A few Sundays ago, I had brunch with my well-traveled friend Megan, who shared some amazing travel tips. These strategies have allowed her to explore unique destinations around the world without breaking the bank. Today, I’m passing these travel tips from a pro on to you, so you can make the most of your travel experiences, whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure.
Subscribe to Flight Deal Newsletters
One of the best ways to save on travel is by subscribing to flight deal newsletters like Going. These newsletters send out alerts on incredible flight deals to various destinations.
Travel Tips from a Pro
Subscribing to flight deal newsletters means you’ll be the first to know about heavily discounted flights. This can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare, allowing you to travel more frequently or allocate your budget to other aspects of your trip.
Quick Tips:
- Sign up for newsletters like Going.
- Be ready to act quickly when a deal comes through.
- Set alerts for multiple departure airports to increase your chances of finding great deals.
Choose Destinations That Spark Joy
When planning your travels, choose destinations that genuinely excite you. This is one of the most important travel tips from a pro. The idea is to pick places that make you feel enthusiastic just by hearing their names.
How It Helps You
Selecting destinations that spark joy ensures that every trip is something you look forward to and cherish. It makes the planning process more enjoyable and the journey itself more fulfilling.
Quick Tips:
- Look at flight deals and see which destinations instantly excite you.
- Don’t just follow popular travel trends—choose places that you personally find intriguing.
- Let your intuition guide you to destinations that promise joy and adventure.
Flexibility in Travel Plans
Flexibility can significantly enhance your travel experiences and savings. By being open to adjusting your travel dates and destinations, you can take advantage of the best deals and opportunities.
Why it matters
Flexibility allows you to seize last-minute deals and avoid peak travel times, which are often more expensive. It also lets you extend your vacations without hefty costs, as you can work remotely or adjust your itinerary based on new opportunities.
Quick Tips:
- Keep your travel dates flexible.
- Consider working remotely to extend your stay.
- Avoid peak seasons and travel during off-peak times for better deals.
Open-Jaw Flights and Layovers
Another trip from a pro: Open-jaw flights and strategic layovers are fantastic ways to explore multiple destinations on a single trip.
What Are Open-Jaw Flights?
Open-jaw flights are when you fly into one city and out of another. This allows you to visit multiple destinations without backtracking. For more detailed information, check out this expert resource on open-jaw flights.
Benefits of Layovers
By strategically planning layovers, you can explore additional cities at no extra flight cost. It’s a great way to maximize your travel experience.
Quick Tips:
- Look for open-jaw flight options when booking.
- Plan layovers that give you enough time to explore the layover city.
- Use these strategies to maximize your travel itinerary without additional airfare costs.
Setting Multiple Departure Airports
When searching for flights through Going, set multiple departure airports to find the best deals. This is especially helpful if you have family members in different cities or countries who want to coordinate a trip to the same destination.
How It Helps You
Setting multiple departure airports increases your chances of finding cheaper flights. It’s particularly useful for families spread across different regions, making it easier to coordinate and find deals that work for everyone. Additionally, if you live near multiple airports, you can find the best deals by checking all nearby options.
Quick Tips:
- Set alerts for several nearby airports if you live close to multiple ones.
- Consider driving to a different airport if it saves a significant amount on airfare.
- Coordinate with family members in different locations to find mutually convenient departure points.
Quick Decision-Making for Deals
When a flight deal comes up, you need to act fast to snag the best prices.
How It Helps You
Flight deals don’t last long, so quick decision-making ensures you get the best prices before they’re gone. This approach is especially useful for securing affordable travel during school vacation times or other limited windows.
Quick Tips:
- Check your calendar and work commitments immediately when a deal appears.
- Be prepared to book quickly to secure the best prices.
- Adjust travel plans to fit within school vacation periods or other available times.
Accommodations: Airbnb and VRBO
Staying in Airbnb or VRBO rentals can enhance your travel experience and save money.
How It Helps You
These accommodations often provide a more authentic experience, placing you in local neighborhoods rather than tourist-heavy hotel areas. They also typically offer more space and amenities, such as kitchens, which can save money on food.
Quick Tips:
- Use Airbnb or VRBO to find unique, affordable accommodations.
- Communicate with hosts for local recommendations and insights.
- Choose rentals with kitchen facilities to save on dining out.
Creating a Travel Itinerary
Planning your itinerary to include a variety of destinations ensures a rich travel experience.
How It Helps You
Visiting a mix of cities, rural areas, and coastal regions gives you a well-rounded perspective of the country. However, for families, it might be easier to choose one location with lots of activities. If the kids are up to it, trying out the city, rural, and coastal idea is a great way to really immerse yourself in the culture.
Quick Tips:
- Plan to visit at least one city, one rural area, and one coastal or beach destination.
- Use Pinterest to gather ideas and inspiration for your itinerary.
- Look for travel blogs and local guides to find hidden gems and must-see spots.
- Set realistic expectations based on your family’s dynamics and interests.
Using Travel Apps and Services
Leverage travel apps like Get Your Guide to enhance your travel experiences.
Benefits of Travel Apps
Get Your Guide helps you book tours, skip lines, and find local experiences that enhance your trip. They save time and often provide better prices than booking on-site.
Quick Tips:
- Download apps like Get Your Guide for easy access to tours and activities.
- Use the app to book tickets in advance and avoid long lines.
- Look for app-exclusive deals and discounts.
Planning Your Trip Sequence
Organize your trip by starting with the most strenuous activities and ending with relaxation.
Travel Tips from a Pro
Beginning with action-packed activities ensures you have the energy to enjoy them fully. Ending with relaxing days helps you unwind and enjoy the last moments of your vacation.
Quick Tips:
- Schedule physically demanding activities at the start of your trip.
- Plan more relaxed activities, like beach days, towards the end.
- Consider the abilities and stamina of your family or travel crew when planning. Ensure a balanced itinerary that includes both adventure and downtime.
Transportation Tips
Choosing the right transportation options can save money and enhance your travel experience.
Consider This
Using a mix of public transportation, rental cars, and local taxis can be cost-effective and convenient. Flexibility in your transportation choices ensures you can adapt to local conditions and opportunities.
Quick Tips:
- Research transportation options in advance using travel blogs and local guides.
- Consider renting a car for flexibility or using public transportation for savings.
- Use recommendations from your accommodation hosts to find reliable local transport.
Saving Money on Food
One major benefit of staying in an Airbnb or VRBO is the ability to save on food costs by cooking some meals.
How It Helps You
Preparing breakfast and lunch in your accommodation saves money and allows you to eat healthier. Dining out for dinner lets you experience local cuisine without overspending.
Quick Tips:
- Cook breakfast and lunch in your rental to save money.
- Pack lunch for day trips to avoid expensive tourist traps.
- Explore local dining options for dinner, mixing fine dining with authentic local spots.
Traveling Light
Packing light is essential for hassle-free travel.
Why It Matters
Traveling with only a carry-on and a personal item saves time, reduces the risk of lost luggage, and keeps you flexible. Using packing cubes and high-quality luggage makes packing easier and more organized.
Quick Tips:
- Use a carry-on and personal item to avoid checked baggage fees.
- Invest in high-quality luggage, such as Samsonite, for durability and convenience. For instance, Alfredo uses a hardsided Samsonite carry-on suitcase and I use a softsided Samsonite carry-on.
- Use packing cubes to maximize space and keep your items organized.
- Consider a multipurpose backpack for day trips and travel, like the one I bought for Sophia on Amazon. She uses it for school, travel, and day trips. It fits under the seat for most airlines.
- The kids do not have their own carry-ons yet, because they were too young. I would carry a very large carry-on backpack plus push the carry-on for them. But now that they are older, they will get their Samsonites soon.
For more travel backpack ideas check out Essential Travel Companions for Families: Travel Backpacks
These travel tips from a pro can help you make the most of your adventures, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family. By incorporating these strategies, you can travel more affordably, comfortably, and enjoyably. Try these tips on your next trip and see how they can enhance your travel experience.
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Happy Travels!
