7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024
7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Free Room Upgrades at Major Hotel Chains
Securing a free room upgrade at a major hotel chain can transform a standard stay into a more luxurious experience. While these upgrades are never guaranteed and depend on availability and hotel policies, there are certain techniques that can increase your odds. Choosing the right room category at the time of booking can sometimes pave the way for an upgrade. Similarly, arriving at the hotel during less crowded periods might make it easier for staff to accommodate your request.
Beyond timing, leveraging hotel loyalty programs can significantly boost your chances. Many programs not only provide perks such as discounts and free breakfasts but also offer prioritized access to upgraded rooms. It's worth considering if the perks a particular program offers align with your travel habits.
Furthermore, demonstrating a positive attitude and communicating any special occasions during your stay, like anniversaries or birthdays, can also tip the scales in your favor. A friendly approach and polite communication can often persuade staff to grant a room upgrade. Essentially, understanding hotel policies, timing your arrival strategically, and actively engaging with loyalty programs are elements that can work in your favour when pursuing a free room upgrade.
Hotel chains are increasingly sophisticated in their approach to room upgrades. Many leverage data to track booking trends and guest preferences, informing their decision-making on when to offer free upgrades and optimize occupancy. This suggests that understanding these data-driven patterns can improve the odds of securing an upgrade.
It's remarkable that roughly 30% of guests report receiving a free upgrade when they ask, particularly if they're members of a loyalty program. This clearly indicates the value of loyalty programs in potentially enhancing your stay without spending more.
Interestingly, some luxury chains set aside a specific pool of rooms specifically for upgrades. This allows staff more leeway to offer them without disrupting regular inventory.
The timing of your request is critical. Hotel staff are more likely to accommodate upgrade requests during less busy periods or when last-minute cancellations have freed up room availability. This suggests that flexible travel dates could be advantageous.
It appears that making your upgrade request at check-in rather than during the booking process can considerably improve your chances, boosting them by as much as 50%. The theory is that the immediacy of the interaction and the ability of the staff to assess real-time room availability makes a difference.
Being courteous and friendly with staff seems to demonstrably impact the likelihood of an upgrade. Reports show that guests who maintain a positive, engaging tone are rewarded with upgrades more often than guests who are perceived as demanding or entitled.
Some hotel chains go beyond room upgrades, rewarding loyal customers with other perks like late checkouts or complimentary meals, further enhancing their experience without necessarily changing the assigned room type.
Hotel chains frequently use feedback loops and guest surveys to refine their upgrade policies. It appears that high guest satisfaction ratings can translate into a more generous approach to free upgrades in the future, highlighting the importance of customer feedback.
Some hotels seem to prioritize guests arriving earlier in the day when offering upgrades, given the availability of rooms. The rationale being that quickly settling guests in can result in longer stays and increased spending on other hotel services.
Boutique hotels, in contrast, may have more flexible upgrade policies. They often rely heavily on building repeat business with guests through a more individual approach, putting greater emphasis on guest interactions and the judgment of their staff.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Free Room Upgrades at Major Hotel Chains
- 7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Complimentary Airport Lounge Access with Select Airlines
- 7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Bonus Airline Miles for Social Media Engagement
- 7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Secret Menu Items at International Airport Restaurants
- 7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Exclusive Tours of Airline Cockpits for Aviation Enthusiasts
- 7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Free Luggage Storage at Popular Tourist Attractions
- 7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Complimentary Amenity Kits on Long-Haul Flights
7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Complimentary Airport Lounge Access with Select Airlines
Did you know that, in 2024, you might be able to enjoy complimentary airport lounge access without even realizing it? While many people associate lounge access with premium cabins like business or first class, it's surprisingly accessible in other ways too.
Several airlines are quietly offering lounge entry to passengers as part of their regular service, especially to frequent fliers and those with certain credit cards. Some airline-specific credit cards, like those tied to Delta or United, automatically give access to their respective airline lounges. It's worth investigating whether your credit card provides such a perk as part of its benefits package. There are also general lounge access memberships like Priority Pass that enable you to gain entry for a fee or potentially free depending on your membership level.
Interestingly, the ability to simply ask about this perk can unlock access for many travelers. While this might sound too good to be true, staff at airlines often have discretion to grant lounge passes, especially to repeat customers or loyal travellers. It never hurts to politely inquire if you're eligible.
Enjoying these lounges can really improve your travel experience. Lounges typically provide comfy seating, refreshment options, and a welcome refuge from the often noisy and busy airport terminals. These extras can make the typically less enjoyable waiting time much more relaxing and improve your overall experience. It's surprising how much this simple yet valuable amenity can transform the standard airport wait.
### Complimentary Airport Lounge Access with Select Airlines
1. **Beyond Elite Status**: It's easy to think that lounge access is only for those who've accumulated enough frequent flyer miles or points. But, many airlines offer complimentary lounge access for those in premium cabins like business or even premium economy, opening up the experience to a wider group of travelers.
2. **A Calmer Travel Experience**: Studies suggest that passengers who spend time in airport lounges report feeling less stressed compared to those in the main terminals. The quieter, more comfortable atmosphere, along with snacks and beverages, creates a more productive environment. Some research even indicates that travelers get about 20% more work done before boarding.
3. **Food Beyond Snacks**: The idea that airport lounges just offer basic snacks is outdated. Quite a few lounges now emphasize culinary variety, providing meals that can compete with what you'd get on some flights. Certain airline clubs have even partnered with notable chefs to create special menus that feature local cuisine.
4. **Layovers are More Bearable**: If you're flying economy and have a layover, don't disregard lounge access. Some airlines, like American Airlines, offer one-time access for a reasonable fee. This can be a smart move for a relaxing and productive stop with amenities like showers and WiFi.
5. **Family-Friendly Spaces**: Some lounges are recognizing the need for family-friendly environments. They're incorporating dedicated play areas for kids, making travel less stressful for parents and creating a more pleasant experience for everyone.
6. **Globally Consistent Experience**: Lounge access isn't just limited to your domestic airports. Many international airlines offer access to luxury lounges at major global hubs, which provides a consistently high-quality experience regardless of your location or the airport's typical level of service. For instance, some airlines like Qatar offer very high-quality lounge access in Doha.
7. **Wellness Focus**: A trend is emerging where lounges are offering wellness amenities. This includes yoga spaces and quiet zones for meditation, particularly helpful for those battling jet lag on long flights.
8. **Freshen Up Before or After Flights**: More lounges than you'd think offer shower facilities. It's a great way to feel refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey, whether it's before a flight or after arriving on a late-night flight.
9. **Occasional Events**: Some airlines put on promotional events in their lounges, like wine tastings or cultural demonstrations, exclusively for members or those who have tickets that offer lounge access. These can add an exciting element and expose travelers to different experiences.
10. **Sharing the Love (Sometimes)**: A few airlines have adopted referral programs that allow loyal customers to share access benefits with their friends and family. This creates a travel community of sorts, benefiting those who use the service while also providing incentives for loyal customers.
7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Bonus Airline Miles for Social Media Engagement
Airlines are increasingly looking for ways to engage travelers online, and one of the tactics they're employing in 2024 is offering bonus miles for social media engagement. It seems like a simple enough concept, but it's becoming a surprisingly effective way to boost loyalty programs.
Some airlines are experimenting with different approaches. For instance, Air Canada's Aeroplan program lets you earn points by donating to charity, with a certain number of points given per dollar donated. Another example is Marriott Bonvoy offering Singapore Airlines miles to new members of their loyalty program. Lufthansa is also getting into the game, giving bonus miles for stays at select Hyatt hotels, provided you register for the promotion.
It's becoming clear that airlines see social media engagement as a viable path to growing their loyalty programs and building closer ties with their customers. As these types of campaigns become more common, it's worth keeping an eye on the latest offers and understanding how you can potentially leverage them. Essentially, this is another way to earn miles without racking up the miles through actual travel. It's also a sign of the times that airlines are recognizing the importance of online engagement in building stronger connections with their customers.
### Bonus Airline Miles for Social Media Engagement
1. **Earning Miles Through Engagement**: Certain airlines are experimenting with giving out bonus miles for social media interaction, hoping to encourage travelers to connect with them online. This approach can turn casual online chats into valuable rewards.
2. **Social Media Engagement & Loyalty**: Research shows that engagement on social media can significantly impact how customers perceive a brand and whether they remain loyal. Actively engaging with airlines on social media can start a cycle of loyalty, where more engagement leads to more offers and perks, like bonus miles.
3. **Staying Informed**: An intriguing trend suggests that travelers who regularly engage with airlines on social media are more likely to see and take advantage of limited-time sales and deals. Following airlines online can potentially help you discover cheaper flights, making it a smart move for budget-conscious travelers.
4. **User-Generated Content as Marketing**: Airlines are increasingly using customer posts as a way to promote themselves. Travelers who share travel photos and stories help airlines' marketing efforts, and in return, they get miles as a reward, illustrating a win-win scenario.
5. **Airlines Embracing Digital Communication**: As more travelers prefer to connect online, airlines are spending more on social media marketing. Reports show that airlines who use social media effectively can see a boost in customer interactions that lead to bookings—perhaps up to 30%.
6. **Contests and Social Media Campaigns**: Social media contests can provide opportunities for substantial mile bonuses. Some airlines have campaigns where simply tagging them in travel-related pictures earns you extra miles, making it an easy way to rack up your mileage balance without much effort.
7. **Airline Collaborations with Influencers**: Airlines often work with social media influencers who reach a large audience. This creates a chance for the influencers' followers to interact with airline content and potentially benefit from exclusive deals or offers connected to the content, which indirectly benefits active followers.
8. **Faster Customer Service**: Interacting with airline customer service via social media might result in faster answers and solutions, and often bonus miles are offered as an incentive for feedback and sharing travel experiences.
9. **Gamification in Loyalty Programs**: Gamification elements are being woven into airline loyalty programs through social media to make travel more interactive and engaging. By rewarding people for sharing experiences or checking in at specific destinations, airlines can increase customer engagement with their brand while helping travelers increase their mile balances.
10. **Data-Driven Decisions on Rewards**: Airlines are studying how people interact on social media to tailor their reward offers. This data-driven approach helps airlines identify those who interact with them most, leading to personalized offers designed to foster loyalty with tailored mileage bonuses.
7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Secret Menu Items at International Airport Restaurants
Navigating international airports often involves a quick bite to eat, but savvy travelers can elevate their dining experience by exploring the hidden world of secret menus at airport restaurants. These clandestine menus offer a range of unique culinary creations that are not advertised on the standard offerings, providing a welcome surprise for adventurous palates. Fast-food chains, like McDonald's or In-N-Out, often have a secret list of variations on their classics, potentially offering both a more tailored and cheaper dining experience. But it's not just the usual fast-food outlets where you can find a hidden menu – some more upscale airport restaurants may also have a secret menu for discerning diners, serving dishes that aren't usually seen on their main menu. These exclusive creations can add a dash of excitement to the often predictable airport dining landscape. As travel experiences evolve, discovering these secret menus can significantly enhance your next airport layover and transform a routine meal into a memorable culinary adventure.
### Secret Menu Items at International Airport Restaurants
1. **Culinarily Exploring Regional Flavors**: Many airport restaurants have hidden gems that cater to specific regional tastes. Simply asking the staff for the "chef's suggestion" can sometimes reveal local dishes not on the standard menu, offering an unexpected cultural culinary experience.
2. **Customized Traveler Meals**: Some airport restaurants craft unique combo meals tailored for travelers. Asking about "traveler-friendly combinations" might unearth discounted meal packages ideal for quick and portable consumption, often at a fraction of the regular price.
3. **Limited-Time Local Treats**: Certain airports feature seasonal menus with regional specialties that don't always grace the main menu. Inquiring about special or seasonal offers might unveil dishes that highlight regional cuisine or showcase unique local ingredients.
4. **Unlisted Beverage Pairings**: Airport restaurants sometimes offer exclusive beverage pairings to enhance the dining experience. Asking for recommended wine or craft beer suggestions with your meal might uncover expertly curated matches that are not readily apparent on the menu.
5. **Unveiling Hidden Healthy Choices**: With health-conscious trends on the rise, many airport restaurants offer "secret" healthy options not displayed on their standard menus. Asking for "health-focused meal selections" can reveal low-calorie or nutrient-rich choices that might otherwise be missed by travelers seeking traditional fare.
6. **Exclusive Dessert Delights**: Some establishments maintain a secret reserve of desserts for informed customers. Inquiring about "secret dessert options" or asking what's popular with regular patrons can potentially provide access to a sweet treat that's a favorite among local regulars.
7. **Discovering Family-Style Options**: Surprisingly few travelers realize that many airport restaurants will readily prepare family-style meals on request. This can be especially beneficial for larger groups, offering a more budget-friendly and abundant dining experience compared to individually priced meals.
8. **Leveraging Frequent Visitor Perks**: Some airport vendors maintain informal loyalty programs for repeat customers. Asking the staff about potential discounts for frequent visitors can sometimes yield unexpected price reductions or complimentary items.
9. **Early Bird Breakfast Specials**: In some cases, special breakfast items or discounts are exclusive to early morning travelers. A simple query about breakfast specials can reveal choices only available for those catching early flights, enhancing the experience for early-risers.
10. **Discovering Pop-Up Culinary Surprises**: More and more airport restaurants are experimenting with temporary pop-up specials that don't make it onto the standard menus. Inquiring about promotional food items or asking if there are any limited-time offers can uncover unique and unexpected culinary encounters while traveling.
7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Exclusive Tours of Airline Cockpits for Aviation Enthusiasts
For those captivated by aviation, a unique opportunity exists to experience the world of flight from a different perspective: exclusive cockpit tours. Aviation enthusiasts can delve deeper into their passion at places like The Museum of Flight, which curates tours for smaller groups, granting access to aircraft cockpits and artifacts not usually accessible to the public. While seeing a cockpit in mid-flight is highly unlikely due to security regulations, post-flight visits can be a possibility if you're polite and demonstrate a genuine interest to the flight crew after landing. Dedicated aviation tour operators cater to passionate individuals, offering programs that can involve tours of air shows, airport facilities, airbases, and even aircraft factories, all while delving into the history and intricacies of both military and civilian aircraft. Organized aviation tours can provide a deeper understanding of specific aircraft types, covering things like the design, construction, and operation, in addition to simply being exposed to the exterior or cockpit of a particular type of aircraft. These experiences can range from weekend excursions in Europe to more extensive global treks. Whether it's a post-flight chat or a structured tour, these special opportunities are a compelling way to enhance a travel itinerary for anyone who loves airplanes.
Airline cockpits, usually hidden from public view, are opening up to aviation enthusiasts through a growing number of exclusive tours. These tours provide a rare opportunity to see the intricate technology and systems that control modern aircraft. It's surprising just how complex the cockpit environment is and the sheer number of systems pilots must manage.
Some tours even incorporate simulations, giving participants a feel for what it's like to be at the controls. This immersive element allows enthusiasts to gain a better understanding of the skills and knowledge required to pilot an aircraft safely.
Safety is, of course, paramount in aviation, and these tours often highlight the extensive protocols that pilots adhere to during each flight. The sheer number of checklists – sometimes over 150 – that pilots go through before, during, and after a flight underscores the meticulous nature of airline operations and the importance of safety in every aspect.
Beyond safety, these tours provide a window into the advanced technology that forms the backbone of modern aviation. Cockpits are now packed with highly sophisticated avionics and flight management systems that can rival the processing power of modern smartphones. Participants can witness firsthand how pilots use real-time flight data to optimize flight paths, avoid weather hazards, and ensure passenger safety.
Beyond the technical aspects, tours can also provide insights into the careers within the aviation industry. The tours offer a more detailed understanding of the roles of flight crew, maintenance personnel, and air traffic controllers, highlighting the diverse skill sets required to ensure smooth operations.
Interestingly, many cockpit tours also feature historical displays. These illustrate the significant evolution of cockpit designs over decades, highlighting how technological advancements have transformed the flying experience while improving safety and efficiency.
In some cases, the tours even go as far as simulating severe weather conditions, which allows enthusiasts to grasp the difficulties pilots face when navigating through challenging conditions. Understanding how pilots deal with challenging situations reinforces the crucial role that skills and training play in keeping flights safe.
Another notable aspect of these tours is their exposure to the regulatory framework governing aviation. It's surprising how much goes into ensuring safety compliance. It turns out that airlines have internal teams dedicated to following and implementing national and international safety regulations, which are constantly being updated with new standards.
These tours often include a discussion on pilot training. It's remarkable the extent to which pilots are trained to deal with emergencies. It underlines how rigorously pilots prepare for any challenges they may face in flight, enhancing confidence in the safety measures involved.
Finally, some of these tours grant access to restricted areas within airports, such as ground control operations. This broadens participants' understanding of the intricate and coordinated effort required to make an airport function smoothly and safely. It showcases how various teams work together to deliver a seamless passenger experience.
Overall, these exclusive cockpit tours offer a unique and invaluable experience for anyone fascinated by the world of aviation. They reveal the complex world of flying in a way that is both insightful and engaging.
7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Free Luggage Storage at Popular Tourist Attractions
Travelers are increasingly finding that many popular tourist spots now provide free luggage storage. This growing trend allows visitors to explore destinations without being weighed down by their belongings. You'll find secure storage facilities at various locations, from bustling city centers to more tranquil tourist hubs. Several companies, like Bounce, are working with hotels and local businesses to offer convenient luggage storage near popular sights, improving the overall visitor experience. Furthermore, some public transport facilities, like bus terminals, are starting to offer temporary storage options, and hotels commonly let guests store their bags for free before or after their stay. To boost security, some storage solutions even incorporate biometric access, offering visitors a peace of mind while exploring.
### Free Luggage Storage at Popular Tourist Attractions
1. **Growing Demand:** Tourist attractions are increasingly offering luggage storage, reflecting a growing traveler desire for flexibility. It's interesting to note that this trend seems to be accelerating, with some estimates suggesting annual growth rates of up to 30%. It seems many travelers are looking for ways to navigate destinations without the burden of luggage.
2. **Economic Benefits:** It appears that the presence of luggage storage can positively impact the local economy around tourist sites. Research indicates that travelers who store their bags spend more money in the area—a potential increase of 20%—likely due to their enhanced mobility and ability to explore freely. This highlights a potentially beneficial side-effect of these services.
3. **Advanced Security:** Many newer luggage storage facilities incorporate technologies like RFID for bag tracking, increasing security and providing travelers with more real-time visibility into the location of their possessions. It's noteworthy how rapidly technology is influencing these spaces.
4. **Enhanced Travel Experiences:** It's apparent that free luggage storage has a positive impact on travelers' satisfaction. Studies show that those who utilize the service report a roughly 25% increase in their overall travel happiness. The freedom from carrying luggage clearly impacts stress levels and travel enjoyment. It is surprising that something as simple as storage can have such a significant impact.
5. **Global Adoption:** Major tourist cities such as Paris and New York have integrated luggage storage as a common service. Furthermore, many other popular destinations worldwide now offer these facilities, indicating a wider acceptance of their convenience. Some sites have even begun to set aside designated spaces, increasing access for visitors.
6. **Mobile Apps and Convenience:** There's an interesting evolution of luggage storage driven by technology. Several companies have built mobile apps that facilitate finding and booking storage in advance. These apps make it easier to compare locations and pricing, contributing to a more seamless experience.
7. **Flexible Pricing:** Many luggage storage facilities are adopting a more flexible approach to pricing, with some implementing hourly rates that can start as low as $5. This is notable, as it makes luggage storage a viable option for travelers on a budget.
8. **Safety and Insurance:** A substantial portion—around 90%—of luggage storage providers now offer some form of insurance on the stored items. This offers a sense of security to travelers who might be apprehensive about leaving their bags behind. It's intriguing how the providers are increasingly leveraging insurance as a way to inspire confidence.
9. **Beyond Traditional Locations:** The availability of luggage storage is expanding beyond traditional tourist sites. Cafes and retail shops are also beginning to offer it as a service. This increased availability makes it even easier for travelers to utilize this service, regardless of their itinerary.
10. **Adapting to Changes in Travel:** The travel landscape is always in flux, and luggage storage services are adapting to that. For instance, many facilities have now incorporated increased sanitation measures, including things like antimicrobial coatings and more frequent cleaning, in response to evolving traveler preferences and concerns about hygiene. This shows a continuous adaptation to changing consumer needs.
7 Surprising Travel Perks You Can Get Just by Asking in 2024 - Complimentary Amenity Kits on Long-Haul Flights
Long-haul flights often involve extended periods of time in the air, leading airlines to increasingly focus on improving passenger comfort. One surprising aspect of this is the rise of complimentary amenity kits offered to travelers. These kits, often found on international or transcontinental flights, are designed to enhance the overall experience by providing useful items.
American Airlines, for example, has announced new amenity kits for first, business, and premium economy classes that include useful items such as dental kits, eye masks, and earplugs, in addition to a variety of skincare options. Delta's Premium Select cabin offers a similar focus on passenger comfort with upgraded amenity kits and noise-canceling headsets on select long-haul routes. Airlines like Cathay Pacific are going even further, offering premium amenities such as organic skincare from British brands in sleek vegan leather bags, aimed at enhancing comfort and the overall travel experience.
While the contents vary by airline, these kits can offer travelers much-needed comfort and convenience, helping to reduce stress on longer flights. It's often worthwhile to inquire with airline staff regarding these kits, as their availability might not always be explicitly communicated during the booking process. A simple question can result in a pleasant surprise and a more comfortable flight.
Long-haul flights, particularly in premium cabins, often come with complimentary amenity kits. These kits are more than just a random assortment of items; airlines are increasingly thoughtful in their design and contents. Here are 10 intriguing aspects of these kits:
1. **Destination-Specific Kits**: Airlines are tailoring amenity kits to the specific routes they serve. This means the contents can vary depending on the flight's length and even the destination. They aim to provide exactly what's needed for that particular journey, an interesting approach to customization.
2. **Focus on Premium Materials**: Higher-end airlines use quality materials for their amenity kits, like durable fabrics or materials with a focus on sustainability. The choice of material is part of their brand strategy, ranging from luxury to more minimalist, practical designs for frequent flyers.
3. **Wellness Features in Amenity Kits**: It's becoming common to see wellness products in kits, including sleep masks or essential oils. Research has shown that these items can help reduce jet lag, making them more than just a luxurious addition—they're beneficial for passengers on long journeys.
4. **Partnerships with Brands**: You'll find that airlines partner with popular brands to create their amenity kits. This can lead to high-quality skincare items within the kit. Studies indicate that brand collaborations improve customer satisfaction and foster loyalty, as travelers appreciate receiving quality items in the air.
5. **Loyalty Program Perks**: Frequent flyers may receive superior amenity kits reflecting their status with the airline. These kits often contain unique items or add extra comfort, demonstrating that airlines appreciate their loyal customers.
6. **Designed with Functionality**: Amenity kits are designed to address specific needs passengers experience in flight. Earplugs and eye masks are included to help block out noise and light, enhancing sleep and rest for those on long journeys. There is clear evidence that these items help travellers better adjust to flight conditions.
7. **Variety Beyond the Basics**: The contents of kits have been expanding beyond the standard socks and toothbrushes. Now you might find technology-related items like portable chargers, acknowledging changing needs in air travel.
8. **Catering to Different Genders**: Some airlines are developing gender-specific kits reflecting the unique needs and preferences of different demographics. For instance, a women's kit might focus on beauty products, while a men's kit might include more utilitarian tools. It's a sign that the airlines are attempting to provide a more tailored experience.
9. **Sustainability in the Air**: The aviation industry is slowly moving towards greater sustainability, and this is starting to appear in amenity kits. Some airlines include biodegradable items like toothbrushes, a subtle indicator that environmental impact is increasingly relevant to travelers.
10. **Limited Editions to Spark Excitement**: Some airlines release limited edition kits with special designs or brand collaborations to generate enthusiasm among passengers. These kits can even become collector's items, especially among aviation fans, showing how a simple perk can evolve into a treasured travel memento.