I maintain a list on my phone filled with tips that make travel easier, cheaper, and less hectic. Here are five of my go-to strategies!
1. Rental Car Savings
When looking for rental cars, always compare rates between airport and city locations. For instance, in Puerto Rico, I saved $350 by renting from a spot in a San Juan suburb. My best pre-pandemic deal was $17/day at Oakland airport. While I prefer booking directly, Hotwire* is a solid alternative if prices soar.
2. Complimentary Flight Upgrades
Once check-in closes, I inquire at the gate about any empty rows or aisle seats further up. This tactic has landed me free upgrades to main cabin extra and my own row on four separate flights this past year! Gate agents can often waive fees for preferred seats, making this approach worthwhile.
3. Local SIM Cards
Instead of opting for expensive international plans, get a local SIM card for your phone. My U.S. phone plan abroad has never performed well (looking at you, Verizon!). In Buenos Aires, I paid $10/month for a 15GB plan, and in Thailand, I got unlimited data for the same price. Always buy SIM cards outside the airport. For trips to the UK or Europe, I recommend Giffgaff as they send SIM cards internationally, allowing you to start using your phone right away!
4. Finding Free Luggage Carts
Look for abandoned luggage carts near airport taxi and rideshare pick-up zones. It's ridiculous that many U.S. airports charge over $6 to rent a cart when they're free in many other countries. I'd even campaign to make these carts complimentary!
5. Don't Forget Band-Aids
Always pack Band-Aids! In some countries, finding quality Band-Aids is nearly impossible. (Chile, I'm looking at you!) South America and parts of Asia often lack good options.
Quick Update:
After spending three months abroad, I'm back home for a month, busy with work and visiting family. I've been helping my dad build furniture, and I'm excited to share upcoming location guides for places like Croatia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, and Portugal. Writing these guides takes time, so I'm currently posting monthly.
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