How I Traveled Cheaply Before I Had Airline Benefits

I have always loved the idea of going on a journey, but the reality of travel often involves a period of intense stress, discomfort, and fatigue.
— Bruce Chatwin

Before marrying a pilot and gaining access to incredible airline employee travel benefits, I had to get creative to satisfy my travel bug on a budget. While I now enjoy steeply discounted flights (big caveat: it’s all standby and not confirmed tickets!), I love sharing travel tips that anyone can use. In this blog post, I'll break down the strategies I used to travel affordably—from travel hacking with credit cards to maintaining a flexible work schedule, and making travel a financial priority. These insights are designed to inspire and help you explore the world without breaking the bank.

Tip #1: Study Abroad in College

Building a Foundation of Travel Skills

While this isn’t technically a tip for your average vacation, I begin this post with study abroad because it was a safe way to build a foundation of travel skills. It was an incredible opportunity to visit many countries in Europe while gaining deep knowledge of a particular language and culture. Many colleges offer such programs, but I chose a school with a two-semester option. This allowed me to enjoy an extended stay abroad, similar to a gap year, while still earning credits toward my degree.

My Study Abroad Experience

I applied to and was accepted into my university’s study abroad program in Florence, Italy. The class schedule was built around a three-day weekend, which was just long enough to allow a day to explore another city in Europe, sandwiched by two travel days. We also participated in week-long “Field Trips” each semester, which took place in Sicily and Turkiye.

Funding and Budgeting

For the five weeks between semesters, I made a circuit through the Czech Republic, Denmark, London, Ireland, and Germany, and ended with a week-long trip with my mom through northern Italy. To fund my travels, I relied on a combination of personal savings, family support, and some additional student loans (that I’m proud to say I paid off without help). Budgeting was crucial to extend my savings across the seven months I lived in Europe.

Travel Logistics and Confidence Building

Once in Italy, I used inexpensive transportation options like trains (investing in a Eurail pass was a big money saver), budget flights, and buses to explore other parts of Europe. I stayed in affordable hostels, traveling alone and with friends.

***Pensive in Paris***

Navigating complex travel itineraries became second nature—I often found myself walking through dark city streets in the early morning to catch trains, shuttles, and budget flights to reach various destinations. Traveling as a student was rarely glamorous, but it was deeply satisfying and fostered a sense of confidence and adventure at a formative time.

Studying abroad is an experience that I would recommend to anyone who plans to attend college and wants to jumpstart a lifetime of international travel. But if you’re already past your college years, read on for more affordable travel tips.

Tip #2: Become a Digital Nomad

If you're past college age and looking for a way to travel the world cheaply, becoming a digital nomad is an excellent option. A digital nomad is someone who leverages technology to work remotely, allowing them to live in various locations while maintaining their job. This lifestyle has gained immense popularity, especially with the rise of remote work during the pandemic. The appeal lies in its flexibility and the ability to immerse yourself in different cultures without being tethered to a single location.

Job Flexibility

Managing work schedules across time zones requires discipline and strategic planning. Use tools like world clocks and time zone converters to keep track of meeting times. Prioritize tasks that can be done asynchronously and communicate clearly with your team about your availability.

Finding the Right Company

It's crucial to find an employer who values remote work and offers flexibility in working hours. Companies that are open to asynchronous communication and have a strong remote work culture can make the digital nomad lifestyle more manageable and enjoyable.

Freelancing

These platforms offer a plethora of freelance opportunities that can be done remotely. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, or marketer, you can find gigs that allow you to work from anywhere.

Balancing Work and Travel

Balancing work commitments with travel adventures requires careful planning. Set aside specific work hours and create a dedicated workspace to maintain productivity. Schedule travel activities around your work to ensure you meet deadlines without compromising your experience of new places.

Challenges and Solutions

While the digital nomad lifestyle offers incredible opportunities, it also comes with challenges. It can be lonely if you're not traveling with a partner, and it may require postponing traditional financial goals like homeownership. However, many digital nomads find ways to save money due to lower living costs abroad. Some even return home with significant savings, which they can then invest in their future.

Hybrid Approaches

Additionally, some professionals, such as teachers, use their extended summer breaks to live and work abroad, taking on freelance projects to finance their travels. This hybrid approach allows them to explore the world without completely uprooting their lives.

If extended travel is a dream of yours, consider exploring digital remote work opportunities. This lifestyle not only facilitates financial feasibility but also enriches your life with diverse experiences and cultural immersion.

Tip #3: Finding Budget Flights

Websites and Alerts

When it comes to finding budget flights, leveraging specialized websites and email alerts can be a game-changer. Sites like Escape.Flights, email newsletters like Going.com, and the Hopper mobile app can help you track flight deals. Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I relied heavily on a service called Cheap DFW. This email newsletter sends out timely alerts for discounted airline tickets to various destinations. If you have somewhere specific in mind, use Google Flights to set price tracking alerts for certain flights that appeal to you.

*The Sacred Valley in Peru - one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.*

Thanks to these alerts, I managed to snag airline tickets to Hawaii in 2018 and Peru in 2019 for under $500 each. These trips were unforgettable, not just for the destinations, but for the sheer thrill of snagging such fantastic deals.

Important Note on Booking Flights

While I sometimes use websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to look up cheap flights, I never book my tickets through these third-party sites. When you book through a third party, the airline considers the booking under the auspices of a travel agent and often will not assist you if your flight gets canceled or delayed. Additionally, passengers who book directly with the airline usually receive higher boarding priority and better loyalty benefits. Therefore, after researching cheap flights, I always book directly through the airline’s website. Also, sign up for the loyalty programs of major airlines, even if you don't frequently fly with them. This ensures you earn points and receive better service.

Have Flexible Travel Dates

One of the best ways to secure cheap flights is by being flexible with your travel dates. When I saw the flights for Hawaii, I didn’t have a fixed vacation period or even a specific destination. I simply knew I wanted to go somewhere tropical. By keeping my schedule open, I could jump on the opportunity when those discounted flights became available.

Peak vs. Shoulder Seasons

Traveling during peak times, such as summer vacation, spring break (mostly in March), and the Christmas/New Year holidays, generally means higher prices for flights, hotels, and rental cars, along with larger crowds. To avoid these pitfalls, I prefer traveling during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall, outside the peak weeks. The weather is often pleasant, and the costs are significantly lower. For example, while traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season can offer incredible deals, it’s crucial to ensure your tickets are refundable or wait to purchase them until closer to your departure date, when the weather forecast is more reliable. This strategy can help you take advantage of last-minute deals while minimizing the risk of weather disruptions.

*Enjoying afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace in 2019*

These tips on flexibility and utilizing resources like email alerts can help you find budget-friendly flights, allowing you to explore the world without breaking the bank.

Tip #4: Travel Hacking with Credit Card Points

Travel hacking is the strategic use of credit cards and rewards programs with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies to turn everyday purchases into a significant bank of points or miles, enabling you to travel for free or at a steep discount. Many websites, like The Points Guy, along with various Facebook groups, offer extensive guidance on maximizing travel credit cards and rewards programs. While I won't delve into all the details here, researching these resources can provide a solid foundation for saving up funds for travel through your everyday spending.

Credit Card Recommendations

Two of the most popular travel credit cards are the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Capital One Venture X. The Chase Sapphire offers flexible points that can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, making it a versatile choice for travelers. The Venture X card also provides substantial rewards and benefits, including lounge access and travel credits. Both cards come with significant sign-up bonuses, which can jumpstart your points accumulation. This spreadsheet lists all the different airline and hotel transfer partners available with popular travel credit cards.

Airline-specific and Hotel-specific Cards

Depending on your travel patterns, it might be beneficial to consider airline-specific or hotel-specific credit cards. For instance, if you frequently fly with a particular airline based out of your home airport, an airline-specific card can help you rack up miles quickly and enjoy perks like free checked bags and priority boarding. Similarly, hotel-specific cards can offer free night stays and elite status, enhancing your travel experience.

Strategies for Maximizing Points

To maximize benefits, consider using a combination of credit cards. For example, pair a general travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred with an airline-specific card if you frequently fly with one carrier. This strategy allows you to earn points on everyday purchases and still accumulate airline miles for free flights. Additionally, adding trusted individuals as authorized users can help you accrue points faster.

Always Have an Emergency Fund

It's crucial to have a reserve of points or miles for unexpected travel changes. For non-rev travelers, this is especially important. Sometimes, there just isn’t a standby seat to be had. Being able to book last-minute flights with points or miles can be a lifesaver, ensuring you get where you need to go without paying exorbitant last-minute prices. Additionally, many hotel rewards programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, allow you to book rooms with points. This can come in handy when you need a last-minute place to stay.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Future Travel in Your Day-to-Day Life

In my twenties, I prioritized travel and sought a flexible career, making financial decisions to support my travel goals. I worked remotely and lived with roommates to save on rent. I spent less on other luxuries, like high-end clothing, home decor, and entertainment, directing those savings toward my travel fund. This dedication allowed me to travel extensively, even before I gained non-rev benefits through my husband.

In sharing these experiences and tips, I hope to inspire you to find creative ways to explore the world on a budget, regardless of your income level or life stage. Travel is an enormous privilege, and I’m passionate about helping more people access it within their means. Happy travels!