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Visiting the Today Show: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

May 5, 2019 by Lisa and Stace Leave a Comment

While visiting New York, my sister, Sarah, wanted to visit the Today Show.   We kept our options open and chose a day to go that would be the best weather.   It happened to be Valentine’s Day.   Below is my list of the top 10 things to know before you go to visit the Today Show.  This experience is free, although you may sacrifice a bit of sleep to experience it.  It’s worth it for the excitement though.

1.  Options for getting to Rockefeller Center

You could walk, depending on how far that would be for you.  Or you could also easily take the subway or use a ride company like Uber , Lyft or a Taxi. We got up before dawn and decided to walk to Rockefeller Center since it was fairly close to our hotel.

2.  Arrive Early

Arrive before 6:30 am for optimal benefit.  Otherwise, arrive when you can, but as early as you can.  If you arrive before 6:30 AM, you will be more likely to be interviewed and that segment shown on TV.  If you arrive after that time, it just depends on the day.  In the off season, colder months, there will be fewer people and easier to find a place to stand.  If it’s during the peak season, warmer months, being there earlier is much more advantageous.   We arrived a little after 7am.

I was told by Today Show staff that it is usually much busier when there is a planned event, like one of the concerts on the plaza.  For days like that, you need to get there even earlier to wait in line.

3.  Food and Beverages are allowed in the Plaza

Stop for a beverage and bite to eat and take it with you.  While on our walk, we decided to stop at a little café and get a bagel and hot chocolate to take with us, to keep us warm in the 30 degree cold and nourish us since we didn’t know how long we would be there. 

4.  Bouchon Bakery is across the plaza.  

If you need to go to the restroom or want to get something to eat or drink, you can head to Bouchon Bakery.  You can also find a spot to sit in there if you or someone in your party doesn’t want to be in the mix of the Today show filming.  They can sit inside and watch the happenings through their large windows.  Bouchon Bakery opens at 7 AM.  If you decide to come back to the Plaza, you will have to go through security again.

5.  Proceed through security

Once we arrived at Rockefeller Plaza, we had to proceed through security.  Enter the plaza at 48 th Street between 5 th and 6 th avenue.

6. Make (or bring) a sign

After proceeding through security, make a sign to hold in preparation for being seen on TV.  Or bring your own pre-made sign.  Since it was Valentine’s Day, they had the usual poster size paper and paper hearts for us to write on.

7.  Find a spot to stand

Find your perfect spot to stand and watch the proceedings.  Luckily, it was not crowded because it was a colder day and we were able to peer into the studio up close. We were also able to proceed back to the barricaded outside TV host area to have a good place to stand for the outdoor shots.   The best location to stand is on the 49 th street side.  There you can see inside the studio window and also be at the right location at the barricades to see the hosts and be on TV.  Since it wasn’t packed with people when we were there, it was easy to move around to different locations to watch.

8.  Be seen on TV and See the hosts in person

Between 8- 8:30 AM, the host(s) of the show come out onto the plaza and they film out there.  They may also film some teaser segments for upcoming stories out there before that time.   Today show staff will advise when extra filming may be taking place and when Today show hosts will be headed outside to the Plaza.

While we were there, Carson Daly came outside to film a teaser about an upcoming story and while we were waiting for the camera crew to get in position, my sister, Sarah, excitedly told Carson how much she loved him when he was on MTV’s Total Request Live.  Carson replied to her and that exchange made the experience even more memorable for us.

You may be on the air when they film the Plaza area as they go to commercial breaks or when a Today show host(s) film outside on the Plaza.

9.  Let your friends and family know you’ll be on air.

You can usually even give them an exact time to look for you.  It’s easier to accomplish this when you are relaying this information to someone in a later time zone, since the broadcast is delayed.  Meaning, if the show begins at 7:00 AM Eastern, it begins at 7:00 AM Central, etc. 

10.  Have Fun!           

It’s an early event to get up and experience, especially when you are on vacation.  But after we did it, we were happy and thankful that we sacrificed a bit of sleep to have the experience and memories.  Our sister, Marlena, ended up wishing she had gone with us.

Further Information

The Today Show website has information on events happening on certain days and more information on visiting the show.  I recommend you check out their website before you go.   Note: They recommend you RSVP to tell them you are coming.  However, we did not do this and no one asked us if we had RSVP’d.  You can still go even if you haven’t RSVP’d. 

The Today Show, Studio 1A is located in midtown Manhattan on 48 th Street between 5 th and 6 th street at Rockefeller Center.

Have you visited the Today Show? Do you have any questions about visiting the Today Show? Share in the comments below.

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Travel demand is on fire.

The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this summer. According to the TSA, seven of the 10 busiest days for screening passengers occurred in the past month alone.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or car , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year. Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of TPG's favorite tools for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of past price ranges, and it will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools for finding a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and entering your departure airport, Google Flights will give you a map or list of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for alerts on X and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles since the beginning of the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures) supply additional redemption ideas or even business-class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Because there are still air traffic controller shortages and there's little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of an airline misplacing your luggage during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. We've even compiled five reasons to book the first flight of the day with all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed — here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines even allow you to rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading to the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). If there's a delay, you could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media . Sometimes, an airline's representative on X will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in case of meltdowns like the one Southwest Airlines passengers experienced during the 2022 holiday season .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime megalines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government prescreens you for security, saving you a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: Ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, it makes sense to go for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck . Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

One other hack to mention is Mobile Passport . You don't even need to be preapproved for the service, and it can speed you through customs at some airports.

Related: Here's what you need to know about Mobile Passport

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk that confirms your identity via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's very popular and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID but didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. TPG editor Kristy Tolley said she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

No one wants to get to the front of the security line only to realize that the PreCheck mark is gone from their boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar travel.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Carefully read the fine print on any extra policy to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on Team Carry-On whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact information is attached and the bag is within the weight limits. You should get to the airport early (but not too early) to check your luggage and confirm it is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: Tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After recent baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage to track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure to get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, many scenarios could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about the destination you plan to visit. Also, check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, dialing 9-1-1 on your cellphone will connect you to emergency services like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense; some travelers place a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you acclimate to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• You should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days, when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

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• The best travel credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
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Where are the fires in Portugal? Latest travel advice as wildfires rage

Wildfires have broken out in northern and central Portugal – here’s everything you need to know if you have a trip booked

Nearly a month after wildfires blazed on the Portuguese island of Madeira , more fires have broken out in mainland Portugal . Seven people have reportedly died so far in the fires, which are spreading between the northern district of Aveiro and Porto . 

Understandably, those with a trip booked might be worried about whether visiting Portugal right now is safe. Here’s everything we know so far about the fires and the latest advice for UK and US travellers.

Where are the fires in Portugal?

The fires began to spread in the northern and central regions of Portugal on Monday, leading to several towns being evacuated. The northwestern Aveiro district is seeing the worst of the blaze, with fires reaching the outskirts of the town of  Albergaria-a-Velha. Northern and central Portugal are at high risk of wildfires until at least Wednesday, according to the BBC . 

A portion of the highway connecting Porto and Lisbon has been closed off, and several train lines in the north of the country are suspended. Around 5,300 firefighters are tackling the blaze. 

What started the fires?

Despite a wet and rainy start to the summer season, meaning fewer recorded wildfires across Spain and Portugal compared to previous years, temperatures in Portugal reached 30C (86F) over the weekend, and fires spread across dry land and were fanned by strong winds. 

Is it safe to travel?

Neither the UK government nor the US Department of State has advised against travelling to Portugal. If you have a trip booked near or in the region and want to cancel or postpone your travels, your best bet is to contact your trip provider to see what can be done.

The fires have not reached the south of the country, so those with trips booked to the Algarve should be fine. There haven’t been any reports of the fire reaching Lisbon , though the main highway between Porto and Lisbon has been closed.

Extreme weather in Europe

Extreme weather events and natural disasters have plagued Europe this summer. This week, central Europe experienced severe flooding as Storm Boris swept through countries including Austria, Poland, Czechia and Romania.

Three weeks ago, Lisbon and the surrounding region experienced a 5.3 magnitude earthquake . 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our  free Time Out Travel newsletter  for all the latest travel news. 

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Portugal wildfires kill three as three-day warning issued

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Five thousand firefighters are struggling to contain wildfires raging across northern Portugal .

The fires have been blamed for killing three people and forcing an unknown number of residents to flee their homes.

Some 100 fires reported by national authorities stretched the firefighting brigades. Authorities have yet to give figures on how many people have had to evacuate and how many homes have been lost.

Portuguese state broadcaster RTP showed images of houses burnt to the ground and smoke billowing over charred terrain in the area of Castro de Aire.

One civilian has died from burns and another from cardiac arrest from the fires that broke out over the weekend, according to civil protection authorities.

Among the hardest hit areas is the district of Aveiro, south of the northern city of Porto, where a firefighter died from an unspecified illness while on duty. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said on Monday that the firefighter was “victim of a sudden illness” and offered his condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.

Ground units were supported by Portuguese water dumping aircraft. Fellow European Union members Spain , France Italy and Greece have committed to providing eight more planes to help local forces.

“The EU stands with Portugal as it battles major wildfires,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a message on X. “I thank France, Greece, Italy and Spain for their rapid reaction. This is EU solidarity at its best.”

Still, televised images showed some residents wielding tree branches and buckets of water to try to save their homes from encroaching fires.

With no rain to relieve in the situation in sight, national authorities prolonged an alert for fires until Thursday. The measure included a ban on farmers using heavy machinery to harvest crops because of the risk of sparks that could start more fires.

Portugal was devasted by massive fires in 2017 that killed over 120 people and burned over half a million hectares.

The dry and hot conditions behind the outbreaks in Portugal came while downpours caused flooding in central Europe.

The death toll from the severe floods, which began over the weekend, rose to at least 19 on Tuesday, with seven confirmed fatalities in Romania . Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic were also among the hardest hit.

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