18 Money Saving TRAVEL HACKS I always use…spilling my secrets

Summary

In this video, Taylor shares a variety of smart travel tips for saving money. She covers everything from loyalty programs and mobile discounts to using e-sim cards for cheap international data. Taylor emphasizes maximizing credit card points through airline partnerships, upgrading to business class for free luggage, and staying in hostels for budget accommodation. She also highlights the benefits of traveling in the off-season to avoid crowds and save money. With practical advice for both seasoned and budget-conscious travelers, Taylor offers invaluable insights to make your next trip more affordable.

Takeaways

• 😀 Loyalty programs with airlines can save money, especially when you stick with one airline and reach status, but compare prices before committing.
• 😀 Booking.com offers mobile-only discounts that can save you hundreds, so always check the mobile app for deals.
• 😀 T-Mobile's international plan provides free data in most countries, saving on roaming charges for international travel.
• 😀 If you don’t have T-Mobile, Arrow app's eSIM option offers cheap international data, allowing you to use your phone just like at home.
• 😀 Transfer credit card points to airline partners during bonus periods to get more points for free, increasing your value for travel bookings.
• 😀 Consider upgrading to business class on domestic flights if it’s only slightly more expensive, as it often includes free checked bags.
• 😀 Hostels are a budget-friendly option, especially for younger travelers, with some costing as little as $10 per night.
• 😀 Volunteering or becoming an au pair can help offset travel costs by offering free accommodation in exchange for work.
• 😀 Booking travel in the off-season can lead to significant savings and better experiences, with fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
• 😀 Flexibility in travel dates can save hundreds or even thousands, especially if you book slightly before or after peak seasons.

Q & A

What is the benefit of sticking to one airline for travel?

Sticking to one airline helps accumulate loyalty points and status, leading to better perks like upgrades, priority boarding, and more. However, this may only be worth it if the price difference between airlines is minimal.

How much can you save by using Booking.com’s mobile-only discount?

Using Booking.com’s mobile-only discount can save you hundreds of dollars, especially when booking for extended stays. In some cases, users have saved over a thousand dollars by using the mobile app for the same hotel and dates.

What are the advantages of using an eSIM for international travel?

An eSIM allows you to get local data in various countries without needing a physical SIM card. It's easy to set up and inexpensive, with plans starting as low as $3, which is a convenient and affordable option for staying connected abroad.

How can credit card points be maximized for travel bookings?

You can maximize credit card points by transferring them to airline partners that offer bonus rewards. This can increase the value of your points by up to 30%, allowing you to save money on flights or hotels.

When is it worth upgrading to business class for a domestic flight?

Upgrading to business class is worth it if the price difference is small, as it often includes two free checked bags, which could save you more than the cost of the upgrade, especially if you need to check multiple bags.

What are some affordable alternatives for budget travelers?

Budget travelers can save by staying in hostels, using volunteer-exchange programs, or becoming an au pair. There are also many budget options for accommodation, such as staying in hostels for as little as $10 a night.

How can you save money by traveling in the off-season?

Traveling in the off-season can save money by avoiding peak prices and large crowds. You can often find lower prices on flights, hotels, and activities, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers. The weather may still be pleasant, and fewer tourists mean less hassle.

What is the best time to visit Croatia to avoid high prices and crowds?

The best time to visit Croatia is during the beginning of October, which is considered the off-season. The weather is still pleasant, there are fewer tourists, and prices for accommodations and activities are significantly lower compared to the peak summer months.

How does using a mobile app for hotel bookings compare to using a website?

Booking a hotel through a mobile app can offer significant savings due to mobile-only discounts, which are often not available on the website. It's worth checking both options for the same hotel on the same dates to find the best deal.

What should you check before booking flights to maximize savings?

Before booking flights, check for airline transfer bonuses for credit card points, especially if you're using a card like Chase or Amex. Also, look for promotions on travel sites like The Points Guy to ensure you're getting the most value from your points and rewards.