4 Steps to Becoming a Better Traveler
While I have always been a curious person consumed by an ever-growing wanderlust, I have not been the smartest about making travel work for me. By that I mean I have not sowed and reaped the benefits of allowing my trips to accumulate points, and I have not been strategic about when I book flights and accommodations. Believe it or not, I have paid cash for approximately 99% of my travel!
A few months ago, Jasmine Clennon, a seasoned travel aficionado featured in Travel Noire, Essence, and MadameNoire, actually drove this home for me: if you’re savvy about it, travel ends up paying for itself.
I was additionally unaware of certain hacks that make the actual process of journeying overseas a more manageable ordeal.
I am applying the following tips going forward and hope you can do the same if you have not already.
AVOID FEES AND STACK POINTS WITH CREDIT CARDS
Up until last year, I did not comprehend that credit cards can both circumvent the fees associated with global travel and help pay for it. I had passively seen the television ads boasting travel perks, but as a teen I learned that all credit cards were inherently “bad.”
My high school economics teacher persistently preached the following to my class: “Do not get a credit card; debit cards only.” He would screen documentaries about people who were buried in copious amounts of credit card debt. Though he had good intentions - because we were about to journey off to college and could easily fall victim to predatory lending - he failed to mention that when used responsibly, credit is a necessity in personal finance, and can provide many auxiliary perks including making travel less expensive.
The gradual realization that I needed a travel card was thrust into motion when I got slapped with foreign transaction fees every time I made a purchase or withdrawal in Morocco. (Moroccan currency is not available outside of the country, so I could not stock up on cash before arriving.)
I later had the aforementioned conversation with Jasmine, and she taught me that the points offered through her credit card allowed her to get free hotel stays in no less than three destinations.
Thanks to the advice of my fellow nomads, I have wised up and started the year with Chase Sapphire Preferred, a credit card made for avid travelers.
Having said that, be responsible with your credit cards. It is not free money and interest rates can be astronomical. Do some research to find which card is best for you. Nearly all cards offer introductory bonus points if you meet a minimum spend within a specified time period. Consult a financial services professional if you need more information and guidance.
LOYALTY PROGRAMS – ALWAYS GET YOUR POINTS!
TRANSPORTATION
Using airline or train-service loyalty programs might go without saying but sometimes I get lazy when booking with a new company; especially if I feel like that one leg I booked on Alaska Airlines was a one-off, I’m tempted to skip the enrollment process for a new rewards account. I have had to go back to claim points on numerous occasions which ends up being more work in the end (the true lesson of procrastination).
I have also lost points that have expired so be mindful of that.
What is more, many people travel for work and do not think to apply their personal rewards accounts to work-related trips. I used to work as an administrative assistant booking travel for executives and one of my managers would constantly ask me to get her loyalty account attached to her Amtrak itineraries; at first I was dumbfounded. In three years of arranging travel I had never heard someone request that before but that’s likely because most executives already had that information saved in their travel profiles. In any case, she was absolutely right! Unless your company has a stringent rule against doing so, why not pick up the benefit where you can?
Also, read about rumored, secret airline loyalty programs.
HOTELS
Does anyone use hotels anymore? I do, faithfully. I have not jived with Airbnb the two times I have used the service though I aim to try for the third-time charm.
Like transportation services, most large hotel brands offer a points system that allows you to accrue free nights, or use the points to pay for part of your stay. My first experience reaping the benefit of such program was through Hyatt for a night at the chain's Casablanca property.
Also, select hotel brands will allow you to transfer the points accumulated through their programs to airlines.
USE MOBILE APPS
As a proverbial old soul, I have a generalized aversion to technology. I appreciate the fact that tech makes life easier in many ways, I just find it painful to have to learn about a new app or function every month. I will keep a cell phone for about 3 or 4 years, replacing it only when it gives out. As long as it works, I’m happy!
That said, I had been slacking on finding apps that make international travel less complicated. Thankfully, my South Africa trip host gave me a few keys for a smooth trip and from there, I discovered a few more starter apps. Most travel apps are free and provide a world of convenience.
XE Currency Converter
This was a lifesaver when I first used it in England and South Africa. I love that it allows you to simultaneously glance at several currencies, which is especially handy if you have a multi-leg trip. This app is free.
Mobile Passport
Officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, this app allows you to securely store your U.S. Passport information to speed through customs at 25 airports (plus 3 cruise ports) around the country. In addition to U.S. passport holders, Canadian visitors are able to submit passport and declaration information when arriving to the U.S. While I have yet to use it, The Catch Me If You Can suggested this gem, and it’s our favorite price – free!
Google Translate
I've been using this one since my days in Brazil. Be mindful that full-sentence translations are usually a bit off; this one works well for singular words. Recent updates allow users to take photos of text and/or speak then translate, and write characters that might not be available on their keyboards. This app is free. If you're really trying to speak with locals while abroad, take it a step further by searching for Verb Trainer apps which are available for select languages.
App in the Air
This jack-of-all-trades app houses your itineraries, boarding passes, and frequent flyer loyalty programs. It provides real-time flight statuses as well as wait times for security, customs, check-in, etc. The software also allows you to create a profile from which you can play games and generate virtual maps covering your travel. Users are further able to provide other travelers with specific tips about airports. The basic version is free while a membership will run you $29.99 USD annually.
If you're looking for more sophisticated apps, browse these lists curated by Forbes and Executive Thrill Seeker or simply peruse the Google Play or App Store's Travel categories. There is truly an app for everything and more are added to the market daily.
RECHARGE IN AIRPORT LOUNGES
The longest flight I have been on was roughly 25 hours with one layover that allowed me to leave the airport and explore. I do not sleep well on flights and did not sleep the night before (last-minute packing) so after departing the States on a Wednesday, arriving to my final destination on a Friday, and navigating a six-hour time difference, I was running on fumes for the entire trip.
After experiencing a flight that long, I cannot tell you how many times I have been discouraged by a trip that had multiple stops with travel times exceeding eight hours a piece, and therefore tabled the particular destination. For far-flung or hard-to-get-to (from the East Coast) destinations like Australia, I exasperatedly reasoned that I would wait until I have a private jet cause I am not doing that long of a flight.
The apprehension comes from the knowledge of how draining it can be to disembark a flight; sit in a crowded, boisterous and uncomfortable waiting area; then shuffle to board the next plane. Especially if the layover is five hours or less – unless you're a risk-taker - you're confined to the airport.
Shortsighted thinking.
Lounge access is a thing. Most airport lounges offer plush seating, free premium snacks and beverages, reliable wi-fi and power outlets, and even shower facilities. Even for economy travelers, it is possible to pay for one-time, on-demand access. Call me naïve but I truly thought that airport lounges were only for first-class ticketed passengers! (Me buying into the social divide.)
Lounge Buddy hosts a mobile app that scours worldwide airports for lounge information. On-demand access starts at $25.00 USD. (AmEx is the only payment method accepted for booking through the service as it was recently acquired by American Express.)
Priority Pass is also an option if you're feeling looking for a more consistent, centralized experience; the membership service offers lounge access according to various tiers starting at $99.00 USD annually. In partnership with over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, the service provides discounted on-demand and unlimited access for members and guests. Priority Pass boasts amenities ranging from conference rooms to spa treatments. Chase Sapphire Reserve actually provides cardholders with complimentary membership.
Jasmine has said that lounge access has changed her life and I can imagine why; having some genuine peace of mind, quiet, and comfort while waiting in the noisy hub that is an airport makes all of the difference.
Did you learn anything from the tips above? What are some other things you've learned about travel recently?