The Daily Valet. - 1/28/22, Friday

✔️ Are You Ready?

Friday, January 28th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

How many emojis do you think you use in a day?

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

Ready to Travel?

What to know about cheap flights, restrictions and cancellations in the pandemic’s third year

It’s the end of January. The weather is rough and we should all be eager to escape to somewhere, right? But a lot of us aren’t sure when or how we should be traveling these days.

Airports are screening about 30% fewer passengers these days than pre-pandemic, according to data from the Transportation Security Administration, as just under four in 10 Americans say they are comfortable flying domestically, according to the most recent Morning Consult tracking survey.

Still, the enthusiasm for travel persists. Justin Smith, owner of the Evolved Traveler, tells the Washington Post “there’s just a minor hesitancy at this point,” when it comes to interest in booking trips. People are accepting that the situation may continue to ebb and flow indefinitely.

According to Forbes, vaccinated and boosted Americans are driving travel demand in 2022, as international travel restrictions are relaxing. And good news for people who like cheap tickets (that's everyone, right?): We'll still find deals on airfare in 2022. According to Hopper, domestic airfare is down 19% from where we were in January 2019, and even prices for international airfare is 13% lower as well.

However, while some countries are beginning to ease border rules, passengers can expect airlines to continue enforcing international (and some domestic) travel restrictions, whether that’s showing proof of vaccination, a negative coronavirus test or proof of a recent recovery from the virus. Some may even require proof of a booster.

But while overbooked flights and expensive airport food are mostly back to normal, one early pandemic adjustment has thankfully stuck around: fee-free flexibility. So I say, take advantage of the low ticket prices now and book a trip. Even if you decide to put it off, you can move it without any cost.

↦ Where to go: Afar has pulled together 39 stellar destinations —from Abu Dhabi to Alberta, Canada—where your visit will really count.

The “Stealth” Variant

Should we be concerned about BA.2, the newest COVID omicron variant?

We've seen some encouraging signs about what comes after the omicron variant of the COVID. According to the New York Times, many are “buoyed by the idea that so many people will have been vaccinated or infected with the variant that soon the virus will be unable to find a foothold, and will fade as a major force in our lives.”

But scientists are keeping a watchful eye on a newly identified version of the omicron variant, nicknamed “stealth omicron,” that is driving new outbreaks in parts of Europe. The culprit is a subvariant of the omicron variant—which means it's closely related to omicron but has some different mutations.

On the bright side, there's no indication that it causes more severe disease or spreads more easily. A report released Thursday by the UK's Health Security Agency [PDF] offers additional reassurance, suggesting that current vaccines protect about as well against the stealth omicron as they do against the original variant, with better protection against symptoms.

Scientists say the new omicron spinoff is not surprising and shouldn't be cause for alarm. In fact, it was anticipated, given that about half of the world's population still hasn't been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

↦ Meanwhile: Moderna has begun a study of a booster shot designed specifically to fend off the omicron variant.

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Apple’s iOS Update Offers New Emojis

Interested? Sign up for the public beta

Along with helpful new features like the ability to easily use Face ID with a mask, the iOS 15.4 beta is the first release from Apple to feature over 37 new emoji that were revealed last fall.

Emojipedia has put together a look at Apple's renditions. Of course, each emoji's look will vary from platform to platform, but you can get a feel for what to expect from the Unicode Consortium, the body in charge of creating new emoji.

Among the new crop is a melting face (which, I can only assume, means the edibles have hit). There's also a covered face with an eye peeking out (which perhaps could replace 😬), along with several variations of heart hands, a troll, low battery and a biting lip emoji that's sure to convey several emotions.

Apple has yet to announce a release date for the update, though interested users can sign up for the iOS 15.4 public beta.

↦ FYI: Face with tears of joy was the most popular emoji of 2021.

A Weekend Pairing

The Afterparty + a Bordeaux

When you hear that Apple TV+'s The Afterparty was created by the guy responsible for the “21 Jump Street” and “Lego Movie” franchises and features a small army of some of the funniest actors working today, it's clear you're in for a wild time. And that's just what we get.

The show centers on a murder mystery at a high school reunion. Each of the eight episodes features a retelling of the same night told through a different character's perspective. The Los Angeles Times calls it “exceedingly delightful,” and Uproxx promises that it's about to be your new favorite show. Rolling Stone says that while it's technically a parody, “its primary focus is on playing with perspective and genre, resulting in a clever and charming ride that frequently serves up fun surprises.” In any case, Apple TV+ hasn't let me down with any of their shows yet, so I'll be streaming it.

↦ Your Pairing:We're gonna keep it classy (even if the group on the show doesn't). I'm suggesting this tasty and affordable Bordeaux from Barons de Rothschild—it's earthy and spiced with a slight jammy sweetness.

In Other News

↦ The U.S. GDP Grew 6.9% in 2021, the Fastest Economic Growth Since 1984

↦ FCC Approves the Internet “Nutrition Label” Proposal

↦ Entering Beijing’s Olympics Bubble Is a Surreal Experience

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

National Park reservations

Doom shopping

A whiskey vault

Your Long-Term Saving Ratio

How to let your money work for you

You’re established in your career path. Maybe you stash some money away each payday and let your retirement account do the rest. But if you're free from credit card debt and have some disposable income left after paying the standard bills, your next step should be saving and growing your wealth.

But with the many options available in today's multifaceted financial landscape, it's difficult to know exactly what, where and how to save. It's also challenging to know exactly what you'll need your money for and when. You might consider buying a house, saving for a baby or starting a business—or maybe a combination of all three and then some.

When it comes to where to put said savings, that's where you want to find the ratio that works best for you. You should have a savings account, a separate retirement account and, with any luck, an investment account. Do you need to invest? Of course not. But it's next to impossible to seriously grow your wealth without one.

How much money you need to put away, of course, depends entirely on your personal goals and lifestyles. But we consulted a few financial experts to help you determine the ideal long-term saving ratio that will set you up for financial freedom.

↦ Read: Finding your long-term saving ratio

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What We’re Buying

Abercrombie & Fitch Essential crew sweatshirt

The difference between a good and great sweatshirt is in the details. You see it in the fit and finishes. And Abercrombie has been churning out great sweatshirts lately. This new style has a throwback '90s feel and comes in nine different colors. The oversized, drop-shoulder fit is cut to hit just at the waist for a look that's relaxed but not sloppy.

↦ Get It: $59 / $47.20 by Abercrombie & Fitch