30 X Travel Hacks That Will Make You A Better Traveler!
Unlock Your Travel Savvy: Tips from a Seasoned Explorer!
With my passport stamped in 60 countries across five continents and countless cities, I believe that to travel is to truly live. Behind this article lies a wealth of experience and travel expertise, and I'm thrilled to share savvy tips that will elevate your travel game!
While travel can seem like an expensive passion, fear not, numerous travel hacks exist to minimize your costs. Every detail, no matter how small, can contribute to maximizing your travel budget. After all, who wouldn't want to travel more for less?
So, where do you begin in your quest to become a budget-savvy traveler? What steps can you take to bring down your travel expenses? The answers start right here! Let's dive into the world of travel hacks and discover how to make your next journey not just memorable but also cost-effective.
How to travel cheaply? START HERE!
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Hold On! Essential Step Before Your Journey Begins
Before you get lost in the excitement of planning your next adventure, hit pause and prioritize this…Arrange your Insurance! Whether you're gearing up for a city break or a long-distance journey, your first move should be securing both travel and health insurance.
It's not just about having insurance; it's about ensuring your coverage aligns with the activities you have in mind. Planning to dive, bungee jump, or take a leap from a plane? Confirm that your policy extends to these extreme activities.
PRO STARTING TIPS!
To avoid being scammed or overpaying at the airport, make sure you do your travel research, compare offers, and always read the fine print!
Book ONLY with reliable and trustworthy travel companies. We want to travel for less, however, make sure it is a reputable secure site, true to its word while offering great customer support. Don't be tempted just by the price.
Hacks To Make You A Better Traveler
Flying low-cost
In today's travel landscape, low-cost airlines boast price tags that can leave you pleasantly surprised. However, diving into the world of budget-friendly flights requires a careful reading of guidelines and fine print. To snag those jaw-dropping prices, booking early is key, ideally when flights first become available. Transavia stands out as my top picks, offering fantastic prices along with excellent and consistent customer service. Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air also shine with competitive pricing.
The allure of these airlines lies in their ability to offer budget-friendly fares, often but not always by flying to smaller airports rather than the main hubs. Keep in mind that extras like luggage, meals, and drinks may come with additional costs, or you can opt to bring your own. Smaller planes are typical for these carriers, meaning space might be limited. Consider upgrading your seat for longer flights.
If you book in time even with these additions you will be able to fly for close to nothing. I flew Transavia from Amsterdam to Italy paying under 50 euros, including everything!
Here's a cool tip: Did you know there's a website that maps out the type of plane you'll be flying on, helping you choose the best seat available? Enter Seat Guru, mapping out details for a whopping 1,278 aircraft types. How cool is that?
Use This Checklist Before Booking Your Low-Cost Flight
Be flexible with your dates. When possible, aim for off-season dates.
What is the airline’s baggage policy? Many people end up paying fines and extra fees because their luggage doesn't match the size and other regulations of the airline.
What services do you need to pay for? Taxes. Check-in options- Free or against payment at the airport. Weight policies. Changes or cancellation policies.
When it comes to low-cost airlines sometimes booking each leg of your trip separately is cheaper. You can also combine airlines for maximum effect.
Important! By saying low cost, I don't mean any airline out there with cheap tickets like Vueling for example, the worst experience of my life by the way. Make sure it is a reputable airline with solid customer support and crystal-clear guidelines. Don’t forget to research online customer experiences and reviews.
Did you know that flying out of the major cities is more expensive? Fact. It is worthwhile checking flights out of smaller less central airports. Sometimes it’s worth driving an extra 45 minutes. An alternative for Schiphol Amsterdam would be Eindhoven for example.
Strategic Travel Choices: Unveiling Cost-Effective Paths
When embarking on a long-distance journey or a multi-destination adventure, enlisting the help of a travel agent can prove not only more convenient but surprisingly cost-effective. I opted for this route during my trips to South Africa and Costa Rica, experiencing smoother planning and even lighter expenses—some perks are exclusive to travel agents, believe it or not.
For certain destinations, particularly during high seasons and summer holidays, opting for a package deal may trump booking flights and accommodations separately. The all-inclusive allure shines in specific locations like Aruba. When we planned our Aruba holiday, choosing the all-inclusive package proved to be a wise decision. Families opting for breakfast-only regretted it, given Aruba's relatively high costs. On the flip side, Spain, being more budget-friendly, might make an all-inclusive deal less compelling.
Consider the possibility of booking flights with stops or layovers but within reason. While flying within Europe with a five-hour total flight time wouldn't justify two stops resulting in an 18-hour journey, there are instances where a layover of an extra day or two adds a delightful dimension to your overall trip. It's not just a pitstop; it's an opportunity to explore another city along the way.
Overnight flights will save you on accommodation expenses.
Local carriers are a cheaper option, especially in Asia.
Travel sites to follow religiously!
Holidaypirates
PRO TIP! Set up a price alert for travel pirates so you are notified about deals and the best times to fly anywhere.
Accommodation
Choosing Your Stay: Hotel vs. Airbnb
In the eternal debate of hotel versus Airbnb, the cost-conscious traveler might lean towards the latter. Apartments generally sport a more budget-friendly price tag compared to hotels, albeit with some trade-offs in perks. For those with a penchant for the traditional hotel experience, like myself, it might take a bit more time and research to find the perfect match. Fear not! The online realm is rife with enticing deals, and sometimes, it's as simple as venturing slightly away from the city center to score a fantastic bargain.
And here's a savvy tip: Last-minute hotel deals could be your golden ticket to a wallet-friendly stay! Many times all you have to do would be to sign up on the website for an additional 10-% on your room rate!
PRO TIP! Join the airlines and hotel’s members club for the best prices and upgrades!
The Pestana Hotel Group and Barceló Hotels & Resorts
offer good prices and discounts to members and people who book directly with them.
Outsmarting the Price Game: Your Stealth Travel Booking Tactics
It's an unfortunate reality, bordering on scandalous, but undeniably true: your online searches for flights and hotels are being tracked, potentially leading to inflated prices. Before you dive into your search, here's a savvy maneuver; clear your browser cache and opt for private browsing. Airlines and related websites often use cookies to monitor your behavior, and returning to their site with a visible search history or repeated interest may result in higher prices.
Another strategic move is to employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for a modest monthly fee. By making it appear as though you're in a different country, say, a third-world nation, you can secure substantial savings on your flights.
Use search engines to help you find the best deals out there such as Skyscanner, Agoda, Kayak, and Booking.com for hotels and apartments. I recommend that before you book always check if you can get a better rate when booking directly from the airline or hotel site. It happened to me often that despite them saying the cheapest price is guaranteed, that is not always the case.
Take advantage of the travel credit card offers made of points, Airmiles, and sign-up bonuses. Make sure you choose a card without transaction fees when abroad.
Click to read my article about The Best Travel Credit Cards
Maximize Your Airmiles: The Shopping Secret Weapon
Unlock the power of Airmiles by incorporating them into your daily routine. With my Airmiles card, I rack up points while shopping for groceries and fueling up my car. simple yet effective!
The term "off-season" might spook some, but fear not, it's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Off-season typically kicks in Back to School time, indicating the end of peak tourism. Families adhering to school schedules are back home, resulting in a quieter atmosphere everywhere you go. As the seasons transition, now is the ideal time to plan your escapades.
Aim for this time frame whenever possible. I experienced the charms of Ibiza in mid-September, deemed the off-season. The weather remained delightfully warm well beyond August 31st, and the same held for Greece.
Additional Practical Travel Hacks & Tips
Want to travel sustainably? Stop buying plastic bottles but rather have your reusable bottle! It isn't only cheaper, but you will contribute to bringing down the plastic pollution which is killing our enlivenment. Image by: Reismonkey.nl
VISIT REISMONKEY.NL
USE MY CODE: MYTRENDYTRAIL TO CLAIM YOUR 10% DISCOUNT!
Check out if the city you’re visiting offers a tourist card and has free walking tours. Many cities offer tourists benefits and special offers for museums and public transportation.
My City Guides to INSPIRE You!
Madrid
Tel Aviv
Amsterdam
Stockholm
Paris
Smart Traveler Hacks: Navigating Connectivity and Finances
When it comes to staying connected on your travels, consider opting for a local SIM card. It's typically the more economical choice. Even better, embracing Wi-Fi only ensures cost-free connectivity and offers the opportunity to fully disconnect and immerse yourself in your travel experience. It’s what I do :-}
Avoid the pitfalls of currency exchange at airports or abroad; the rates are rarely favorable. Instead, utilize ATMs for a more competitive exchange rate. Ensure beforehand that your bank doesn't impose any pesky fees.
Master the art of packing by carefully selecting essentials to avoid the dreaded overweight baggage issue. Traveling light not only adds convenience but also saves you from unnecessary costs.
Grab This In-Depth Flight Packing List!
If you need to take a taxi check other options first, for example, if Uber is an option.
If you can work/freelance while traveling then it is a wonderful way to keep at it. To name a few: Freelancing-Continuing your job from the road, housesitting, taking a yacht sailing job, teaching English locally, writing articles about your destination for other travel blogs and magazines, and collaborating with brands so you can post sponsored posts.
It goes without saying that you need to make sure you are not breaking any visa and immigration laws first at your destination.
Mastering the Food & Drink Budget Game
Navigating the tricky terrain of food and drink expenses on a budget? Fear not, here are some savvy strategies:
Low-Cost Traveling Wisdom: Resist the temptation to buy food or drinks on board, especially when flying low-cost. (A bonus tip: Avoiding the airport scene altogether is solid advice!) Instead, bring your own packed goodies and snacks.
Breakfast Bonanza: Start your day with a hearty breakfast before venturing out. It's a budget-friendly move that keeps you fueled for the day ahead.
Strategic Lunch and Dinner Spots: When seeking spots for lunch or dinner, steer clear of tourist attractions or popular tourist areas. Venture further, consult your hotel or local tourist information for recommendations on where the locals dine. It promises a more authentic experience and a friendlier bill.
Supermarket Splurge: Explore local supermarkets for cost-effective options and indulge in a picnic. It's not only a fun and relaxing experience but also a fantastic budget-stretching tactic.
Hydration Hack: Keep a reusable water bottle handy to stay hydrated without denting your budget.
Do you have hacks of your own? Do tell!
Before we part, don’t forget to follow me on social media for awesome travel content, tips, and resources ~ @mytrendytrail
Yours,
Diti