It's a fact: traveling is a luxury. When you add up the cost of accommodation, plane tickets, baggage and transportation costs, many trips are already well beyond most people's budget. However, as a full-time travel writer and (self-proclaimed) travel expert, I have learned that traveling doesn't have to be so expensive (or headache causing) as I previously thought. Although, yes, the cost of travel remains high, there are several ways to to save money and time, no matter where you go. From free apps I swear by to smart ways to cut down on hours at the airport, these are the best travel tips I've learned while traveling the world.
1. Get a travel credit card
ICYMI: If you don't have credit card with good benefits, you're missing out. And for those who want to travel, a credit card with travel benefits is a must. The main idea behind these cards is that you earn points and/or miles every time you swipe your card, which you can then redeem at hotels, resorts, and airlines (it's basically like free money). Aside from monetary benefits, some cards also offer perks like airport lounge access, priority boarding, free upgrades, and more. Additionally, using credit card points for flight bookings often offers greater flexibility in terms of airline choice, travel dates and destinations, which everyone will definitely appreciate.
As a (very) frequent traveler, I have found that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and the American Express Platinum Card are two of the best travel credit cards in the industry. Although both have annual fees, they often pay for themselves with benefits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a great rewards program, which allows cardholders to earn extra points on travel and dining around the world. Plus, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel (I got free flights using my points!). As for AmEx, which has a hefty $695 annual fee, this card is exclusively geared toward frequent travelers. One of my favorite features is that I have access to over 1,400 airport lounges around the world. Additionally, the card offers generous travel credits, including up to $200 in annual airfare credits and up to $200 in annual Uber credits. Plus, cardholders enjoy elite status with various hotel and car rental loyalty programs (think Hertz and Marriott Bonvoy), plus free perks like expense reimbursement Global Entry/TSA PreCheck file folder. Yes please.
2. Book directly on hotel websites to benefit from exclusive advantages
While websites like Expedia And Reservation.com sometimes offer lower prices for hotel rooms, I've found that booking directly through a hotel's website actually has more advantages. One of the main advantages is that direct bookings often have access to exclusive offers and promotions. I've received special discounts, bonus travel packages, and even perks like free breakfast and room upgrades just by booking through a hotel. Plus, booking direct allows you to earn loyalty points or rewards through the hotel's loyalty program (just make sure you're all signed up). The best part? These points can be redeemed for future stays, upgrades and other benefits.
3. Book your trips in advance
Listen : It (literally) pays to book flights in advance. For domestic travel, I always try to book my flight at least a month in advance. If you wait to book closer, there is a good chance that prices will increase (often by up to 25 percent). As for international travel, it is essential to book even earlier. A good rule of thumb is to book your flight about 60 days before your departure date to get the best route options and prices.
However, just because you book in advance doesn't mean you'll get super affordable flight prices, especially during peak times (ugh, I know). Mid-June through mid-August is always pretty busy, as well as anytime from Thanksgiving to New Year's, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning.
4. Sign up for hotel rewards programs
Before I became a full-time traveler, I didn't think much about hotel rewards programs – and, wow, was I missing out. As I quickly learned, these programs offer many ways to save money and some great perks for frequent travelers. After signing up with a specific hotel chain, you'll receive points for stays, dining, and other purchases at those properties, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and on-site experiences. Some programs also offer elite status levels with added benefits such as late check-out, lounge access and bonus points. Some of the best programs to enroll in are Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards ClubAnd Wyndham Rewards. Oh, and did I mention they're all free?
5. Track prices on Google Flights
While most people check Google Flights to compare airline prices, the power of its flight tracking feature could be greater. By setting up alerts for your next trip, you can track exactly how your plane ticket price fluctuates and be notified as soon as the price drops. I always like to start tracking prices on a potential flight as soon as I start planning a trip so I can see how much prices fluctuate before I book it. This feature has helped me save countless amounts of money on flights because I can ensure I always book at the most convenient time.
6. Never bring checked baggage if you don't have to
I get it: it’s hard to travel light. But in my experience, a carry-on bag is much better – and more cost-effective – than a checked bag. Checked bags generally always incur additional fees (unless you use your travel credit card points wisely), which can add up quickly and inflate the cost of your trip. Plus, sticking to carry-on luggage can also save you time and hassle at the airport since you won't need to wait in line to check your bag or worry about the possibility that it is lost or delayed. My advice? Work on organize your capsule wardrobe all year round so you can find must-have pieces you can count on.
7. Download Mobile Passport Control (it’s free)
If you're traveling abroad and don't use mobile passport control, this travel tip might just change your life. Mobile passport control (or MPC) is an application that is authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency which allows eligible travelers to expedite their entry into the United States. All you need to do is download the app and electronically submit your passport and customs declaration information before going through customs. Once there, you can skip the line, scan a QR code and leave quickly. (It's basically like Global entrybut completely free.) Trust me, this is a game changer.
8. Get TSA PreCheck or CLEAR – it’s worth it
As a wise man once said, time is money. Wasting time at the airport is never fun, especially when you have a vacation to plan. To avoid arriving at the airport too early or facing long security lines, get TSA Pre-Check Or CLEAR. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership period, which really pays off since it means you'll have much shorter lines and won't have to take off your shoes, belt, or laptop. CLEAR, on the other hand, costs $189 per year, which is a bit pricey but just as worth it. With CLEAR, you can skip the traditional ID check process and go through security checks: all you have to do is check your ID and boarding pass at a kiosk, and a agent will escort you to the front of the line.
