travel tips

The 6 Absolute Worst Ways to Cash In Your Travel Points

Holly Johnson — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 09:00:10 +0000

Travel credit cards make it easy to earn all kinds of rewards ranging from airline miles to hotel points and flexible travel credit. While the value of the points you earn will vary depending on how you redeem them, it's not unheard of to receive 2 cents per mile or point in value from airline miles or hotel points for certain, high-value redemptions.

On the flipside, you can also redeem your rewards for some pretty awful items, and even ones that let you get half a cent in value or less. That doesn't make these redemptions "wrong" per se, but it does mean you're effectively leaving money on the table when compared to other options.

If you have a travel credit card, a hotel rewards card, or a flexible travel credit card that lets you redeem points for airfare, hotels, and more, here are the redemption options you should avoid.

1. Merchandise

Many rewards currencies let you cash in your points for merchandise. With some rewards portals, for example, you can redeem points for purchases made through Amazon.com or at Apple stores.

While this isn't the worst option in the world, redeeming points for electronics, small household appliances, and other types of merchandise will typically get you one cent per point in value, and often a lot less.

Delta SkyMiles offers some of the worst merchandise redemptions you can find. For example, they want 141,880 miles for a 10.5-inch iPad Air with Wi-Fi. This same model currently costs only $649 at Apple.com, so you'd be getting significantly less than half a cent per point.

While it may seem tempting to use points for merchandise (free is free, right?), if you can bank enough points for something of higher value, it’ll be worth the wait.

2. Low value transfers to airlines

Most travel rewards enthusiasts know that transferring points to airlines can help you get more bang for your buck, but you have to remember this isn't always the case. High value airline transfers can be a good deal, but not all programs are created equal.

For example, it's common to transfer your points to the card issuer's airline partners and receive at least 2 cents per point in value when you go to redeem. That's because your points will typically transfer 1:1, with the exception of certain airlines.

But some programs offer paltry transfer ratios. For example, the IHG Rewards program lets you transfer points to airline programs like Air France/Flying Blue and Alaska Airlines, but you'll only get 2,000 airline miles for every 10,000 hotel points you transfer.

Takeaway: not all points transfers are equal. Sometimes it makes sense to lose points in the transfer just to be able to use the points, but when you’re sacrificing thousands of points just for the privilege of transferring, you’re better off finding a different travel partner to use the points for.

3. Trading airline miles for hotel stays

If you have a bunch of airline miles you can't seem to use, it might be tempting to cash them in for hotel stays through the airline's portal. This isn't the end of the world, and redeeming miles for hotels is better than letting them expire. Still, you won't get very much value in return if you choose this option.

Take the American AAdvantage program, for example. You can use miles to book free hotel stays, but redemption values are not great. For random dates I chose this year, they wanted 188,500 miles for a free stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour in Miami at the same time a paid stay would set you back $1,185 per night. That means you would get a lot less than 1 cent per point in value, which is a significantly lower value than you'd receive if you cashed in your miles for flights.

Don’t be in so much of a hurry to book your entire trip on points when saving them for your next trip will give you much more value. (See also: How Travel Rewards Cards Can Help You Score Luxury Travel Perks)

4. Gift cards

Almost every rewards program lets you cash in your points or miles for gift cards, and this can be a decent value if you don't have the option to redeem for travel. However, you may receive less than one cent per mile in value if you cash in airline miles from an airline loyalty program for gift cards, and even flexible programs might only give you 1 cent in value per point with this option.

Cashing in travel rewards for gift cards should really only be your last resort if you find you absolutely cannot travel or your miles are about to expire.

5. Magazine subscriptions

Please don't ever cash in your miles for magazine subscriptions, even though several programs including Delta SkyMiles advertise this option. With Delta's "MagsforMiles" program, for example, you can get six to 228 issues of various magazines like People and The Wall Street Journal in exchange for your miles.

The value you'll get in return may not be that bad, but this is a poor way to use airline miles no matter what.

6. Using miles for cheap flights

Finally, don't forget to check the cash value of any flight you plan to book with miles before you pull the trigger on an award redemption. You should always strive to get at least one cent per point in value when you redeem airline miles for flights, and you should consider paying in cash if you aren't hitting that threshold. Some experts would even say you should push to get 1.5 cents per mile in value, or close to 2 cents per mile.

When flights are cheaper than normal, paying in cash or flexible travel credit makes more sense. (See also: 9 Hidden Expenses to Plan for When You Redeem Travel Rewards)

The bottom line

Just because you can redeem your travel rewards in a number of different ways doesn't mean you should. For the most part, you'll be a lot better off if you redeem travel rewards, airline miles, and hotel points for the redemptions they were intended for.

If you do want to redeem rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise, you should consider picking up a cash back credit card that offers these standard redemptions. Your rewards are yours and you can spend them however you want, but travel rewards are worth more when you use them for travel instead of stuff.

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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:

All the Ways You Can Score More Points and Miles This Holiday Season

Holly Johnson — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 08:00:06 +0000

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that Americans will spend an estimated $727.9 billion to $730.7 billion on their holiday purchases in 2019. This estimate doesn't even include extra expenditures on gas, dining, or holiday travel.

This means that, like it or not, most of us are spending a hefty sum of cash on gifts for family and friends. And many of us are paying the high costs of holiday travel on top of that, whether it's for a road trip, a flight across the world, or a holiday soirée with extended family closer to home.

If you've set money aside all year long, this may not surprise you or throw your budget far off track. However, it would be a shame not to maximize the extra purchases you'll need to make anyway — especially since you can leverage holiday bills to earn more points and miles.

Use holiday spending to earn major points

By and large, the best way to earn more cash back or travel rewards is by using a rewards credit card for everything you buy. Most of the top rewards and travel credit cards give you one to three points for each dollar you spend, making it easy to rack up more and more points when you have big upcoming expenses, like the holidays.

However, you can boost your rewards quite a bit if you leverage holiday spending to earn a sign-up bonus on a new card. Many of the top cards offer 50,000 points or more if you can spend a few thousand dollars within a few months, and holiday spending could easily help you reach the required threshold.

Also note that you could use holiday travel bills to start racking up another type of rewards if you're ready to diversify. You could sign up for an airline credit card that doles out airline miles, for example, a hotel credit card, or a card that earns flexible travel credit.

Earn more points on holiday dining

Like it or not, holiday shopping and other events can easily cause families to dine out more than normal. If you want to capitalize on your extra meals out, you can always sign up for an airline dining program like Delta SkyMiles Dining or Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining.

These airline dining programs and others let you earn miles each time you dine at a participating restaurant and pay with a credit card connected to your account. Some also offer a "sign-up bonus" of sorts. With Delta SkyMiles Dining, for example, you can currently earn 3,000 bonus miles when you spend at least $30 at three participating restaurants and complete online reviews for each within 30 days.

Use shopping portals for all your holiday shopping

If you shop online, you'll absolutely want to figure out which portals can help you earn the most points and miles — or at least the type of points and miles you want to earn. Most major airlines have their own shopping portals, but hotel brands and bank-based loyalty programs have them too.

While you can earn airline miles or hotel points through shopping portals without having a co-branded credit card in most cases, you'll need to have the right credit card to earn bank-based rewards.

Regardless, shopping portals all work in the same way. To earn bonus points, all you have to do is log into your account and "click through" the portal before you shop online with a participating store. You’ll find common big name stores such as Kohl's, Macys, Home Depot, and Best Buy. And remember, the bonus points you earn by shopping in a portal are offered on top of rewards you earn by paying with a rewards credit card.

Take advantage of category bonuses

Remember to check if any of your rewards cards offer bonus categories that might line up nicely with your holiday shopping or travel plans. Credit cards with rotating categories generally have popular stores for their 4th quarter bonus categories.

Use portals when you book holiday travel

Finally, don't forget that you can earn extra points and miles when you book and pay for holiday travel for yourself and your family. You'll just have to get creative and do some research to figure out the best way to make the most of your plans.

Let's say you want to rack up more points in the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, for example. In this case, you'll probably be delighted to know that you can earn Southwest points if you log into your account and use their portal to book rental cars, vacation packages, hotels, and more. In fact, most airline programs let you earn miles when you use them to book rental cars, hotels, and other travel accommodations, so make sure to check with your favorite program.

Keep in mind that a handful of hotel booking websites let you earn airline miles for booking hotels. PointsHound and Rocketmiles are two of the most popular, both letting you earn thousands of miles per night in programs like Etihad Guest, Air France/Flying Blue, and Southwest Rapid Rewards.

And make sure you have a rewards card that will give you extra points when you fill up your gas tank, particularly if you're planning a holiday road trip. A handful of cash back credit cards offer bonus points for gas purchases each year with no annual fee, making them a no-brainer.

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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:

Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance — Even if Your Credit Card Offers It For Free

Holly Johnson — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 08:00:07 +0000

Travel is never cheap, and that's especially true if you're flying to a destination far from home. For that reason and plenty of others, savvy consumers tend to pay for travel insurance before they even head to the airport.

With a travel insurance plan, you can buy coverage that will reimburse if you if your trip is canceled or delayed for a covered reason beyond your control. You can even purchase "cancel for any reason" policies that let you back out of your trip any time you want.

Other inclusions travel insurance policies offer include medical coverage, baggage delay coverage, lost luggage insurance, travel accident insurance, and more.

Many consumers lean on the free travel insurance their credit cards provide — and that can sometimes make sense. After all, premier travel credit cards offer most of the coverage you get with a travel insurance policy for free. And if you can get insurance for free, why pay for it?

The reality is, there are a ton of reasons to buy travel insurance even if you get some coverage with a credit card. Here are a few of the most important details to consider as you plan your next trip.

Pay for sufficient medical coverage

Even though travel credit cards are pretty good about offering perks like trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage delay coverage, they're notoriously bad when it comes to offering medical coverage. That's a real problem if you're traveling to a destination where your own health insurance coverage won't work, such as any trip abroad.

With travel insurance, however, you can buy a policy that offers a much higher limits for medical expenses. It wouldn't take long to rack up huge medical bills if you wind up in the hospital due to illness or broken bones during your trip, but you can protect yourself with adequate travel insurance coverage that includes coverage for medical bills. (See also: How Emergency Medical Coverage Could Save Your Vacation)

You need medical evacuation coverage

In addition to medical coverage, you'll want to make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuation. This type of coverage will kick in if you become injured or ill and require emergency transportation to get back home. This could mean emergency evacuation in a plane or helicopter with a full medical team, so it's easy to imagine just how much you'd be stuck paying if you didn't have this type of coverage.

Most credit cards don't offer emergency evacuation coverage and ones that do may not offer high enough limits to help you sleep well at night. If you're worried about the high cost of medical evacuation if you were to become sick or injured overseas, you'll want to buy travel insurance that includes this benefit.

Credit card coverage may not even apply

Also note that some credit card insurance coverage may not even be applicable to you. Primary auto rental coverage, which is a popular credit card benefit, is a great example of coverage that doesn't always work.

Many credit card auto insurance policies only cover certain types of cars for certain amounts of time. For example, some cards only offer insurance for rental periods of 31 days or less. And some credit card auto insurance policies also limit the number of countries you can use your coverage in, meaning it may not work at all depending on where you travel to. (See also: 7 Times Travel Insurance Is Worth It)

You may want higher coverage limits

A final reason to purchase travel insurance is the fact that you get to select your coverage limits. This is unlike credit card coverage since it gives you whatever limits your credit card issuer decides.

For example, some cards offer free baggage insurance that can cover you if your baggage is lost by a common carrier. However, this benefit sometimes includes limits on the cost per person, per trip for carry-on baggage and checked bags, which may not be enough if you have brand-name luggage that would cost a lot more than that to replace.

The same is true with trip cancellation/interruption insurance, which is one of the most important valuable travel benefits you can buy. Travel credit cards that offer this perk tend to limit it to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip, which may not be enough if you splurged for a luxurious trip of a lifetime.

The bottom line

There are times when it makes a lot of sense to rely on your credit card's insurance coverage, but you have to make sure you have the coverage you need with high enough limits to count. In many cases, credit card travel insurance just isn't enough.

If you're on the fence about whether you have the coverage you need to protect yourself, you may want to buy a travel insurance policy just in case.

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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:

How to Stretch Your Airline Miles With Dynamic Award Pricing

Holly Johnson — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 08:00:07 +0000

The Delta SkyMiles program moved away from fixed award charts several years ago, and it appears most of the other major U.S. players are following suit. The United MileagePlus program announced it would move away from fixed awards earlier this year, for example, and so did Air France/Flying Blue in 2018. Some industry insiders are saying that the American AAdvantage program is next, although there's no formal announcement quite yet.

This isn't to say you can't get a ton of value for your miles with dynamic award pricing. You absolutely can if you're flexible with your travel dates and willing to consider different destinations. Unfortunately, the loss of fixed award charts means that, in many cases, you won't know how many miles you'll need for a specific award until you are ready to book.

This can be a big problem if you're trying to earn miles for a specific trip and can't really deviate from your plans — or if you're earning miles over an extremely long timeline. Without a fixed award chart, it's difficult to plan ahead or create a strategy to earn the miles you need.

How to beat dynamic award pricing

But what's a frequent flyer to do? Like it or not, dynamic award pricing is here to stay. All any of us can do is look for ways to get the most out of our airline miles in some way, shape, or form. And really, there are plenty of workarounds that can help you get extreme value from your miles — regardless of whether there's an award chart or not. Here are your best strategies to consider.

Earn a ton of airline miles

Whether your favorite airline offers fixed award charts or dynamic pricing, you'll always be better off if you have more miles to burn. That's why you should look for ways to earn more miles over time, via flying or through other means. Having more miles can be an insurance policy if you find that, at the last minute, a flight you wanted to book went up in miles overnight.

There are many ways to earn more airline miles, and most of them don't even require you to board an airplane. For example, you could:

Pick up an airline credit card that lets you earn miles for each dollar you spend.
Look for ways to cover more bills and regular expenses with your airline credit card.
Use airline shopping portals for all your online purchases.
Join airline dining clubs so you're rewarded with miles when you dine out at participating restaurants.

In addition to these strategies, there's one tried and true method that can easily yield a lot of airline miles in a hurry. Consider signing up for new travel credit cards with the goal of scoring a big sign-up bonus. Many co-branded cards will give you 50,000 miles and sometimes more if you can spend a few thousand dollars on your card within months of applying. Just make sure to pay your balance in full each month so you're never, ever paying interest on your purchases. (See also: How to Maximize Rewards Through Credit Card Shopping Portals)

Focus on award sales and deals

Next up, it always makes sense to look for ways to stretch your miles. Some airlines, like Southwest, have frequent and ongoing sales that can let you book flights for fewer miles than normal, for example. All you have to do is keep your eye out so you can strike while the iron is hot.

Other airlines like Delta Air Lines and Air France have their own "deals pages" that clue frequent flyers into their current list of specials. With Delta SkyMiles deals, for example, you can frequently find round-trip international flights from specific airports to faraway destinations for as little as 14,000 miles plus taxes and fees. The catch is, you have to be willing to book right away, because these deals rarely last more than a week.

Also, note that airfare "deals" are usually only from select airports and for a specific range of dates. With that in mind, you'll be in the best position to take advantage if you have some flexibility in your travel plans.

Rack up flexible travel points

Finally, there are so many reasons it can make sense to focus on flexible travel points. Not only can you book travel directly through a portal with flexible points, but these programs let you transfer points to airlines and hotels.

Having a huge stash of flexible points can help you ward off the negative effects of dynamic award pricing in a few ways. First, you can shop around among frequent flyer programs to see how many miles you'll need for the flight you want before you transfer them over. This lets you compare multiple airlines and go with the one charging the least number of miles.

Flexible currencies also let you book airfare direct with any airline, which can be a good last option if you're not finding the award availability you want. Some cards even offer a discount if you go this route.

The bottom line

Don't let dynamic award pricing ruin your travel dreams. There are plenty of ways to maximize your miles with or without an award chart, and you can always focus on earning more miles just in case.

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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:

9 Hidden Expenses to Plan for When You Redeem Travel Rewards

Holly Johnson — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 08:00:08 +0000

Travel rewards make it possible to stretch your travel budget as far as it can go, book trips you couldn't afford otherwise, and journey further from home. It's possible to use airline miles for flights that could easily cost thousands of dollars apiece and with enough hotel points, you can book stays at luxury resorts that would typically be beyond your reach.

Like with most things, however, the devil is in the details when it comes to travel rewards. Not only are there travel-related fees you may need to pay, but there are also hidden travel expenses that can wreck your finances if you aren't aware they exist.

If you have a travel credit card or two and a big stash of points and miles, it's crucial to know about hidden taxes, fees, and expenses you'll need to plan for before any big trip. Here are the most common offenders to be aware of.

1. Government-mandated airline taxes and fees

Cashing in airline miles for a "free flight" can seem like a dream come true, but don't forget you'll have to pay government-mandated taxes and fees just like you would if you paid cash for your fare. While airline taxes only amount to $5.60 per person, per leg on domestic flights, you can easily be stuck paying a few hundred bucks or even more to redeem miles for certain international routes.

To avoid a nasty surprise, know about airline taxes and fees and price them out before you book your trip. Don't let these fees catch you by surprise, and they won't ruin your vacation.

2. Fuel surcharges

Also note that some airlines tack on huge fuel surcharges on their international award fares. British Airways is famous for doing this on their many routes, but particularly on itineraries that stop at London Heathrow. You may think you're getting ready to score a "free flight" to Europe with British Airways (or another airline that partners with British Airways), when suddenly, you're hit with hundreds of dollars in fees.

There's not much you can do about fuel surcharges, other than shopping around among different airline loyalty programs to find routes with minimal fees. However, this is also an argument for earning flexible rewards that transfer to more than one airline instead of a single airline currency.

When you have flexible rewards points you can transfer to other airlines or use to book flights with any airline through a travel portal, you can compare several routes and award fares to see how they stack up.

3. Parking fees

Even if you cash in flexible travel credit or hotel loyalty points for a free resort stay, you may be asked to pay for "extras" outside your nightly rate. One popular fee people complain about is parking, and especially compulsory valet parking fees.

If you plan to use hotel points or other travel rewards for a hotel stay and you happen to have your own car or a rental car, make sure to find out ahead of time if parking fees are assessed, and if so, how much they cost.

4. Resort fees

Hilton Honors is notorious for waiving resort fees on award stays. Plus, World of Hyatt Discoverist members (and those with higher elite status) enjoy waived resort fees on award stays.

However, not all hotel programs waive their resort fees — even for elite members. Before you book a stay with points with any resort, make sure to find out if they charge a resort fee and if you're required to pay it.

5. Checked baggage fees

Some airline credit cards offer a first checked bag free as a cardholder perk. However, you won't necessarily qualify for a free checked bag if you don't have a card that offers this benefit — even if you used miles for your flight.

If you don't have a co-branded airline credit card, in fact, it's likely you'll need to pay for any luggage you bring on your trip outside of a carry-on bag and personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. While checked bag fees vary, they will usually set you back around $35 per bag when you fly within the U.S.

6. Seat selection fees

Keep seat selection fees in mind — particularly if you want to choose your airplane seat ahead of time. Where some airlines will let you select a seat ahead of time without any charge, others — and particularly airlines based outside the United States — charge extra for seat selection up until 24 hours before your flight departs.

Also be careful if you wind up redeeming rewards for a basic economy fare. Not only will you be asked to pay extra to bring a carry-on bag on the plane with these fares, but you'll have to pay to select a seat, or accept whatever seat is given to you upon check-in.

7. Food spending

No matter where you're going or what's included, you'll probably need to spend some money on food during your trip. Even if you're visiting an all-inclusive resort you've booked with points, you'll need to eat when you're en route to your destination — and your meals may even be at the airport where food is notoriously expensive.

The bottom line: Make sure to budget for some meals and snacks during your journey, or you may regret it later.

8. Airport parking

Driving to the airport? In that case, you'll likely need to pay for airport parking on-site or somewhere in the general area. While long-term airport parking can cost as little as $7 or $8 per day at some airports, covered parking and valet parking can cost $25 per day or a whole lot more.

You can always take a taxi or call an Uber or Lyft for a ride to the airport to save on parking, but once again, there are costs involved. Have a plan to get to and from the airport so you can budget accordingly.

9. Rental car insurance

Finally, there's nothing better than renting a car with credit card rewards and enjoying the open road on somebody else's dime. However, you may be asked — or even required — to pay for pricey rental car insurance at the rental counter depending on your travel destination.

If you're visiting a country where additional insurance is optional, you can usually rely on your own auto insurance to cover you in the event of a wreck, damage, or theft. However, note that some credit cards offer primary rental car coverage for free as a cardholder perk.

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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:

Why Cruises Are the Best Option for a Cheap Family Vacation

Holly Johnson — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 08:01:09 +0000

Planning a family vacation is often part fun and part stress. After all, you ultimately need to settle on a vacation idea most of your family will enjoy — without going over your predetermined budget, of course.

While camping or renting a condo at the beach can be both frugal and fun, many families look to cruising to satisfy their family's desire for adventure for a price they can afford. Not only are cruises jam-packed with activities for everyone in your crew, but they can be more affordable than you think.

Here are some of the reasons cruising is such a smart idea for families with kids — and a few ways to whittle down the cost even more. (See also: What to Expect On Your First Cruise)

1. Kids can (sometimes) cruise free

Several cruise lines, including Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, offer "kids sail free" promotions that can lead to huge savings. Also, MSC Cruises — which offers insanely affordable cruises worldwide as well as Caribbean cruises out of Miami, Florida — lets kids cruise free on select itineraries (including most of their Caribbean cruises) all year.

Keep in mind that you'll still have to pay taxes and fees for kids who "cruise free," and these usually amount to a few hundred dollars. Still, not having to pay regular cruise fare for your kids can help you cut costs quite a bit. (See also: 5 Most Affordable Cruise Lines for Families)

2. Score lodging, meals, and entertainment for one low price

Cruising includes more than a regular hotel stay. Not only is your cruise lodging included, but you'll have access to around-the-clock entertainment and an endless array of food that's served.

Make sure to factor in cruise freebies as you budget for your trip. After all, not having to pay for the bulk of your family's meals can free up vacation funds to spend on other aspects of your family vacation. (See also: 6 Money-Saving Items to Bring On Your Next Cruise)

3. Free babysitting

While cruise ships offer plenty of fun for travelers of all ages, they also offer one perk parents tend to love — free babysitting. Yes, most cruise ship kid's clubs offer supervised play for kids ages four and up. The majority of kid's clubs also offer expansive playrooms, organized activities and crafts, and free time to make new friends.

Not only do kids love visiting onboard children's clubs, but parents love getting a break. Best of all, this babysitting is free during their regular opening hours.

4. You can visit multiple destinations

Name another type of vacation where you get to visit several destinations within the span of a week, without having to drive yourself to each spot. Can't come up with anything? We didn't think so.

One big benefit of cruising is the fact that you can select an itinerary that takes you to several different destinations you want to explore. Better yet, the price of getting from place-to-place is wrapped up in your cruise fare.

5. Drive to the cruise port instead of flying

Because cruise ports are scattered all around the coasts, it's possible you could drive to a cruise port and avoid the cost of airfare. You could easily save up to $400 per person (or even more) on domestic airfare this way, although you'll have to pay to park your car during your cruise if you go that route.

If you can't drive to a cruise port — or you simply don't want to — you can also consider earning airline miles to cover your family's flights. Southwest Airline's co-branded airline credit cards tend to be popular for cruisers since their loyalty program is fare-based and the airline flies to numerous cruise port destinations like New Orleans, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. (See also: 5 Affordable Caribbean Cruise Ports for Families)

6. Excursions can be cheap, or free

Many cruisers complain about the high cost of ship-based excursions, and their concerns are usually warranted. It's not unusual to see cruise ship excursions that cost well over $100 per person, and those costs can be absurd when you're planning for a family.

Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations that don't require an organized excursion at all. You can usually disembark the ship and walk around cruise port common areas for free, and you may be able to hop in a quick taxi for a day trip to a beach or a local landmark.

Don't assume you have to book your excursions through your ship. Instead, do your own research on cruise forums or TripAdvisor.com and look for ways to have a fun day on the cheap.

7. Watch out for special promotions

If you're keen to cruise with a specific cruise line, you may want to sign up for their newsletter so you can find out first about special promotions and deals. In addition to kids cruise free offers, it's common to see promotions for free drink packages, free onboard internet access, onboard credits, and other special cruise discounts.

8. Book early (or late) to save even more

Booking your cruise early is often the best way to get access to special promotions, but you also get your pick of available cruise cabins. In fact, it's often suggested to book close to one year before your departure date if you hope to get the lowest pricing and the most perks, along with the exact cabin you want.

Then again, you can also save big if you book your cruise at the last minute. For example, VacationstoGo.com offers a 90-day ticket that features unsold cruise cabins at up to 82 percent off the retail price.

9. Cover your cruise with a travel rewards credit card

Finally, don't forget how powerful a travel credit card can be when it comes to reducing your out-of-pocket cruising costs. Not only can you pick up a travel credit card that doles out rewards to cover your cruise in its entirety (or part of your cruise), but you can also use travel rewards for a rental car to get to the cruise port, airfare, and travel incidentals.

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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:

How to Pick a Travel Insurance Policy

Holly Johnson — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 08:00:09 +0000

Travel insurance may make your vacation more expensive in the end, but it could also save you thousands of dollars. Not only can travel insurance reimburse you if your trip is interrupted or canceled for reasons outside your control, but it can cover pricey medical bills, pay for medical evacuation in the event of an emergency, replace lost luggage, and more.

But there are so many different types of travel insurance policies — and so many travel insurance providers — that finding the right policy isn't always easy. You have to choose a company you trust first and foremost, but you also need to find a policy that makes sense for your trip and your budget.

Sa El, CEO of Simply Insurance says it's important to make sure your travel insurance provider has a strong reputation, an easy claims process, and proof that they pay claims reliably.

"This might seem like the last thing you should look for," he said. "But there is nothing worse than attempting to file a claim and the insurance company is giving you the runaround."

What to look for in a policy

However, travel insurance policies aren't necessarily created equal. In addition to buying insurance from a reputable company, you need to pick a policy that includes the types of coverage you need for your specific trip. Here's what you need to know:

Make sure your policy includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Carol Mueller, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, says that the most common travel insurance claim in the U.S. is trip cancellation or "reimbursement for your trip investment if you must cancel for a covered reason." This type of coverage comes into play when you have a trip booked and paid for but can't go due to health problems, civil unrest in your destination, or any other reasons your policy agrees to cover.

"It's important for travelers to purchase a policy with trip cancellation and interruption coverage if they want their trip deposits covered," she said. Without this type of coverage, you could lose any deposits you've made on your trip or any other amounts you paid upfront.

While many hotels let you cancel up to 24 hours before your stay without a penalty, remember this isn't the case with airlines at all. Plus, there may be other components of your trip paid upfront including cruises, train travel, park tickets, group tours, and more. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance can reimburse you for all qualified reasons when you are unable to travel. (See also: 7 Times Travel Insurance Is Worth It)

Pay extra for medical expense and medical evacuation coverage

Also, if traveling outside the U.S., Mueller says you should make sure your plan also includes coverage and adequate limits of emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage. "A comprehensive plan like Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection's ExactCare Extra will include those coverages and more," she said.

With this specific policy, you get up to $50,000 in qualifying medical expenses reimbursed and up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage. That might sound like a lot, but imagine how much it might cost if you broke your legs while hiking in a foreign country and had to be evacuated by helicopter. Or, just think of how much it would cost to have a heart attack abroad and fly home overseas with around-the-clock medical care.

The bottom line: Paying extra for this type of coverage will be well worth it if you ever need it, and some policies include it already.

Some policies also offer fixed reimbursements

Mueller also notes that some policies have fixed benefits that pay out in a set amount any time a qualified event happens during your trip. With their ExactCare Extra plan, for example, you get a payout each time you miss a connection and get rerouted to your destination.

"While the airline is rebooking you on a later flight, ExactCare Extra automatically pays out $100 directly to you for simply enduring the glitch on your vacation," she said.

Benefits you may not need

While it's smart to pick a travel insurance policy that is as comprehensive as possible, Sa El said that you may not want to pay extra for optional benefits like Accidental Death Insurance or excessive amounts of coverage for your personal items.

"This is mainly because there are probably other policies such as your life insurance, renter's insurance, or home insurance plans that will cover you for those items," he said.

You may also want to explore any travel insurance benefits you receive from a travel credit card. Consumers with a travel card may already qualify for trip cancellation and interruption coverage, primary auto rental coverage, baggage delay insurance, trip delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, travel and emergency assistance, and travel accident insurance, among other perks.

Keep in mind though that rewards credit cards offering travel insurance tend to be extremely light on medical coverage — if they offer any at all. Because medical bills can get out of control in a hurry, that can be a problem. (See also: When Is Your Credit Card's Travel Insurance Good Enough?)

The bottom line

Before you take your next trip anywhere — especially far from home — make sure you have a travel insurance policy in place. You may believe you can't afford to pay extra for this coverage, but the reality is, you may not be able to afford not to.

Losing thousands of dollars in trip deposits or flights is bad enough, but racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills and emergency evacuation expenses could ruin your finances for years to come. With an affordable travel insurance policy in place, you can stop worrying about the "what ifs" and enjoy your trip.

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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:

The 7 Most Affordable Destinations for Bird Nerds

Lindsay VanSomeren — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 19:27:09 +0000

On the surface, bird-watching sounds like a cheap activity. All you really need is a pair of good binoculars, right? But if you're a true bird nerd, you know that you won't be satisfied with just that. You can spend endless amounts of cash on outdoor hiking gear, GPS devices, notebooks, and bird identification books. And that's before you take into account the cost of guided tours in far-off destinations — some of which run several thousand dollars.

With all of these options, it's no wonder bird-watching is a multi-billion-dollar industry. However, here's the good news: There are plenty of world-class spots right here in the continental U.S. where you do some serious bird-watching for just the cost of the gas it takes to drive there. Here are some of the best budget travel destinations for bird-watching. (See also: 6 Cheap Date Ideas for Nature Lovers)

1. Kearney, Nebraska

If you've ever wanted to see the world's largest concentration of sandhill cranes, then Kearney, Nebraska's your best bet. Each spring, the town's population swells with over 650,000 birds — which is 80 percent of the world's sandhill crane population. They converge on the Platte River as they migrate through on their way to their northern breeding grounds. The sound of the birds trumpeting through the air is electrifying.

Even better, the Audubon Society and Kearney's visitor bureau pair up to put on a crane-watching festival each spring, full of free activities you can participate in, such as guided trips and a family crane carnival. Three-star hotels in Kearney run around $100 a night.

2. Roscommon, Michigan

At first glance, Roscommon wouldn't be your go-to vacation spot. It's a small town more than an hour's drive from Traverse City, which gets all the glory as one of Michigan's vacation hotspots.

But every June, the town brings birders out for a celebration of a very special tiny bird: the Kirtland's Warbler. This bird, averaging just a half-ounce in weight, is an endangered species, and boy, does it have a story. The Kirtland's Warbler flies to northern Michigan from Jamaica every summer, and only breeds in a specific species of tree of a specific height and a specific age.

Because of these strict requirements, the species started heading towards extinction, dipping down to just 400 birds in 1971. During this time they were only breeding in one county in the entire world — just outside Roscommon. Happily, the population is climbing back up today, and with a little luck, you can see these amazing birds each June before they head back to warmer climates. (See also: 6 Outdoor Adventures That Don't Cost a Dime)

3. Everglades National Park, Florida

If you live in the snowy north, here's your best chance to see tropical birds like flamingos, egrets, and roseate spoonbills without shelling out for a plane ticket to somewhere more far-flung. All you need to do is make the one-hour drive from Miami.

It costs $25 for a seven-day pass into the park, but if you time it right, you might be able to hit one of their fee-free days (just expect a little more competition with other birders). Make sure to check out these birding hotspots within the park.

4. California's Central Coast

California is a veritable treasure trove of birds. In Monterey County alone, you can see nearly 500 different species of birds, but that's just the beginning.

If you drive an hour south to Big Sur, you may just spot a critically endangered California Condor — a prehistoric species of bird that is still being reintroduced into the area. These amazing birds can have wingspans nearly 10 feet across, and are the biggest land birds in North America.

5. Port Aransas, Texas

Texas might make you think of dry tumbleweeds and bleached cattle skulls, but coastal Texas is another story entirely. It's home to the state-designated Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, where you can view tropical birds like whistling ducks, ibises, and numerous varieties of shorebirds.

Even more interesting, Port Aransas is home to the only place in the world where you can see the last naturally-occurring flock of endangered whooping cranes up close in their natural environment. These birds are slowly crawling back from the brink of extinction after reaching a population low of just 21 birds in 1941. Even today, the species is still at high risk for extinction, with only 400 birds left from the last truly wild flock — all of which winter at Port Aransas. The Whooping Crane Festival, every February, celebrates migrant and resident birds with guided boat tours, guest speakers, and more. (See also: Turn Your Backyard Into a Wildlife Refuge for Under $40)

6. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is a bit out of the way, located on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. It's at least a two-hour drive from Seattle, and a three-hour drive from Portland. But once you're there, be prepared for an overwhelming amount of birds to find. This unique park encompasses three entirely different ecosystems — old-growth rainforests, alpine tundra, and ocean coasts — ensuring endless opportunities for spotting different types of birds.

If your eyes are sharp, you can spot birds like beautiful blue Steller's jays and woodpeckers among the forests. Head to the coast, and you'll see bald eagles and funky-looking rhinoceros auklets. If you climb up into the mountains, you might even spot a blue grouse. The only price required for this trip is a $25 fee for a seven-day car pass.

7. Acadia National Park, Maine

Who would pass up the opportunity to see real, honest-to-goodness puffins? At Acadia National Park, you can do exactly that. The colorful-billed birds are too far at sea to spot them from shore, though, so you'll need to take a boat tour during the summer months. Along the way you may see other ocean-loving birds like guillemots and ospreys. If you head inland, you can spot other interesting birds like snowy owls, Bohemian waxwings, and warblers galore.

If you arrive between late May and early June, be sure to check out the Acadia Birding Festival, which offers tons of interesting talks, and even bird-watching trips guided by local expert birders.

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

How to Buy a Campervan and Travel Across the U.S.

Nick Wharton — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:00:12 +0000

The mania around vanlife is absolutely everywhere, gracing the covers of glossy lifestyle magazines and filling up our social media feeds. But while it's definitely enjoying a moment, it's also a trend that's not going anywhere anytime soon.

The attraction of taking to the open roads with minimal personal belongings is easy to understand, but not everyone knows how to achieve it. If you've got a dose of wanderlust and have your heart set on trying out the van lifestyle, here's how to buy a campervan and travel across the country.

How to decide if vanlife is for you

The first thing to do when thinking about buying a campervan is to decide whether you're truly cut out for the journey. Many of the Instagram pages and blogs dedicated to this kind of lifestyle make it look both effortless and romantic. In truth, it's not a way of life that will suit everyone. There are a lot of aspects of living in a van that you may not enjoy.

The most obvious one is existing in an extremely confined space. And if you're traveling with a friend or a partner, it becomes even more difficult. Keep in mind that it's also unrealistic to believe you're going to be able to keep the van clean at all times. So if you're averse to a bit of grime, you might need to rethink it.

Conversely, even though they may feel small on the inside, most campervans are significantly bigger than a car, so if you've never driven one, make sure go on a few test drives before deciding. (See also: The Easiest Ways to Save on Your Next RV Camping Trip)

Choose between a DIY or ready-made van

There are plenty of options when deciding what type of vehicle to buy, and what you settle on is an entirely personal decision. First of all, you need to decide whether you want to build your own van interior or if you're going to go for a ready-made one.

DIY

Building your own is part of the appeal for many people and it certainly has its benefits. It's usually cheaper to buy an old camper and convert it yourself, rather than purchase one that someone's already renovated. It also means that you can customize it to your specific needs.

Ready-made

Buying a ready-made camper van also has its merits, and even though it may cost more, you'll be able to hit the road right away. If you have don't have the manual skills to renovate or convert a van, then this may be your only option.

Do some research to determine what models and makes you're a fan of, then start checking sites like Craigslist and specific campervan sales sites to get an idea of how much they cost. Once you've gotten to know the market, you can make an informed decision. As soon as you see a van that tickles your fancy and checks all of your boxes, don't be afraid to make an offer.

Whatever you opt for, it's always a good idea to get a mechanic to evaluate it before you purchase, as you want your vehicle to be as reliable as possible.

Pick a route

One of the real joys of traveling in a campervan is the unparalleled freedom. However, it definitely pays to have a rough plan of where you're journey is going to take you. This way, you can avoid some of the stress over where to camp for the night, or where you can pick up groceries.

That said, you should still allow yourself the flexibility to enjoy the freedom, whether that be spending an extra night in a beautiful camping spot you've stumbled upon, or checking out a town you're never heard of on a whim. You don't need to have every minute of each day planned, just an outline of some places you want to visit and how to get between them. And don't forget to factor weather into your decision-making.

Figure out where to sleep for cheap (or free)

Paying for campsites every night can quickly add up, with some even charging prices up to around $50. So to avoid bankrupting yourself on parking spots alone, you need to work out how to camp in your van on the cheap, or even better, for free.

With a bit of research and forward planning, you can find stellar options for very little money. To start, most Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest land is free to camp on, and there are numerous free campsites all over the country. A great resource is the Free Campsites website, which lists free campsites across the U.S. (See also: How to Find Free Campsites in the U.S.)

Pack smart

Packing smart is essential to a great van experience. Without some prior planning and an idea of where everything is going to go, you'll end up with too much or too little. Not only that, but your van will be a disorganized mess, which is the last thing you want when you're living in such a tiny space.

It's also important to find a place for absolutely everything you're taking. A well-designed campervan should have lots of little storage spots that help maximize the space. While the idea isn't to fill all of these spaces simply because they're there, you should definitely ensure that everything can be put away neatly when you need to. (See also: 5 Things You Should Never Pack for Vacation)

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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:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Trip Around the World

Nick Wharton — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 08:00:12 +0000

Are your social media feeds constantly making you want to jump on the next plane to an exotic destination? Do you catch yourself daydreaming about exciting adventures in faraway lands? If you're suffering from wanderlust, then a world trip might just be the cure.

Planning a trip around the world is a daunting task, even if you're a frequent traveler and have incredible organization skills. It often takes months of research to get to the stage where you're ready to board that plane and take to the skies. So to help you get ready to for the adventure of a lifetime, here's a step-by-step guide to planning your world trip.

Step 1: Pick which countries you want to visit

Choosing where you want to go is the first step of the planning process, as it provides you with focus and inspiration to follow through on your dream trip. But more importantly, knowing the countries you want to visit will determine everything else. It will help you decide how long you're going to spend in each place, the route you take, and how much to budget.

If you're even considering a trip around the world, then you've probably got a long list of destinations you're desperate to explore. There's no right or wrong way to do this, it's just a case of writing down all of the places you want to visit so you can start to plan around them. (See also: 5 International Destinations Anyone Can Afford)

Step 2: Start planning a route

Now that you have a list of potential destinations, it's time to start connecting them into a viable route. Unfortunately, at this stage you're probably going to drop a few spots from your list, as it just won't be feasible to include them all.

Remember that the fewer places you visit, the less money you'll need to dedicate to transportation getting to each location, meaning your budget may stretch further. It'll also mean you'll get to spend more time in each place.

The best way to plan your route is to pull out a large map and place pins in all of the destinations on your list. You should start to see clusters of destinations that are close to each other and how you might be able to move from one to the next.

When mapping out your route, it's important to take the weather of each place into account. Check the seasons beforehand as this may alter the direction you travel in and when you go. You should also consider whether there are any specific festivals or events that you're hoping to attend. (See also: Savor Your Trip and Save Big With These 5 Slow Travel Tips)

Step 3: Create your budget

Once you have a rough idea of the route you'll take, you can start figuring out how big your budget needs to be. Check travel blogs and guidebooks to give you an idea of the costs for each destination you want to visit. You should also look at accommodation sites to see the price of a room during your chosen travel dates.

You can then break it down into a daily budget for each location, multiply it by the number of days you expect to spend in each place, and add them together to get your total. It's important to create separate budgets for each country rather than just a blanket daily allowance, as costs can vary wildly from place-to-place. Remember to include transportation, accommodations, food and drinks, as well as things like Visas and border fees.

How large your budget is will depend a lot on your personal style of travel. Whether you stay in luxurious hotels or budget hostels, and whether you plan to fly everywhere or are happy to travel by train or bus will have a significant impact on how much you'll need. Be realistic about the level of comfort you require while traveling and understand that you'll generally have to pay more for better amenities. (See also: How to Build Your Best Travel Budget)

Step 4: Organize your banking

The majority of your money should be kept in a bank account that doesn't have access via a card, but can be accessed online, so you may need to open another account. From there, you can then transfer smaller amounts into an account with card access. So if your card is stolen, the thieves will only have access to a small amount. Because of the potential difficulties of getting new cards on the road, it's also a good idea to have more than one account that you keep virtually empty, but can transfer money into if need be. (See also: How to Avoid Theft While Traveling)

Step 5: Check your passport

Visas can be both an added expense and complication, but unfortunately as a U.S. traveler, you're going to need them for several countries you visit. Make sure you do your research and apply ahead of time for the ones that require you to do so. Some countries are notoriously difficult to secure visas for and it may only be possible to do so from your home state, so check this prior to buying a ticket.

Your passport needs to be up-to-date with at least six months to cover the end of your trip, as many countries won't let you in with any less time left than that. You also need to have enough pages left for all of the stamps and visas you're going to acquire, and most countries require a minimum of three full pages. It's worth doing a quick calculation to ensure your passport will last you to the end of your journey and not see you turned away at any borders. (See also: How to Provide Proof of Onward Travel During an Open-Ended Trip Abroad)

Step 6: Start booking

Booking flights, accommodations, and even visits to major attractions ahead of time might not sound appealing, but in some instances it may be essential. For example, if you're planning on walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, there are a limited number of visitors allowed to do so each year. Because of this, you need to book around six months or more ahead to secure everything. Events and festivals will mean that accommodations get booked up quickly as well, so you should have this in place long in advance.

Booking in advance can be an excellent way to help manage your savings and budgeting as well, as things will already be paid for prior to setting off. However, spontaneity is one of the real joys of traveling the world, so having a rigid schedule will detract from that. Allow yourself some flexibility to stay longer or change your plans if you want. (See also: 10 Flight Booking Hacks to Save You Hundreds)

Step 7: Get your home affairs in order

If you own a house, are you going to rent it out while you're away? Do you have any recurring bills that you need to automate or cancel? Are you planning to sell off belongings before your trip to raise extra funds? (See also: How to Sell All Your Stuff and Travel the World)

There are plenty of things you'll need to get in order at home before you leave, and the earlier you start the less stressful it will be. Make a list of everything you'll need to do and spread the tasks out leading up to your trip.

Step 8: Get vaccinated

Staying healthy on the road should be your main priority, as lots of countries are affected by diseases and illnesses that we just don't get here in the U.S. Find out what vaccinations you need as soon as you have your route figured out, so you can get them done in plenty of time. There are even some countries that won't let you in without proof that you've had certain vaccinations, most commonly for yellow fever.

If you take any medications, you should also put a plan in place to ensure you have enough to last the duration of your trip. You should also research whether you're going to be able to purchase that medicine in each location you're in, whether you need a prescription, and how easy it is to obtain. (See also: 7 Ways to Avoid Getting Seriously Sick on Vacation)

Step 9: Buy travel insurance

Lots of people take a chance by heading abroad without travel insurance, but when you're going on a longer trip, it's just not worth the risk. Get a solid plan that will cover you for health costs, travel cancellations, lost luggage, and anything else you need covered. As with any insurance, make sure you double check the fine print to ensure it's suitable and worth the cost.

Step 10: Pack wisely

Packing for a world trip can be a huge task, as knowing exactly what to take and what not to can be extremely confusing. Start by looking at the places that you're visiting, the climates you're going to be experiencing, and the activities you're going to be doing. These three things will help to determine what should go into your luggage. Remember, you're able to get anything virtually anywhere in the world, so rather than overpack, it's better to underpack and pick up things as you go. (See also: 8 Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-On)

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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:

7 Fun Cities for a 24-Hour Layover

Jason Steele — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:00:11 +0000

Whoever said "getting there is half the fun" certainly wasn't flying in economy class. However, that's not to say you can't have a good time on the way to your next destination. On most international itineraries, you can stop in a city for up to 24 hours without it counting as a destination. That means that you typically don't have to pay more, in dollars or miles, to stay somewhere overnight. (See also: How to Add an Extra Destination to Your Next Trip for Free)

But where should you stay? The ideal layover city has several key qualities. First, it has to be an interesting city that's worth visiting. Also, you'll want to have popular attractions located relatively close to the airport. Furthermore, it always helps when the airport is accessible with public transportation. Here are seven fun cities to spend up to 24 hours in during a layover. (See also: 10 Flight Booking Hacks to Save You Hundreds)

1. Seattle, Washington

This northwestern city is now a hub for Delta as it and several other carriers offer numerous daily flights to Asia. From the Seattle-Tacoma airport, or "Sea-Tac" as the locals call it, you can take the Link light rail service to downtown in about 45 minutes. Once there, you can tour the famous Pike Place market, visit the Aquarium, or go on a whale watching cruise. Other downtown attractions include the Museum of Pop Culture, and of course, the iconic Space Needle.

2. Denver, Colorado

You might not consider this to be a major international hub, but the Mile High City now offers 26 international flights to destinations such as Tokyo, London, Munich, Paris, Zurich, and Iceland. And if you're lucky enough to have a layover here, you can to take the commuter rail straight from the airport to downtown's Union Station in just 40 minutes. There, you will arrive within a few blocks of the Elitch Gardens amusement park, Coors Field, and the REI flagship store. Hop on RTD's free 16th Street shuttle bus, and you can visit the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Museum of Art, and the lower downtown dining and entertainment district. (See also: 7 Affordable Cities for a Craft Beer Road Trip)

3. Miami, Florida

Miami is an American Airlines hub and a major gateway for several airlines that offer service to Latin America and the Caribbean. It also offers convenient Metrorail service from the airport to downtown. Once downtown, you can visit Miami Beach, tour the Art Deco Historic District, or visit the spectacular Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Other attractions include the Miami Seaquarium and the Jungle Island wildlife park.

4. Atlanta, Georgia

With over 103 million passengers in 2017, Hartsfield-Jackson International is actually the busiest airport in the world, and a major international gateway. Better yet, the local MARTA train system offers convenient service to downtown in just about 20 minutes. Attractions there include the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Other notable sites include the CNN Center, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.

5. London, England

This major international hub is a common stopover destination. From London's Heathrow airport, you can take the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station in just 30 minutes. Or, you can take the standard tube to nearly any part of the city. The famous sites are too many to list, but they include Big Ben, Parliament, the Tower of London, and dozens of museums. (See also: 6 Ways to Travel On a Budget While in Expensive Countries)

6. Singapore

Changi Airport is a famous destination in and of itself. Walking though its terminals, you feel like you could be in a mall. But if you need to see the city, feel free to take one of the free tours offered by the airport. If you have more time, visit the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, the S.E.A Aquarium or go shopping along Orchard Road. (See also: Fly Out of These Airports and Save Big on Airfare)

7. Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt might not be Europe's most exciting destination, but it can make for a quick, fun stopover. The airport itself has several hotels near the terminals and offers airport tours. You can also take the train into downtown, where you can find a historic old city center and take a scenic walk along Rhine River. (See also: 5 European Cities You Can Visit for $50 a Day)

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

6 Amazing Volunteer Programs Around the World

Nick Wharton — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 08:00:11 +0000

Volunteering can be challenging, eye opening, and even life altering, but ultimately it's rewarding in so many ways for those who undertake it. And volunteering abroad is a fantastic way to not only enrich your travels, but also to help others in the process. There are great volunteer programs in virtually every country, so you're sure to find something that suits your skills, experiences, and interests.

Whether you're an animal lover, a healthcare professional, a teacher, a conservationist, or just an enthusiastic traveler with a desire to lend a hand, there's a volunteering position that's right for you. And while most of these programs do have costs attached to enrolling, there are usually scholarships available to lessen the costs, and many often include food and housing. Here are six amazing places you can give back while traveling. (See also: Make the World Better With These 17 Free Ways to Give Back)

1. Help marine conservation efforts in Mexico

With nearly 5,800 miles of coastline that includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, Mexico has a huge amount of ocean surrounding it. Those waters are home to part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world, the Great Mayan Reef, as well as numerous endangered species of sea creatures.

As a result, there are lots of opportunities within Mexico to help out with marine conservation efforts. Global Vision International (GVI) offers a highly rated program in the Yucatan region that requires volunteers to earn their scuba diving qualifications before joining the team to help secure the future of the local coral reefs. Other projects focus on turtle and crocodile conservation, like this one by Projects Abroad based on the Pacific Coast.

2. Work at Thailand's elephant sanctuaries

Elephants hold a special place in Thai culture and you'll find them represented everywhere from patterned prints on clothing to works of art. Despite this, it's now widely known that many of the captive elephants in Thailand are poorly treated from birth, and activities like elephant riding are cruel and unethical.

Thankfully, there are several sanctuaries and parks where previously captive and working animals come for rehabilitation. The Wildlife Friends Foundation runs volunteer programs helping abused elephants at the Elephant Refuge and Education Center near Bangkok, which provides a chain-free environment for the elephants to roam. And this GVI program in Chiang Mai aims to assist with the rehabilitation of elephants previously used in the tourism industry.

3. Provide health tips to children in South Africa

Though it has one of the most developed economies on the continent, South Africa also suffers from extremely high rates of poverty, and the availability of basic health care is limited in some regions. Among the various health concerns, a particularly prominent problem is the shockingly high occurrence of HIV/AIDS, with UNAids stating that South Africa has the "largest HIV epidemic in the world."

Facilities provide help for the many people unable to afford private health care as well as offering information on general health topics. This GVI program involves running workshops in local communities in and around Cape Town, mainly aimed at children, and teaching them healthy habits. If you're a health care professional or student, there are lots of programs that will require your skill set, like this one run by New Hope Volunteers, placing you in hospitals and clinics. (See also: 9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering)

4. Teach English in Cambodia

Cambodia is still recovering from the brutal regime of the Khmer Rouge, which slaughtered millions in its state-sponsored genocide, carried out between 1975 and 1979. One of the ways they're rebuilding is through the development of its burgeoning tourism industry, and an easy way to help is by teaching English to its residents.

Kids who have English as a second language under their belts will have much greater employment prospects in the future. This Go Overseas' program gives you the opportunity to undertake teachers' training while making a difference in the lives of the children you teach. Volunteer in Cambodia is another organization offering local placements in villages throughout Cambodia for periods of three months at a time. (See also: How to Make Good Money Teaching English in China)

5. Protect plants and animals in Costa Rica

The country of Costa Rica packs a biologically diverse punch for its relatively small size. It accounts for an estimated 4 percent of the planet's species. That means it's green, lush, and has countless species of plants and animals that live and thrive within its borders. Amazingly, hundreds of these species are actually endemic to Costa Rica and not found anywhere else.

And there are huge efforts being made to protect the wildlife that exists there. GVI has numerous projects in place including jaguar conservation, biodiversity conservation, and many more. Go Abroad offers a more agriculture-focused program in which volunteers help local farming communities with their daily farming activities, but also with reforestation efforts.

6. Support women's rights in India

India is a country that's developing rapidly, and according to Nasdaq, it has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. For some, its emergence as a global financial powerhouse means it's a land of endless opportunities. But for others, particularly those who live in more rural areas, the pace of change remains painfully slow.

It's a particularly tough environment for India's women, with widespread discrimination, inequality, and physical violence still commonplace. Numerous programs like this one from Kaya have been set up to help address this and support women to bring about the necessary changes through teaching English and providing education on women's rights. GVI also provides a program focused on promoting gender equality through working with disadvantaged women to help them overcome the social issues they face.

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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:

How I've Scored Free Travel for 5 Years Straight

Jason Steele — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 08:00:10 +0000

It's been at least five years since I've paid for airfare or hotels out of pocket, as I always use reward points and miles instead. And far from being a homebody, I travel extensively in connection with my freelance work, and for vacations with my family. But free travel isn't some elusive and impossible-to-accomplish goal, because with the right strategy, anyone can do it. Here's how I did it.

There are 3 kinds of frugal travelers

The way I see it, there are three kinds of bargain hunting globe-trotters. First, there are those who rarely or never think about points and miles, and look for the best possible deals on paid reservations. While these travelers are missing out on the world of points and miles, it's certainly a simpler way to go.

Next, there are those who make some attempt to earn points and miles, but not enough to cover all of their travel expenses. These travelers will typically try to use their rewards to save the most money possible on some trips, and pay for the rest.

Finally, there are the rare travelers, like myself, who have enough points and miles to cover all of their travel needs. When you reach this point, you're willing to use your points and miles to cover as many travel experiences as possible, and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses to almost $0. (See also: How 2 People Can See Paris for $500 or Less)

How I got here

It was about 10 years ago when I discovered the value of frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards, and I was determined to learn as much as possible. I didn't always earn travel rewards with my credit cards, and sometimes I didn't even use my frequent flyer number on paid airline tickets, or sign up for hotel rewards. It still makes me cringe to think about it.

I read blog posts, participated in online forums, and attended meetups with fellow award travel enthusiasts. My goal was to earn as many points and miles as possible, and pay as little as I could for travel. It also helped that I write about credit cards and travel rewards for a living, so I'm always staying in the know.

About five years into this journey, I became the third kind of traveler — where I was able to pay for all of my flights and hotels with my points and miles, and often my rental cars. At this point, I was no longer concerned with finding "good deals" in cash, as I always had a way to use points or miles instead.

On a recent family trip to Europe, our expenses included mostly just food and tourist attractions, as the airfare and hotel were almost entirely covered by points and miles awards. I used my credit card points to pay for the rental car, knowing that my personal auto insurance wouldn't be effective outside the United States. There were some airline taxes and fees, but these amounted to about $53 per person. (See also: How a Family of 4 Can See Italy for $1,000 or Less)

How I earn points and miles

There are three primary ways I earn travel rewards: through credit card spending, sign-up bonuses when I sign up for new credit cards, and other reward-earning activities.

Credit card spending

My wife and I highly optimize our spending, using the right card for each purchase. This could mean having one card for groceries, another for gas, and a third for everything else. Sometimes, we have more cards than that! We also charge everything we can to our credit cards. So long as we don't have to pay any extra credit card processing fees (which are illegal in many states), and we avoid interest by paying our balances in full, there's little cost to this strategy.

We do pay annual fees on many of our premium reward cards, but we certainly feel that's a small cost for all the free travel we earn from these cards. (See also: This Is When It Pays to Stay Loyal to a Rewards Credit Card)

Sign-up bonuses

I also earn sign sign-up bonuses when I apply for new credit cards. I used to do this frequently, but now I just sign up for the cards with the best bonuses, perhaps just two or three a year each for my wife and I. But when there are cards that offer you 75,000 or 100,000 points or miles as a sign-up bonus, it's hard to say no.

Other reward-earning activities

Finally, there's a variety of other reward-earning activities and promotions that I come across. Basically, I'm always on the hunt for additional miles. Sometimes a credit card issuer will offer a bonus for spending a certain amount within the next few months. Other times, I'll ask for bonuses for renewing a credit card.

There are also online shopping portals that offer you additional points when you use them. And when friends or family members ask me to help them book travel, I'll use my credit card and have them write me a check. I've even earned hotel points for sitting through a timeshare presentation, and been given frequent flyer miles as compensation for poor airline service. I don't earn that many points or miles from any one of these activities or promotions, but together they add up.

You can do it, too

I take about 15 domestic trips a year, and maybe one big international vacation, and it's amazing that I can travel so often without paying for it. By learning all you can about this strategy, there's no reason why you can't slash, or even eliminate your own travel costs altogether. (See also: How to Use Miles and Points for a Big Award Trip)

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

How to Do a Reconnaissance Trip Before Retiring Overseas

Nick Wharton — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:00:11 +0000

Making the decision to retire abroad is a huge step for anyone, even if you're a seasoned world traveler. Perhaps you've spent significant periods of your life overseas exploring various locations, but making the move to another country is entirely different. It can be a daunting prospect, but you should do thorough research rather than making this kind of decision on a whim.

There are several steps you'll need to take to get ready for your big move, but one of the most important steps is to schedule at least one reconnaissance trip to your chosen country. This will enable you to make a fully informed decision as to whether or not that location is right for you. Here's what you need to do, and the info you should gather while you're in your desired retirement location. (See also: 5 Countries Where You Can Retire for $1,000 a Month)

Meet as many people as you can

The best place to start on your reconnaissance mission is to get the lowdown from people in the know. People who live and work in your potential destination can provide you with personal accounts of the important aspects of everyday life.

Expats

Some of the most insightful people to arrange to meet prior to arriving will be expats. Ideally they'll be from the same country as you, and also retired. This way, they'll know exactly what you need to do before you leave, and once you arrive. You'll also learn the pros and cons of that particular area, which will help you make your decision.

An easy way to find expats is to search on Facebook or other community sites for expat and retirement groups in that location. You can request to join these groups, and tell the members that you want to meet up while you're there. Expats tend to be a friendly bunch who are eager to meet new arrivals and help them out. It may also help if you offer to buy them a coffee or a cocktail in exchange for racking their brains. (See also: How to Get the Most Out of Your Overseas Retirement)

Locals

While it may be more difficult to set up these meetings in advance, it should be very easy to meet locals when you arrive. This will mean taking the lead and striking up conversations with people wherever you go. Locals might even provide you with alternative views to the expats you meet and mention aspects of living abroad you haven't yet considered.

If you don't speak the local language, you'll be relying on meeting locals who speak English. Visit places that are likely to attract tourists, as most locals who work within this area will speak English. Bars, restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers are all good options.

Ask the right questions

Meeting the right people is only half of it, because you're also going to have to ask the right questions. What you ask will be personal to you and the destination you're scoping out, but here a few questions to get started:

"What is the quality of the healthcare system like, and how does it work?"
"What's the one thing you like least about living here?"
"What do you wish you knew before making the move yourself?"
"Is it necessary to speak the language, or can you get by with some basics?"
"What do you miss most about home?"

Spend some time writing down a list of details that you want to find out before you leave, so you don't forget while you're there. (See also: 13 Financial Steps to Take Before Retiring Abroad)

Check out the property market

One of the most important things to get right when you move overseas is to find the right place to call home, so meeting with a few realtors should be a top priority. Keep in mind there's only so much research you can do online, and it could turn out to be a costly mistake if you purchase or rent a place without seeing it in person beforehand.

Narrow your search down to a few neighborhoods you're considering. Google Street View is a useful tool to help you get a visual idea of what the areas are like. It's essential to remain open-minded when you're looking for property overseas, because depending on where you are, it might be very different than what you're used to at home.

Once you arrive, arrange some viewings for properties that meet your criteria so you can see exactly what you'll get for your money. Ask the realtors to explain the process for renting or buying, and write down everything you'll need to do to complete a transaction. (See also: 9 Things to Know Before Retiring Abroad)

Treat it as research, not a vacation

Though there's no set time frame for a reconnaissance visit, you should really stay as long as you can. Between one to three months would be a solid test run for living there, but clearly not everyone will be in a position to do that. Just know that a one-week trip probably isn't going to be enough time to see everything you need to see, and the less it feels like a vacation, the more you'll understand what living there is truly like.

Use Airbnb to find a local home for your recon trip, similar to what you might expect when you move there. Staying in a hotel is fine, but it won't feel like you're living there, and probably won't give you the option to cook your own meals. A short-term rental, on the other hand, will most likely have a kitchen, and that way you'll get a better idea of the cost of groceries. (See also: The 14 Best Ways to Cut Food Costs While Traveling)

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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:

How a Family of 4 Can Visit Hawaii for $1,000 or Less

Holly Johnson — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 08:00:11 +0000

Hawaii is a bucket list destination for many families, and for good reason. The islands that make up Hawaii boast spectacular mountain landscapes, unbeatable beaches, tropical and lush greenery, and a culture all their own. Hawaii is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with world class surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and golf readily available throughout the islands. And despite the devastation wreaked by Mt. Kilauea on the Big Island recently, you can still climb to the top of Mt. Haleakala in Maui, which is far from the danger of Kilauea. In fact, there are even many safe areas of the Big Island that also offer some great deals. (See also: Yes, It's Still Safe to Visit Hawaii During the Volcanic Eruption)

Even though Hawaii is a destination that boasts many repeat visitors, there are a few factors that tend to keep some families away — costs and travel time. While there's nothing you can do about the fact that you'll need to fly to the West Coast, and then take another five to six hour flight to Hawaii, you can take some steps to reduce or eliminate at least some of the costs associated with your trip. Here's how a family of four can get to Hawaii for $1,000 or less.

Flying to Hawaii with airline miles

Before you get into the nitty-gritty details of your trip, you need to spend some time figuring out which Hawaiian island(s) you want to visit. Your costs — in both cash and miles — can drop dramatically if you decide to visit only one island during your stay. However, you can also fly into one island, take a short flight to another island halfway through your trip, then fly home from your final island destination. How you choose to plan your itinerary is up to you. (See also: Cut These 9 Expenses in One Year to Get a 10-Day Hawaii Vacation)

There are numerous ways to get to Hawaii with airline miles, but here are a few of the most popular options:

Korean Air: 25,000 to 30,000 miles round-trip in economy, depending on the partner you fly with — Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, or Alaska Airlines.
Air France/Flying Blue: 30,000 miles round-trip in economy
American AAdvantage: 40,000 miles round-trip in economy

There are other airlines that let you fly to Hawaii with rewards, including Singapore Airlines and British Airways. Southwest Airlines has also announced its intention to offer flights from some California cities to Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului, (Maui), Kona (Big Island), and Lihue (Kauai) in the near future. They're planning on offering inter-island service, too, so keep an eye out for those program details.

Considering the options available today, any family would be smart to focus on earning rewards with a flexible travel credit card. Some cards allow you to use points to book travel through any website and get a statement credit to pay for it, while others offer big discounts and rewards for booking through their travel portal. Many of these cards also offer point transfers to their airline and hotel partners so you can pool your loyalty points together. (See also: This Might Be the Best Travel Rewards Program — No Matter What Airline You Fly)

If a family could rack up 100,000 rewards points in sign-up bonuses and some additional points through regular spend, they could book four round-trip flights to Hawaii with one of these airlines. The best part about flying to Hawaii with miles is that, because it's a domestic destination, you won't see the big fuel surcharges often levied on international. Instead, you'll pay the government-mandated taxes and fees levied on domestic flights, which works out to $5.60 per person, per leg.

Paying for lodging in Hawaii

If you rack up enough airline miles and pay the taxes and fees for each leg, a family of four visiting a single island could wind up spending less than $50 on flights.

But what about hotels?

The good news about lodging in Hawaii is that while it's an expensive destination to visit, there are plenty of hotels and resorts you can book with hotel points.

The Hilton Honors program is an especially good option for Hawaii since there are so many properties to choose from. Not all of them are overly expensive in points, either. Some of the most popular and affordable hotels to book in Hawaii are:

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Alana, Waikiki Beach with as few as 47,000 points per night.
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach with as few as 50,000 points per night.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort with as few as 60,000 points per night.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay with as few as 45,000 points per night.
Hilton Waikoloa Village with as few as 60,000 points per night.
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort with as few as 95,000 points per night.

If a family was able to rack up 200,000+ Hilton Honors points by signing up for co-branded Hilton credit cards, they could potentially book five nights for free at some of these properties. That's because Hilton Silver, Gold, and Diamond members can score a free fifth night when they book four consecutive nights with rewards points.

In addition to the Hilton Honors programs, some of the other big hotel brands boast hotels you can book in Hawaii with points. Here are some of the most notable options:

World of Hyatt:

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach: 12,000 points per night
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa: 25,000 points per night

IHG Rewards:

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki: 35,000 points per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kailua-Kona: 40,000 points per night

Marriott Rewards:

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: 45,000 points per night
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa: 40,000 points per night

Also keep in mind that you don't have to use rewards to book a stay at a fancy resort. There are notable downsides for doing so, including the fact that resorts tend to charge sky-high prices on everything from souvenirs to food and drink. As a guest of a resort or name-brand hotel, you may be forced to spend more on basics since you're a captive audience.

If you're worried about overspending on food and extras at a resort, you should consider booking a rental condo for all or part of your trip. With this strategy, you could potentially have a little more space — and even a separate bedroom for the kids. You could also book a condo with a kitchen, then plan out some meals to make at home to save even more. At the very least, it's fairly easy to buy ingredients for morning coffee and breakfast so you can avoid one meal out each day.

To get your condo covered with rewards, you'll want to sign up for a flexible travel credit card or cash-back credit card. Both of these options will let you use points to book a condo or hotel with a kitchenette using rewards, letting you save even more. (See also: Best Credit Cards with Easy Travel Redemption)

If you could pay less than $50 for your flights, cover lodging with hotel points and flexible travel credit, and keep your food and adventure spending in check, you could easily take part in a Hawaiian vacation for $1,000 — or even less depending on how much you spend on food and fun. If you're aching to visit Hawaii's famous beaches, hike up a volcano, or enjoy a luau with the family, the best time to start planning is now.

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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: