Clara proudly admits to being a Michigan Yankee. She left Motown in ’82 (where all of her family still lives) to travel through Europe (with Saudi Arabia as her home base) for two years before landing in Atlanta. The opportunity to see that bit of the world inspired her to take up a career in the travel industry.
Clara began at Action Travel — agencies owned and managed by Clark Howard. Clara continued her career as a retail travel agent while assisting Clark with two weekly travel columns for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution until 1996 and solo travel columns through 2017. Each weekday Clara searches for the latest and greatest travel deals (that Clark hasn’t already found!)
Why Our Travel Expert Thinks This New Tool Is a “Game Changer”
Travel
April 18th, 2024
For years, the task of redeeming loyalty points or miles on an airline's website has been tedious, frustrating and a…
What America’s 10 Largest Airlines Offer if Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed
Travel
January 2nd, 2024
An interactive dashboard from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) provides information on what several major airlines are offering as…
A Retired Travel Agent’s Secrets for Getting the Best Travel Deals
Travel
November 13th, 2023
As a retired travel agent and member of Team Clark, I've decided to spill my secrets about how and where…
How To Choose a Tour Company
Travel
July 19th, 2023
How do you find just the right travel company — and itinerary — for that trip of a lifetime? Tips…
When Do You Need a Travel Agent?
Travel
June 15th, 2023
It's become second nature for many of us to book our airline tickets, car rentals and hotel stays ourselves. But…
How To Score a Premium Seat to Europe This Year
Travel
May 10th, 2023
Airfare prediction website Hopper says that Europe is the "highest demand international region," capturing 36% of search from travelers this…
Vacations To Go: Can You Find Bargain Cruises?
Travel
December 22nd, 2022
There's a very simple way to see what ship is sailing where in the world, what ports you can visit…
Kyte Review: Why a Travel Expert Is Impressed by This New Car Rental Service
Travel
June 13th, 2022
One of the best ways to find a good deal on a car rental is to comparison shop. As a…
A Travel Expert’s Favorite Free Travel Planning Tools
Travel
September 2nd, 2021
I haven't traveled far from home over the last several months, but I'm always on the lookout for not only…
Why Is Spirit Airlines Canceling So Many Flights?
Travel
August 5th, 2021
This is Spirit Airlines' summer meltdown. First, blame summer storms. Next, blame "operational issues." And then top that off with…
There’s a New Cheap Airline and Fares Start at $39
Travel
May 25th, 2021
If you're planning a trip to visit family, friends, or just to get away, there's a brand new option that…
These Airlines Are Adding New Routes This Year
Travel
April 27th, 2021
Money expert Clark Howard predicts that travel will take off in the second half of 2021. And a few major…
Follow These Tips if an Airline Reschedules Your Flight
Travel
April 19th, 2021
Are you holding airline tickets for an upcoming trip? The odds are favorable that you will fly on schedule. But…
These Airlines Are Extending Credits Into 2022
Travel
April 13th, 2021
Are you currently holding a credit on an airline for a canceled or postponed trip? In typical times, you'd have…
Car Rental Shortage: Here’s What You Need To Know
Travel
April 7th, 2021
Taking to the road rather than the skies has become so popular in recent months that rental cars are becoming…
New Coronavirus Testing Rules for Travel to the U.S. Start Soon
Travel
January 16th, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an order that will soon affect all air passengers entering…
These Major Airlines Say They’re Eliminating Some Change Fees Forever
Travel
September 15th, 2020
The nation's largest airlines scored a little PR win with the recent release of policy changes on fees for airline…
How Google’s New Travel Features Can Help You Book Your Next Trip
Travel
September 8th, 2020
How do you shop for your fundamental travel needs such as a flight or a hotel? If you're not using…
Why Now May Be a Good Time to Plan a Trip for 2021
Travel
September 1st, 2020
Got miles? If you think that you will be traveling internationally next year, have a look at the new summer…
Where Is My Passport?
Travel
August 19th, 2020
Did you apply for a new passport earlier this year? Have you been waiting for months to get your renewed…
Coronavirus and Travel: What You Need to Know
Travel
April 9th, 2020
Many of us have hundreds (and possibly thousands) of dollars worth of air travel, accommodations and tours booked for future…
Resolve to Travel in 2020: 11 Keys to Making It Happen
Travel
January 13th, 2020
It's the start of a new decade and a time when we make personal promises and goals to start fresh.…
Think Disney Is Too Expensive? Try These Awesome Alternatives…
Travel
November 15th, 2019
With the average cost of a Disney vacation for a family of four topping out at over $5,000, many people…
How To Book Outdoor Adventure Travel
Travel
October 17th, 2019
How do you spell adventure? For some, it might be scaling Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro. For others, it could be riding…
How To Know When You’re Eligible for Compensation From an Airline
Travel
September 26th, 2019
Many air travelers don't know their rights as a passenger or when they are eligible for compensation from an airline.…
Enjoy fall across the U.S. in these budget travel destinations
Travel
September 6th, 2019
We've entered the sweet season of travel: the shoulder season that precedes the busy holiday period. It's the time for…
How to plan a cheap Colorado ski vacation
Travel
September 5th, 2019
Think snow! It's not even fall yet, but it's the optimum time of year to plan a 2020 ski getaway…
Team Clark’s picks: Where to travel this autumn
Travel
August 9th, 2019
One of the best travel times of the year is just before the Thanksgiving holiday. It's perfect for a few…
The best free and almost free things to do in New York City
Travel
July 8th, 2019
It's no secret that New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, often landing in…
How to improve your airplane boarding experience
Travel
June 13th, 2019
When it comes to boarding a flight, it seems that airlines, in general, want to make us as miserable as…