Globetrotter’s Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Pack Light to Avoid Baggage Fees
Packing light is one of the easiest ways for globetrotters to save money on their travels. With most airlines charging obscene fees for checked bags, avoiding overweight luggage can put cold hard cash back in your pocket.
The key is to be ruthlessly minimalist about what you bring. Make a list of essentials only - versatile clothing that layers, a pair of walking shoes, toiletries, electronics, medications, etc. Then, as you start to pack, ask yourself if each item is absolutely necessary or if you could live without it.
You'll be amazed at how little you really need, even for longer trips. In most cities, laundry services are readily available, so you only need enough clothes for a week at most. Toiletries can be purchased at your destination as well. Limit yourself to just one pair of shoes and a small tech kit.
The pros at traveling light recommend the "roll don't fold" method for packing clothes compactly. Rolling shirts and pants prevents wrinkles and conserves space. Use packing cubes, compression sacks, or even ziplock bags to organize items and squeeze more into your bag. Choose a carry-on sized backpack or suitcase that meets airline dimension requirements.
There are always exceptions for specialty travel like camping trips or winter excursions, but in general, minimalism is the way to go. Travel bloggers who live perpetually out of one backpack prove it's possible to wander the world with very little.
Once you've pared down your luggage, enjoy the benefits. You can breeze through the airport without waiting at baggage claim or fretting over lost suitcases. Public transportation and walking between destinations becomes easier. Many hostels and Airbnbs have stairs or narrow hallways that bulky roller bags have difficulty navigating.
What else is in this post?
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Pack Light to Avoid Baggage Fees
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Use Airport Lounges for Free Food and Amenities
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Book Hidden City Flights to Save Money
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Snag Error Fares for Big Discounts
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Stay in Pod Hotels for Cheap Accommodations
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Travel Off-Season for Lower Prices
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Get a Travel Rewards Credit Card
- Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Use Rideshares and Public Transit to Save
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Use Airport Lounges for Free Food and Amenities
One little-known travel hack is taking advantage of free airport lounge access to score free food, drinks, Wi-Fi and other amenities while traveling. Airport lounges were once seen as an exclusive perk for the jet set and business travelers. However, savvy globetrotters have discovered ways to gain entry without forking over steep day pass fees.
With some strategic planning and research, you can say goodbye to overpriced terminal restaurants and crowded waiting areas. Escape to an oasis of free snacks, comfy chairs, quiet work spaces, showers and more. As Gary Leff, who writes the View from the Wing airline and travel blog, puts it: “Access to airport lounges is one of the best travel values available.”
Many premium travel rewards credit cards include a complimentary Priority Pass membership. This gets you and your travel companions access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. Outsized day pass fees that normally cost $30-$60 get waived for you as a member. All you need to do is flash your Priority Pass card when entering.
Travel guru Chris Guillebeau of The Art of Non-Conformity explains how he uses this perk proactively: “Instead of paying $28 for a bacon and egg breakfast at the airport, I went upstairs to the lounge and ate for free. Saved $28 plus an airport headache.”
With a little prep work, you can plan your lounge visits in advance. Use online lounge finder tools to see all your options based on your itinerary. Avoid crowded terminals and aim for lounges with the best reviews mentioning food, amenities and service.
Time your visits wisely as well. According to frequent flyer Matthew Klint, arrive early if you want to take advantage of a meal spread or happy hour cocktails. Otherwise snacks like fruit and packaged sandwiches may be all that’s left later in the day.
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Book Hidden City Flights to Save Money
Hidden city ticketing, also known as throwaway ticketing, is a clever technique that takes advantage of quirks in airline fare rules to get travelers to their destination for less. The basic idea is that you book a flight with a connection, but get off at the layover city instead of taking the second leg. This works when the airline has priced the layover city as a cheaper add-on.
For example, say you want to fly from Los Angeles to New York City. A nonstop could cost $300, but you find a flight from LA to New Orleans with a layover in New York for $200. You would book this flight, deplane in New York, and simply not take the second leg to New Orleans. You just saved $100 to get to where you really wanted to go.
The key is finding throwaway tickets where your intended destination is priced lower as a connection than as a standalone flight. Google Flights makes this easy by letting you select “See cheapest month” to scan various dates. Expand your origin and destination airport options as well.
Once you’ve identified a hidden city gem, book directly on the airline website using your full legal name. Don’t reveal your plans to any airline personnel, as this violates fare rules. Remain checked in for the full itinerary until landing in your target city. Some advise waiting until the last minute to “miss” your connection flight.
Travel blogger Nomadic Matt tried this trick on a trip from Austin to Europe, booking Austin to Berlin with a layover in Reykjavik. By getting off in Iceland early, he skipped the more expensive direct flight. “I was able to explore Iceland on the cheap,” he remarks.
Frequent flyer guru Gary Leff estimates he’s saved over $10,000 through hidden city ticketing over the years. However, he offers a warning: “The airline can cancel the rest of your itinerary if you no-show a segment. But as long as you actually fly the first segment this almost never happens.”
The experts agree hidden city flights are best suited for one-way itineraries where you only aim to skip the final leg. Several sites like Skiplagged specialize in finding hidden city tickets. While not always refundable, they unlock an amazing way to land affordable airfare.
Just be discreet, as some airlines like United have tried to crack down on the practice. Avoid checking bags that would need to be forwarded. Book wisely within fare rules and airline policies to minimize risk. As travel guru Chris Guillebeau puts it, “hidden city ticketing isn’t unethical as long as you follow the contract of carriage.”
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Snag Error Fares for Big Discounts
A little-known secret among travel hackers is snagging error fares when airlines mistakenly underprice tickets. These can unlock unbelievable deals, like $99 roundtrip flights to Europe or 90% off business class seats. However, they require lightning fast action as airlines usually realize their mistake within hours.
Veteran deal hunters know it pays to pounce when you spot an error fare. Gary Leff of View From the Wing explains, "When there are tech glitches, when humans mis-enter data, when airlines publish the wrong prices or forget to file them properly, amazing low fares appear on airline sites." Monitoring sites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal can alert you to these fleeting deals. Still, you'll often have just minutes to book once an error fare surfaces.
What kind of massive discounts are possible? The team at Scott's Cheap Flights shared a few real examples. A few lucky travelers snapped up $980 roundtrip business class tickets from LA to Tokyo when ANA Air incorrectly filed a fare. Others booked $99 roundtrip flights from Oakland to Paris when French Bee had a glitch. And some globetrotters landed $367 roundtrip business class seats from Houston to Lima thanks to a Aeromexico typo.
Travel hacking expert Brian Kelly of The Points Guy explains why acting fast is so crucial: "When a mistake fare comes around, it's usually gone within a few hours as airlines and online travel agencies realize the error." He suggests having all your personal info and credit card details pre-filled to finalize bookings in seconds.
Also be ready to call the airline directly if the online booking form rejects the fare. “Act like it’s completely normal,” Brian advises. “As long as you’re polite and act dumb, airlines often honor the price.” Immediately screenshot or print your confirmation as proof of the fare. Print your boarding passes as soon as allowed in case of cancellations.
Still, there is some risk of airlines voiding tickets or denying boarding. It comes down to their interpretation of the fare rules and contract of carriage. However, most travelers report airlines reluctantly accepting the mistake fares. After all, taking the loss is better than the PR nightmare of stripping tickets.
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Stay in Pod Hotels for Cheap Accommodations
Lodging costs can quickly devour a travel budget, but pod hotels provide an affordable alternative to pricier mainstream hotels in major cities. These ultra-efficient hotels feature compact, pod-like rooms with just a bed, locker, and a few amenities. By optimizing small spaces, pod hotels offer cheap nightly rates, often under $100.
I stayed at the Pod Times Square during a recent trip to New York City. Located just two blocks from Times Square, rooms started at $119 per night during peak summer travel season when equivalent hotels commanded over $250. The tiny 100 square foot rooms provided everything I needed as a solo traveler including free WiFi, privacy, security, a comfortable bed and an ensuite bathroom.
At check-in, the front desk agent demonstrated how to use my electronic key card and the shared tablet provided in my pod to control lighting, temperature, TV, and alarm. The single bed was narrow but comfortable with crisp white linens, plenty of pillows, and dimmable reading lights built into the pod. A bedside shelf, fold-down table, under-bed storage, luggage rack, coat hooks and a full length mirror maximized functionality.
While compact, the pod didn't feel claustrophobic thanks to the airy white color scheme, lighting, and large window overlooking the city. Soundproofing muted noise from adjacent pods. The pod's design focused on quality rest by eliminating unnecessary clutter and distractions. An ensuite bathroom behind a sliding door offered a rain shower, hair dryer and bath products.
By centralizing services like check-in and housekeeping, pod hotels operate with minimal staffing to keep costs low. The Pod Times Square had a 24-hour front desk and cafe in the lobby but otherwise functioned as an automated hotel.
Despite the self-service setup, I found my stay comfortable, affordable and refreshing. The hotel app even allowed easy mobile check-in and keyless room access for a streamlined arrival. While pods won't suit all guests, they provide an innovative lodging solution for budget-minded travelers.
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Travel Off-Season for Lower Prices
One of the easiest ways for globetrotters to save money is to plan trips during a destination's off-season. Peak tourist seasons vary by region, but crowds and prices are generally lower in the shoulder seasons or winter months. Savvy travelers willing to venture off the beaten path during low season can enjoy substantial savings on flights and hotels.
Frequent flyer Matthew Klint explains that airfares tend to follow predictable patterns tied to holidays and weather. For Europe, late spring and fall offer mild weather but fewer crowds and far lower airfares than summer. Similarly, Caribbean hot spots see plunging rates when North American snowbirds have flown back north. Matthew suggests using Google Flights' handy calendar feature to visualize seasonal price differences.
Select your route and then choose the "see cheapest month" view. "November shows $280 round-trips to Europe while July jumps to $908," Matthew says. "That's 70% savings by traveling in November instead." The same goes for picking spring over winter for U.S. sun destinations.
Hotel rates also nosedive during off-peak times, especially in areas with dramatic seasonal shifts like ski resorts. "I found rooms at the St. Regis Aspen for $300 in May compared to $1,500 during Christmas week," remarks frequent traveler Gilbert Ott. "That's an 80% savings just by coming a few months earlier."
Beyond cost savings, low season travel offers many advantages. The lighter crowds enhance sightseeing pleasure, whether you're strolling the canals of Venice or hiking the trails of Zion National Park. Locals have more time to engage with you as well.
"Visiting Stockholm in November, I found the Swedes warm and relaxed instead of overwhelmed by tourists," Gary Arndt recalls. Off-season events let you immerse yourself in local culture too, from New Orleans Mardi Gras to Germany's Oktoberfest.
Low season does require some adjustments. You may encounter rain, snow or grey skies instead of sunshine. Some attractions operate on shorter hours or close entirely. But you can focus on indoor sightseeing, and have many sites practically to yourself.
Weather concerns are subjective too. "Winter temps in the 50s Fahrenheit didn't deter me from amazing low season trips to Mediterranean Europe," Chris Guillebeau says. "And summer heat keeps lots of travelers away from Southeast Asia, but I loved exploring temples in Cambodia and Vietnam during August."
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Get a Travel Rewards Credit Card
Travel rewards credit cards unlock amazing perks for globetrotters including free flights, hotel stays, and lounge access. Signing up for the right card earns you points and miles that translate into big savings on your next adventure. But with hundreds of cards on the market, finding the ideal fit for your travel goals takes research.
I asked frequent flyer Matthew Klint for advice choosing a rewards card. “Think about your typical spending categories first - dining, groceries, transit, etc. Then look for a card that boosts your rewards potential in those areas.”
Cards tailored to your spending can help points pile up quickly. For example, The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 3x points on travel and dining. There’s no annual fee the first year, and 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 in travel) after meeting minimum spend. If you eat out and travel often, those bonus categories align perfectly.
Frequent traveler Gilbert Ott suggests considering airline-branded credit cards as well, especially if you have a favorite airline. “The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex gives you a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge access and an annual companion pass voucher.” Those perks can be well worth the $250 annual fee for Delta loyalists.
The key is matching a card’s benefits to your habits and needs. Chris Guillebeau adds, “I got the Capital One Venture Rewards card for its flexibility. You earn 2x miles on everything, and miles can be redeemed for any travel purchase.” Simple but powerful for travelers who move between airlines.
Manage your rewardswisely too. “I only use my United card for United flights to get the free checked bag,” Gary Arndt explains. “All other spending goes on a card that earns more flexible points.” Spreading purchases across multiple cards amplifies your earning ability.
Finally,leverage sign-up bonuses and category spend to accelerate points earning when you start a new card. "I try to always have a new card in the first year when bonuses are highest," Chris says. "Then I move spending to another new card after 12 months." Chaining cards together jumpstarts your points balance.
Globetrotter's Guide: 10 Savvy Travel Hacks for Your Next International Adventure - Use Rideshares and Public Transit to Save
Ridesharing services and public transportation networks unlock huge savings for globetrotters in cities worldwide. Savvy travelers are increasingly using these affordable and convenient options to get around instead of pricey taxis or rental cars. The pros at traveling on a budget emphasize mixing and matching trains, buses, subways and rideshares like Uber and Lyft as the smart moves for urban exploration.
"I cannot remember the last time I took a taxi," says Chris Guillebeau, veteran travel hacker and author of The Art of Non-Conformity. "Rideshares through Uber and Lyft have made getting around so much more affordable." Chris explains how these services can quickly cut transportation costs in half compared to traditional taxis. Plus you can estimate and compare fares in advance through the mobile apps.
The key is knowing when to use rideshares strategically versus other options. "If I have lots of stops or need to cross town, public transit makes more sense," Chris advises. "But for quick point A to B trips or trips with bags or late at night, Uber and Lyft are perfect and so cheap."
Frequent flyer Matthew Klint agrees rideshares shine for airport transfers, evenings out and inconvenient public transit connections. "After dinner in Athens, a Lyft was only 7 euros back to my hotel. Cheaper than a taxi for sure."
Public transportation, on the other hand, excels for tourism and mobility around congested metro areas. Gary Arndt who chronicles his non-stop travels at EverythingEverywhere relies heavily on subways, trains, buses and trams when exploring global cities.
"New York, Paris, Bangkok, you name it - public transit is almost always the best way to cover a lot of ground cheaply in major cities," Gary says. He suggests getting a transit day pass or multi-ride pass to cap costs at a low fixed rate all day.
Residents can help you decipher complex public transit systems as well. "I learned which local buses made it easier to reach ancient sites near Athens from a shopkeeper," Matthew remarks. "Without her tip, I might have assumed taking a more expensive rideshare was the only option."
Beyond cost savings, utilizing rideshares and public transit reduces your environmental impact and offers exposure to local culture. "People watching on LA's bus system showed me a side of the city most tourists miss," says Gary Leff, who chronicles his adventures in miles and points at View from the Wing.