6 Travel Hacks Influencers Love — And Which Ones Work

Traveling more doesn’t have to mean depleting your savings account. If you’ve been scrolling through social media and wondering how travel influencers manage to explore the world so frequently, there are proven strategies that can help you vacation on a budget.

Beyond simply packing light to avoid baggage fees or traveling during shoulder season, here are some of the top money-saving hacks used by professional travelers.

Leverage Travel Credit Cards for All the Perks

One of the most effective ways to save on travel is by using a travel credit card. Deryn Russell of Inside the Upgrade highlights this as a top strategy. Even a basic travel rewards card with an annual fee under $100 can offer significant benefits.

“Even one of the basic travel rewards cards that costs less than $100 can help you book flights worth thousands of dollars,” she said.

These cards often provide points that can be used for flights, hotels, or other travel-related expenses. Additionally, they may include perks like free checked bags, car rental discounts, and even the possibility of upgrading to a better seat on a flight if available.

Book Your Flights 1-3 Months Out

The old advice to book flights as early as possible is no longer the best approach. Recent research suggests that for domestic flights, the optimal time to book is between one to three months in advance. Prices often reach their lowest point around 39 days before departure.

Booking too early can actually result in higher prices because airlines haven’t released discounted inventory yet. To stay ahead of price changes, consider setting up price alerts using tools like Google Flights. You can also use discount flight platforms to track deals and receive notifications when a good deal becomes available.

Buy Discounted Hotel Gift Cards and Lounge Passes

Another smart way to save is by purchasing discounted hotel gift cards and lounge passes. Mona Molayem, a luxury travel blogger, recommends checking Amazon for sales on Hotels.com gift cards through Lightning Deals.

“You can also search websites where people sell their gift cards,” she said. “Sites like giftcardgranny.com, cardcash.com, and raise.com are great places to find discounted hotel, restaurant, and airline gift cards.”

If your credit card doesn’t offer lounge access, consider looking for expired passes on eBay. Sometimes these passes are sold for as little as $1.

Pick a Hotel in the Middle of Attractions

When choosing a hotel, Vanessa Gordon, publisher at East End Taste, suggests booking a centrally located property right in the heart of the attractions you want to see.

“You will save on potentially renting a car or using taxis,” she said. “A centrally located hotel puts you front and center near all the action, rather than spending time and money commuting to see a destination.”

Shop Locally

Whether traveling domestically or internationally, Gordon recommends stopping at a local grocery store upon arrival.

“I like to stock up on one or two local snacks, maybe a bottle of wine, some local drinks, and a reusable water bottle,” she said.

This not only helps save money but also allows you to experience the local culture through food and beverages.

Don’t Be Afraid To Spend Money on What Matters To You

While saving on flights and hotels is important, it’s also wise to invest in experiences that matter to you. This is especially true for those who want to showcase an upscale travel lifestyle, but it applies to anyone seeking an exceptional travel experience.

“It isn’t necessarily about cutting costs, but about making the most of my time, creating the most value and creating wholesome memories that are both seamless and convenient,” Gordon said. “It may be worth purchasing a VIP private tour or an after-hours experience.”

By focusing on what truly matters to you, you can create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.