✈ What Happens if You Lose Your Passport Abroad, Big Airline Merger Won't Devalue Miles & More News From TPG ✈

Also: Hilton adds another 100-plus hotels through SLH partnership September 18, 2024 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily NEWSLETTER]( [THE POINTS GUY]( International travel tips by Katie Genter, Senior Writer [TPG | Hero Image] I spend a lot of time traveling outside the U.S., so my passport is one of my most important possessions. Although I’ve never lost my passport, a close call last December taught me [what to do if you lose your passport while traveling internationally](. In short, you’ll need to work with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your current country if you lose your passport. Unfortunately, this may take some time as these locations may not be open on weekends or holidays and may require an appointment. Keeping your passport safe is just one of many international travel tips I can give. When preparing to travel, think about how you will handle phone calls and internet access. For example, you can [use some apps to make phone calls for free while abroad]( but you’ll still need internet access to do so. You could rely on Wi-Fi, but I prefer to use [Google Fi and eSIMs]( to stay connected while abroad (including in Cairo, pictured above). For purchases, you’ll want to use a [credit card without foreign transaction fees]( but you’ll also usually want to get some local currency for merchants that don’t accept credit cards. Also, make sure you are choosing the local currency on the credit card terminal to [avoid extra fees](. You can order money ahead of time from some banks or exchange your currency after you land, but I prefer simply withdrawing money from an ATM at my destination. Luckily, I have a debit card that reimburses me for fees the ATM operator charges. Here are a few related stories to read ahead of your next international trip: - [8 things to expect when you travel internationally from the US]( - [How to choose a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card]( - [What’s the best international phone plan right now?]( - [6 tips to prepare before extended trips abroad]( - [Here are 13 places you need a visa to travel with an American passport]( Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](. Photo Credit: KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY. Today’s top stories [Alaska-Hawaiian merger will protect frequent flyer miles as part of major DOT agreement]( The Department of Transportation took a major step toward approving the merger, effectively allowing the two airlines to close the deal. [Read more]( [Hilton adds another 100-plus hotels thanks to Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership]( Another 102 SLH properties are now available for booking through Hilton’s direct reservations channels. [Read more]( [Southwest makes it easier to change your Companion Pass online]( Southwest Airlines lets you change your companion up to three times per calendar year, and the process just got significantly easier. [Read more]( [United to open its second grab-and-go Club Fly and largest-ever lounge in Houston]( United Airlines is building on its popular grab-and-go lounge concept by introducing its second United Club Fly. [Read more]( [Cruise single supplements: Here's why you'll pay double to cruise alone]( If you planned and budgeted for a cruise but suddenly found out it would cost you double what you expected, would you still go? [Read more]( The latest 1. [Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?]( 2. [Some of our favorite ways to use Delta SkyMiles]( 3. [Marriott Bonvoy fall promo: Get 20% off weekend bookings if you move fast]( 4. [Breeze to launch 4 new routes from Washington Dulles, but delay 2 from New Orleans]( 5. [These are North America's best airports, according to J.D. Power's 2024 rankings]( 6. [The best credit card welcome bonuses of September 2024]( 7. [Hawaiian Airlines-Alaska Airlines merger: Miles will transfer at 1:1 ratio, plus more loyalty program details revealed]( 8. [Current IHG promotions: Earn bonus points, fast-track to elite status, discounts and more]( 9. [SAS returns to Seattle, bolsters ties to Delta after switch to SkyTeam]( 10. [Synchrony Premier World Mastercard review: Automatic cash-back redemptions]( [fb]( [insta]( [yt]( [tw]( [in]( [mail](mailto:hello@thepointsguy.com) You are receiving this email because you opted in at [thepointsguy.com](. Where to find us: The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe [here](. Changed your mind? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( at any time. Advertiser Disclosure: The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our [advertising policy]( and [product review methodology]( for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024