Vortex Trip

Niagara Falls, New York
A popular spot for getting wowed or soaked amid natural splendor, Niagara Falls attracts curious spectators and adventurous travelers from around the world.

Brave the Weather
If the weather forecast doesn’t look great, it pays off to brave it. Bad weather tends to deter or shorten sightseer’s visits. A rainy day on a Saturday will most likely delay most people’s visit by one day. If it starts to rain, don’t run to the exit, stay while others leave.

Portland, Oregon
Portland is the kind of city you move to after visiting for two days. Endlessly entertaining and intriguing, it's easily walked and explored by bike.

Feel the Freedom
Renting a car allows you the freedom to gallivant around and enjoy new places. You have the advantage over public transportation with a car that fits the nature of your trip, family members, and travel companions. Enjoy the luxury of making as many stops as you want and follow the route you consider interesting.

Baltimore, Maryland
Famous for the Inner Harbor, renowned museums and attractions, get ready to explore a truly authentic American city.

Avoid “Extra” Rental Fees
Drop-off charges, additional drivers, and additional extras are what you're most likely to encounter. Drop-off charges are an extra fee if you drop the car off at a different location from where you picked it up. Adding additional drivers to your rental agreement may result in a surcharge. Some major companies allow a renter’s spouse or domestic partner to drive the vehicle at no extra cost. GPS navigation, child seats, roof racks, and satellite radio are some of the most common additional extra costs that could cost you $3 - $25 a day.

Barcelona, Spain
Spain's second-largest city offers striking architecture, world-class museums, and streets filled with the aromas and rhythms of Catalonia.

Inspection Checklist
Always inspect the inside and outside of the rental car before leaving, or dropping off the vehicle. Look for scratches, scuffs, loose parts, working power windows and mirrors, and more. Anything that could potentially be considered damage should be photographed and or recorded. Make the company aware or you might end up paying for it. Never assume that a ding is too small to warrant noting or that the car company already knows about damage. If it’s not listed on the car condition form, speak up.

Paradise Island, Bahamas
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a dazzling array of enchantments. Spectacular events, epic concerts, and countless choices are offered to create the perfect vacation.

Renting a Car? Don’t Purchase Prepaid Gas
Prepaying for gas may seem convenient but it means you’ll pay for a full tank of gas, even if you return with the tank half full. Most rentals are on a "get it full, return it full" fuel policy. If you return a car with less than a full tank, the rental company refuels it and adds it to your bill at a per-gallon charge that can be double or triple the going rate.

New York City, New York
Among the most popular tourist destinations on Earth, visit New York City and you'll soon see for yourself why it's known as The City That Never Sleeps.

Sit by the Plane’s Wing
Many experts claim that the seats by a plane’s wing experience less turbulence since they are closer to the plane’s center of gravity.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of America. Gaming or golf, thrill rides or water slides, boutique shopping or casino hopping, this action-packed city has it all.

Comfortable clothing will make a flight more enjoyable. Long flights can mean going from freezing to overheated and back again. Wearing layers will keep your body at a comfortable temperature. Bring a scarf as a fashion accessory, a blanket, and even lumbar support.

San Francisco, California
A city well known for its unique cable cars, colorful Victorian houses, and its remarkable Golden Gate Bridge.

Request a “Special Meal” on a flight.
Vegetarian, gluten-free, or kosher meals are typically served and cleared first, which allow you to relax and get to sleep sooner. These meals are healthier, which is also an added bonus.

Seattle, Washington
Seattle is an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. The futuristic Space Needle is its most iconic landmark.

Air travel is incredibly dehydrating, so drink water throughout the flight. Pilots and Flight Attendants report drinking a quart of water for every hour of flight. Bring an empty reusable water bottle and ask a flight attendant to fill it for you. Avoid drinking too much alcohol. This will lead to dehydration, grogginess, and may exacerbate jet lag.

Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is home to such world-famous museums as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Use a Credit Card for Large Purchases
Paying with a credit card is a good option for favorable exchange rates. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express give wholesale exchange rates on purchases and charge 1% - 2% conversion fee. Check if your bank tacks on their own fee for international charges.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed.

Avoid Exchanging Cash at Airports, Hotels or Travelex Counters
While these are the most convenient, the exchange rates offered are poor and the fees are high. These should only be used for emergencies.

Washington, DC
Walk the halls of the free Smithsonian museums, paddle on the Potomac River, or sit back on a double-decker tour bus and soak up some history.

Ordering Foreign Currency Before Traveling
Check if your local bank or credit union sells foreign currency. Ordering cash through your bank is a good option because the banks themselves receive preferred exchange rates, and in turn, so do you.

Budapest, Hungary
The thermal baths of Budapest are some of the best in the world. Other major draws to this city include world-class museums, island parks, high-end shopping, numerous cafes, and a vibrant nightlife.

ATMs Are The Best Choice for Day-To-Day Funds
Best exchange rates usually come from your bank or credit union. Your bank typically charges 0% - 3% in fees when using international branches and machines, or partnered institutions. Check if your bank has international transaction fees. If they do, make fewer trips to the ATM by withdrawing larger amounts.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This coastal city offers a variety of fun and exciting attractions including a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum, exploring the Milwaukee County Zoo, watching the Brewers play at Miller Park, plus much more.

Double Dip Reward Points
Most credit cards offer travelers everything from cash back to bonus points or miles. Booking your next hotel stay with one of these credit cards will give you the most bang for your buck.

Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a city with nearly endless entertainment options. For sushi lovers, we recommend a visit to the Tsukiji Market - the largest and oldest fish market in the world, which handles up to 1,800 tons of seafood every day!