There’s good news for travelers who are keen on a luxury for less trip to Colombia: Joe Sandillo, a Colombia specialist and the founder of the Tampa, Fl. travel company Almaz Journeys, said that the country is a great value for those seeking an upscale trip, compared with more established South American destinations. “That said, there are absolutely ways to take even better advantage of the already lower prices to save even more,” he said.

Below, Mr. Sandillo’s tips:

For Cities, Weekends are Better: Bogota and Medellin are primarily business travel destinations, so hotel rates are highest on weekdays. On weekends, however, they drop by as much as 40 percent, and luxury properties such as the Four Seasons sometimes offer additional incentives like pay for two nights but stay for three. “These cities come alive on the weekends with a rich culture scene, and that’s when you want to go anyways,” Mr. Sandillo said.

Avoid Peak Times: Colombia is a year-round destination, and certain times of the year are more expensive than others. These include the weeks between Christmas and New Year’s, and before Easter Sunday as well as all of July, when Colombian schools are on break, and locals take vacations within the country.

Rent a Luxury Villa: For a group of friends or a family, it’s almost always more economical to rent a private villa than book several rooms at an upscale hotel. Many of Colombia’s villas are in beachside destinations such Cartagena or Isla de San Andres and have modern interiors and swimming pools; they’re also usually staffed with a housekeeper and cook. “Villa rentals are more fun than hotels because you have lots of private communal areas for socializing,” Mr. Sandillo said. His company has a range of villas available to rent. Airbnb and Oasis Collections also have luxury villa rentals in Colombia.

Spring for a Private Guide and Driver: Guides and drivers are a manageable expense in Colombia- a full day for both costs around $500, but the price can be even lower in less visited parts of the country. In pedestrian friendly cities like Cartagena, there’s little need to pay for a driver. “The best way to see these places is to hire a private guide and walk or explore on your own,” Mr. Sandillo said.

Save on Air: Avianca, Colombia’s main airline and part of the Star Alliance, has business class fares to the country from the United States that are between 30 and 50 percent less expensive than fares offered by U.S. carriers. Otherwise, Mr. Sandillo said that JetBlue, which flies to Colombia nonstop from both New York and South Florida, is a comfortable and economical option.

Visit Less Explored Areas: Less touristy parts of Colombia such as the picturesque Spanish colonial village of Barichara and the city of Medellin are a steal when it comes to hotels, meals and activities. And, they offer a myriad of engaging diversions. Travelers who stay in Barichara, for example, (Mr. Sandillo’s favorite hotel there is Casa Barichara) can learn about its history and architecture and also partake in active excursions such hiking in the surrounding countryside and white-water rafting in nearby Chicamocha Canyon.

South Korea is one of the most beautiful countries you can visit in the entire world. It has everything that travelers want. Starting with mesmerizing sights and ending with an amazing culture that stands out from all other parts of the world, there’s always something for you to discover while traveling in South Korea. Here are the 8 must-know tips for your next trip to South Korea.

1. Embrace Public Transportation

South Korea boasts one of the most efficient and extensive public transportation systems in the world. The subway and bus networks are not only extensive but also affordable and easy to navigate. Tourists can purchase a T-money card, which can be used on buses, subways, taxis, and even some convenience stores. This card will save you time and money as you travel through the bustling streets of Seoul or explore the scenic landscapes of Busan.

When using public transportation, it’s essential to follow the local etiquette. For instance, give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. South Koreans value respect and politeness, so a small gesture like this can go a long way in making your travel experience pleasant. Also, try to avoid loud conversations or phone calls on public transport, as maintaining a quiet environment is considered respectful.

2. Learn Basic Korean Phrases

While many South Koreans, especially in major cities, speak some English, learning basic Korean phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. Simple greetings like “Annyeonghaseyo” (Hello) and “Kamsahamnida” (Thank you) can help you connect with locals and show respect for their culture.

Knowing how to ask for directions or order food in Korean can also be extremely helpful. For instance, “Eodi-e-yo?” means “Where is…?” and can be used when asking for directions. Additionally, having a translation app on your phone can be a lifesaver when navigating menus or communicating more complex needs.

3. Adjust for the Climate

South Korea experiences a range of climates depending on the region and season. The southern parts, like Busan and Jeju Island, can get quite hot and humid in the summer. In contrast, northern regions like Seoul and Pyeongchang can be extremely cold during the winter. It’s crucial to pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable trip.

For hot climates, consider packing lightweight clothing, cooling pajamas, and a good sunscreen. In colder regions, thermal socks, insulated jackets, and layering clothes are essential. Also, keep an eye on the weather forecast before your trip and pack an umbrella or raincoat during the monsoon season from June to September.

4. Enjoy Korean Cuisine

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and diverse dishes. Don’t miss out on trying local favorites such as kimchi, bulgogi (marinated beef), and bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat). Street food is also a significant part of Korean culinary culture. Visit night markets to savor treats like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and kimbap (seaweed rice rolls).

If you have dietary restrictions, South Korea can still cater to your needs. Many restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options, and there are halal-certified restaurants in major cities. However, it’s always a good idea to learn the Korean terms for your dietary requirements and communicate them clearly when ordering.

5. Respect the Culture and Customs

South Korean culture is deeply rooted in respect and tradition. Bowing is a common greeting and sign of respect, so practice a slight bow when meeting someone new or thanking them. When dining, it’s polite to wait for the eldest person to start eating before you do. Pouring drinks for others and receiving them with both hands is also a sign of respect.

Visiting temples and historical sites requires modest clothing. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, and be prepared to remove your shoes before entering certain places. Understanding and respecting these customs will enhance your experience and help you make a positive impression on the locals.

6. Use Mobile Apps for Convenience

South Korea is a tech-savvy nation, and there are several mobile apps that can make your trip more convenient. Apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map are excellent for navigation, while Papago is great for translation. For transportation, KakaoTaxi is a reliable alternative to hailing cabs on the street.

Additionally, many restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions offer free Wi-Fi, so staying connected is easy. Consider getting a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to ensure you have internet access throughout your trip. This will help you navigate, communicate, and stay updated with travel plans seamlessly.

7. Explore Beyond Seoul

While Seoul is a vibrant city with plenty to offer, South Korea has many other destinations worth exploring. Busan, with its beautiful beaches and seafood markets, offers a relaxed coastal vibe. Jeju Island is a favorite for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and unique attractions like the Manjanggul Lava Tube.

Gyeongju, known as “the museum without walls,” is rich in historical sites, including Bulguksa Temple and the royal tombs. Andong offers a glimpse into traditional Korean culture with its Hahoe Folk Village. Exploring these regions will give you a deeper understanding of South Korea’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

8. Stay Connected with Locals

Engaging with locals can provide unique insights into Korean culture and daily life. Joining local tours, participating in cooking classes, or attending festivals are excellent ways to meet people and learn from their experiences. South Koreans are generally very friendly and welcoming to foreigners.

Language exchange meetups are also popular and can be a fun way to improve your Korean while helping locals practice English. Websites like Meetup or language exchange apps can help you find events and connect with locals. Building these connections can make your trip more memorable and meaningful.

Psychologists share 6 tips for smoother travels.

You lay awake the night before a trip, heart pounding, as you imagine all the potential things that might go awry: What if you oversleep and miss your flight? What if you get sick while traveling? What if you get lost in an unfamiliar city?

This kind of experience, often referred to as travel anxiety, is incredibly common, says Lauren Cook, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author of Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World. Anxiety is often triggered by the fear of the uncertain and the unknown, “and there’s a lot of unpredictability in travel,” she says.

In the simplest terms, travel anxiety is any fear related to travel. “This could include fear of flying, fear of driving, fear of taking the subway or train, or anxiety about going to a new, unknown place,” says Rebecca Skolnick, PhD, co-founder and licensed clinical psychologist at MindWell NYC. “If you have an upcoming trip to a new place, you might have anxiety about not knowing how things are going to work there, being out of your routine, or not having everything you need.” And while travel anxiety generally affects people who don’t travel very often, seasoned travelers can also experience this particular brand of anxiety.

“Travel anxiety typically results from a combination of having a biological predisposition to having anxiety and an environmental stressor occurring,” says Skolnick. “The stressor could be a negative or traumatic experience with travel or hearing about someone else’s negative experience.”

For instance, if you’ve gotten lost or sick while traveling before, then it’s very natural to feel anxious about that happening again, says Cook. It’s also possible that a parent or close loved one experienced travel anxiety, and it was modeled for you while growing up or during your initial exposure to travel.

Travel anxiety can manifest in a number of different ways, depending on the root cause and an individual’s past experiences with travel. But the symptoms usually pop up before or during a trip, and can range from mental to physical. “Cognitively, the person might have worry thoughts, catastrophic thinking, or thoughts about worst case scenarios,” says Skolnick. “Physiologically, the person might feel tension, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, sweaty palms, and/or headaches.”

To stave off these symptoms, some people might avoid going on trips all together, seek alternative methods to get somewhere (i.e. taking a train instead of a plane, for those that fear flying), or highly micromanage the trip in order to gain a sense of control.

The good news: Just because travel anxiety hits you in the TSA line does not mean you need to stay home or suffer through what should be a relaxing vacation. Getting a grasp on your potential triggers and addressing them accordingly can help open up a world of more comfortable, enjoyable travel experiences.

To overcome travel anxiety, first identify your fears regarding travel.

Be really honest with yourself, and try to get clear on what triggers you before and during a trip. Is it the fear of the unknown? Worries over trip logistics? Concerns about safety? Fear of specific situations (like flying)? Leaving work or family obligations behind? Chances are, you’re not anxious about travel itself, but a very specific aspect (or two) of the overall experience. Identifying these triggers is the first step towards managing travel anxiety. From there, consider some of these therapist-backed tips on how to ease your travel anxiety.

1. Come up with a plan.

If your brain cycles through endless “what ifs” before a trip, Cook recommends actually facing those stressful scenarios head on. Think of the absolute worst thing that could happen (yes, really), and then come up with a clear plan on how you would handle it. For example: Are you anxious about getting lost in a country where you don’t speak the language? Then before your trip, take some time to learn a couple key phrases that could help you get out of a sticky situation. Before your trip, you can also check out a map of your destination, to help you get better acclimated to the area.

Are you stressed that your luggage will get lost? Keep an extra change of clothes in your carry-on bag as a backup. Worried about missing your flight? Get to the airport an extra hour early, to ease any worry. Simply devising a solution can rob that negative thought of its power, and allow you to feel more confident heading into a trip.

In these instances, Skolnick also suggests picturing the best case scenario, as well. Then consider: Which is more likely to happen? (Hint: It’s probably the positive option.)

2. Create your toolbox.

Feeling prepared can help diffuse anxious thoughts before and during travel. Cook always tells her clients to bring a “Mary Poppins” bag of travel essentials—motion sickness medications, eye masks, etc. “We often fantasize about travel being this glamorous thing, but it’s not always comfortable and it can be really difficult,” she says. “So give yourself the permission and grace to be comfortable while traveling.”

3. Find ways to feel your best.

Being away from home and your regular routine can be pretty dysregulating, which is why Cook recommends finding ways to set yourself up for success. That means starting each day of your trip with a nourishing breakfast, staying hydrated, and keeping high-protein snacks on hand (letting your blood sugar drop can make anxiety symptoms worse).

You can also schedule time each day to do whatever helps you feel grounded and calm, says Chloe Carmichael, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety. Take a nap, journal, try out a local yoga class, book a massage, or even carve out a bit of time for breathing exercises.

And, in moments of high stress, try relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation—which involves tensing muscle groups in your body for five to ten seconds, then relaxing, starting with your feet and working up to your face—along with deep diaphragmatic breathing, says Skolnick. “Mindfulness can also help you notice thoughts without getting caught up in them. It allows you to watch thoughts go by without spiraling.”

4. Book your trip well in advance.

Give yourself plenty of time to make whatever arrangements you need for a trip in order to feel prepared, says Carmichael. Maybe that means booking your flights a year in advance, and then beginning the day-to-day scheduling when you’re six months out. To keep yourself from going overboard with research, though, budget a certain amount of time (whether that’s a cap of thirty minutes a day, or maybe three hours a week) to work on the itinerary, she suggests.

If you get anxious about the planning process itself, however, you may want to consider seeking help from a travel agent. “For some people, having that extra person there that knows your preferences, makes the reservations, and maybe even makes the decisions for you can be really beneficial,” says Carmichael.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Beyond potentially seeking assistance from a travel agent, it can be helpful to ask for support from others in order to make your travel experience more manageable. That might mean letting your travel companion know you get anxious on flights, so you’d appreciate them chatting with you through takeoff, says Cook. Or maybe it’s collaborating on a schedule that allocates time for you to recharge at your hotel room. Whatever the case, “don’t feel like you gotta go at it alone,” she says.

6. Try therapy.

In many cases, therapy can be an incredibly valuable way to help overcome travel anxiety, says Skolnick. “Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can be very helpful in treating travel anxiety,” she says. “This is a short-term treatment that helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and learn to decrease unhelpful behaviors as well as practice more adaptive ways of coping.”

Therapy may be especially crucial if your anxiety is taking up a significant amount of your energy, or interfering with your social life, work, or school, says Skolnick.

When To See A Doctor

If you get panic attacks before or during travel, Cook highly recommends seeking help from a medical professional, like a therapist or psychiatrist, as that may be more indicative of a phobia or PTSD reaction. Or, if you’re having physical symptoms like vomiting because you’re so anxious, then that’s a sign you need additional support. “There’s no shame in that at all, you just need a little extra help navigating it,” she says.

Insider strategies to find the best price on your next rental vehicle.

Timing can be everything when looking for a rental car; you might find a decent rate, but if you sit and wait for an even lower price, you may miss out on a deal. But there are other secret ways of finding the best price. Use these 15 insider strategies to do a thorough search for the cheapest rental car possible — and maybe even score an upgrade.

Search with membership sites.

While paid memberships are required to access deals through the likes of Costco Travel and AAA, the cost can pay off if you rent cars frequently. If you’re already a member, these should be the first place you look for savings. Instead of providing their own rental cars, these companies leverage their size and customer base to negotiate sweeter deals. Costco Travel, for example, consistently offers lower rates than major car rental companies like Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, and Avis, and AAA has deals on Hertz rentals.

Check your airline programs

You might be able to find some nice discounts through frequent flyer programs. However, these sometimes come with stipulations like renting exclusively from airline partners or limiting your pick-up and drop-off to airports. Even if there aren’t any discounts, booking through the airline may give you a chance to earn more points. For example, in 2023 Delta announced a new SkyMiles partnership with Hertz, offering four miles for every $1 spent on a Hertz rental car; this is an even sweeter deal for Gold members who earn six miles per $1, and Diamond members who earn eight miles per $1.

Search third-party discount sites.

If the rental car provider doesn’t matter to you, check “opaque” sites like Priceline and Hotwire, both of which offer deep discounts but don’t reveal the rental agency’s name until you’ve made a nonrefundable booking. You never know where the best deal is going to be, so it’s worth it to do a cursory search on third-party discount sites if you want to find the cheapest car rental price possible.

Compare with the direct booking rate.

If you are set on a certain car rental company, then before you pay through a third-party site like Expedia, for example, go straight to the rental agency’s site and check prices for your dates. You may find that it’s much cheaper to book directly and you can then earn points directly with the company’s membership program. This way, you’ll know you have all your bases covered.

Try a car-sharing alternative.

If you can put your house on Airbnb, why not your car? Peer-to-peer car-sharing companies like Getaround and Turo let you rent cars directly from their owners, who set the price and mileage limits. Once you book, you’ll meet your host to pick up the keys and the car, and you’re off. This kind of car rental has unique benefits, such as being able to read reviews for the exact car you’ll be driving and the chance that you’ll be able to pick up the car somewhere near your home. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest car rental company and you live in an area where many people are offering their cars, you can save a lot by booking a peer-to-peer rental. And if the idea of driving someone else’s car makes you nervous, you could also check out options on Zipcar, a membership-based platform that lets you book cars instantly.

Check for Transfercars.

With so many people picking up rental cars in one place and dropping them off in another, rental companies often struggle to keep up their inventory in their most popular destinations. For this, it’s necessary to hire drivers to get cars to where they’re needed most, but it also poses an opportunity for savvy travelers with open schedules. Transfercar is a platform where you can find cars with predesignated destinations for just the cost of insurance and gas. For example, you may find a station wagon that needs to be driven from Las Vegas to San Francisco within three days. That’s a nine-hour drive, which you can break to make a stop at Yosemite National Park or go up to Lake Tahoe. If it’s the RV life you’re more interested in, imoova.com is a similar platform for RVs.

Try the two-minute trick.

If you have patience and two minutes per week, this easy trick recommended by Scott Keyes, the founder of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), can help you get a better deal. The first step is to book your car rental as soon as you need it at whatever rate. Then, set a calendar reminder for yourself once per week to check the rate on the same car and see if it’s dropped. If it’s lower than what you originally paid, you can cancel your first booking and then rebook at the lower rate. Before doing so, make sure your rental provider won’t impose a cancellation fee, which they typically won’t as long as the cancellation isn’t within 24 hours of your booking. The earlier you book, the more chances you’ll have to claim a juicy price drop.

Look for coupons.

You may be able to squeeze a few extra dollars out of your deal with a coupon from AutoSlash.com, which searches a database of coupons for the best price. Simply plug in the dates you need your rental car and customize the search based on the travel memberships, credit cards, and frequent flyer programs you have. Then, you’ll receive an e-mail with potential discounted rates. You can also see available coupons listed on the site sorted by company if you prefer to shop your options.

Get a manual transmission.

If you’re traveling outside of Canada and the U.S., you’ll find that manual transmission cars are far more common. That doesn’t mean you can’t find an automatic in Europe (or anywhere else), but you may have to pay a much higher price due to there being fewer available. If you don’t know how to drive a stick shift, taking the time to learn can help you save more down the road.

Avoid insurance potholes.

Your credit card, personal car insurance, or travel insurance may cover your vehicle during your rental. Look it up before you rent, and read the fine print. It could save you $15 to $25 a day on the cost of your car. Don’t forget to bring proof of your insurance coverage; increasingly, car rental companies have started to demand this before they hand you the keys. A site like Rental Cover can sell you a stand-alone insurance policy that costs a fraction of what the rental companies charge.

Try not to rent at the airport.

Cars rented at the airport are usually more expensive because of added taxes and fees. When you rent a car at an off-airport location, you could save up to 20 percent. If you can use public transport to get to the city center — or take a taxi to an off-airport site without spending more than you would renting at the airport — it’s cheaper to rent a car in or around the city itself. The exception is renting a car in a big city like New York, where airport rentals are always cheaper because parking in the city is expensive and scarce. Make sure to compare airport and non-airport rental car prices to get the best deal.

Look out for junk fees.

Junk fees have gotten so out of control that even the White House is working to tackle them. Junk fees might include renting a toll transponder (about $5 a day), a GPS (use your phone instead), or a satellite radio (sometimes as much as $8 per day). Try to bring your own car accessories, like your charger or phone holder if you want to avoid paying for marked-up products at the rental counter. Just make sure to eliminate them from your booking.

Compare rates throughout the week.

On occasion, you may find that it’s cheaper to book a car for a whole week rather than just the few days that you’ll need it. Click around and compare the difference between returning the car on the day you actually need to leave versus a few days later. If it works out to be cheaper to return the car later, book that period and just bring the car back whenever you need to leave. To pull this off though, you really need to confirm — in writing — that the rental car company won’t impose any early return fees.

Book the smallest car possible.

Rental car companies are known for overbooking to counterbalance the number of people who reserve a car and never show up. Although this backfires during times of high demand, you can use this knowledge to your advantage by booking the smallest and cheapest car possible and setting yourself up for an upgrade. Of course, it’s still a gamble, so don’t book anything that wouldn’t be big enough to accommodate your entire party.

Set a designated driver.

If you plan on driving in shifts with your travel companions, you may end up paying fees for each additional driver you add to the reservation. These typically start at $10 per day. If you do only put one driver on the reservation to save on fees, don’t let the other person drive or you could face very expensive consequences should you get into an accident or get caught speeding while they’re behind the wheel. Sometimes rental car companies offer deals or coupons that waive fees for additional driver fees — depending on your itinerary this could be a big way to save money on your car rental.