10 tips for planning your next vacation

Summer travel is picking up, and a little prep can help you avoid hassles, stretch your budget and enjoy more of the fun part: being away.

UC’s Central Travel Office has resources to help. Before you book, visit the ConnexUC Travel Portal for UC-negotiated rates, traveler benefits, planning tools and the latest travel updates for UC employees.

1. Start with ConnexUC

Before comparing flights, hotels or rental cars, take a look at ConnexUC. UC travel contracts can help you find negotiated rates and added benefits for airfare, lodging, rental cars, rideshares and rail travel. You’ll also find sustainability resources, hotel offers and upcoming webinars.

2. Join loyalty programs before you book

Airline, hotel, rental car and rideshare loyalty programs can make travel feel a little easier, especially when paired with UC benefits. Depending on the program, you may be able to access preferred seats, free checked bags, priority boarding, faster rental car pickup or upgrades, when available.

3. Look for UC status matches and perks

Already a loyalty member? You may qualify for a UC-specific status match with Alaska, Delta, LATAM or United. Some programs also let you link personal loyalty accounts to UC programs for extra benefits.

A few perks to explore in ConnexUC include:

• United Break for Business: Up to 10% off when booking directly at united.com
• Hertz and Enterprise: Access to UC contracted rates when reserving through their websites
• Marriott Silver Elite: Status for UC travelers, including priority late checkout when available
• Uber Business Priority Pick-up: Prioritized service during busy times, including at airports and conventions
• CQ, Club Quarters Hotels: Weekend rates

Visit ConnexUC for current program details, eligibility and links.

4. Check your travel documents

Make sure your ID, passport and traveler numbers are ready before trip day.

• Domestic flights: Travelers 18 and older need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.
• International trips: Check your passport expiration date before you book. Many destinations require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Once your trip is set, add your passport details to your airline profile.
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: Make sure your traveler number is added to your airline profile, if applicable, for a faster security experience.

5. Think beyond flying for shorter trips

For trips under 300 miles, rail or car travel may be less stressful than flying, and you can take advantage of UC contracts:

• Rail: UC offers a negotiated 15% Amtrak discount on select California routes, including Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner and Gold Runner.
• Rental cars: Reduce wear and tear on your personal vehicle by renting from Hertz, National, Enterprise, Dollar or Thrifty. These vendors may also offer access to hybrid or electric vehicle options.

6. Book smart

Airfare and hotel prices often climb during busy travel seasons, so book ahead when you can. As you compare flights, look for options that reduce the chance of travel-day surprises:

• Fly earlier in the day to lower the risk of delays.
• Choose nonstop flights to reduce disruptions and help lower emissions.
• Stick to one airline when connecting — if your first flight is canceled or delayed, the second airline is not responsible for adjusting your connection with a competing carrier.

7. Use airline apps

Download your airline’s app so you can check in online, confirm seats and get real-time updates. This is especially helpful when gate changes, delays or other updates happen quickly.

8. Watch for schedule changes

Flight schedules can shift during busy travel periods. If your itinerary changes, review your options before making a quick adjustment unless your departure is within 48 hours. You may have more choices than you think, including cancellations, destination changes or airline switches.

9. Pack for fewer headaches

The way you pack can have a big impact on your experience:

• When possible, opt for a carry-on bag only to save time at check-in and skip baggage claim.

• If you’re checking a bag, take a quick photo of your luggage to help with claims and consider adding a smart tag.
• Fully charge your devices and bring a power bank (check airline restrictions before packing spare batteries).
• Take secure photos of important travel documents, including your ID, passport and credit cards.

10. Build in breathing room

Summer crowds can mean longer lines at check-in, security and concessions. Give yourself extra time for parking, bag drop and getting to your gate.

You can also use the TSA app to check wait times and review your rights for reimbursements for flight delays or cancellations.

For more travel tools and advice, visit the ConnexUC Travel Portal. You can also register for upcoming UC Travel office hours for personalized help:

• July 16 at 11 a.m. (PT): Airfare (booking tickets, managing credits, confirming seats)
• July 23 at 11 a.m. (PT): Hotels (global contracts, boutique hotels, weekend rates)
• July 30 at 11 a.m. (PT): Car Rentals (insurance, electric vehicles)

For additional questions, email UC Travel.