Travel Services Associates South
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in 2025
Comprehensive Resources for New and Avid Travelers
Travel Services Associates South
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in 2025
Comprehensive Resources for New and Avid Travelers
Do it the right way
Traveling in 2025 presents a wealth of opportunities for new and experienced travelers alike. With more tools, apps, and services than ever before, the experience can be incredibly rewarding—but it also requires smart planning. This guide will cover essential topics, from choosing the most economical flights to booking smart hotels, finding the best tours, applying for passports, and more. By the end of this guide, users will be equipped with all the knowledge they need to navigate modern travel with confidence. Travel Services Associates South will guide you in every step of the way. Travel Services Associates South operates under license from Travel Services Associates, the leading travel consultants in the industry, and serves the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
Travel Services Associates South
Choosing the Most Economical Flights
Finding affordable flights is a key component of budget-friendly travel. For newbie travelers, understanding how to search for and book economical flights can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and tools, it’s easier than ever. If you don’t want to do all the research by yourself, Travel Services Associates South agents will do it for you.
Use Flight Search Engines and Aggregators
- Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo are three of the most popular flight aggregators. These platforms scan various airlines and booking sites to offer the best deals.
- Tip: Use the “Explore” feature on Google Flights to see a map of potential destinations within your budget. This can help you discover affordable flights to places you may not have initially considered.
Set Price Alerts
- Many flight search engines allow you to set price alerts. This means you will get an email or notification when the price for a particular flight drops. According to a study by Hopper, prices can fluctuate up to 15-20% within a month, so timing your purchase is key.
Book at the Right Time
- Best time to book: A common rule of thumb is to book domestic flights 1-3 months in advance and international flights 3-6 months ahead.
- Cheapest days to fly: Data from FareCompare indicates that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, while Sundays tend to be the most expensive.
Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
- Flexibility with travel dates can result in substantial savings. According to a 2022 study by Expedia, travelers who adjust their departure dates by just one day can save up to 10-15% on flights.
- Explore Alternative Airports: Check flights departing from smaller airports or neighboring cities. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco or Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami can save money, and budget airlines often serve these alternate hubs.
Take Advantage of Frequent Flyer Programs and Travel Credit Cards
- Sign up for airline loyalty programs such as Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, or American AAdvantage. Even occasional travelers can accumulate points for future trips.
- Many travel credit cards offer significant sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for flights. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture provide points that can be transferred to various airlines.
Consider Budget Airlines
- While budget airlines like Spirit, Ryanair, and EasyJet often have strict baggage policies and fewer amenities, they can offer significant savings for short trips. Just be sure to check for extra fees, such as those for checked bags or seat selection.
Booking Hotels the Smart Way
Where you stay can make or break your travel experience. The right booking strategy can help you secure comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank. Whether doing it yourself or through Travel Services Associates South, this is the main component of a great trip.
Use Hotel Aggregators and Price Comparison Tools
- Websites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Trivago help travelers compare prices across multiple hotels and booking platforms.
- Tip: After finding a hotel on an aggregator, check the hotel’s direct website. Sometimes hotels offer price-matching guarantees or special discounts for direct bookings.
Book Direct to Get Perks
- Many hotels offer benefits like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, or room upgrades if you book directly through their website. According to a survey by Hilton Honors, 30% of travelers reported receiving upgrades when booking directly through hotel loyalty programs.
Consider Alternative Accommodations
- In 2025, more travelers are opting for alternative accommodation options like Airbnb, VRBO, or home exchanges. These options can be more economical than traditional hotels, especially for longer stays.
- Hostels aren’t just for backpackers anymore. Some high-end, boutique hostels offer private rooms at a fraction of hotel prices.
Check for Hidden Fees
- Some hotels and resorts add daily “resort fees” or “service fees” that aren’t always included in the advertised price. This can add $20-50 per night to your total bill, so be sure to check the fine print before booking.
Use Reward Programs and Credit Card Points
- Just like airlines, many hotels offer loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, which allow travelers to accumulate points for free stays.
- Travel credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, often offer perks like complimentary hotel status, free nights, and access to exclusive deals.
Last-Minute Deals
- HotelTonight and Priceline’s Express Deals are apps that offer discounts on last-minute hotel bookings. If you’re flexible with your accommodation type, you can often find deals for up to 60% off the regular price.
Research Reputable Tour Companies
- Websites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook are excellent resources for finding reputable tours. They offer user reviews and star ratings to help you make informed decisions.
- Tip: Always check reviews on independent platforms, such as TripAdvisor, for more authentic feedback on the tour operators and experiences.
Consider Small Group Tours
- Small group tours tend to offer more personalized experiences. They often provide access to unique areas that larger tour groups cannot visit, and allow for greater flexibility in the itinerary. According to Travel Weekly, travelers on small group tours rated their experience 15% higher than those on large group tours.
Go Off the Beaten Path
- While popular excursions (like visiting the Eiffel Tower or Machu Picchu) are often must-sees, don’t overlook less touristy experiences. Research local experiences, such as food tours, walking tours led by locals, or craft workshops, which often provide more authentic interactions with the local culture.
Check for Multi-Day Passes and Bundled Excursions
- Many cities offer tourist passes that bundle multiple attractions and excursions into one discounted package. For example, the Paris Pass offers access to over 60 attractions at a reduced rate, while the New York CityPASS bundles iconic sights like the Empire State Building, the Met, and the Statue of Liberty.
Choosing the Right Tours and Excursions
Choosing the right tours and excursions is key to making the most out of your destination. The best tours are well-organized, offer unique insights, and give you an authentic experience of the local culture. Travel Services Associates South will guide you and show you the better options.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
For any traveler—whether a seasoned globetrotter or someone just starting out—the hassle of navigating airport security can be one of the most frustrating aspects of air travel. Long lines, cumbersome security measures, and the uncertainty of what to expect can add stress to an otherwise enjoyable trip. This is where programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry come in, offering significant benefits that can streamline the process and make traveling faster, smoother, and less stressful.
* Travel Services Associates South is not affiliated with or endorsed by the TSA or any government agency. All content displayed is for informational purposes only.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to enjoy expedited security screening when flying domestically within the United States. Passengers with TSA PreCheck access a separate security line at over 200 airports and on more than 85 participating airlines, reducing wait times and simplifying the security process.
Key Benefits of TSA PreCheck:
- Expedited Security Screening: With TSA PreCheck, travelers do not have to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or liquids (in accordance with the 3-1-1 rule) from their carry-on luggage.
- Shorter Wait Times: On average, TSA PreCheck passengers experience wait times of less than 5 minutes. According to the TSA, 95% of PreCheck travelers waited less than 10 minutes in 2023.
- Dedicated Security Lines: Most major U.S. airports have special TSA PreCheck lanes, which are often much shorter than regular security lanes.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that offers expedited entry into the U.S. for pre-approved travelers when returning from international trips. It goes beyond TSA PreCheck, offering additional benefits at international borders and immigration checkpoints. Once approved for Global Entry, travelers also receive TSA PreCheck as part of their membership.
Key Benefits of Global Entry:
- Expedited Entry into the U.S.: Global Entry allows you to skip the customs and immigration lines upon arriving in the U.S. by using automated kiosks. This can save anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour at busy airports.
- International and Domestic Coverage: While TSA PreCheck covers domestic flights, Global Entry is particularly helpful for frequent international travelers, providing quick re-entry to the U.S. from overseas destinations.
- TSA PreCheck Included: By applying for Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck, giving you all the benefits of the expedited security screening process for domestic flights as well.
The Importance and Benefits of Applying for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Time Savings
Time is a valuable commodity when traveling, especially in busy airports. The biggest advantage of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is how much time they can save you. In a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation, average security wait times for general passengers during peak hours at major U.S. airports ranged from 15 to 30 minutes, while TSA PreCheck passengers typically waited less than 10 minutes.
For Global Entry members, the time savings are even more significant. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported that using Global Entry kiosks can cut wait times at customs and immigration by 70% or more, especially during high-traffic periods at major international airports.
Convenience
Both programs make traveling more convenient by removing many of the inconveniences associated with standard airport security or customs procedures:
- No more removing shoes, belts, and jackets at security checkpoints with TSA PreCheck.
- No more waiting in long customs lines when returning from abroad with Global Entry.
For frequent travelers, this convenience can significantly reduce travel-related stress, making multiple trips each year much more manageable.
Enhanced Security and Lower Risk of Missed Flights
Since TSA PreCheck and Global Entry streamline airport procedures, travelers who use these programs are far less likely to miss their flights due to long security or customs lines. According to an analysis by the TSA, passengers who are enrolled in PreCheck have a 50% lower chance of missing their flight due to security delays compared to passengers who are not enrolled.
Membership Valid for Five Years
Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry memberships last for five years, meaning that the upfront cost (more on this below) is amortized over half a decade. This makes these programs a long-term investment that pays off over multiple trips.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
Applying for TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
- Submit an Online Application: Visit the TSA website and complete an online application form. The application takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.
- Schedule an In-Person Appointment: After submitting the online application, you will need to schedule an appointment at one of over 500 enrollment centers across the U.S. This appointment includes a background check and fingerprinting. Appointments typically last less than 10 minutes.
- Receive Approval: Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you will need to enter when booking your flights. Most travelers are approved within 3-5 days, though some applications may take up to 60 days.
How to Apply for Global Entry
The process for Global Entry is slightly more involved but still straightforward:
- Submit an Online Application: Go to the U.S. CBP’s Global Entry website and create an account on the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) system. The application requires details such as your passport information, addresses, employment history, and answers to several background questions.
- Pay the Non-Refundable $100 Fee: After submitting your application, you will need to pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.
- Complete an Interview: Once your application is conditionally approved (this typically takes several weeks to a few months), you will be required to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. The interview includes questions about your travel history and a brief background check. Some U.S. airports offer Enrollment on Arrival, allowing you to complete the interview immediately upon returning from an international flight.
- Receive Your Global Entry Card: After approval, you will receive a Global Entry card, which you can use at Global Entry kiosks and for expedited customs entry. You will also receive a KTN for TSA PreCheck use.
* Travel Services Associates South is not affiliated with or endorsed by the TSA or any government agency. All content displayed is for informational purposes only.
Essential Travel Documents and Visas
Having the right documents is crucial for smooth travel. Aside from your passport, many countries require visas, health certifications, and other documentation.
Understanding Visa Requirements
- Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the country you’re visiting. Websites like iVisa or Travel.state.gov offer detailed information about visa policies by country.
- Some countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for short-term tourists. Others may require an e-visa or a traditional visa in advance.
Digital Travel Documentation
- Many countries are moving toward digital documentation. For example, the European Union’s ETIAS system, launching in 2025, will require travelers to apply online for authorization to enter the Schengen Zone, which includes much of Europe.
Health Certifications
- With COVID-19 still a concern in certain areas, proof of vaccination or a negative test result may be required for entry to some destinations. Check the health requirements of your destination country before traveling.
About Travel Services Associates
Welcome to Travel Services Associates South, serving the South of the USA – your trusted partner in travel planning and consulting. With over a decade of experience, we are committed to making your travel dreams a reality—whether for leisure, business, or a combination of both. As a full-service travel consulting business, we provide a one-stop shop for all your travel needs, offering everything from flight reservations and hotel bookings to curated tours and excursions. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or want us to handle every detail, we’re here to ensure your journey is seamless, enjoyable, and tailored to your needs. Travel Services Associates South operates under license from Travel Services Associates, the leading travel consultants in the industry, and serves the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
Personalized Travel Planning for Every Client
At Travel Services Associates South, we understand that no two travelers are the same. That’s why we take a personalized approach, crafting itineraries that reflect your unique preferences, interests, and travel goals. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous getaway, or an important business trip, our team of travel experts will work closely with you to create a customized plan that fits your schedule and budget. Our expertise spans the globe, ensuring that we can provide insight and recommendations for destinations both near and far.
Consulting Services for the DIY Traveler
For those who enjoy being involved in the planning process, we offer consulting services designed to provide inspiration and guidance. Our team will help you explore options, find the best deals, and design itineraries that suit your travel style. If you’d rather leave the details to us, we’re more than happy to take care of every step, from booking flights and securing accommodations to organizing tours and excursions that showcase the best of your destination.
Comprehensive Business Travel Solutions
Our services also cater to business travelers who need efficient, professional solutions for their trips. We understand the fast-paced nature of business travel, and our team is well-versed in organizing seamless itineraries that maximize your time and productivity. Whether it’s booking last-minute flights, arranging meetings, or finding the perfect accommodations, we handle the logistics so you can focus on your work.
Your Trusted Partner for Memorable Travel Experiences
With Travel Services Associates South, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re investing in an experience. Our attention to detail, extensive industry knowledge, and passion for travel set us apart as leaders in the travel consulting industry. We strive to provide top-tier customer service, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is handled with care, precision, and professionalism. No matter your travel needs, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, making sure your trip is nothing short of extraordinary.
Let us help you explore the world with confidence and ease. Whether you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a stress-free business trip, Travel Services Associates South is here to turn your travel ideas into unforgettable experiences.
Travel Services Associates South
756 W Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30308