Travel Tricks – How to Travel for Less

I have gathered all my travel resources that save me a lot of money on every trip. There is plenty of resources out there that can help you travel for less or even for free. Check out my flight, accommodation, food, attractions, car rental and parking deals. Pin any image you like to your Pinterest Travel Tricks Board (do you have one?)

FLIGHT DEALS

My first choice when I look for flights is Skyscanner. I love it as I can easily find the cheapest option and I can look by country (not a city) which often allows you to find much better deals. If you want to go somewhere last minute or just do not have an idea where to go you have an Everywhere option that would show you the cheapest destinations from your desired city. Let’s take French Polynesia as an example. Direct flight from NYC to PPT is usually around $2000. In order to find the best price, I would put PPT as my origin and look for countries where it is the cheapest to get to French Polynesia. For example, it can be Australia, then from Australia what is the cheapest way to get to NYC and this way I can pick which other countries I can also visit on my trip. If this sounds too complicated here is a short video of how to look for the cheapest flights with Skyscanner.

Get 50% off your flight as a mystery shopper.

HOTEL DEALS

To find accommodation I usually start with 2 resources: Booking and Airbnb. If you like those resources here is a great bonus for you. By clicking on the boxes below you can book your next holidays with a great discount. Remember to bookmark this post and use it next time you are traveling.

Apart from Booking and Airbnb there are few other options that can get you a great deal. I have used all of them and can definitely recommend. Hotwire allows you to get a Hot Rate deal. You will have to make your decision based on price, area, stars, amenities and recommendation rating. Based on that you can decide if you want to spend your holidays at this hotel. Once you book it the hotel name will be revealed. This way you can save up to 60% on your stay. I have once used it in Vegas and landed a hotel for 50% off its original price. Priceline does a very similar thing called EXPRESS DEAL so it is worth to check in both places. HotelToningt is my favorite app for last-minute trips. I have used it when I went to Washington DC and stayed in a really nice hotel in the best area for 30% less. You need to download the app to search for hotels plus the prices go down the closer your stay is. Basically, it is for the “tonight” stay. Prices are lower as hotels still have availability and less and less chance to sell their rooms last minute. You may also like: Ultimate Travel Gude to NYC

FREE ACCOMMODATION

There is a couple of options for a free stay. The ones I know of: Trusted Housesitters – you can live in someone’s place and take care of their pet in return. They have wonderful reviews (check here) and I would definitely check them out. I even found a bunny to housesit in Australia and Berlin 🙂  Who wouldn’t like a New Years Eve in Berlin with two cute bunnies?:) Currently running a 25% sale with code: UNLOCK2018 Home Exchange – as the name suggests, you switch houses.

Work Away – volunteer to help someone and get accommodation in return, usually requires 4h of work a day. And you can stay for free in beautiful Bora Bora, Have you ever wanted to help with Raindeers in Greenland? You got it there is plenty of opportunities with WorkAway. Mystery Shopping can get you a free accommodation as well. Check out Coyle and A closer look for opportunities. You can stay in an amazing place for free – does it get any better? Related read for bunny lovers:

• 49 bunnies
• Bunnies in the snow
• Bunny Rabbits rocking Christmas costumes
• 12 insta bunny accounts that will melt your heart
• How to take care of your rabbit
• Everything you need to know about rabbits

FOOD DEALS

MealPal is a great deal for longer stays (available only in a handful of places) but offers great price- usually 50% less than the standard restaurant cost. Groupon is my go-to site for great discounts on restaurants.

Fancy a free meal? Become a mystery shopper for Coyle or A closer look and enjoy free food. You can score amazing dining and save a ton.

ATTRACTION DEALS

CAR RENTAL DEAL

Hotwire and Turo are my two favorite care rental services. You can save a ton (especially if you are a New Yorker and car rental prices can be ridiculous – imagine $200 a day price tag on a holiday weekend). Turo is not available in NYC, but you can always rent in Jersey and pick up the car with a Lyft ride. Turo is also a great idea if you want a luxury car ride. Just pay attention if and how many miles are included in the price.

PARKING DEAL

I saved 80% in Washington DC on 24h parking with this app. I can truly recommend them. Pin for later: