7 hacks on how to save on travel

Machu Picchu 2017

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through beautiful destinations, inspiring photography in places you know would be a life changing adventure? 

Let's be serious, being a person who loves the thrill of new adventures can get expensive, but it doesn't always have to be. Think about your destination, if your going to Paris in mid summer your bound to spend a lot of money. Sometimes being flexible with your destination may be the most helpful.

I often get asked how I am able to pull my trips together. In this blog I will share some of the hacks I know and what I do to get to my next destination.

1. Finding the right deals on Flights- When it comes to flights I've never spent more then 900 on a ticket, even for the most exotic destinations.

• Flights are usually at their lowest on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon. Business travelers will usually book most of their flights in the morning hours when prices are higher. Afternoon time is usually your best bet.

• Use apps like Skyscanner and Hopper. I use sky scanner to set up flight alerts. The app will send you a notification when prices are increasing or decreasing.

• I am an Expedia lover and usually find my deals on there. In my opinion, I feel they explain things more in detail and feel comfortable on their site so I usually like to wait on them for whatever drops. (I check everyday!) Check prices on less popular sites such as cheapoair and google flights. Always read change/cancellation fees before you book.

• Don't be afraid of multi city. Connecting flights have gotten me cheaper tickets. I don't always follow this method because I like to get to my destinations quicker but it does work!

• Buy tickets way in advance.

2. Joining a Tour- Tours are a great way to save money on travel. In 2017 I took my first solo trip to Peru & Machu Picchu with Under30experiences. Tours like Under30experiences offer packages with some meals included, hotel, transportation, entrance to places. You tend to save a lot more this way. I remember barely using money in Peru unless I bought a snack or a souvenir. I was even advised by my awesome tour guide where to purchase souvenirs so I could get the best bargain. You also get to see a lot more on a tour then if you were on your own. You get to meet a lot of other like minded travelers on tours, some also traveling solo. I would highly recommend under30x. 

3. Finding affordable accommodation- I love staying in hotels it is always my go to first! If the fee is too much for your budget, I recommended using Airbnb. It is an online platform that lets you rent out homes, apartments, or rooms from local people. It can often be less expensive then a hotel. 

Other affordable accommodations are Hostels. Hostels are basically budget oriented shared rooms. I know what your thinking! Hostels aren't for everyone. They can range for as cheap as 10 euros a night. I love to try new things while abroad and did stay at hostels with a few friends one summer traveling across Europe. I had a great experience and even made friends along the way. 

(Always read your reviews!) My cousin who used to live in Ireland recommended me a Hostel in Dublin. It was right on top of Temple bar, one of the most popular bars in Dublin. Let's just say I was not happy with him and his recommendation once I got there😄 (I also never did my research for that hostel). 

I recommend Hostelworld for booking. My favorite hostel to date is the Walrus Hostel in London. If your ever in London it is a five minute walk from Big Ben. Great staff, clean etc.

• TIP: Breakfast in hotels- unless my breakfast is included in my stay I usually avoid eating breakfast in my hotel. I rather go to a local corner cafe spot for breakfast where it's cheaper and get a better vibe of the city.

4. Making extra cash- Travel doesn't have to come all out of that savings. 
If you have a skill, sell it! Maybe you have a side hustle you enjoy doing that can add cash to that dream trip you want. 

• TIP: I've used Apps like Mercari and Poshmark. They are sites that are good for selling new and used clothing to make extra cash.

5. Choose Transportation Wisely- Public transportation is usually the best and cheapest way to get around a city (depending where). I usually like to walk around and explore when traveling or use Uber. Taxi's are the number one rip off in any country, especially in airports (stay away). Definitely allow the luxury of Uber when your weighed down with luggage but other wise if you can, use public transportation. I usually have a car waiting for me at an airport so I know ahead what I'm spending and feel more comfortable knowing there's someone waiting for me. 

6. Pick Credit cards that give you the most points- I use the Capital One Venture card. I get lots of points when I travel and book all my flights with it. Look into a card that will give you rewards. 

7. Use your age- Asks about student discounts! If you have a school ID USE IT!! This has worked out for me so many times even at home in New York. I can still get away with it sometimes (if only to be 22 again!)

Cusco, Peru 2017

     “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

    Daniela ♥