Let’s just get this out in the open in case there are any questions, I am not a millionaire, I cannot afford business class tickets or luxury accommodations. But I have figured out how to do both!
I’ve spent a long time traveling and honing my skills, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. From the bottom of my long list of travel mistakes has come a few gems of knowledge saving me thousands. Here are my top travel secrets that will save you a LOT of money on your next vacation.

1. Travel Points – I get to travel internationally in business class 1-2 times a year. And it is AMAZING! I do this through saving travel points with credit cards and then transferring points to the airline I want. My favorite cards are the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Ink for Business. These cards also include trip insurance if you purchase your trip on them. Rental cars are included too as long as you refuse the rental company insurance.
2. Book an Apartment or House – Hotels work well for one night stays near the airport or if you have status or points. If you are staying for longer and 2 days and you need multiple rooms for your party, then an apartment or house is hands down the way to go! Plus I love the amenities of an apartment with a kitchen and living room. Just make  sure it’s a good location, clean, looks comfortable, and large beds. READ the reviews! The only downside I’ve found is they don’t have bottomless hot water like hotels do. Check out Travel Hacks for Booking Hotels!
   My go-to sites for booking are: booking.com, vrbo.com, agoda.com, airbnb.com
3. Travel with Friends or Family – One of the best ways to get amazing accommodations for less than a hotel room is to travel with other people and split the cost. A chateau in France for $1000/night split by 8 friends becomes doable for a week. You can get five star accommodations at a fraction of the cost of a five star hotel.
4. Travel to More Affordable Countries – I can’t say you will save thousands traveling to London. It’s an expensive city. Period. But if you choose European destinations such as Portugal, Montenegro or Croatia, you can travel like a king for less than $1500/week per person.
5. Stay in the countryside or smaller towns – Staying in a big city will ALWAYS cost more. I prefer the countryside and smaller towns for a more relaxing and authentic vacation. You can find great deals on beautiful homes if you go outside major cities. For example you could stay in Versailles or outside of Paris and take the train into the city to visit. It’s easy and fairly cheap.

Travel Pro Tip: If you don’t mind lower quality seats, amenities and services, there are several Low Cost Airlines that offer great rates and options to limited destinations. Norwegian Airlines flies direction from Denver to London and Paris on certain days of the week for less than $400 one way on their basic fare.

Check out our post on Purchasing Airfare like a Travel Pro!

These ideas may seem simple, but put together they become very powerful. Follow these steps to save money on travel, make for a better experience and get the best bang for your buck!

You might also enjoy 10 Must Have Travel Accessories for Everyday Travel and The Art of Travel.

Happy Travels,