Why I Spend on Travel, Not Things
For years, I used to spend on stuff I barely remember now—new shoes, the latest phone, whatever was trending online. Then one day I was looking at old photos from a solo trip I took across Southeast Asia, and it hit me: none of those purchases gave me even half the joy that travel did.
I believe in experiences over things. When you travel, you earn what I call “memory dividends”—those unforgettable moments that stick with you forever. But let’s not pretend travel is cheap. With gas prices, rising hotel costs, and ever-changing airfare, even a weekend getaway can feel expensive—unless you travel smart.
Like many people, I used to overspend without realizing it—booking flights too late, paying baggage fees, eating at overpriced tourist restaurants. But once I started listening to experts like Sally French and Meghan Coyle from NerdWallet’s Smart Travel podcast, and testing what I learned across 30+ countries and hundreds of cities, I changed the way I travel entirely.
I once managed to explore six countries in one stretch without draining my savings. How? Through travel hacking—using points, mistake fares, flexible itineraries, and smart timing. My favorite part? I still had cash left to enjoy the real experiences, like camel rides in Dubai, a long soak in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, or street food lunches in Managua.
This guide brings you 99 field-tested tips to help you travel farther, smarter, and cheaper. I’ve also included real services and tools that I use, including FareCompare, Under30Experiences, and The Points Guy. Whether you’re planning a big trip, a quick weekend away, or a digital nomad stint, these hacks are for you.
Have a tip of your own? Share it in the comments or tag me—because great travel advice should never be gatekept.
Let’s explore smarter.
Plan Smart: Where Every Dollar Counts?
One of the best lessons I learned early on is to travel during the shoulder season. Visiting New England in January for example—especially cities like Boston or New York City—gives you access to four-star hotels at a fraction of the price. And if you like fall colors? October in Vermont or Maine is a dream.
Being flexible helps too. I often search for deals using Skyscanner’s “Explore Everywhere” feature, which has led me to hidden gems I never planned for—like Prague, Milan, and even Managua, Nicaragua.
To monitor flight trends, I use Google Flights, Kayak, and especially FareCompare, which uses historical data to show when prices typically drop. Bing Travel’s Price Predictor is also a great tool—it helps you decide if you should book now or wait.
And yes, timing matters. According to FareCompare, Wednesday at 3 PM ET is often the cheapest time to book. Avoid Sunday afternoons when prices spike. And don’t overlook red-eyes or early Saturday flights—they’re often cheaper and less crowded.
If you’re flying internationally, check for free stopovers. For example, Icelandair offers up to 7 days in Reykjavík, where you can explore geothermal pools or try fermented shark (if you dare). Emirates often includes a 24-hour Dubai stopover, which I once used to visit the Burj Khalifa, ride camels along the Persian Gulf, and even go indoor skiing.
If you’re booking multiple destinations, consider flying into major hubs like JFK, Taipei (TPE), or Singapore, and using local carriers like AirAsia for budget-friendly regional hops.
Pack Light, Travel Right
If there’s one thing that saves me money every single time—it’s packing light. I never check bags unless absolutely necessary. Instead, I pack a carry-on backpack and track it with an AirTag or similar device.
I use compression bags, vacuum bags, and build a capsule wardrobe with quick-dry, mix-and-match clothing. The 10-$10 Rule keeps me from overpacking—if an item is under $10 and easy to replace, I leave it out unless I’m sure I’ll need it.
My suitcase always includes a reusable water bottle, collapsible canteen, lavender satchel for freshness, and protein-heavy snacks like jerky or protein bars. I avoid bringing bulky items like hair dryers and instead buy destination-specific things like sunblock or toiletries when I arrive.
Don’t forget a luggage scale, dryer sheets, reusable packing list, and a spare change of clothes in your carry-on. It helps if your luggage ever gets delayed (which has happened to me more than once).
Flight Hacks That Actually Work
Flights are usually the biggest travel expense, so it pays to be clever. My favorite trick? Booking with travel rewards cards like:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve (great for transfers + lounge access)
- American Express Platinum (best for airline perks and Priority Pass)
- Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (excellent for free checked bags and mileage bonuses)
Use these cards to pay for flights and you often get TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR—a huge timesaver, especially on international trips.
Also, sign up for United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, or other frequent flyer alliances like Star Alliance, OneWorld, or SkyTeam. You can often transfer AmEx points to book on airlines like Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, or Qatar Airways.
Don’t forget to use VPNs or incognito mode when searching—dynamic pricing is real. Also, set up price alerts via The Points Guy, Scott’s Cheap Flights, or Airfarewatchdog for potential mistake fares. I once booked Amsterdam roundtrip for $320 from Miami thanks to a mistake fare alert.
Tech That Makes Travel Easier
Here’s what’s always on my phone before I fly:
- Airline apps (for mobile check-ins, seat selection)
- Offline Google Maps (so you can always find your way)
- Google Translate
- Signal, WhatsApp, or Viber (for free, secure international calls)
- Netflix, audiobooks, podcasts, and eBooks (downloaded offline)
- Notes app with hotel addresses, Wi-Fi passwords, and airport gate numbers
I also bring a portable charger, universal adapter, and a voltage converter if I’m headed to Europe or Asia. Trust me, nothing ruins a trip faster than dead devices.
Budgeting, ATM Tips, and Currency Smarts
Let’s talk money. I use Charles Schwab for a no-foreign-transaction-fee card and no-fee ATM withdrawals, even internationally. I always pay in local currency—conversion rates are usually better than what the vendor offers.
I notify my bank before leaving and carry a backup credit card, just in case. I also avoid exchanging currency at airports unless it’s an emergency.
Food-wise, shopping at local grocery stores is not just budget-friendly—it’s part of the cultural experience. I’ve found incredible produce at Erewhon (Los Angeles) and authentic Latin products at Mercado González (Costa Mesa, CA).
Safety, Documents, and Peace of Mind
Before flying, I take digital photos of my passport, visa, and ID, and store them in an encrypted file. I also keep copies with me and email them to myself. Tools like GOV+ help keep your government docs secure and easily accessible.
I also register my itinerary with a close contact and enable location sharing during solo trips. When renting a car, I always take photos of the vehicle beforehand and ask about auto insurance coverage (many cards like AmEx offer this for free).
Don’t forget your International Driver’s Permit, especially if you’re traveling to places like Asia or Europe.
Getting Around the Smart Way
I try to use public transportation as much as possible—buses, trains, and bikes are cheap, efficient, and a great way to see a city. If I need to rent a car, I usually go with Avis or Budget, depending on what works with my credit card insurance.
For road trips, I stock up at Costco—gas is cheaper, bathrooms are cleaner, and the food court is unbeatable.
Where to Stay (and What to Avoid)?
Hotels aren’t always the best choice. I’ve had great luck with hostels offering private rooms, house-sitting gigs, and couch-surfing—especially through platforms like Under30Experiences, El Camino Travel, and G Adventures.
The key is reading reviews carefully—watch out for fake or bot-generated ones. If something feels off, it probably is.
Health, Wellness, and Jet Lag
I always buffer extra time for delays and bring compression socks, hydrating lotion, lip balm, and gum for pressure changes during flights. I reset my circadian rhythm by getting sunlight as soon as I land, and I avoid caffeine on the flight if I need to sleep.
Group Travel and Kids
When traveling with family or friends, I plan in advance and discuss goals and pace. For kids, I bring a busy bag with coloring books, tablets, and simple snacks. For road trips, we pack a Rubbermaid cooler, keep the ice chest filled, and stop at local grocery stores for food.
After the Trip: Reflect and Recharge
I always schedule a rest day after returning. That gives me time to unpack, do laundry, and reflect on the journey. I save photos in folders, back them up, and write down small memories in my journal. These are your real souvenirs—not the trinkets, but the stories you bring home.
Final Thoughts: Stack These Hacks
Here’s a money-saving combo I’ve used again and again:
Search flights on Kayak → Check with FareCompare or Bing → Set alerts → Book Wednesday 3 PM → Use AmEx points → Add a stopover in Iceland
Stacking these travel hacks saved me over $1,500 last year. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be intentional. If you have tips or wins to share, I’d love to hear them. We’re all in this together—so don’t gatekeep. Happy exploring, and safe travels.
