2016 is just around the corner, but there are still a few days left to complete any outstanding tasks in 2015. If you're a frequent traveler like me, it can really pay off to make sure you're all squared away before the clock strikes midnight on December 31. Here are 4 Travel tasks to complete before the end of 2015:
1. Add more pages to your passport.
If you’re anywhere close to running out of free stamp space in your passport, act fast. After December 31, 2015, you won’t be able to add additional pages if you run out — you’ll have to renew your passport instead. Generally you'll need to re-apply for visas when you get a new passport, so if you have any that are still valid, now's the time to act.
To get extra pages, you’ll need to mail in your passport along with the necessary paperwork or visit an authorized application facility with these documents. It costs about $82 to get either one or two packets of 24 blank pages. The good news is that if you’re up for a renewal any time soon, your new passport will come with 52 pages (the jumbo book) by default. Still, if you have a few years left before your current one expires, it’s worth getting the additional pages rather than having to renew.
2. Don’t forget to use credit card airline fee credits.
When 2015 ends, annual credit card fee credits expire, and it would be a shame to leave this free money on the table. The Platinum Card from American Express offers an annual $200 airline fee credit, while the Premier Rewards Gold Card offers $100 each year. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of these waivers to cover baggage fees, lounge access, Global Entry application and more, consider purchasing lounge passes for an upcoming trip or even buying some food or drinks for fellow passengers on a flight. Spreading a little holiday cheer while taking advantage of a free credit card benefit is a win-win in our book.
3. Make sure you received all the miles and points you’ve earned.
Before you get started on a travel rewards strategy for 2015, take a moment to ensure that you’ve received all the airline miles and hotel points to which you’re entitled. Do a quick inventory of your loyalty program accounts to make sure no credits are missing, and take an extra-careful look at your credit card accounts to ensure you aren’t missing any valuable sign-up bonuses.
4. Share your expiring upgrades and perks with a friend.
Much along the lines of letting annual fee credits go to waste, there’s no reason to let upgrades and other perks expire. If you won’t be able to use any airline upgrades, consider gifting them to a loved one — a seat up front makes a great present, after all. If you don’t know anyone in need of the upgrades and other transferrable benefits you currently have, check out our upgrade and perks exchange, where award travel enthusiasts can swap benefits with each other.
