with the application fee. This will save you money and give you other great benefits. The TSA Precheck or Global Entry application won’t take very long and has benefits that will help you to avoid long and annoying lines in the airports.

Is travel insurance worth it when booking a trip? It is important that you understand travel insurance before you spend money on it. Remember that it is always important and advised to read the fine print of anything you are being offered before committing so you understand the benefits.

Understand the Different Types

You might not know it, but there are different options when it comes to travel insurance. Some companies might offer certain options but not others. Before you figure out if the policy being offered to you is worth it, you must understand what it is you are being presented.

Cancellation/Interruption Coverage

Some policies will cover you if you have to cancel your trip, your trip is canceled on you, or if you have to come home from the trip early. This sounds great, doesn’t it? It seems like you should be covered in the event that you can’t go on your trip at the last minute; however, it is not as clear-cut as it sounds.

There are things that travel insurance will not cover, even if you have paid for it while booking your trip. Some policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions, baggage delays, the death of a pet, sports injuries (because you chose to take the risk), mental illness, pregnancy-related issues, or divorce. This type of coverage usually means you have to have some newly-discovered disease or be unable to travel due to catastrophic weather events. While there may be some other policies that cover more than that, you should really read the small print. I’m serious.

Baggage and Personal Items Coverage

This is another type of policy you may be offered. This would reimburse you for your items that are lost or stolen while you are traveling. I can only imagine how much of a pain this would be to somehow prove what items you had with you before you left, but I’m sure somewhere in the world someone was thankful that they got this type of insurance. It would be very important for you to learn about what you would have to do if you ever found yourself in this situation while traveling before you commit.

Medical Coverage for Travel

Chances are, you most likely have regular insurance, but that may not cover your traveling medical care if you ever needed to go to the hospital in another state or country. It would be best to check with your primary insurance to see what they have to offer.

Since you are already covered under them, you may be covered while traveling, or perhaps they could offer you something to extend your coverage in other areas. The truth is, if you don’t call and ask them, then you won’t know. That phone call could save you from having to spend the money on extra travel insurance, and can even give you peace of mind to know you are covered in the case of illness or injury.

You definitely want to look into this if you are traveling internationally as I can only imagine the expenses of not only needing urgent care but then also trying to get home.

Accidental Death/Dismemberment Injury Insurance

This type of insurance would cover you if you and your loved ones if you were to get seriously injured in an accident while traveling, or God forbid if someone in your traveling party died. Hopefully, you never have to use this type of insurance, but I can imagine some people like to be prepared.

Terrorism

Sometimes there is a policy offered that includes terrorism insurance. It seems like there has been a lot of that these days, so you never know what could happen. Look into this policy carefully as there may be certain timelines and other specific requirements in order for this type of insurance to cover you. If you are still three months out from your trip, chances are, you wouldn’t be able to use the insurance that far away.

What Else is There to Know About Travel Insurance?

The average travel insurance should not cost more than 5 percent of what you are paying for your trip. If your trip costs $1000, then you should pay around $50 for insurance. If you are going to go for insurance, you want to make sure it is worth it.

Whatever you pay, you have to be okay with losing if you don’t need it. You also have to figure if you spent $1,050 for your whole trip, insurance included, and need to use it, you might not get back that whole amount. Look at it this way. If you spend $1,050 on your trip with insurance and something happens, you might only get $800 back (this is, of course, dependent on the policy), but if you didn’t get insurance then you are out the whole $1,000 if something were to happen. It is certainly a gamble, but isn’t life?

Something else really important to note about travel insurance is you have to purchase the policy before you go. Some people like to book a plane ticket, but don’t book their hotel until they get to their destination. If this is the case, your hotel would not be covered under your insurance policy. While this is not a bad way to travel, it is just something to keep in mind.

So, Worth it or Not?

So, here is the hard part. I know you came here looking for an answer, but the truth is, only you can make the right call for you. You have to look at your situation carefully and figure out if the benefits of travel insurance outweigh the cost.

You must figure out for yourself if spending the extra money is worth it if something unexpected comes up. In some certain instances, and depending where you are going and when, there may be sufficient reason to getting the insurance. Others may not be worried because the amount they are spending wouldn’t put them into bankruptcy if they lost it. Still, some people like the fact that insurance gives them peace of mind.

If you feel as though travel insurance is something you are seriously considering for your next trip, make sure to do some research and read the fine print before you make the commitment. With any contract or insurance policy, it is important to read everything and ask questions if you have them. Whatever you decide to do, be confident in your decision because after all, it’s just money. Most importantly, enjoy your next trip!

The US cut ties with Cuba back in 1959, when Fidel Castro took office. Let’s just say he did some things and passed some laws that caused Cuba and the US to not get along very well. In 2016, former President of the US, Barack Obama, wanted to change that by being one of the first presidents in a long time to travel to Cuba. So what does this mean for US travelers? Are they able to travel to Cuba?

Yes, You Can Travel

So, yes, American citizens can travel to Cuba now that the relationship has been restored. Keep reading, though, because the answer is not as simple as just a yes.

There Are Restrictions

What Obama did for travelers was he helped to create an agreement that US citizens could travel as long as they sign a form claiming they are visiting for educational reasons to learn about the country. To do this, you will have to plan your trip itinerary around getting to know and understanding the culture.

That means you can’t really sit on the beach and tan the whole time you are there. You will have to go around to cities and towns and learn about them. Not a bad thing if you are looking to be a tourist, though. It is also interesting to learn about the place you are visiting, its history, and its people.

Booking Your Flight

You may have to do a little bit of research as currently, you cannot buy a ticket from the US to Havana on some sites like Expedia. On a lesser known site, Jetcost, tickets from Miami, Florida to Havana, Cuba cost from $360 and above.

The flight takes less than an hour and a half, so you can see that while flights to Cuba have significantly dropped in the last few years, they are still pretty expensive for the length and distance. During your flight, you will be asked to fill out immigration forms to submit upon your arrival.

What Else is There to Consider?

While Americans no longer need a special license to travel to Cuba, there are still other restrictions to keep in mind. There is a list of reasons one must be traveling to Cuba for:

[tie_list type=”checklist”]

• Educational activities, as mentioned before
• Official government business
• Journalism reasons
• Religious reasons
• Events and activities relating to research from an institution of education
• Authorized export transactions
• Transmission of information
• Support for the Cuban citizens
• Humanitarianism
• Family visits[/tie_list]

You will have to offer proof of your reason for a visit so that you will be allowed off the plane and into the country. Sitting on the beach for a week is probably not going to fly. If that is what your intention is, you may want to pick somewhere else to go on your vacation.

What About President Trump?

Now that Obama is no longer in office, his replacement, President Donald Trump has declared that the work Obama did with the US’s relationship to Cuba is about to be no more. While he has made this decision, it is not yet final as the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) approve and figure out what the next steps are.

The thing is, Trump doesn’t want Americans to spend their money to benefit Cuba. While this is in the works, Americans can still go ahead and travel to Cuba (using one of the reasons above) until everything is finalized. Keep in mind, though, if you are traveling to Cuba, you should make sure to keep track and proof of what you do there just in case you are questioned upon your return to the US.

Once Your Flight is Booked, Make Sure to Plan the Rest of Your Trip

You will have to plan out the rest of your trip, like what to do and where to stay when you arrive. Many visitors plan to stay with the citizens of Cuba rather than staying at hotels. This is due to the fact that since tourism in Cuba is becoming more popular, the hotels cannot yet handle the demands. It may be in your best interest to use Airbnb or with private residents.

You Might Want to Look into a Tourism Company

If you decide to travel with a tour company, at least all the difficult work is done for you. It sounds like it might be pretty difficult to go on a private vacation to Cuba, so if you go with a group, then you can’t really be questioned as much about your intentions. Here are some companies that offer travel groups to Cuba:

[tie_list type=”checklist”]

• Globus – They offer multiple-night stays to visit and experience the local life.
• Cuba Explorer – This may be a great company to go with if you are looking to focus on arts and culture and adventure.
• Insight Cuba – This Company offers packages relating to the country’s history and its jazz culture.
• Friendly Planet – The travel company offers different types of packages that allow travelers to hang out in neighborhoods and visit attractions in the area.[/tie_list]

What Should I Know About Currency?

Make sure to look into this before you go as many American credit cards still do not allow you to use them in Cuba. You want to make sure the ones you have are able to be used or you’ll be without money. It may be best to bring cash with you and not rely too much on plastic. It is suggested that if you can bring euros, pounds, or Canadian dollars because there is a 10% penalty for exchanging US currency.

If you have always wanted to go to Cuba, now may be the time. You should get the experience while it is still easy to travel to Cuba. While it may not be as easy as traveling to another country, it is easier than it was in the past and may very well become more difficult in the next few years. If you get the chance to go, enjoy every moment of it in case you don’t get the chance to go back.

Bed Bug Myths

Most people normally have the wrong notion about bedbugs. They usually think that bedbugs only infest hotels that are unclean. However, this is untrue. They do not dwell in places simply because they are dirty. They are usually attracted by warmth and feed on human blood. A bedbug can take refuge in any small place such as bed seams, sofas, chairs, carpets, furniture and so forth. They are nocturnal insects. This means that they usually feed at night. They are generally more active approximately one hour before dawn. You will realize that their regular feeding cycle is five to ten days.

Hotels With Bedbugs – Can You Avoid Them?

Hotel bedbugs are a concern to many travelers. Most visitors normally complain of bedbug bites from time to time. If your hotel has bedbugs, you should eliminate them as soon as possible. The following are some of the reasons why you should eliminate them:

1. Quality sleep

Most travelers are normally tired after travelling for a whole day. Most of them just opt to take super in a hotel and book lodging where they can sleep. You will realize that you need to have quality sleep at night so that you can be productive the following day. However, their sleep can be interrupted with by bedbug bites. They can make them feel uncomfortable. You are likely to sleep only for a few hours. This is the reason why it is advisable to eliminate them.

2. Reduced number of customers

If your hotel has bedbugs, few customers will be willing to sleep in your hotel. Most of them will just buy meals and leave. Your hotel can have low profits and so forth. In addition, it can have a bad reputation. This is the reason why you should eliminate them as soon as possible.

If you’re booking a hotel and want to see if it’s on the “bed bug registry” or similar, you can do a simple search for bed bug reports hotels or for a hotel bed bug reports.  There are a few websites that have a database of hotels with known bedbug problems.

Tips For Avoiding And Detecting Bedbugs

If you are traveling, it is important that you leave your luggage at the door or on the table or rack near the door while you inspect your room. You should not put your luggage on the bed. In addition, you should not place your luggage on a couch or chair until you have inspected the couch or chair. Once you get in a hotel room, you should be keen to check behind the headboard, sheets and blankets, mattress and even the box spring. You should also check bureaus and tables within 10 to 15 feet of the bed. You should also check behind paintings and generally anywhere near the bed.

If you find any bedbug in that room, ask for another room immediately. You can tell that a hotel room has bedbugs when if:

• You feel itchy after lying on the bed
• Edges of upholstery or mattresses have brownish dark lines
• The itchiness on your skin lasts for longer periods. You will realize that bedbugs bites are often more itchy than mosquito bites.

If you suspect that your clothes have hotel bedbugs, you should put them in washer and use very hot water. You will realize that bedbugs normally die in extreme heat and extreme cold. You can use very hot water for washing your clothes and later place them in a deep freezer for up to 4 weeks. This will not only kill the bedbugs but also their eggs. The freezer is a great option for books, passports and papers. Steam cleaning can also help you to get rid of bedbugs.

Hotel bedbugs can be a nuisance. They can disturb you when you are sleeping. If you happen to visit a hotel, you should be keen the check the above mentioned areas so that you can avoid infestation. If you have hotel, you should ensure that it is free from bedbugs. Get rid of hotel bedbugs today and you will enjoy the results.

I found out that there are a myriad of different points systems out there, and they all work slightly differently.  However, the one that has gained a lot of popularity recently is the Chase Ultimate Rewards system.  Once I started researching this family of cards I started to get really excited about how much I could earn through their system.

I used to really like the JetBlue rewards program, but over the years the airline got more expensive (although they still remain one of my favorites to fly) and the points system didn’t seem as good after they overhauled the way they calculated points a few years ago.  However I have now since retired that card in favor of the Chase Ultimate Rewards system.

In a nutshell, Chase has a team of cards that each work slightly differently.  However each card has its own strengths in terms of points categories and earnings potential, and if they are used in conjunction with each other they can net you quite a bit of points.

The cards that I’ll talk about in this article are the Chase Sapphire Reserve/Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom, and Chase Freedom Unlimited.  There are a few other cards offered by Chase, but for the purposes of this article, these are the most useful to talk about.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards Benefits

The Ultimate Rewards System gives you, the user, one account.  If you have more than one Chase credit card, the points from all of them funnel into the same account.

Now here’s where it gets good:  Having either the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred are key.  Each of these cards gives you the option to use your points at 1.5x or 1.25x their value (respectively) when booking travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards website portal.  All you have to do is funnel all of your points to one of those cards, and then access Chase Ultimate Rewards through that card.

This means that if you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder and spend $1000 in the month of May and get 10 points in your Ultimate Rewards account, you can use those points to get $15 worth of travel.  That’s 1.5x the value.  This means that booking travel (such as airline tickets, hotels, cruises, etc) through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal supercharges your points!

I spend an average of $2000 per month.  That equates to $20 in points per month.  However if I want to buy a plane ticket, at the end of a calendar year I will be able to buy $360 worth of plane tickets instead of $240 (240 x 1.5 = 360).

Very Flexible

When booking on Chase Ultimate Rewards I have found that I can get many, many flights.  However I cannot get ALL flights.  Certain airlines aren’t available, such as Southwest, however there are enough that I am quite happy with the selection and low prices.

The best part is that rather than being locked in with one airline, say JetBlue, you can use many different airlines.  Sometimes JetBlue doesn’t fly where I’m going, or their prices for that destination are too high.  I can still use my points to book a different airline, and best of all JetBlue is available through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal anyway.

Most hotels are available as well as car rentals and cruises.

The platform also allows you to quickly cash out your points to your Chase checking account, or use them to get gift cards for various merchants.  You can even use the points to pay off your credit card.

The flexibility of the system means that your points will never be locked up and you can access them at any time if you need some quick emergency money (which I used it for when I had a sudden emergency vet bill for my dog!).

However, the best way to use these points is to get a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred and use those points at 1.25x or 1.5x their value for travel bookings.

[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]The best way to fully utilize the Chase Ultimate Rewards System with these points is to get a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred card, and use all of your points at 1.25x or 1.5x their value for travel bookings.[/box]

Rotating The Chase Card Lineup For Maximum Benefits

But this isn’t even where it gets really good.  The Chase cards work in conjunction with each other, and if you rotate them for your purchases to maximize your points categories, you’ll get SO many more points.

For example, my Chase Sapphire Reserve gives me 3x points at restaurants and for travel expenses.  So every time I dine out, order a Jamba Juice or Starbucks, or buy a round of drinks at the local bar, I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card.  Every time I buy a train ticket or hail an Uber, I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve.

My Chase Freedom card has rotating quarterly categories that offer 5x points.  This past quarter it was for supermarkets and drug stores.  Every time I went grocery shopping I would use my Chase Freedom card and get 5x points.

My Chase Freedom Unlimited card gets 1.5x points on ALL purchases.  I use that card for anything that doesn’t fit into any of the categories covered by the other cards.

So you can see how this can start adding up very nicely over the course of a year.  Some people might like the simplicity of a 2x cash back rewards card….it’s mindless and you don’t have to carry multiple cards.  Some people like to earn points with a single company, such as myself when I was using the JetBlue card religiously.  However, the Chase Ultimate Rewards program is SO flexible and the 5x points of the rotating categories of the Chase Freedom is very alluring, so I have been sticking with it.  And I have booked a LOT of free travel thanks to the points that I’ve been earning by being mindful about what I’m purchasing and what card would net me the most points at the end of the month.

An Example

Let’s say I spend $1400 in the month of June.

I spent $300 in restaurants and used my Chase Sapphire Reserve: 9 points

I spent $200 in groceries and used my Chase Freedom which gave me 5x points this quarter at grocery stores: 10 points

I spent $150 in gas using my Chase Freedom Unlimited: 2.25 points

I spent $200 on pet food and supplies, using my Chase Freedom Unlimited: 2.5 points

I spent $450 on my health insurance monthly premium: 6.75 points

I spent $100 on various things at Rite Aid because Drug Stores were part of the quarterly 5x category in my Chase Freedom card: 5 points

That’s a total of 35.5 points for the month of June using the Chase system, or $35.50 cash back.  Now, if I funnel all those points to my Chase Sapphire Reserve account and use them to book a plane ticket, I can buy $53.25 worth of plane tickets because using the Chase Sapphire Reserve account boosts my points to 1.5x their value.  At the end of the year if I have similar purchases every month, I will get $639 worth of travel using the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.  WOW!  Even if I only had the Chase Sapphire Preferred, I would get 1.25x the value for a total of $532 at the end of the year.

However even if I just decide to get cash back from Chase and not use the points for travel, I will get $426 back at the end of the year.

Now, if I had a boring old 2% cash back card, I would only get $28 back per month.  Say I have similar purchases every month, I would get $336 back at the end of the year.  That’s a loss of $90.  Not much, but why would you leave the money on the table?

Many people may spend more than this, especially families.  You can extrapolate out based on your monthly expenditure.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card has a $450 annual fee.  However, that fee is almost negated by the $300 travel credit you get each calendar year (yes that’s $300 free dollars that will automatically get credited back to your account for anything from plane tickets, hotel rooms, and even Subway cards), plus a $100 credit to sign up for Global Entry / TSA PreCheck.  If you travel and use your Chase cards in unison with each other, the annual fee is not really a problem because the 1.5x points for travel more than make up for it.  If you don’t spend enough each month to make that annual fee worth it, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred might be a better option for you.

Smart Usage

Keep in mind that you’ll want to pay off these cards every month.  Don’t spend more than you can, and don’t put yourself into debt needlessly just to earn points.  The goal is to use the credit cards instead of a debit card, but pretend that you’re paying with cash.  Once you start paying interest you’re going to cancel out all the points you’re earning.