vacations

What Should You Do When a Natural Disaster Spoils Your Travel Plans?

Holly Johnson — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 08:30:08 +0000

No matter where on the globe you're traveling to, there's a possibility a natural disaster or man-made tragedy could ruin your plans. Maybe you're staring down a hurricane like this year's Harvey, Maria, or Irma – or a volcanic eruption like the one supposedly brewing in Bali. Acts of terrorism — shootings, bombings, and the like — are just as likely to affect your trip, or at least make you think twice about traveling.

But, what do you do when one of these tragedies inconveniently falls right in the midst of an upcoming trip? Do you cancel? And if you do cancel, are you deserving of a refund?

The answer is complicated. The financials of canceling or rerouting your trip depend a lot on how you booked and the severity of the tragedy. However, a few general rules of thumb can help you understand the process.

The way you booked your trip matters

First things first. The manner in which you booked and paid for your trip matters a great deal when it comes to who you should contact to cancel and how your situation will be handled.

If you booked a vacation package with a third-party travel booking service like Expedia or Travelocity, for example, you'll want to contact them right away. If you booked your hotel, flights, and rental car separately, on the other hand, you'll need to call each individual vendor to explore your options.

Hotels tend to be the most lenient of all travel vendors, especially if you've booked through the hotel directly. You may also have some leeway with rooms booked through third-party sites — that is, as long as you didn't book a non-refundable rate. While all hotels and resorts have their own unique terms and conditions, many let you cancel without penalty up to a few weeks or even a few days before your trip.

Read through your reservation to find the cancellation terms, then cancel quickly if you can. If you're beyond the cancellation window, calling your hotel's customer service line can help. In the midst of a natural disaster or an impending one, they may be willing to let you cancel without penalty. Or, they might be willing to shift your reservation to another hotel.

Flights can be a lot trickier, but it depends on your carrier and the specific disaster at hand. Right before Hurricane Irma this year, my husband and I were scheduled to fly into Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The hotel told us not to come, but we had trouble canceling our flights. First, American Airlines told us that we wouldn't get a refund unless the flight was actually canceled. The day before the trip — with a Category 4 hurricane barreling through the Caribbean — they said to show up at the airport. They also said we had the option of changing our flights after paying a $150 change fee per person.

But when I called back the same night, they relented and offered a travel credit good for another trip if we booked within six months. After another call the next day, however, they said they would convert the travel credit into the original form of payment, which was 57,500 American AAdvantage miles for one flight.

The bottom line: Airline policies aren't always set in stone, and you're not always entitled to a full refund unless your flight is canceled altogether. So, call your airline early and ask about your options. And if you don't hear what you want, hang up and call back later.

Cruises may offer several options

If your cruise was impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, your options will vary quite a bit based on your cruise itinerary, port of departure, and how you paid. It also depends on your cruise line's individual cancellation policy.

With Carnival Cruise Line, for example, canceled cruises qualify for a cash refund or credit for another cruise. Some cruise lines also ran shortened itineraries to avoid hurricanes this year, only to give customers a partial refund for the days they missed.

Cruise lines also retain the option to change your itinerary for any reason. So, if you have a cruise scheduled to stop in an area with severe damage, your cruise line may alter your itinerary so you stop elsewhere that day. Instead of stopping in storm-ravaged St. Maarten, for example, you could spend that day at the port in nearby St. Kitts instead.

If you have a Caribbean cruise planned for later this year and are worried about going, check your cruise booking to see if you have the option to cancel.

Can travel insurance help?

If you have travel insurance, it can be a real game-changer. While you can buy your own travel insurance policy, you can also get some types of travel insurance through a travel rewards credit card.

With trip interruption and cancellation insurance from one credit card issuer, for example, the cardholder and their immediate family qualifies for up to $10,000 per covered trip and a maximum limit of $20,000 per occurrence if their trip is canceled or interrupted for a "covered reason." Covered reasons include not only illness or injury, but also severe weather and terrorist acts.

Keep in mind, however, that in order to be covered by your credit card's policy, you have to use that card to pay for your trip. Just being a cardholder is not enough. And, as always, make sure to read the fine print and terms and conditions to see what's covered.

Individual travel insurance policies also offer various forms of coverage for natural disasters or unforeseen travel emergencies, with limits that vary from policy to policy. Make sure to read your policy's terms and conditions to see if canceling your trip is covered — or if you're better off using the coverage offered by your credit card. (See also: 6 Types of Travel Insurance Credit Cards Include)

How do you deal with an act of terrorism?

Acts of terrorism are harder to plan for and plan around, which means travel vendors may be less likely to bend the rules to provide a refund. You may know a hurricane is headed toward your travel destination a week before it hits, but nobody can predict a bombing or a terrorist attack.

If an event of this nature takes place, you're at the mercy of your travel vendors in terms of whether they will provide a refund or not. If your flight isn't canceled, it's unlikely you'll have any options other than paying a change fee to switch up your itinerary.

If you booked with a hotel that has a generous cancellation policy, on the other hand, you may be able to cancel up until the day before your trip. But, if you don't — or if you booked a nonrefundable hotel stay — you may be out of luck.

Of course, you may be able to cancel your trip and get a refund via a travel insurance policy, but you have to own the policy before the act of terrorism takes place. You can't wait for something to happen, then purchase a policy. If you paid for your trip with a credit card that offers trip cancellation/interruption coverage, on the other hand, you may already be covered.

The bottom line

Because each event or disaster is different, there are no hard and fast rules that govern how cancellations and refunds are handled. Travel vendors are usually dealing with disasters on a day-by-day basis too, meaning they aren't always sure how things will pan out, either. The best thing you can do when a disaster threatens your plans is keep the lines of communication open. Stay in touch with your airline or travel vendor and make sure you know your options.

It also never hurts to have travel interruption/cancellation coverage, whether you purchase it on your own or use the coverage offered through a credit card. That way, you'll have peace of mind no matter what disaster strikes next.

Also keep in mind that, if you're flexible, you can just forge ahead with your trip regardless of weather or damage. In hurricane-hit areas in the Caribbean especially, islands that rely heavily on tourism could use your dollars more than anything else. By sticking with your plans, you'll have the opportunity to give help where it's needed most. You can shop in the local markets and dine at local eateries, putting cash directly into the hands of those harmed in the process.

You can even turn your trip into a volunteer opportunity. Contact a reputable charity or help organizations like All Hands Volunteers to get assistance coordinating your volunteer activities on islands like St. Thomas and Puerto Rico.

Trade your beach hat and tropical drink for a hard hat and shovel, and you could end up with a trip you'll never forget.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

A Simple Guide to Buying The Best Travel Cameras

Nick Wharton — Thu, 25 May 2017 08:30:14 +0000

If one thing is true about buying a new camera for an upcoming trip, it's that there are plenty of choices. However, deciding among them can be overwhelming. The camera market is more than saturated and it can be hard to figure out which one of the available options is right for you and your travel style.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the "best" camera is the one that will serve your needs best. Do you want to be able to use it underwater? Do you want to be able to take more professional looking photos by choosing settings manually? Deciding what factors are most important to you before you shop will help ensure that you pick a camera that is the best match for your needs.

To help you make an informed decision, I've compiled this guide to some of the most popular travel cameras. As a professional videographer and photographer with more than five years of experience, I've found that the cameras below are the best in their class. My colleagues and I have used every one of them and recommend each for the categories listed.(See also: 8 Ways to Take Stunning Travel Photos)

For the adventurer

Any active traveler knows that the tougher a camera is, the better. Chances are, your camera could be subjected to rain, snow, seawater, and lots of bumping around while you're climbing, sailing, diving, skiing, or just strolling around town. You need a rugged camera that can accompany you through it all.

Tough TG-5 by Olympus

The newest addition to Olympus' Tough lineup, the TG-5, is currently available for pre-order and will soon hit the mass market. Priced at $450, you can drop this tough point-and-shoot from heights of up to seven feet, subject it to temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and dive with it to depths of 50 feet. It's also dustproof and crushproof. This rugged camera can survive pretty much any condition you subject it to, and still take great pictures. It renders colors vibrantly and includes art filters if you want an easy way to add Instagram-like effects to your photos. If you prefer to do more in-depth post-processing, the TG-5 also shoots stills in RAW mode. It shoots stunning video in Ultra HD 4K.

Pros: In addition to its durability, this camera can fit into your pocket easily (it measures 4.4 inches by 2.6 inches by 1.2 inches). It's also lightweight at just over half a pound.

Cons: As a point-and-shoot camera, the TG-5 has no manual mode. If you intend to only use your camera in automatic modes, then this isn't really a downside.

GoPro Hero5 Black

GoPros are excellent and durable cameras that allow you to take action photos and videos from a unique point of view. You can take GoPros on the ski slopes, to the sea, mountain biking, parasailing, and just about anywhere else without ever having to worry about damaging them. Their durability is one big draw, but users also praise their wide angle lenses, which allow you to capture more in one frame than a traditional camera.

The easy mounts you can buy to accompany a GoPro allow you to shoot from your arm, a helmet, a bike, and so much more. These mounts secure the camera so you don't have to worry about losing it. You can focus on what you're doing while simultaneously preserving that moment for future viewing.

The Hero5 Black, the latest model, retails for about $400.

Pros: GoPros are great for extreme sports, but even the not-so-extreme traveler can benefit by using them to catch hands-free footage on the go. The body of the Hero5 Black is waterproof up to depths of 33 feet, meaning you no longer need a special casing to keep moisture out. You can shoot in 4K Ultra HD, and change settings with the touch-screen or by using voice commands. The Hero5 also features GPS, stereo audio, electronic image stabilization, and the ability to upload clips automatically to the cloud.

Cons: If you're going to be taking a lot of portraits or wildlife close-ups, a GoPro is probably not for you. The wide angle lens gives an immersive feeling to action shots, but also creates barrel distortion. The Hero5 comes with a linear field of view setting that allows you to shoot in a mode that corrects some of that distortion, but it's still not perfect.

GoPro colors can also be a little flat. You can use the ProTune feature to help increase saturation a bit, but without some postproduction editing, you may be disappointed with the vibrancy of your images.

One final thing to keep in mind is that the battery life of GoPros is notoriously short, lasting only about an hour-and-a-half when you're using the camera's GPS, electronic image stabilization, and Wi-Fi. You may want to purchase a backup battery, which costs around $20.

For the instant gratification seeker

Digital photography pretty much spelled the death of Polaroid cameras and their instant-print ilk. Or so it seemed.

These cameras have recently been staging a comeback, and some of them are small enough to be excellent for traveling. They allow you to instantly and effortlessly share your favorite shots with new friends that you've made on the go.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is 4.6 inches by 4.7 inches by 2.7 inches, weighing 11 ounces before adding the batteries. That's not tiny, but it's smaller than some competing cameras. I prefer the Fujifilm brand because in my opinion, its cameras are more comfortable to hold and I've always liked Fujifilm's standard color grading in photos.

The Instax Mini 8 sells for about $60. You'll need to buy the Instax Mini film made specifically for these cameras.

Pros: The retro touch and the ability to get prints on the spot make these cameras instant fun. Want to make friends with locals wherever you go? Ask nicely to take their photo, then give them a copy from your Instax Mini. Kids especially appreciate the gift. You can also use the photos as souvenirs for yourself, or postcards for folks back home.

Cons: The image quality of the Instax Mini 8 doesn't match even most cellphone cameras, so don't buy it to capture beautiful landscapes. It's more of a fun, retro snapshot device.

Another drawback is that instant film is notoriously expensive, so be prepared to spend around $13 for a twin-pack (10 exposures on each film cartridge). You'll want to stock up before you leave home, because you'd be surprised how fast you can go through 10 shots — especially if you're used to shooting pictures digitally. You'll also need a scanner if you plan to upload your snapshots online.

For the artist

If you want more control over your camera, you'll need a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera with a manual mode, so you can adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO according to the light conditions and the elements you want to emphasize in your shot.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i

Canon's Rebel line of cameras are perfect entry-level DSLRs for travelers. They allow you to easily move between automatic and manual modes, giving you full control or easy point-and-shoot capability, depending on your mood and situation. This camera is easy to use and won't take up too much space, yet allows you to move closer to professional photography capabilities.

The T6i boasts a 24.2 MP sensor for beautiful high-resolution shots, and a quick, accurate autofocus. The 3-inch touch-screen is fully articulating, making it perfect for vloggers who need to be the focus of their own shots. This particular model of Canon Rebel frequently finds itself on the list of best DSLR cameras and it's my favorite of the DSLR class 24 MP+ category.

Pros: Automatic modes make it easier to shoot near-pro quality images and video even if you haven't fully mastered shooting in manual yet. Additionally, this model includes a very handy wireless transfer capability that enables you to sync pictures from the camera directly to your phone or computer, so you can easily publish on the go.

Canon's Rebel cameras are typically sold with a starter lens, and this one comes packaged with a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. In layman's terms, this lens has a great range of wide-angle through medium telephoto, image stabilization for sharper photos, and the stepping motor (STM) keeps autofocus smooth and quiet during video.

Cons: Weighing in at 18 ounces, this camera is one of the bigger and heavier ones we've included in this list, although it is still very portable. Its dimensions in inches are 5.10 by 3.93 by 3.07, and it costs about $670.

For the vlogger

If your main intention is video blogging, then the best vlogging camera currently on the market should be your choice.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

You really can't beat this compact $679 camera for video. It's small enough to fit into a backpack pocket (4.2 inches by 2.4 inches by 1.7 inches, and weighing 11.2 ounces), which is nice for those who require some level of portability while traveling. It has a flip-up selfie screen for those perfect vlogging shots or selfie stills, and with its 1-inch image sensor it takes pretty nice photos, too.

Pros: Selfie flip-up screen. Beautiful colors. You can shoot images in RAW mode for in-depth editing in Lightroom or Photoshop, which is a feature still lacking in many compacts.

Cons: Barely pocketable. If they made it just a half inch narrower, this thing would slide in and out of your pants pocket with ease.

The biggest con about the G7 X Mark II is the fact that there is no external mic port, which is a huge disadvantage for people who are serious about taking professional videos. Unfortunately, none of the best cameras in this class have an external mic port.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Caribbean Island Vacations Anyone Can Afford

Holly Johnson — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:31:08 +0000

Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Don't let costs deter you. Certain Caribbean islands offer optimum bang for your buck with cheap flight options, inexpensive accommodations, and free activities to boot.

Start with a great travel rewards credit card to help you earn free flights or hotel stays. Then check out this quick guide on the cheapest Caribbean hot spots nearly any time of the year. (See also: How to Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards to Earn Free Flights)

Jamaica

Just a short flight from any southern U.S. city, Jamaica is an island steeped in history and culture. Budget travelers will find plenty of affordable all-inclusive options here, along with bargain hotels. Adventure-seekers can zip line through the jungle, glide down the Martha Brae River on a raft with friends, ride a reggae bus to see Bob Marley's childhood home, or climb the rocks at Dunn's River Falls.

Where to stay

Both Montego Bay and Negril host an array of all-inclusive resorts that include meals, drinks, and activities, with affordable pricing for families. One to check out is the IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach. This mega-resort packs in the guests thanks to its ideal beachfront, pools galore, and plenty of activities for kids. Or stay at the Holiday Inn Montego Bay All-Inclusive Resort, where two kids under the age of 12 stay free and rates start at just $188 per night.

How to get there

Plenty of American airlines offer stellar rates to Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport. You can get direct flights on all the major carriers. (See also: 6 Budget-Friendly Beach Destinations)

The Bahamas

Choosing the Bahamas over any other Caribbean island will save you both time and money. After a 55 minute flight from Miami to Nassau, you land in a multi-island paradise with plenty to do and see. You can shop in Nassau's famous cruise port, partake in a snorkeling excursion, or nosh on popular Bahamian cuisine like shellfish, lobster, and pigeon peas with rice. Bask in the area's crystal clear waters until you're truly relaxed.

Where to stay

The Bahamas can be expensive if you don't know where to go, with the average price for an all-inclusive ringing in at several hundred dollars per night during high season. One great exception is Breezes Bahamas in Nassau, a "super-inclusive" experience with pricing as low as $129 per person, per night. Off-the-beach hotels in Nassau cost as little as $80 a night. Meanwhile, rental condos nearby are both affordable and plentiful.

How to get there

Nearly every major airline flies to Nassau. Discount flights from Miami are often less than $300 per person, round-trip all year long. (See also: 7 Ways That Anyone Can Travel for Free)

St. Thomas

Since St. Thomas sits squarely in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you don't need to worry about a passport. Once you're there, an array of free and low-cost (pay for parking only) beaches are at your disposal. Snorkel with stingrays and sea turtles on Sapphire Beach against the beautiful backdrop of nearby St. John. Explore the island's breathtaking views in a rugged rental jeep, or visit Coral World Ocean Park for a hands-on look at Caribbean wildlife.

Where to stay

All-inclusive properties are rare on the island, and expensive when you find them. For a cheap family getaway, a rental condo near the beach is the way to go. At Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina, one bedroom rental condos start at around $129 per night.

How to get there

American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta Air Lines all fly to St. Thomas. Round-trip fares from certain domestic airports, such as Chicago O'Hare, can run as low as $300 round-trip. (See also: 5 Cheap, Amazing, and Undiscovered Vacation Destinations)

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is known as an all-inclusive haven with beautiful beaches and a family-friendly atmosphere. Snorkel with stingrays, sharks, and turtles in the warm, clear water. Take up a game of Ping-Pong or chess at your resort as your family basks in the sun. Embark on a nature and wildlife tour or go scuba diving with a certified guide. Cities like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata offer affordable lodging options that mean money left over for these activities and more.

Where to stay

Both Puerto Plata and Punta Cana offer an array of affordable all-inclusive resorts perfect for families. At Barcelo Bavaro Beach, for example, rates start as low as $115 per person, per night. Rent an in-city or beachfront condo for as little as $79 per night.

How to get there

Most major airlines offer affordable flights into Punta Cana (around $300 round-trip at certain times of the year). Discount carrier Southwest Airlines also flies to Punta Cana with nonstop options from cities such as Chicago. (See also: How My Family Scores Free Travel With Credit Cards)

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico offers lots to see and do. Stroll through beautiful Old San Juan for a look back in time, visit El Morro, a 400-year-old fort that towers above the entrance to San Juan Bay, or relax on a beautiful San Juan beach. Head west for a fun trip through a natural rain forest, or to kayak through the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo.

Where to stay

If you want a beach vacation mixed in with some rain forest fun, stay at Fajardo's crown jewel — the El Conquistador Resort. Here you'll find a private island and huge resort with plenty of activities just minutes from the entrance to El Yunque National Forest. Doubles start at about $200 a night. Small bed-and-breakfasts and rental condos in San Juan can run as low as $100 per night.

How to get there

All of the major U.S. airlines fly to San Juan. Expect to pay around $300 and up for round-trip flights. (See also: 11 Vacation Destinations That Stretch Your Dollar)

Barbados

If you're willing to fly a little farther, there are plenty of bargains to be had in tropical Barbados. Cheap food and drink is plentiful, and the island is dotted with eateries perfect for the price-conscious. In Barbados, the crystal clear water is the biggest allure and free to enjoy. You can also explore the old city of Bridgetown, snorkel over a shipwreck, or visit Hunte's Gardens in St. James Parish.

Where to stay

You'll realize the overall affordability of Barbados best when you rent a vacation condo. Groceries are on par with prices in most American cities, and excursions are a deal. Rent a condo on the island's "Platinum Coast" for as little as $149 per night.

How to get there

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue offer service to Barbados from specific American cities. Expect to pay around $400 for a round-trip fare, although fares can go lower. (See also: 25 Incredible Places You Must Visit Before You Die)

To save money, plan ahead

A Caribbean getaway can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. Still, certain islands offer more ways to save than others. As you explore your options, price out each component of your trip. While an all-inclusive vacation can be easy to plan for, budgeting for an A la carte vacation requires some number crunching. (See also: Get a Free Vacation in 9 Months With Credit Card Rewards)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Items You Will Never Regret Bringing on a Trip

Amanda Gokee — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 08:30:12 +0000

Getting ready for an upcoming trip is exciting. But when you make your packing list, stick to the essentials. There's no need to blow money on heavy, bulky gear you'll never use. Paring down your packing can also save you the expense and inconvenience of an overweight bag. Here are 10 necessities I've never regretted bringing on a trip.

1. Earplugs

Sleeping poorly can wreck your mood and put a serious damper on your travel fun or the business meetings you have to get to. I always make sure I have several pairs of earplugs to help me get the shut-eye I need, whether I'm on a plane, a bus, or in an unexpectedly loud hotel room. When it comes to sleeping well, you're always better off being prepared, especially if you're a light sleeper. (See also: Packing Light? Don't Forget These 5 Must-Haves)

2. Passport photocopy

You don't even have to purchase this item. All it takes is a little preparation before you leave and you can save yourself from a potential major hassle while you're away. Make a couple of photocopies of your passport's main page (the one with your picture on it), and any other pages that might be relevant — for example, if you've had to get a visa in advance, make a copy of that page, too.

Leave one copy with a friend or relative — whoever is most likely to not lose it. You'll want to have a copy for yourself, too. Some hotels require you to leave a passport at the front desk during your stay, but if they'll allow it, leave a photocopy instead so that you don't ever lose possession of your original document. As a backup, upload a digital copy of the passport to a secure cloud storage app such as Google Drive. For extra security, you can password protect any file on Google Drive. Upload a photo of your passport on your smartphone, too, in case you need to access it offline. Just be sure to lock your phone.

Consider also making a photocopy of your driver's license, credit, and debit cards. For security reasons you may not want to upload all of the information to the internet, but you can keep a paper copy in a secure place away from your wallet. Lock it in your room safe if one is available. At the very least, note the international and local bank customer service numbers for your card accounts, so that you can easily call them if a card gets blocked, lost, or stolen. (See also: What to Do if You Don't Have Your ID at the Airport)

3. Plug adapters

Most countries outside North America use electrical outlets featuring different kinds of plug inputs. If you're traveling often to different countries, it's worth investing in one or two universal plug adapters that can be used in multiple countries. That way, you'll never have to worry about which country-specific adapter to pack and you'll be able to charge all of your accessories from anywhere in the world.

Voltage is a separate issue. While the electrical supply in the U.S. is 110-120v, many other countries use 220-240v. Computers and smartphones are usually dual-voltage so you don't have to worry about them. But many styling products, such as hair dryers or flat irons, are not. Be sure you check before you bring them along, so you don't inadvertently fry them when you plug them in overseas. You may want to buy a dual-voltage styling tool, such as the Salona Professional flat iron, which also comes with plug adapters.

It's also worth contacting your hotel in advance to see if it provides hair dryers. That will save you from having to lug yours along. (See also: 7 Easy Ways to Save on Travel Gear)

4. Bottle opener

Is there anything worse than buying a bottle of local wine and then realizing you have no way to open it? Sure, there are plenty of hacks to open one without a bottle opener, but wouldn't it be easier to not have to try them?

5. Swiss army knife

There are endless uses for this travel standby. Maybe you'll use your Swiss army knife at an impromptu picnic when you need a way to slice the Swiss cheese. And those mini scissors are great for trimming fingernails on the go. Bonus: These handy little tools often have a bottle opener attached, so you can cross two items off this list at once.

Just be sure not to pack this one in your carry on, or you'll have a problem at security and have to ditch your tool.

6. Travel credit card

It is a 99 percent sure thing that you will be spending on hotels, restaurants, and activities. It's much better to get rewarded for your travel expenses, which helps you earn free travel for the future.

A good travel card will have no foreign transactions fees, and will come with travel perks such as free checked bags, free rental car insurance, and trip delay and cancellation coverage. (See also: 6 Types of Travel Insurance Credit Cards Include That You Didn't Know About)

7. Almonds and dried fruit

Never let your blood sugar drop while on the go. These snacks are good for the plane and even better for any emergency situations. They are both healthy and filling, so you don't have to bring a lot. If you get stuck on the tarmac for a few hours, or lost on your way to the hotel, you'll have something to keep you going and energized. (See also: Eat These 6 Foods to Stay Healthy While Traveling)

8. Medicines

Stave off muscle pains and headaches by bringing along some ibuprofen. Be cautious with gel caps, since they will melt in hot climates.

Bring Benadryl for allergies or as a sleep aid in a pinch, Dramamine for motion sickness on speeding buses or rocking boats, and a bit of Pepto Bismol for those meals that just don't quite agree with your stomach.

To prevent minor cuts from becoming raging infections, travel with Neosporin or another anti-bacterial cream, and bandages to keep the wound clean. You may think your cut will heal on its own, but you may be surprised at how quickly a wound can fester, especially in tropical climates.

9. Journal

The moments are fleeting when you travel, but what you write about them isn't. Make a commitment to write a little bit each day about your trip. You can do this on an electronic device to save space, but it's also helpful to have a small notebook or travel journal as a visual reminder to write. It never hurts to have a little paper on you anyway.

Once you get home, you'll be able to see your reflections and share details you might have otherwise forgotten with family and friends. And just imagine finding your scribblings a few years from now.

10. Comfortable shoes

The whole "beauty is pain" adage doesn't count when you're out of your normal ZIP code. Comfortable shoes will save your feet multiple times while you're traveling. You can go anywhere, on foot, without paying for it later in the form of blisters. My favorite travel footwear is Lems Shoes.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Easy Way to Save Up a Big Travel Budget

Amanda Gokee — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 08:30:13 +0000

Traveling is an undeniably amazing experience, but as with so many of the finer things in life, it does come with a price tag attached. Cost is unfortunately one of the biggest factors that prevents people from traveling.

However, if getting to see the world is a serious goal of yours, this may be the perfect time to renew your focus on savings so that you can afford to pay for your wanderlust. (See also: 15 Ways to Save for Your Dream Vacation)

Set a goal and deadline

To help you get motivated to save more, set a clear goal and a timeline. The more specific the goal, the better, since it will allow you to visualize your trip and get excited about it. For instance, if you've dreamed about taking a trip to Europe for years, decide on your top destinations and how long you want the trip to last. That will help set a ballpark budget figure to aim for.

Next, attach a savings deadline — for example, decide that you will buy your plane tickets within the next six to 12 months. Don't give yourself much more time, or you'll lose the urgency to put money away now.

Having this type of a clear savings goal will help you stay motivated and make your trip feel more like a reality and less like a distant dream. It will also give you a schedule for your savings, allowing you to calculate how much you need to set aside each month to be able to afford your upcoming trip.

Slash unnecessary spending

Your goal will help you find the motivation to make some of the sacrifices that come with putting more money toward savings. You will want to shift your mindset from the short-term gratification of an immediate purchase (whose charm almost always wears off quickly) to the long-term gratification that comes from an experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

You may be surprised to realize how much of your spending is discretionary. Think of anything you are spending money on that you could live without. For instance, you can save a lot of money by cooking for yourself, instead of going out to eat. Even less-than-fancy meals at restaurants like Panera or Chipotle can cost $7 and up. If you indulge in this convenience three times a week, you're spending $84 a month. Substitute each of those meals with frugal home cooked meals and save.

A car can be a significant expense, so if you can do without it you are setting yourself up for big savings. According to AAA, it costs the average American car owner around $8,558 to own and maintain their vehicle each year (this includes $3,759 in depreciation but doesn't include car payments). Even if you factor out the depreciation, that still means Americans are averaging $4,799 a year just to run our cars.

In contrast, Numbeo.com reports the average cost of a monthly transport pass in the United States is around $70, or $840 a year. If you live in an area with good public transportation, you could potentially pocket more than $3,900 a year by giving up your car.

If you can't completely forego having a car, you could still reduce your transportation expenses by driving less often. Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transportation instead. You'll not only save on gas, but also parking.

Need inspiration to cut costs? Consider this woman from the U.K. who essentially spent nothing for an entire year. While that may sound drastic, her savings while living in notoriously expensive London added up to nearly $27,000. Even half that amount would make a significant travel budget.

Work more, spend less

During one six-month period of my life I saved $12,000, which then allowed me to travel comfortably for the next six months without any income. I was able to do this by ensuring that my costs were as low as possible

I split a $500 studio apartment with a roommate, so my rent was only $250 a month. Living quarters were cramped, but I was hardly ever there. I worked three jobs so I could make more money (around $2,500 a month). My 50-60 hours-a-week work schedule also meant that I had less time to spend my earnings.

I was able to keep grocery costs to $100 a month because I was working in the food industry at the time. My other main costs were gas ($50 a month), and the cheapest cellphone plan I could find ($30 a month).

For fun, I mostly did free activities, taking advantage of the fact that I lived in the mountains in California. I could go hiking and biking for free and there were often free concerts in the evenings. When I needed new clothes for work, I would get them from the local thrift store for $10–$15.

Get rewarded for your purchases

There are many ways to use various types of credit cards so that you get rewarded for your necessary expenditures. Especially for major expenses such as gas, groceries, and plane tickets, selecting the appropriate credit card can help you save a significant amount of money. (See also: How to Save an Extra $1,095 a Year)

Grocery credit card

Groceries are a big expense for most people. Since you can't avoid spending at least something on groceries, you may as well get rewarded for your spending. Use a credit card that gives you extra rewards points for every dollar you spend at supermarkets. (See also: 5 Best Credit Cards for Groceries)

You may even be able to stack rewards by using a loyalty card from the supermarket chain where you do most of your shopping. Often these loyalty programs offer you cash discounts that can help cut your overall grocery bill.

Gas credit card

If you just can't live without a car, you can still save on the cost of gas by opening the right credit card. Cards that are co-branded with a particular gas station give you discounts at the pump, usually a few cents per gallon. These cards tend to have high interest rates, though, so if you tend to carry a balance, you'll usually be better off with a rewards credit card that gives you bonus points for purchases made at gas stations. If fuel is one of your bigger expenses, it's worth opening a gas rewards card. (See also: 5 Best Gas Rewards Credit Cards)

Travel credit card

Although you may not be traveling a lot while you save up for your big trip, it's worth getting a travel rewards credit card well in advance of your trip. By using your travel card for everyday purchases, you can rack up points toward free flights or hotel stays when it comes time to hit the road. (See also: 5 Steps to a Free Vacation in 9 Months or Less)

What's more, most travel cards offer significant points bonuses when you spend a certain amount within the first few months after opening the account. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars in travel, but you'll need time to meet the required spending amount and wait for the bonus points to be posted to your account.

Finally, airline cards often come with free checked baggage and other perks such as free rental car insurance, lost baggage coverage, and trip interruption insurance. (See also: 6 Types of Travel Insurance That Credit Cards Include)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Ultimate Money-Saving Tips for Travelers

Amanda Gokee — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 08:30:14 +0000

If you're addicted to travel like I am, you know that travel expenses can rack up fast. Between airfare, accommodations, and food, cost is one of the biggest factors that prevents people from traveling as much as they'd like to.

But with a little bit of research and legwork upfront, there are easy ways to travel for much less than you may have thought possible. (See also: 6 Easy Ways to Get Free Travel)

1. Sign up for a travel rewards credit card

Maybe you've heard this tip before, but if you're still on the fence, it is high time you join the club. You can save a lot of money just by signing up for a credit card. That's because travel rewards credit cards often offer a big welcome bonus that can earn you free travel when you meet a spending requirement within a fixed amount of time. (See also: How to Get a Free Vacation From Credit Card Rewards in Nine Months or Less)

Use your card for purchases you would make anyway to collect rewards and before you know it, you'll have enough to book your next trip.

2. Own a business? Get a business credit card that will reward you with travel

Business credit cards often come with higher rewards bonuses, though you will often have to meet a higher minimum spending requirement, too. Put all your business expenses on a card that offers travel rewards and pool them together with your personal card for even quicker returns.

3. Never pay an overpriced ATM fee again

ATM fees can add up quickly, especially overseas. When you make a withdrawal outside your bank network, you may be charged an out-of-network withdrawal fee by your bank, a non-customer withdrawal fee by the ATM owner, and a foreign transaction fee by the debit card networks such as Visa and MasterCard.

One solution: Open a checking account with Charles Schwab. The bank and brokerage house automatically refunds any ATM fees you accrue at the end of every month. The checking account is linked to a Schwab One brokerage account, and both accounts are free with no minimum account balance requirement.

Alternatively, with a Capital One 360 checking account you'll have access to fee-free withdrawals at 55,000 ATMs in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Puerto Rico, Australia, and Mexico.

4. Sign up for flight deal alerts

If you feel frustrated that you're not getting the best deals on airfare, you can easily start saving by subscribing to airline newsletters, which announce all of their sales. You can also sign up to receive news of flight deals from websites such as the Daily Flight Deal and Scott's Cheap Flights. They scour the web and pass along the best deals to subscribers.

5. Buy your domestic ticket two months before your trip

According to research done by CheapAir.com, the cheapest time to buy a domestic airline ticket is 21–112 days in advance, with the average being 54 days. The website based its figures on a study looking at 1.3 billion airfares.

The best time to book an international ticket varies widely, depending on your destination. For Canada, Mexico, and the rest of Latin America, the best time is 70–75 days in advance, on average. For Europe, it's about four months; Asia, 160 days; and for the Caribbean and South Pacific islands, it's 320 days — nearly 11 months out.

6. Book accommodations with a vacation rental site

Hostels might not be your idea of a good time, but there are other "budget" accommodation options you should be considering to save money on your next trip.

Airbnb and other vacation rental sites allow you to stay in an individual's spare room or even a whole house or apartment, often at competitive rates that can undercut costly hotel stays. Check out these cities where Airbnb can save you big time compared to hotel rates.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Affordable Travel Items That You Shouldn't Leave Home Without

Amanda Gokee — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:00:07 +0000

Your travel budget can easily get busted just from buying things for your trip. That said, there are certain things you just shouldn't leave home without. If you pack a few smart items that will give you the most bang for your buck, you can enjoy your trip with the right stuff on hand — and enough money left in your budget for your actual trip.

1. Memory Cards

Chances are if you're going on a trip, you're going to want to bring your camera. Running out of space on your memory cards can be a big bummer when you're on the go and just about to capture the perfect shot. You'll burn through memory especially fast if you're taking videos, so it's better to go prepared and have at least one high capacity SD memory card, plus one extra, just in case.

2. Travel Cubes

Travel cubes are an easy way to pack your bag. These little compartments let you pack and unpack everything with ease. You can group your clothes, toiletries, and shoes all separately, so you don't have to worry about emptying your entire bag just to find one item buried at the bottom. They work well for backpacks, too.

3. Universal Plug Adapters

A universal adapter is a packing essential if you're planning to travel to foreign countries, because outlets fit different sized plugs depending on where in the world you are. Some countries even use two different sized plugs.

4. Luggage Scale

When you're packing your bags for a trip, a few extra pounds make a big difference. If you show up at the airport with a bag over the airline's allowed weight limit, you could be charged up to hundreds of dollars in overweight bag fees.

With a handy and portable luggage scale, you never have to worry about guesstimating how much your bag weighs. You can know for sure.

5. TSA Master Lock

It's a good precaution to lock your bag shut. Of course, if you're flying you'll need a lock approved by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. The proper TSA lock will ensure you get through security checkpoints.

6. Leather Passport Case

You know you need to bring your passport when you're traveling, and it's smart to get a case to protect it from wear and tear. Get a leather case that blocks the rare thief armed with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader from scanning personal information on the RFID chip in your passport.

7. Travel Bottles

We're all attached to our specific brand of products. Get the proper sized travel bottles and fill them up before your trip.

8. Solar Panel Charger

Solar panel technology is still growing, so it's interesting to see the gear that's now being aimed at travelers. If you're going camping off the grid, a solar panel rechargeable battery could be a great way to charge your phone and other electronics you can't do without.

9. Water Filtration Systems

Depending on what type of trip you're going on, having a way to purify your water may not only save you from buying bottled water, but it could also get you out of a tough situation. Water filtration systems are particularly useful if you're planning on doing any overnight hiking and you want to be sure you're drinking water that's safe for human consumption.

Happy shopping and happy travels.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Simple Ways to Save on Hotel Stays

Amanda Gokee — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 10:30:36 +0000

Booking the right accommodations can make or break your stay — and your travel budget. So once you've taken the time to carefully research your hotel for your next trip, make sure you secure a good room and rate during your booking. (See also: 25 Hotel Booking Tips From Professional Travelers)

1. Use Rewards Programs

By now, you've probably realized that you should always be earning frequent flyer miles when you fly, but did you know this is also true for hotels? Many major hotel brands such as Hilton and Hyatt offer free loyalty rewards programs that let you accumulate points toward free nights just by staying at properties within their chain. (See also: Breakdown of the Best Hotel Rewards Programs)

If you don’t want to be tied down to one particular hotel chain, online booking sites often have their own rewards programs that allow you to accumulate points and earn rewards by purchasing travel through them. (See also: Little Known Trick to Getting Exclusive Travel Discounts)

2. Earn Elite Status

There's nothing complicated about earning elite status with a specific chain of hotels. To start, you'll want to focus on one chain of hotels that you like and book there consistently.

However, you can speed up the process by using a credit card that gives you elite status. Some give you a status boost just for being a cardmember. With others, you’ll need to spend a certain amount on the card before you get elite status.

Having elite status can get you perks like free breakfast, upgrades, Wi-Fi, bonus points, and welcome gifts. Be sure to mention your status when you complete the booking and inquire about special accommodations or amenities that may be available to you.

3. Take Advantage of Status Match

If you have earned a certain status with one hotel brand, you may be able to leverage this with other chains as well. Call another brand and find out if they will match your status. To qualify for some status match programs, you will have to provide documentation proving your status with the first hotel chain.

Keep in mind that if you've used credit card spending to reach an elite status, this may not qualify you for elite status with another hotel brand.

4. Book Directly — By Phone

It may sound simple, but many people are hesitant to contact the hotel directly, especially in the Internet age where most bookings are done online. People have become accustomed to doing everything from their computers, but sometimes to get the best deal you actually have to call the hotel to book your stay. (See also: The Easiest Way to Negotiate a Hotel Room Rate)

First, you'll need to do your homework to get an idea of the going rate online. Then call the hotel directly. Ask the reservationist to give you a better deal than what you found with a third-party booking site.

Almost all hotels prefer you to book directly with them, since it saves them from paying a commission to an online booking website. Use this to your advantage and ask that they throw in an extra perk for booking directly, like a complimentary upgrade, a room with a view, or another incentive such as free early check-in or late check-out.

5. Communicate Early About Special Occasions

Always inform the hotel if you'll be celebrating any occasion during your stay. Hotels will usually try to accommodate with a free upgrade, and if you're visiting them during your honeymoon they may even throw in a welcome gift like champagne to show their appreciation for your business.

Ideally, you should inform the hotel of your special occasion while you're making the booking, but it doesn't hurt to remind them while you're checking in.

6. Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals

In general, it’s best to reserve your room in advance. But if you have to book at the last minute, you can sometimes do so without having to pay top dollar. Websites like Roomer and Cancelon can help you secure a reduced rate from last-minute hotel cancellations. (See also: 5 Hotel Room Booking Tools Every Traveler Should Know)

7. Use Coupons

Coupons can really reduce the cost of your booking, especially when you're booking a package or last-minute stay. Sites like Groupon are especially good for last-minute deals.

8. Cash in Airline Miles to Buy Rooms

Have you been racking up thousands of airline miles that you’re not sure how to use? You may be able to cash them in to pay for hotel rooms. Many travel rewards credit cards allow you to transfer points to hotel programs, which you can then use to pay for your booking.

9. Write a Review for a Future Booking

Did you know you can earn a commission toward a future booking with Yonderbound? All you have to do is write a review on the Yonderbound website after your stay. Then, when someone books a stay at the property after reading your review, you can earn 70% of the website's commission, which works out to about 10% of the booking’s list price.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Costly Flight Booking Mistakes You Make All the Time

Amanda Gokee — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 10:00:09 +0000

Whether you travel for pleasure or for business, buying a plane ticket can be a significant travel expense. And there's no reason to spend more than you have to. However, there are some common mistakes you may not even realize are costing you extra money. Recognize them, and start saving on your next booking.

1. Revealing Your Browsing History

If you haven't been searching for flights in incognito mode, or at the very least clearing your Internet browser's cache, you may be spending more on flights than you should. That's because flight booking sites often use technology that tracks what its customers (you) have been browsing.

That means they know when you've looked at a flight multiple times. Rather than lowering the price to lure you to a final sale, they may raise the price to encourage you to buy before the price goes any higher. You can easily remedy this by browsing in incognito mode or clearing your cache, saving anywhere from $50–$200 in some cases. (See also: 6 Ways to Avoid Sneaky Online Price Changes)

Next time, don't get tricked into buying a ticket that's too expensive. Clear your cache first and buy your ticket second.

2. Buying Your Ticket From a Booking Site

Search engines that aggregate flights from a variety of airlines can be a great resource when you're trying to find the cheapest flight (see tip number eight for a great search engine). However, you need to be aware that some third party bookers will charge you an extra booking fee — which you can avoid by booking your flight directly through the airline's website.

Some small and more obscure airlines may not have a website, in which case you can either call or shop around for a third party booker that doesn't have these fees.

Even if the booking engine doesn't list a fee separately in the price breakdown, it may still be jacking the price up. It's always a good idea to refer back to the airline's listing of the flight and make sure that you're buying it from the least expensive website. (See also: 4 Secrets to Getting the Lowest Rate From Travel Websites)

3. Booking to Fly on a More Expensive Day

Another common mistake that people make is forgetting to check flexible dates. Different days of the week usually offer different fares. For example, flights leaving the U.S. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least expensive days to fly, according a study by Fare Compare.

If your schedule is adjustable and you're not checking flexible dates, you're probably paying more than you should for your ticket. Prices can vary wildly from day to day for the exact same flight.

4. Flying Into a More Expensive Airport

Some airports cost more to fly into than others, depending on taxes and airport fees. If you're flying into the most expensive airport, you're going to be spending more money on your plane ticket than you have to, and the same is true with respect to the airport you're flying out of.

For example, the United Kingdom has an Air Passenger Duty (APD) of $90 for one adult economy traveler to fly out on a long haul flight. If you have the time, it's cheaper to book a short haul flight (with an APD of $16) to a place like Dublin or Paris, then book your long haul from there.

In general, it pays to be aware of what your departure and destination airports are charging you to take off or land there. It may require some digging around to find these fees, but doing so could save you money on fees associated with your departure and destination airports, and even those where you have a layover.

5. Forgetting Your Airline Rewards Points

If you travel infrequently, or are a member of a lot of airline rewards programs, it may be easy to forget those piles of frequent flyer miles you've accumulated through flights or credit card airline rewards programs. The last thing you want to do is let a hefty rewards stash expire simply because you forgot about it. Whether you use a rewards-tracking website or an old-fashioned spreadsheet, it pays to keep track of your rewards points and expiration dates. Getting organized can prevent you from missing out on opportunities for free travel. (See also: 9 Ways to Use Credit Card Rewards to Get Free Trips)

6. Missing Out on the Best Sales

How can you find out about the best deals on airfare? Airlines almost always have an email newsletter where they will announce their sales, but if you're not subscribed, you're likely missing out on these deals.

It doesn't cost you anything to subscribe to airline emails, and it could save you a lot the next time you're ready to book a ticket.

7. Buying Your Ticket Too Early or Too Late

How early or late you buy your ticket can affect how much you pay as well. According to studies by CheapAir, the best time to book domestic airfare in the U.S. is about eight weeks in advance of your trip. If you can't be that exact, at least try to book within a window of 21–112 days before your flight, which is when tickets will be at their lowest prices.

There's some hype about being able to grab last-minute cheap tickets, but this usually has to do with a quirky sale — so it's nothing you should count on if you've been planning your trip for a while.

8. Using the Wrong Search Engine

When it comes to paying less for a flight, using the right search engine is a must to ensure you're getting the best prices. You can use the free ITA Matrix, which has been rebuilt on Google technology, to take advantage of the same software that travel agents often use to book you a flight. (See also: The Secret Flight Search Site Savvy Travelers Use)

Booking flights can be a costly endeavor, but there are plenty of ways to save money and make sure you're getting the best price on the market. See how much money you can save using these tips.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Vacation Rental Alternatives to Airbnb

Amanda Gokee — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 10:30:24 +0000

Airbnb has quickly grown to be a giant in the world of short-term rentals since its inception in 2008. While it may be the most well known of Internet vacation rental options, it is far from being the only website you can use to rent on the road. The sharing economy has offered us nothing if not diversity in choice. If you're not finding the right rental option on Airbnb, there are alternative websites to consider.

One thing for credit card rewards chasers to keep in mind, however, is that Airbnb is the most rewards-friendly platform because its merchant category code (MCC) is hotel. If you have a general travel rewards card that lets you redeem points as statement credits to pay for hotels, Airbnb should count. There are even opportunities to earn bonus points for Airbnb stays with cards that offer rewards on travel purchases. In contrast, most other vacation rental services are coded as real estate.

1. HomeAway

Home Away is considered by many to be Airbnb's main competitor, with approximately 1.2 million listings in 190 countries. HomeAway is owned by Expedia and specializes in renting whole properties. It also has a reputation for slightly more upscale listings, so if that's what you prefer, it's a good place to start. Since its payment system is not streamlined, though, (it's up to the owner how they want to accept payments), be wary of owners requesting money to be deposited in advance into their accounts. If you pay for your rental through the HomeAway site, your payment is protected.

2. VRBO

VRBO has existed for 20 years and it is owned by HomeAway. While the website interface is not particularly pretty, it is functional. Like HomeAway, VRBO lists many full-size vacation properties, which means that the prices tend to be higher than Airbnb. VRBO is marketed more toward families, but otherwise, the differences between HomeAway and VRBO are negligible.

3. FlipKey

FlipKey is owned by TripAdvisor, another giant in the travel industry, and it includes rentals in 11,000 locations globally. All of the hosts are verified by FlipKey staff, unlike Airbnb, where a host's reputation is just based on user reviews. With 300,000 listings, FlipKey has fewer properties than Airbnb and other major sites. While that's not negligible, it's not the biggest selection of places you can find. Additionally, not all of the listings are available to book online. Sometimes you will have to call or email with the property manager or owner directly.

4. Roomorama

Roomorama, another smaller site, emphasizes security. Roomorama has about 80,000 owner and professionally managed properties to rent, and like FlipKey, it verifies all its hosts to enhance safety for renters. Roomorama's payment system also helps deter scammers. You pay Roomorama when you book and then get a six-digit code, which you'll give the property owner once you've successfully checked in. Only then does the host get paid.

5. Tripping

Tripping provides aggregate information about rentals that it gathers from many other sites, so it can be a convenient place to one-stop-shop for accommodations. If a property is listed on multiple websites, Tripping will automatically provide price comparisons, so you can get the best deal. The key word here is choice, as Tripping claims more than eight million properties in 150,000 destinations. In fact, Tripping is the largest search engine for rentals. As such, you can find places ranging from $10 to $10,000 a night. Tripping may be great for finding a place online, but you will then be redirected for the booking process to whichever other website has listed the rental property. For instance, after a quick search of properties in Berlin, the majority were in fact listed on the HomeAway website, so any booking would have to made through HomeAway.

6. MeshTrip

Like Tripping, MeshTrip is also an aggregator, but it claims to only list properties that are instantly bookable. That means you shouldn't have to wait for word from the property owner on whether the space is available on the dates you want to book (although our test of the site led us to an apartment with a message reading, "Sorry, we've just checked with our partner and this place isn't available on those dates after all"). The site is only a couple of years old, but still boasts 1.3 million properties in 190 countries.

7. 9flats

9flats is a European property rental company with approximately 200,000 listings to choose from. Its website design is appealing and easy to use and it has a section for "all star hosts" who come with high recommendations from renters. The website does not charge booking fees. Compare that to other sites that add 3%–15% fees, and the savings can really add up. 9flats is relatively small so the listings and locations it offers are more limited.

8. PerfectPlaces

PerfectPlaces is similar to 9flats in that it's also relatively small. Unlike 9flats, its listings are more concentrated in the U.S. Some bookings can be made directly through its website while others require you to contact the property owner. As with 9flats, you will not be charged a booking fee, which can help you save.

9. Haven In

If you really want to splurge on a European trip, check out Haven In. It offers home rentals in Paris, Provence, London, and Tuscany, and it's a good luxury alternative to the options available on Airbnb. The apartment and villa listings are carefully curated for a boutique rental experience that is often more memorable than a hotel. You'll be met by a bilingual greeter when you arrive, and round-the-clock service is available if you need anything during your stay. You can expect personalized attention from a professional, as opposed to the hit-or-miss experience you may have with Airbnb. It's more pricey than other peer-to-peer services, and even many five-star hotels, with listings in Paris starting at around $250 a night during low season.

10. Apartments Actually

Apartments Actually is a similar service offering boutique rental accommodations in Paris and Provence. Its properties are centrally located and beautifully curated, so you don't have to hunt through hundreds of listings to find one that you like.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Does It Make Sense to Stay in a Hotel Anymore?

Andrea Cannon — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:00:08 +0000

Staying in a hotel isn't necessarily the cheapest option, especially when you're staying in a big city, like New York City. However, before you book that apartment on Airbnb, you should consider the various advantages of staying in a hotel.

Discounts Are Available

Airbnb is not always the cheapest option. Depending on where you stay, it may actually be more affordable to book a hotel. It can be very affordable to stay at a hotel using discounts, promo codes, hotel loyalty programs, credit card reward programs, and express deals on bidding sites. While you may be able to get a promo code for your very first day on Airbnb, there generally aren't any promo codes available for short-term rentals. (See also: 40 Most Useful Travel Websites That Can Save You a Fortune)

You Can Complain

When you have a complaint at a hotel, all you have to do is call down to the lobby and let them know. If you want to take it one step further, you can ask to speak with a manager. This will usually result in discounts, upgrades, and just about whatever you ask for.

When it comes to Airbnb, there is really nobody to complain to. If you are unhappy with your stay, you're stuck there anyways. At the end of your trip, if things don't go as planned, you may get a full or partial refund on your stay at a hotel. However, if you're booking a short-term rental, you likely won't get a discount.

You Only Have to Deal With Professionals

With Airbnb, you will likely have to deal with the hosts — before you book your trip and throughout your stay. Some hosts can be less than welcoming or accommodating. At a hotel, your interaction with hotel staff should be minimal, and they are expected to act in a professional, corporate manner.

You Can Enjoy Special Extras

You can expect a number of special extras when you stay at a hotel. These same extras aren't usually included in a short-term rental stay. Some of the most common extras you can often receive from a hotel include:

Free soaps and shampoos (so you don't have to waste your own);
Endless clean towels and linen;
Special treatment on special occasions (let them know if it's your birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary so that they go the extra mile for your trip);
Fitness room or spa;
Business center;
Hotel bar or restaurant;
Continental breakfast or buffet.

Hotels May Be Cleaner

We've all heard the horror stories of black light findings and rumors of how filthy hotel rooms can be. However, have you considered how clean an Airbnb apartment may be? The owners aren't held to any standards, so you may be sleeping in a bed with dirty linen or using old towels.

At a hotel, you can expect daily housekeeping, whereas with Airbnb, you're on your own to make the bed, empty the trash, and clean up after yourself. This can result in a tidy hotel versus an unkempt and unorganized Airbnb apartment.

Hotels May Be Safer

When it comes to a hotel, only the front desk and housekeeping should have a key to your room, so you can rest assured that no one should be coming in at night. On the other hand, with Airbnb, you have no idea how many people have the key to the apartment you're staying in, which may might you feel uneasy at night. Hotels also usually have security on the premises, security cameras, computerized door entry cards, and even room safes for enhanced security.

Hotels Are More Relaxing

Staying at a hotel feels more like a vacation from everyday life. It is a break from the normal daily grind. On the other hand, staying in someone's home on Airbnb may feel more like staying at home, with similar responsibilities.

Flexible Stays

You can book a hotel room for as little as one night, whereas with Airbnb, you usually have to book multiple nights. If you are expecting a late night arrival, a hotel is usually very flexible with the check-in time, whereas an Airbnb apartment usually has early check-in times that cannot be negotiated.

Local Assistance

Many avid travelers have made the case for Airbnb that staying in someone's home will allow you to find local favorites and get expert recommendations from your host. However, you can get the same experience from a hotel. Simply ask the concierge for recommendations, directions, and advice about the area. Staying in a downtown or metro area will also automatically put you in touch with some of the best things the area has to offer.

You Get What You Pay For

If you don't get what you see in the hotel's description, you can simply complain and they'll have to hold up to their end of the deal. On the other hand, Airbnb descriptions and photographs can be very misleading, so you don't always get what you're expecting.

Is Airbnb Still the Best Choice?

There are still a number of important reasons to consider short-term rentals. According to Priceonomics, compared to the average hotel room, you can save up to 50% by renting a private room on Airbnb, and up to 22% by renting an apartment on Airbnb. Those are substantial savings. You'll also have access to an entire apartment, including a kitchen and living area, as opposed to just a cramped hotel room. If you'll be staying in a popular area, like New York City, make sure to carefully weigh your options to determine if a hotel or Airbnb is right for you.

Do you know of other reasons to stay in a hotel? Have you had experiences at a hotel or Airbnb you'd like to share? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Build Savings Faster With a Multiple Account Strategy

Matt Bell — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 09:30:23 +0000

Americans are not exactly world-class savers. According to an Associated Press survey, two-thirds of U.S. adults would have difficulty coming up with $1,000 to cover an emergency.

If that's you, a great first step would be opening a dedicated savings account especially earmarked for emergencies. That's because mingled money leaks. When cash isn't in a separate, dedicated savings account, it tends to get spent.

And if you really want to take your savings to the next level, open three accounts. At first, that may sound crazy. But there are three distinct uses for savings, and you'll find it more effective to build savings if you use a dedicated account for each one. (See also: Best Online Savings Accounts)

1. Emergencies

In life, stuff happens. Unexpected stuff. Expensive stuff. For some of that, there's insurance, but for everything else, you need money in an emergency fund. Aim for building a fund that contains three to six months' worth of necessary living expenses.

What counts as "necessary?" Well, imagine losing your job tomorrow. Your thoughts probably wouldn't run toward planning your next vacation. They would be focused on the essentials, such as your mortgage or rent payment, food, utilities, gasoline, and insurance. Add up how much all of your necessary expenses would cost for one month. Then multiply that figure by three and six. That's the range you're shooting for.

The low end might be sufficient if you have relatively few movable breaking parts in your life. For example, you're single, rent an apartment, and have a fairly stable job — or at least in-demand job skills.

If you're married, have kids, and own a home, you have much more at stake. In that situation, aim for six months' worth of essential living expenses.

If you don't have a fully stocked emergency fund, aim for putting 10%–15% of your monthly gross income into savings each month via automatic transfer from your checking account. You'll be surprised at how quickly this adds up.

2. Big-Ticket Items

How old is your home's furnace, air conditioner, and roof? When are you likely to need to replace your car? What other expensive items will you need — or do you want — to buy in the next five to 10 years? It would be ideal if you could pay cash, and that calls for a big-ticket item fund. Here's how to build it.

Once your emergency fund is built, redirect most of the money you had been depositing in emergency savings toward investing for your retirement or your kids' college, instead, and then redirect any remaining funds toward a big-ticket item savings account.

For example, if you were putting 10% into savings, redirect 8% toward investing and 2% toward this second savings account. If you had been saving 15%, redirect 10% toward investing and 5% toward big-ticket items.

3. Periodic Bills and Expenses

Some bills and expenses need to be paid every month, such as your mortgage or rent, utilities, and groceries. Others need to be paid at some point each year, but not every month. Examples include a semi-annual auto insurance premium, an annual homeowner's or life insurance premium, vacations, and end-of-year holiday gifts.

For all such periodic bills and expenses, make sure one-twelfth of the total annual amount is in your monthly budget. Transfer that amount to a dedicated savings account each month. When those expenses need to be paid, the money will be available.

Practical Applications

In our household, we use an online bank for our savings accounts. It pays a decent interest rate, but what I really like about it is it allows account holders to maintain multiple accounts and to even give them unique names.

When I login, I can see the balance in each of nine savings accounts: our emergency fund, two big-ticket item funds (one for the replacement of our furnace and air conditioner, which are 17 years old, and a second one for a trip to Paris my wife and I want to take in three years), and six periodic expense accounts (our regular vacations account, four different insurance policy accounts, and our Christmas gifts account).

They all add up to one very big benefit: peace of mind.

Remember, mingled money leaks. To build savings for emergencies, big-ticket purchases, and periodic bills and expenses, use multiple savings accounts.

Do you have more than one savings account? How do you manage them?

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Matt Bell of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 12-Month Get-Richer Plan

Mikey Rox — Mon, 16 May 2016 10:30:09 +0000

Ah, the lifestyles of the rich and famous. It's a good thing it's all over the TV for us to gawk at and covet 24/7, because most of us will never attain that kind of excessive wealth. What we can do, however, is try to improve our own financial lot to the best of our abilities. Sure, that may seem like settling for second (or even farther down the line) best, but we can't all have everything — and at least we have a little something.

Alas, even if we can't be swimming-in-gold-like-Scrooge-McDuck rich, there are ways to be wealthier at any income level. Simple moves we make for the betterment of our personal finances can increase our net worth. If you start today, you can be richer by this time next year. Here's what to do.

1. Get Rid of (or Reduce) One Expense Per Month

It's simple mathematics. The fewer expenses you have, the more money you'll have. Eliminating or reducing one expense every month may seem impossible, especially if you think you can't live without certain comforts, but the truth is, we don't need as much as we think. The problem, however, is that we don't realize how little we need until we start letting stuff go.

Be honest about your needs. For example, out of 300+ television stations you might have in your cable package, how many do you watch on a regular basis? If you're spending $150 a month on cable, getting rid of this expense means you'll save about $1,800 a year. You can eliminate or reduce your cable bill one month, decrease your grocery bill by 10% or 20% the next month, get rid of a monthly subscription a month later, and so forth. The savings are there if you start looking for them, and they'll start to stack up quickly.

2. Get a Better Savings Account

As you cut or reduce expenses every month, don't leave the savings in your checking account. Keep track of how much you're saving every month and then automatically transfer this money into a savings account. Since the idea is to become richer in 12 months, a regular savings account won't do. You need a high-yield savings account, which offers a better savings account rate.

3. Think Outside the Box When Saving and Investing

Several banks offer programs to help customers build their personal savings. Wells Fargo offers a Way2Save account. For every debit card transaction, the bank transfers $1 from your personal checking account into your Way2Save savings account. Bank of America has Keep the Change, which rounds up your purchases to the next dollar and deposits the difference into your savings account.

You can also take a round-up approach with investing. Using apps like Acorns makes it easy to invest and grow your money. Download the app and then link a debit or credit card to your account. Each time you use this debit or credit card for a purchase, Acorns rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference.

4. Make Transactions With Cash Only

Nowadays you can use credit and debit cards everywhere, including fast food restaurants and vending machines. But although credit cards are simple and convenient, a cash-only policy can help you become richer in a year.

When using plastic for purchases, physical cash doesn't leave your hand. And because there isn't a physical exchange of funds, there's a tendency to spend more. A study conducted by Dun & Bradstreet found that people spent "12% to 18% more when using credit cards instead of cash." If you only have cash, you can only spend a specific amount, thereby reducing the overall amount you'll spend in a transaction. Keep this up for a year, and you could see a significant reduction in overall outflow — and perhaps a change in your spending habits altogether.

Alternatively, if you can commit to paying off your credit card balances every month, a cash rewards credit card will put money back into your pocket for spending on the things you normally would anyway. Using the right credit card for your everyday purchases can easily save you over $1,000 a year.

5. Sell Everything You Never Use

We can accumulate a lot of stuff over the years, and in some cases, we don't use half the items in our possession. If you want to become richer in the next year, stop hoarding junk and sell everything you never use. Personally, I sell everything for which I no longer have a use and which still has some value. Even if you think your item is worthless, it's worth trying to sell it because you never know who wants your junk. Case in point: I sold a box of used bottle caps for, like, $50 once. Cha-ching!

Deposit whatever you earn from the sale into a high-yield savings account. Items you can sell include clothes, furniture, and electronics. I had a friend with a garage and two storage units packed with stuff. He had a massive yard sale over three weekends and walked away with over $3,000.

6. Increase Your Retirement Contributions

Some people think they don't earn enough to increase their retirement contributions. But even if you can't increase contributions by a lot, upping your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a difference over a year, and you'll be better prepared for the future.

Yes, extra money will be taken from your paycheck — and at first, you may feel the pinch — but I'm willing to bet that after a couple of months you'll adjust and no longer miss the money. It's just like getting hit with a new bill. You may not like the idea of a new expense, but you do whatever it takes to make room in your budget.

7. Skip Your Vacation for One Year

There's nothing wrong with a little fun away from home. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without a vacation or mini-getaway here and there. But if you want to build your net worth over the next 12 months, you can make headway by sacrificing a vacation for one year. You should continue to save just like you would for the trip. But instead of spending the cash on airfare and hotels, put it toward building a bigger nest egg. Remember, rich people didn't get where they're at by spending their time on vacation, but they do get to go on more vacations now that they're rich. Keep this philosophy in mind when you're feeling the pinch to keep going the extra mile.

What steps are you taking to get richer this year? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Amazing Honeymoons That Only Seem Expensive

Amanda Meadows — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 12:00:02 +0000

Europe. Asia. Remote islands. When you hear these, you immediately think "$$$." But that's not necessarily the case! You can easily find ways to afford these five amazing honeymoon spots!

1. The Caribbean

This may sound crazy, but there are ways you can make a trip to the Caribbean work within your budget.

All-Inclusive Resorts Can Be Cool

All-inclusive resorts like Sandals, or cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, are really stepping up their game for young people to buy their packages. You can find competitive rates with reasonable add-on packages for specific excursions. For couples short on time, don't overthink your itinerary. (See also: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Vacation Package)

Don't Forget Puerto Rico!

The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico uses U.S. dollars, has a large English-speaking population, and has really affordable flights from the states. For example, a flight from LAX to SJU in November (right before the busy season of December through May) is only around $300 per person.

Prices for everything from hotels to restaurant meals are comparable to nearly everything in the states, as opposed to many of the fancier Caribbean islands (St. Bart's, Bermuda), where there is a high markup for fine dining and shopping. (See also: 7 Fun, Frugal Vacations for People Over 30)

When to Travel for Deals

The rainy season of September through November is good for lower rates and fewer crowds. The mid-summer peak time can work if you pick cheaper destinations such as Belize, the Dominican Republic, or Puerto Rico.

2. Italy

You can live that Tuscan dream if you play it smart and plan it yourself.

When to Fly

The most affordable time to fly to Italy is November, but you will be facing a few trade-offs: Fewer attractions may be open and weather can start getting rainy and harsh. October is just before the lowest month and can be just as affordable with more options for accommodations and temperate weather. April is also a good, affordable time, as schools are still in session.

Trains Are Your Deal Machine

Consider getting a Eurail pass, as it will pay for itself very quickly. For as low as $190 per person, you can get a pass that will allow you to visit multiple cities across Italy. This means you can hop on a train, go to a new city, and have a new budget adventure with little planning.

Airbnbs Are Gorgeous

You don't want to settle for a two-star hotel or a hostel. Getting an Airbnb rental is definitely your best bet for a honeymoon-appropriate, Instagram-worthy stay. Accommodations like this chic studio in Milan or this spacious canal-view apartment in Venice are great examples of luxury on a budget.

3. Mountain Ski Resort

So you want to be snow bunnies by day, and cuddle by a fireplace in a chalet by night. It's entirely possible without paying Vail or Swiss Alps money.

Stay at an Underrated Resort

The countless great mountain ranges in America means lots of ski towns are relegated to "deep cuts." This equals savings for anyone looking to celebrate their winter nuptials in a less famous setting with equally dramatic views. With places like Red Lodge Mountain in Montana, Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, and Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort (fun irony) in Oregon, you've got some great affordable options.

When to Travel

Shoulder seasons are your friend. Late October through mid-November, and the tail end of the season from March through April, are great times to still get some skiing in while enjoying the peace and quiet of non-peak times.

4. Hong Kong

If you've always wanted to galavant a dazzling city scape, savor Chinese cuisine, and enjoy the luxurious shopping experiences of Hong Kong, know that it can be done without the sky-high prices.

Exchange Rates Are Good Right Now

China has recently made it much easier for American tourists to plan their trips with a new tourism website and easier to follow visa guidelines.

When to Fly

Flights are getting cheaper from all kinds of cities. From LAX, for example, one can fly for as low as $600 per person. That's low enough to afford another day or two of travel! The cheapest times of year to buy tickets are October, November, and December. (Noticing a pattern? A good reason to have a fall wedding!)

Accommodations

Airbnb is, again, a great way to go. You can rent a brand new luxury condo for half of what a hotel room will cost you, before tax! This trendy flat, this cozy suite, and this roomy apartment are all great options for well under $200 per night.

5. Hawaii

This classic U.S. bucket-list vacation spot sounds like an expensive splurge, but it's totally reasonable and within reach for couples on a budget.

When to Fly

Luckily, there are lots of little pockets to fly to Hawaii throughout the year: January through late February, the first half of March, late April through early June, mid-August through early November (just watch for storm advisories), and the end of November through mid-December. Any major holidays, three-day weekends, or school breaks should be avoided.

Hotel Deals

During the above times of year, you can find boutique hotels at discounted rates. Larger resorts tend to start their rotating renovations and repairs during the off seasons, so be sure to ask for the lowest rate while asking to be placed in a room as far from the renovations as possible (you might have to get a manager on the phone, but it'll be worth it). Follow Beat of Hawaii for up-to-date Hawaii deals.

Self-Guided Tours

Don't get stuck on expensive and boring group tours. Simply rent a car and go on your own self-guided excursions. You can even make friends with fellow hotel guests and go on long drives in a friendly caravan.

Any other great frugal honeymoon ideas?

Like this post? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Meadows of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Luxe Travel Destinations That Are Cheaper in Winter

Carrie Kirby — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:00:33 +0000

What did you do on your summer vacation? Yawn, what a cliché. Just about every vacation spot is mobbed in summer, when families with children are free to travel. If you have the flexibility, enjoy fewer crowds and pay less by visiting these normally-expensive spots during winter!

1. Europe

The lowest airfares to Europe are usually available from mid-January through the end of February. Don't despair, there are plenty of great things to do there during the colder months, whether it's enjoying Denmark's hygge, sipping hot chocolate in Vienna, skiing in Switzerland, or hiking in temperate Italy and Spain.

2. Orlando

Disney hotels offer their cheapest rates during "Value Season," which includes much of January and the first week of February. Universal Orlando lists the first three weeks of December as value season as well. Basically if it's winter but not a holiday week, you're good to enjoy a cheaper and less crowded theme park experience.

3. Yosemite National Park

You might think this spectacular mountain playground is snowed in all winter, but many of the main roads, including the popular Valley Loop, are kept open.

Is there anything to do there in winter? Only if you like ice skating with a view of Half Dome, affordable family downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Make sure to check current conditions before you head out to find out about temporary road closures or chain requirements.

4. Iceland

Thanks to Iceland's affordable Wow Air, you can fly from Boston or DC to Reykjavik for under $400 just about any time of year — but accommodations (those that don't shut down until spring) cost about 40% less in winter.

What can you do during an Icelandic winter when daylight only lasts a few hours? Bathe in a hot spring while sipping a frozen drink, enjoy all-day sunsets and sunrises, and see the Northern Lights. What you won't do is freeze to death, since thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland is not as cold as New York City in winter. Speaking of which...

5. New York City or Chicago

You can't deny that living in a northern U.S. city sucks during winter. However, staying in downtown hotels — where nightly rates plummet with the temperatures — is a different story.

In downtown Chicago, you can ice skate in Millennium Park, walk for miles indoors through world-class museums, and brave the chill to eat strudel at the Christkindlmarket. In New York City, there are countless things to do in winter. Whether it's enjoying the shows on Broadway or visiting the city's many museums or world-class eateries, you won't be disappointed.

6. Montreal

I once visited Montreal during a mild January where the temperature was above freezing. Between Igloofest, Montréal en Lumière, and taking the kids to Mont Royal to sled and sip hot cocoa, Montreal glitters en hiver — and discount hotel packages make the normally pricey city un bon marché.

What are your winter travel plans?

Like this post? Pin it!

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: