Unlock Travel Hacks that will Save You Time, Money, and Stress
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
Traveling can sometimes feel daunting, especially when navigating through crowded airports or trying to find the best deal without the insider knowledge that frequent flyers have. But don’t worry—travelers can make their trips smoother, cheaper, and more enjoyable without needing to be seasoned adventurers.
If you don’t vacation often, the travel hacks of using airline miles and saved-up points will not usually work for you. Instead of waiting with everyone else on the coach at the crowded main gate, find yourself in a secret airport lounge where you can relax in style. Or, save on a flight using an app showing you how to find hidden city ticketing.
Secret Airport Lounges
Everyone knows frequent flyers often have access to major airline lounges, such as those with American Airlines and Delta Sky Club. However, some airports have smaller, less-exclusive lounges that anyone can use for a small fee!
Some airports offer day passes that provide access to lounges. London Heathrow, for example, has the No1 Lounge, to which anyone can purchase access, but many people do not know about it. It is the perfect quiet spot away from the crowds.
People with travel cards, or sometimes just an economy seat with an airline membership, can access lounges. Pay attention when booking a flight to find out what perks credit cards may offer.
Furthermore, website access to help people purchase day passes to airport retreats! LoungeFinder lists spots where people can visit for complimentary food, drinks, and workspaces in airports worldwide
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
TikTok and Instagram reels are a traveler’s best friend when someone wants to find restaurant recommendations! Influencers post their recommendations for places to eat all the time, and often, their recommendations make for fun experiences.
Furthermore, hashtags have made planning travel itineraries easier. Search #bucketlist or #wanderlust for general ideas and #(insert city) for more niche, location-specific ideas.
Remember to look at Facebook groups of people who have visited the same place because others will post their recommendations or questions. Facebook groups are great place to hear about others’ experiences.
Plan Around Less-Known Holidays or Festivals for Unique Experiences
Every country and region has local festivals that receive little international attention but that locals cherish and look forward to each year. These can range from huge harvest festivals to small-scale religious holidays in temples or other religious centers.
Many guidebooks will not mention most of these festivals. Instead, look at local tourism boards to find websites or social media groups that give these events attention.
For example, instead of attending the Running of the Bulls in Spain, consider visiting during La Tomatina, the tomato fight festival held each August, for a unique adventure and memory.
Hidden City Ticketing
Sometimes, laying over in a city and then staying there as the final destination can have lower prices than booking a regular one-way ticket. Hidden city ticketing workers when booking an intended destination as a layover city. For example, the price for a ticket with the final destination is New York, but a layover in Boston could be lower than a direct flight to Boston.
Airlines charge a premium for direct flights to smaller cities, even if the layover city has a hub with cheaper fares. Take advantage of these pricing anomalies to visit a smaller place or airport.
Apps such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Momondo can help find hidden cities. Skiplagged also shows these secret places by scanning the market for
“secret cities” and allowing customers to take advantage of pricing discrepancies.
Take a Free Walking Tour
Travelers don’t always need to spend a lot of money on a tour because most cities host free walking tours. Many of them host groups and can have any number of people in them. However, because of their expertise, many of these trained guides will still make a large tour feel intimate.
Many walking tours accept walk-ins but still book in advance in popular tourist cities to guarantee a spot. This polite practice also helps the tour company manage the number of participants so they can prepare the best service possible.
Remember, while many of these tours don’t have a fixed price, everyone should still tip their guide at the end.
Look for Secret Menus and Local Hidden Eateries
Starbucks isn’t the only cafe with a hidden menu. In fact, many restaurants around the world have these and will make meals for people who ask. Find these menus by consulting locals and restaurant employees. Often, servers will point their customers in the right direction, and locals know best what places have the most delicious food for optimal prices.
Locate hidden food lists through TikTok and Reddit. Reddit has many subthreads discussing trendy cafes and their #secretmenus. No matter where you go, social media can always help with planning.
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