I love travel, whether it is to a nearby town or a far-off country, and as a travel advisor, I love helping people to discover the benefits and joy of travel. Based on my personal experience, here are 5 things that make my travel possible, easier, and more enjoyable. I would love to hear from you, so please contact me through my website, Facebook, or at the bottom of this page!
Credit Card–First of all, I pay off my credit cards every month, and I that is the most healthy relationship you can have with a credit card! However, I pay for everything with a credit card because I get points for that. As a travel advisor, I am here to “sell” travel, but I understand that airfare can be the worst part of paying for a trip. If you use a credit card with good travel points, that can help to offset your expenses a bit. I have 3 main cards now that are very useful. Chase Ultimate Rewards are the best for redeeming for travel, and they add up fast since you often get extra points for things like dining, travel, and gas. You can redeem points for things other than travel, but they are worth more when you redeem for travel. I have used the American Express Delta Skymiles Card for the longest time, and I hold onto it since I get free checked bags when I fly with Delta!
Budget–I use YNAB (You Need A Budget) and swear by it for keeping my finances under control. It is a different take on budgeting, and the idea is that you give your money a job as you make it. Each month, I set my budget for the things I know, such as mortgage, car payment, etc, and since I’ve used the app for a long time, I am usually a month ahead, meaning that this month’s money pays for next month’s expenses. When you have more money than you need for a month, you create a “buffer” category (for unexpected expenses, etc), or put extra in your TRAVEL category!
Airport Security–Another perk with some credit cards is free TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear. Having one of these is so nice! TSA PreCheck has become so popular that it sometimes seems like it’s not worth it, but I still think it is. If nothing else, you don’t have to take off your shoes or take your laptop out of your bag. That makes the line move faster! Global Entry makes you feel like a rockstar during international travel, because you pass by hundreds of people and get through the immigration line so quickly. I don’t have Clear, but they seem to have the shortest & quickest lines! Also, if you don’t fly often, it is great to do a little homework on how security works these days. Wear as little jewelry as possible, be ready to remove your belt & jacket and take off your shoes, take everything (EVERYTHING) out of your pockets, don’t carry a gun, and have your ID and boarding pass ready!
Luggage–Invest wisely in good luggage. This investment doesn’t have to be a major financial commitment. My current carry-on bag is the Amazon Basics Carry-On Spinner for under $50, and it does everything I need. I also go the orange one, so it stands out, in the event that I have to check it! I also have a good, larger suitcase that I bought from Marshall’s or TJ Maxx, for when I know that have to pack more and need to check my luggage. Also, I use packing cubes, and they are wonderful for organizing your packing and getting as much as possible into your suitcase!
Travel Advisor–You work hard for your money and likely have little leisure time, so it is smart to hire an expert to advise you on how to get the greatest value for your resources! A travel advisor is your best friend and can make things so much easier and enjoyable for every aspect of your travels. We can also open your eyes to new possibilities. Think you can’t afford a river cruise or a trip to Europe? Well, maybe you can! Don’t think you need travel insurance? Maybe you should consider it. Whatever your choose, a good travel advisor is there for you every step of the way and enjoys the process.
Comments