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Checked baggage fees have become one of the travel industry's most effective revenue tools and one of the most avoidable costs for travellers who know what they're doing. Airlines have quietly normalized charging $35 to $50 per bag, per direction, to the point where many travellers just accept it as part of the ticket price. It isn't.
With a bit of planning and the right setup, paying for checked bags is largely optional. Here are the three most reliable ways to make that a reality.
Utilize Credit Card Benefits For Free Checked Luggage
Taking advantage of travel credit cards is the highest-leverage solution available to most travellers, and it's the one that requires the least ongoing effort once it's set up. A number of travel credit cards, particularly airline co-branded cards, include free checked baggage as a standard cardholder benefit.
Book your flight with the right credit card that includes a free luggage benefit, attach your loyalty number to the reservation, and the fee disappears automatically, saving you money immediately.
The financial case is straightforward. Most airline co-branded cards charge an annual fee in the range of $100 to $150. A single checked bag on a domestic round trip can run $70 to $100 when you add both directions together. For a household with two travellers taking three or four trips per year, the baggage savings alone can easily clear $400 to $600 annually, several times the cost of the annual fee, before you've counted a single point earned or any other benefit the card delivers.
The baggage benefit also typically extends to travelling companions on the same booking, usually up to eight guests. That's where the value really accelerates. One cardholder can effectively cover the baggage fees for an entire family or group travelling together, turning a $150 annual fee into savings that significantly overtake the annual fee cost of the card many times over.
A few things worth knowing to make sure the benefit actually applies: always book directly through the airline rather than a third-party platform, always use the co-branded card as the payment method, and always ensure your loyalty number is attached to the reservation at the time of booking. Miss any of those steps and the benefit may not trigger, which is a frustrating and entirely avoidable way to end up paying fees you thought were covered.
Beyond co-branded cards, some premium general travel cards also include travel credits or statement credit features that can offset baggage fees after the fact. It's less automatic than the co-branded route, but still worth knowing about if you tend to fly with different airlines and don't want to hold a card for each one.
Become a Better Traveller & Learn to Pack Lighter
The most universally applicable solution requires no credit card, no loyalty program, and no annual fee. It just requires a different approach to what goes in the bag, and a bit of discipline.
The reality is that most travellers overpack. Clothing that doesn't get worn, toiletries that could be bought at the destination, and shoes that take up half the bag. Shifting to a carry-on only strategy eliminates checked baggage fees entirely, regardless of which airline you're flying or what card you're holding. It also speeds up the airport experience considerably, no checking in a bag, no waiting at the carousel on arrival, no risk of the airline losing your luggage on a tight connection.
A few habits make carry-on only travel genuinely practical rather than a stressful exercise in compression. Packing versatile clothing in a neutral colour palette means fewer items cover more days. Wearing your bulkiest items on travel days, boots, a jacket, and thicker pants, frees up significant space in the bag. Decanting toiletries into small reusable containers and leaving anything that can be purchased at the destination behind removes another major source of bulk.
For longer trips where a checked bag feels unavoidable, consider whether doing laundry mid-trip is a realistic option. Even on a ten-day trip, one laundry stop effectively halves what you need to bring. Most hotels and many short-term rentals have laundry access, and a quick hand wash of basics in the sink handles the rest.
The carry-on only lifestyle has a learning curve, but most travellers who commit to it for a trip or two find they never want to go back.
Pay for a Higher Airline Ticket Fare Class
This one gets overlooked because it feels counterintuitive, spending more to save money. But the math works in the right circumstances, and it's worth running the numbers before automatically defaulting to the cheapest base fare.
Most airlines include at least one free checked bag starting at their mid-tier fare class. The price difference between a basic economy fare and the next tier up is often $30 to $60 each way. If you were going to pay $38 to $40 for a checked bag anyway, a fare upgrade that costs a similar amount and also comes with seat selection, flexibility to change your booking, and better earning on your loyalty points is a genuinely better deal, not just a more expensive one.
The calculation becomes even clearer when travelling with a companion. Two passengers each needing a checked bag might pay $80 in baggage fees on a basic fare, while a fare upgrade for both passengers costs only slightly more and delivers additional benefits on top of the bag inclusion.
Higher fare classes also tend to come with more generous baggage allowances, two bags instead of one, or higher weight limits, which matters for longer trips or travellers who simply need more gear.
The key is to stop evaluating airfare on base price alone. The total cost of a ticket, including bags, seat selection, and change fees, is the only number that actually matters. When you run that full comparison, the cheapest fare at checkout might not be the cheapest fare by the time you board.
In Review
Checked baggage fees are a solvable problem for many travellers. Whether you go the credit card route, tighten up your packing habits, or start evaluating fare classes more carefully, there are real and accessible ways to stop paying fees that most airlines are quietly counting on you to accept without question.
*contributed post*
There’s nothing quite like a girls’ trip. Preparing
and planning outfits together, days of wonder and laughter, evenings with
delicious food and the deep chats that are the bedrock of womanhood. A luxury
vacation is more than a chance to relax and escape routine: it’s an incredible
way to strengthen special bonds and write stories you’ll never stop telling.
The secret to nailing the itinerary is to make it
personal, from the choice of destination to how you balance activity and
downtime as you go. Sprinkle in a few thoughtful touches, and you’re set for a
vacation you’ll treasure forever.
1.
Choosing a Destination with the Right Vibe
Matching your vacation destination to the mood of
the group is key. Luxury locations are united by their exceptional and
exclusive facilities and refined atmosphere but can differ widely in terms of
what they offer. Consider whether you want peace and quiet, energy and
excitement, city vibes or countryside.
The top-rated luxury vacation destinations usually
offer something for everyone. Take Mykonos with its beautiful views, private
villas and boisterous beach parties, or Dubai which combines heritage,
adventure and modern glamour. Others are deliberately niche, like high-end
ski resorts where high-energy is required from the slopes to
the après-ski,
or the Maldives which requires nothing of travelers but rest.
Create a shared list of priorities before booking.
When everyone ranks their preferences, you can identify common interests and
choose a destination that delivers value for the entire group.
2.
Elevating the Trip with Exclusive Experiences
Luxury travel doesn’t have to be loud. Instead of
seeking statement-making moments, look for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that
will be truly touching and have a lasting impact.
If you’re traveling in Europe in the summer, slow
down with a luxury
yacht charter along the Mediterranean or a
guided cycling or hiking journey through Alpine hills and mountains. These
kinds of activities give you a unique perspective of your destination beyond
the tourist trail and allow the group to encounter hidden gems that feel extra
special.
Hands-on experiences are always a winner, too,
especially when they reflect people’s passions. Set up a private cooking lesson
with a celebrity chef, for example, or an art or photography tutorial with a
local legend.
Reserve special experiences well in advance,
especially during peak travel seasons. Early planning often provides better
availability and gives your group more options when selecting activities that
align with your interests.
3.
Finding Accommodation That Feels Special
Accommodation shapes the atmosphere of your
vacation more than many travelers expect. The right property becomes a
sanctuary at the heart of everything, where your group can spend quality time
together between outings.
A private villa often works well for larger groups
because it combines shared gathering areas with personal bedrooms and bathrooms
and allows people to follow individual routines, rather than being held to
restricted hotel timings. A private chef and housekeeping staff help to keep
things running smoothly while you relax in your beautiful rural surroundings.
If you prefer complete privacy, consider high-end
Airbnb house rentals, often found in sought-after spots.
Boutique hotels are a great alternative if you’re
seeking more structure. Their smaller scale means more personalized service and
a stronger connection to the local destination than a big resort, but you still
benefit from excellent facilities and an in-house restaurant.
Look beyond star ratings when evaluating options.
Review floor plans, common areas and location details carefully. A beautifully
designed property within walking distance of restaurants and attractions can
improve your daily experience far more than a larger hotel that requires
constant transportation.
4.
Creating a Balanced and Flexible Itinerary
Luxury vacations can lose their appeal when every
hour becomes scheduled. A thoughtful itinerary gives structure to the trip
while preserving enough freedom for spontaneous discoveries.
One effective approach involves planning a single
key activity each day and leaving the remaining time open. For example, your
group might schedule a spa treatment in the morning and keep the afternoon
available for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing by the water. This balance
reduces pressure while still ensuring that everyone enjoys meaningful
experiences.
Leave room for changes as the trip unfolds.
Weather, local recommendations, or a newly discovered restaurant may inspire
adjustments. Flexibility allows your group to follow opportunities that arise
naturally, which often leads to the most memorable moments. When you combine
careful planning with a willingness to adapt, your luxury girls vacation feels
effortless rather than overmanaged.
Most honeymoon advice points you toward overwater villas,
room-service breakfasts, and the kinds of photographs you've already seen a
hundred times online. But the trips that stay with you for longer don’t necessarily
revolve around a pool.
They come from unexpected moments: spotting a blue whale
from a volcanic cliff or laughing together after a windswept hike. If you want
your first trip as a married couple to feel genuinely special and, more
importantly, your own, it may be worth looking beyond the usual shortlist.
Remote island escapes beyond the typical hotspots
When people picture an island honeymoon, they often imagine
the same handful of destinations – The Bahamas, the Maldives, and so on.
But the Azores offer something quieter. Scattered
across the Atlantic, these Portuguese islands pair crater lakes with
black-sand beaches and roadside cafés where locals outnumber tourists. One
morning, you might watch dolphins offshore; that afternoon, you could soak in
naturally heated pools surrounded by volcanic rock.
Zanzibar feels equally distinctive, though in a completely
different way. Beyond the beaches, Stone Town rewards slow exploration with
carved wooden doors, spice-scented alleyways, and rooftop restaurants
overlooking the sea.
Madagascar takes things even further. You can spend the day
searching for lemurs in forests found nowhere else on Earth before returning to
a secluded lodge far from crowded resort strips.
Wildlife and nature experiences for a unique adventure
Some couples remember a honeymoon because of where they
stayed. Others remember a single sighting that lasted less than a minute.
That is part of the appeal of wildlife-focused travel. A
herd of elephants crossing your path at sunrise gives you a story you'll still
tell years later. Many couples choose
luxury safaris in Tanzania because they combine that sense of
unpredictability with exceptional comfort. You might leave camp before dawn,
spend hours tracking wildlife across the savannah, then return to dinner
beneath an open sky filled with stars.
The experience is special because nature doesn't follow a
schedule. Every day unfolds differently, which makes each shared discovery feel
more earned than staged.
Cultural destinations that feel truly different
A destination often becomes more memorable when it changes
the way you see the world. Japan does this without trying. One day, you can
ride a high-speed train between futuristic cities; the next, you can walk
through a centuries-old temple garden where almost everything moves at a slower
pace.
Morocco surrounds you with color, sound, and atmosphere.
Markets buzz with activity, while traditional riads offer calm spaces to
retreat at the end of the day.
Meanwhile, Peru combines dramatic landscapes with layers of
history, giving you opportunities to explore ancient sites while experiencing
local traditions that remain part of everyday life.
Adventure-led honeymoons for active couples
For some newlyweds, sitting still for two weeks sounds less
appealing than getting outdoors together. Iceland rewards curiosity with lava
fields, waterfalls, and glacier lagoons that seem borrowed from another planet.
Patagonia offers long
trails and mountain views that make even experienced travelers stop and
stare.
New Zealand strikes a balance between comfort and adventure.
A scenic drive can lead to a kayaking trip or a coastal walk without requiring
complicated logistics. The best part isn't necessarily the activity itself, but
the feeling of sharing something new, then talking about it over dinner later
that evening.
training for my first marathon at forty-six in hawaii in support of pencils for promise
June 10, 2026
For the past year, I have been working toward a goal that very few people knew about. Originally, that goal was a half marathon as I shared before. This was an original goal and something I was training for before I got sick and something that I always knew I wanted to do as I healed. So I started walking.
One mile at a time. One week at a time. One step at a time.
Then, in August, as y'all know, life threw me an unexpected curveball. While hiking, I took a serious fall that sidelined my training and forced me to postpone my original half marathon plans until the spring. It was disappointing, but I told myself there would always be another race and another opportunity to continue the journey.
Then, just a few months later, our family received news that mattered far more than any race ever could. Over Christmas, as y'all know, mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Suddenly, calendars, training schedules, and race goals took a back seat to doctor's appointments, treatment plans, trips to New York City, and simply being present for someone I love. Like so many things in life, the plans I had carefully made didn't unfold the way I expected.
But somewhere in the middle of it all, mom and I kept dreaming and believing for healing and the future and I found myself thinking about that goal again. Not the half marathon. Something bigger.
The Honolulu Marathon.
A Different Kind of Finish Line
Perhaps it sounds strange to choose a marathon after a season that has felt physically and emotionally exhausting. But in many ways, for me, that is exactly why it feels right. The past year has been a reminder again that none of us really know what tomorrow holds. Plans change. Circumstances change. Life changes.
But sometimes we are given the opportunity to choose what comes next.
For me, that choice is Honolulu. Not because I expect it to be easy. Not because I expect it to be fast. But because after watching my mother face surgery, radiation treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis, crossing a finish line feels less about athletics and more about gratitude.
It feels like a celebration of health. A celebration of perseverance. A celebration of simply getting to move forward. And perhaps there is no better place for that celebration than Hawaii.
For years, Hawaii has been one of those places that lived quietly on my travel wish list. The turquoise water, the mountains, the spirit of aloha, and the slower pace of island life all seem like the perfect backdrop for a challenge that is as much about the journey as the finish line.
The Honolulu Marathon begins before sunrise and carries participants through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. There is something magical about the idea of watching the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean while taking on a challenge that once felt impossible.
Walking for Education
As I prepared to register for Honolulu, I knew I wanted this journey to be about more than crossing a finish line. Education has shaped nearly every chapter of my life.
It has taken me to earning graduate degrees, teaching students across the country, creating educational resources for classrooms, and pursuing opportunities I never could have imagined as a young student. Because education has given so much to me, I wanted this marathon to give back.
That is why I am partnering with Pencils of Promise and committing to raise $1,000 in support of their mission to expand educational opportunities for children around the world.
As both an educator and lifelong learner, their mission resonates deeply with me. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream about what their future might hold. Every training walk now carries an additional purpose. Every mile helps support a cause I believe in. And every donation helps open doors for students whose lives may be changed through the gift of education.
If you would like to support my fundraising efforts, you can visit my fundraising page HERE:
Together, we can help make education possible for more children around the world.
One Step at a Time
One of the things I have learned over the past year is that most worthwhile journeys happen one step at a time. Recovery happens one day at a time. Healing happens one day at a time. Cancer treatment happens one appointment at a time. And marathon training happens one walk at a time.
Right now, my training is far from glamorous.
It looks like early morning walks. Evening walks. Walking Adirondack roads. Walking through small towns. Walking while listening to podcasts or thinking through blog posts and lesson plans. Prayers for those that I love, dreaming of the future, and healing from this past year.
But perhaps that is why I love it.
There is something beautiful about ordinary steps adding up to something extraordinary. Twenty-six point two miles feels overwhelming when viewed all at once. But the next step never does.
So between now and December, I'll keep taking the next step.
And then the next.
And then the next.
Until, those ordinary steps carry me all the way to Honolulu and raising $1,000 to help provide educational opportunities for children around the world, that finish line will mean even more than I ever imagined.
THANK YOU so much for all of your excitement and support of this incredible adventure!
If you would like to support my fundraising efforts, you can visit my fundraising page HERE!
Pérouges, France: The 15th century medieval walled town perched on a hill that felt as though time had simply decided to stay awhile. With its weathered stone walls, flower-filled windows, winding cobblestone lanes, and quiet corners tucked behind centuries-old doors, Pérouges was one of those places that invited you to slow down and notice every detail.
Click HERE to see many more pictures of this beautiful town!
Mom and I were so glad that we chose to do this tour with Viking Cruises on our Rhône River cruise. The tour was fascinating, the town was gorgeous, and the history was inspiring. This past year we have talked often about this tour and it has reminded us that beauty is not found in perfection. It is found in the worn places, the weathered places, the places that have endured. And perhaps the same is true for us. The chapters we never would have chosen, the unexpected turns, the seasons that seemed to change everything often become the very stories that shape us most deeply.
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
Mom and I were so glad that we chose to do this tour with Viking Cruises on our Rhône River cruise. The tour was fascinating, the town was gorgeous, and the history was inspiring. This past year we have talked often about this tour and it has reminded us that beauty is not found in perfection. It is found in the worn places, the weathered places, the places that have endured. And perhaps the same is true for us. The chapters we never would have chosen, the unexpected turns, the seasons that seemed to change everything often become the very stories that shape us most deeply.
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
// Leonard Cohen //
My Viking Story | Caravan Sonnet | Pérouges, France
My Viking Story | Caravan Sonnet | Pérouges, France
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! If we are connected on instagram then you know that on Saturday we drove home from NYC and arrived late Saturday evening. We were so thankful to be home!
Yesterday was spent resting, getting caught up on laundry, and beginning to pack up to go to the cabin! Our goal is to move in later this week- as we have a few things and mom is still recovering from radiation treatment. There was tons of laundry and unpacking to do from our trip and it was so lovely to be home. There was not an hour that went by that either mom or I would wander to each other and just comment on how lovely it was to be home. We are so so so grateful.
Yesterday I also spent a ton of time searching for the most economical and affordable plane tickets for going to to TPT forward next month! This is my first TPT forward and I am so excited to go and learn! I found some flights that are a little bit interesting, but was so thankful to be able to find some that were slightly affordable so I am so grateful!
Today I also begin my training for my first marathon in Hawaii! I can't wait to share more about this with y'all! I hope that you have the best start to your week! If you are going to TPT forward please let me know by leaving a comment - I would love to connect!!
We are overwhelmed with gratitude and thankful that mom's radiation treatment is now complete! Click HERE to watch my most favorite reel EVER.
Thank you so much for all of your love and support- more to come, but in the meantime thank you for all of your continued prayers as we heal from the last year.
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