1. Do your Homework
It is funny that when we graduated from high school that we thought that the need to do homework would stop but the truth is it never ends. Before you go anywhere research the location and the areas around it. Become familiar with places and activities you would like to experience. If you like to travel alone or you are thinking about solo travel this will help you to not LOOK lost. You will move with purpose and confidence which may deter those looking for an easy target. Research the currency rate; you may find that it is better to keep your currency and have more smaller denominations.
2. Window shop
Don’t be afraid to compare prices. Someone else’s nightmare is NOT yours. Remember different personalities and preferences equal a different experience. At the same time take heed if there are numerous complaints about the same issue. I also like to see if there are any current reviews.
Side note: Be careful about going from one travel agent to the next. Every agent gives you what they have to offer based on their level of experience, booking and personal travel. One agent may give you a better deal because they have more experience; please do not assume the other is trying to get over on you. They just may not know.
3. Learn how to make a few coins look like A LOT!
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to get the best experience…. Trust ME! I say all the time that “I make broke look good”. I use sites like www.smartdestinations.com, GroupOn.com, www.citypass.com, Amazon.com to get some of the best prices at half the cost. It also helps me to not look like a lost tourist traveling without purpose. This helps me to cut down on the amount of money I travel with. These sites not only include activities but entertainment, and food!
If you want to fly, found a great deal but still do not want to spend your money all at once to get the ticket then do what I do. I use www.airfordable.com. This site allows you to put plane tickets on LAYAWAY. YES! You read this correctly, LAYAWAY!!! You search for your flight like you normally would, select your coming and going flights on whatever website you are using (be sure to pick your seat and get travel insurance if you prefer it), on the summary page take a picture, from your phone go to Airfordable, enter your information, upload picture (it should have all of your flight details, seat, cost, etc.), choose if you want to make bi-weekly, every 3 weeks or once a month payments. They charge a fee of 10-20% of the ticket price plus your initial payment. Your payments will automatically be paid with whatever card you used. Once your final payment is made they will send you your flight confirmation.
4. Feel Bougie
So, the reason why this is titled as such is because when I use my TSA Precheck (which I always do) I feel BOUGIE! If you have flown before I am sure you see there is two lines that divide and form when you go through the security checkpoint. Some of you may get upset when you see someone in the TSA Precheck by pass everyone and you are the next person in line to get your boarding pass and id checked and they are told to go in front of you. Yeah, that was me, I was you! I thought you had to have a lot of money to have the ability to do that. In reality all you need is $85. So, you go to tsa.gov, fill out the application, pay your $85 (your status is valid for 5 years, that’s about $17 a year), setup your appointment, and you will receive an email notifying you if you are approved. If you are not you do not get your money back.
If you travel internationally and go through Customs, I recommend you get Global Entry. It is only $100 ($15 more) and last 5 years. This helps to expedite your entry coming through Customs and gives you the same benefits of TSA Precheck. (I will create a separate post to give you more information about the benefits of TSA Precheck and ways to make your life easier going through customs and security checkpoints)
5. Pack Smart
So, I have found that if I roll my clothes I can fit more into my suitcase. I also use travel cubes that help keep items from shifting, stays organized, and helps to easily transfer clothes from suitcase to drawers (I still leave certain items in the packing cubes while they are in the drawers). You can find packing cubes at places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Amazon.com. These are some of the most cost-efficient places/sites to buy from. I also have multi-charging stations that keep me from having to find more than one outlet or having all my electronics spread out throughout my room. I also use it when I need to charge more than one item at the airport. Always pack ear plugs (I pack more than one now, just in case I lose one or someone I’m with didn’t bring theirs)
*More tips to come!!!! Oh, I am not getting paid for any of the sites I have recommended.