How to Win at Travel

Kelly, founder of travel site The Points Guy, aims in his savvy debut to help readers navigate an increasingly complex modern travel landscape. Arguing that travel is a strategic “sport” for which one must know “the rules of engagement,” he tackles common quandaries like whether to invest in trip insurance (buy it for peace of mind), how to stay safe while traveling internationally (be wary of locals in tourist areas but trust guides one has connected with ahead of time), rebooking canceled flights (read up on the airline’s flight delay policies, and be kind when negotiating with airline agents), how to beat jet lag (try an app to reset circadian rhythms), and what the future of travel might look like (artificial intelligence will likely streamline everything from researching to booking to planning). Augmented by informative interviews with travel experts, this guide makes an empowering case that modern travel is more accessible and safer than ever if one knows how to capitalize on a complex ecosystem of airline points, hotel loyalty programs, booking sites, and low-budget airlines. Budget travelers will be especially rewarded. (Feb.)