Travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape you
When most people learn about my passion for travel and the frequency in which I travel, the question I often get is, “How do you afford to travel so much?” Followed by, “What do you do for a living that allows the jet setting lifestyle?” Some people are genuinely curious and want to know so that they too can learn how – my favorite kind:) Some ask the questions with a raised brow suggesting a myriad of ways. My least favorite kind are the ones blatant enough to spell out their misguided assumptions e.g.
a: Mysterious rich man pays for the trips *rolls eyes* If this was the case, my frugal travel ways would be tossed out the window and I would be having the most kick-ass getaways! Heck, I would never be home!
b: I’m a drug mule! I’m not kidding! A co-worker asked me this with a straight face! Have you seen an episode of Locked Up Abroad? Why would I want to put myself through that? There is still so much of the world to see and I need to be FREE to explore it.
I don’t have tons of money at my disposal. I’m very transparent when it comes to sharing how I am able to travel for cheap to anyone who asks. Sharing is caring and I do care about you my reader:)
This year, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the following destinations – not including domestic travel: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, cruise to Bahamas, Rome, Mykonos, Barcelona and Istanbul. I also have an upcoming trip to Bali with a stop in Tokyo.
Dubai – March 2016 aboard a yacht by Luxury Sea Boats Charter
In the interest of full disclosure, I do have a full time job in the Hospitality industry and have been at the same job for close to 10 years! I have earned myself somewhat decent vacation time compared to the average person in corporate America. But that alone doesn’t cut it. Here’s how I have been able to travel to multiple destinations over time for way less that you would imagine:
1. PRIORITIES
We all have priorities. Ways in which we appropriate our funds. Over the past few years, my preferences on how I spend my hard earned savings have changed a great deal! I’d rather buy experiences *read: trips/excursions* rather than things. Experiences last a lifetime, things, not so much. I am also pretty frugal and hardly care for designer labels. I used to want the latest, greatest trend/thing/gadget etc only to have buyers remorse few days/months after acquiring said items as they did not bring the fulfillment I was seeking. Most of these things would end up just sitting in the closet anyway. I am yet to regret purchasing a trip over an item. Travel is truly the only thing you buy that makes you richer! This past summer I was able to purchase a return ticket to Barcelona for $424 onSwiss Air. A steal! The trip was pretty spectacular and the cost to get there even better!
At the W – Barcelona
2. BARGAIN HUNTING
Gone are the days when travel was exclusive to the wealthy. It is now more accessible than ever! Technology has also made it so easy to hunt for flight/accommodation deals. There are plenty of apps and websites available for this. I never pay full price for anything if I can help it. My travels are no exception. I have signed up for travel alerts with various websites where I learn fast hand, if there are glitch fares, insanely low prices on flights or a price drop on an itinerary I have been eying. The key is to remain flexible.
To put it to perspective, earlier this summer, I received an alert for a return flight to Sydney, Australia from Atlanta at $500 inclusive of taxes and fees. This is unheard of! Tickets for this itinerary run from $1700-$2300 depending on the season. I actually paid about $1800 for my flight to Sydney two years ago during low season. The $500 price tag was no glitch fare either! United Airlines was running a short-term promo for a new route on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from USA to Australia. Needless to say, it was sold out in no time! I did refer a few people who booked it. They have since returned from down under with lifetime memories! I find that it costs me way less to travel to an international destination than it does to fly domestic – thanks to these real time alerts and a flexible schedule.
Being in the hospitality industry has also helped me in terms of great savings. One of the benefits being; deeply discounted rates on accommodation. The amazing thing is that I’m able to extend the discount to my friends and family. AirBnB has also been a great resource in finding amazing places for very reasonable pricing! I’m a HUGE fan of AirBnb! I have used them multiple times this year.
At the Colosseum in Rome, Italy in August
3. LOW SEASON; LOW COST
I pay close attention to travel trends and as most people would know, travel in the Summer time is very popular. Kids are usually out of school and family vacations are the norm. High season usually means high demand hence high prices. The best flight deals are for travel during Spring and Fall. Another advantage of travel during these times is less crowds at the airports and attractions while the weather is still favorable. A win win!
No crowds to beat… only 5 passengers in the entire bus!
No crowds to beat in Istanbul… There were 5 tourists on the entire bus!
4. FLEXIBILITY
Most of my trips are booked on a whim – based on the deal of the day that I receive. I buy then plan! Some deals are usually too good to pass up. On Christmas Day of 2014, Etihad Airlines posted a glitch fare of $185 for a return flight to Abu Dhabi from New York with a 14 hour layover in Paris! It took them almost 12hrs to fix the error! They did honor the rates for the many that reserved it! I lost out on this deal because I was waiting on friends to confirm their plans – something I will never do again! See my solo travel post on why I have since stopped consulting others on travel plans. The key is just to book the ticket, confirm your plans later! You have 24hrs risk free cancellation. Glitch fares or insanely low fares are usually only available for a very short time.
I live in Atlanta and have noticed over time that most of these incredibly priced itineraries do not originate from ATL as we have fewer international airlines departing from the city. I constantly receive deal alerts from New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Dallas. That does not stop me. I usually cash in on my credit card points/miles to fly to those cities and take advantage of the deals. Changing your departure city allows you to enjoy some great deals! My friends and I flew from Chicago to Mykonos for $430 – return flight on Alitalia. This itinerary also had a long over in Rome that allowed us to explore the city and spend a wonderful night there.
Sydney, Australia
5. POINTS FOR MILES/ACCOMMODATION
I saved my best method for last! I have cashed in points for plenty of travel and free hotel stays. This is how it works for me, I use 2-3 credit cards for all my purchases. This includes everyday purchases that range from groceries, gas, utilities and even rent! My credit cards offer between 2-5 points per dollar spent on all purchases. Basically, I get rewarded to spend money I would have had to spend anyway. Using cash/debit card would get me nothing! Since these are credit cards, discipline is required. I pay off my credit cards within the month of purchase and no interest is accrued. The points do add up quickly. I convert most of my points to airline miles mostly for domestic travel.
Another great way I have earned a lot more points is by signing up for a credit card/s with great travel benefits. Most of these cards have a great sign-in bonus once approved. I have received more than 300K points in sign-in bonuses to date – the equivalent of $3000. Thanks to The Points Guy blog for making me understand this practice! There is a set spend requirement on the cards to earn the points and some may have a hefty annual fee. I chose the cards that work for ME. The benefits I have received have ranged from the huge Sign-In Bonus, Credit for Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check Application, $300 travel credit per year, no luggage fees on domestic flights, No Foreign Transaction Fees abroad – I do not spend my hard earned money on avoidable fees and neither should you! Airport Lounge Access all over the world, Free Night Stay at a 4-Star hotel on card’s anniversary date and many more.
Again, this method is not for everyone! It requires financial discipline and organization to be successful. Get savvy and reap the benefits!
There you have it! I hope this sheds some light on my methods. I hope that you too can incorporate some of them to allow more travel in your life! Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Happy Travels!
Thanks for sharing! Will definitely be using the tips above. And keep traveling, the sky is the limit ??
Salome GachunjiOctober 22, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Glad to inspire! Happy travels!!
MarilyneOctober 22, 2016 at 9:54 pm
Waoh gal I now believe that anyone can go places !!! What a thought , what an idea. Kudos ???
Priscilla GithiriOctober 24, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Love the blog. Very precise …????
Michael MwangiOctober 24, 2016 at 3:03 pm
LOL…. I like the point of don’t wait for friends to confirm travel, like you waited for me on that Abu Dhabi trip and lost out. Lol. Really good tips Sally, Thanks for sharing:)
GraceOctober 24, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Fantastic read Nyambura, and what I love most of this article is when you say, "I am yet to regret purchasing a trip over an item". This is very true and the reason I am a frequent traveller too. The hardest part for me is going away during term time, which I rarely do but whenever I get the chance, I go for it. This time I am in Japan and was lucky enough using my air-miles to travel first class for the 4th time. This is a great article and thank you for posting. P.S You write so well. Looking forward to reading some more xo
SuzyOctober 24, 2016 at 3:17 pm
I love traveling too but I hv kids so I hv to work with their schedule but Ill incorporate some of your ideas to increase my travel, thanks for your honesty and sharing
NyakeOctober 24, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Good read for my future happy travels. Kudos frendie
Nancy GOctober 24, 2016 at 3:45 pm
Awesome tips! You are preaching to the choir with me but I still love it! Nice writing too..
SallyGOctober 24, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Thank you Nancy! I know you of all people totally get it:) Happy travels dear!
SallyGOctober 24, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Thank you Nyake:)
SallyGOctober 24, 2016 at 4:23 pm
Hi Suzy, I know it can be challenging working out schedules but it is doable. Sometimes these flight deals come at a time that can work for you. Keep your eye on them:)
SallyGOctober 24, 2016 at 4:25 pm
Thanks for reading Grace! Those airline miles are fantastic. My goal is to use mine to bump my status from good ol economy to Business or First Class. Enjoy your time in Japan and make great memories:)
SallyGOctober 24, 2016 at 4:26 pm
Michael, that Abu Dhabi deal was a bust for us but we learnt our lesson:) Happy Travels!
SallyGOctober 24, 2016 at 4:27 pm
Priscilla, thanks for checking it out:) Happy travels!
SallyGOctober 24, 2016 at 4:28 pm
Marilyne, it is very doable! You can join me on my next adventure:)
RuthOctober 24, 2016 at 4:57 pm
A realistic perspective. Good read Sal! Keep on. Xoxo
JosephineOctober 24, 2016 at 5:08 pm
Quite informative I always admire your travels now I know how!! Taking notes…
JoannieOctober 24, 2016 at 5:12 pm
Awesome read! I am frugal too and love the tips you shared on how to make these trips happen.
Jules WanjiruOctober 24, 2016 at 6:27 pm
I love this! So informative, great tips, and great writing! Am one of those curious people who admire your travels and always wondered how you do it so I can learn too.
Mellen TownsendOctober 24, 2016 at 10:11 pm
Hey Sally G… wonderful blog with great insight on the ins and outs of traveling on a budget. People do think, to travel you have to break the bank. But with the few tips you have offered, can help a great deal. I agree why spend money on designer wear, when you can make memories for a lifetime.
SallyGOctober 25, 2016 at 12:50 am
Mellen, thanks for reading! Travel is not expensive unless one allows it to be. Here’s to building more wonderful memories!
SallyGOctober 25, 2016 at 12:52 am
Jules, thanks for checking out the blog and for being candid! I just want to you to know that we can all do this with proper planning and an open mind:)
SallyGOctober 25, 2016 at 12:54 am
Joannie, frugal travelistas unite:) I hope the tips will help you create your next amazing adventure!
SallyGOctober 25, 2016 at 12:54 am
Josephine, thank you! You too can do it!
SallyGOctober 25, 2016 at 12:55 am
Ruth, thx for checking out the blog!! We can plan the next amazing adventure! xoxo
Chrissie AkinyiOctober 25, 2016 at 1:11 am
I am no where close to being as savvy a traveler as you are, but I am learning. Deals are all over the place if only one takes the time to look for them. Now all I need to know is where you sign up for traveler alerts. I would like to know when flights are ridiculously cheap so I can jump on them.
Chrissie AkinyiOctober 25, 2016 at 1:12 am
Oh, and call me when next you see a deal. I am always ready for travel.
Philip GitongaOctober 25, 2016 at 5:05 am
Sally G, thanks for your travel tips. I am also a frequent world traveler and I get this questions all the time. But over time I have learnt some of this tricks, I am still learning and also really appreciated you for your prompt replies when requesting friends and family discounts. I now can afford 4star hotels by paying a fraction of what it costs. Thanks. I have also learnt to use prolonged stopover to any of a desired destination without actually being my final destination. My airticket say to Kenya would cost me 1,000$, should I decide to stop over Paris for two days, I would only add a$ 100 and with my hotel discounted, I get to see Paris for absolutely less than I had planned a trip to Paris… I am enjoying my trips and sweet memories. Let’s meet in Vienna-Austria ✈️
SallyGOctober 25, 2016 at 8:40 am
PG, Austria has been on my bucket list since I first saw the movie Sound of Music as child!! I wish I could join you but the timing wouldn’t work for me. Have a wonderful there Happy travels!
SallyGOctober 25, 2016 at 8:41 am
Chrissie, with practice one becomes savvy pretty fast:) Let me know if I can be of any assistance. Happy travels!
Naomi Moo-tindaOctober 29, 2016 at 5:49 pm
Great article! Thank you for the travel tips. To many more travels and adventures!
Emma GachauDecember 23, 2016 at 1:56 am
Hi. I love to travel but can never bring myself to do it alone. How do you overcome that and please let me know of any deals you might have upcoming in 2017.
SallyGDecember 27, 2016 at 9:46 pm
Thank you for checking out the blog! Cheers to more travel!
SallyGDecember 27, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Hi Emma, Thanks for stopping by. I would suggest you start with a short trip – a day trip or an overnight stay close to home alone. Once you conquer that solo you can take a longer trip. Having planned activities helps to keep you busy and also meet people you can interact with. Solo trips are very liberating:) Feel feel to contact me if you have any questions.
Ju wangSeptember 10, 2017 at 9:55 pm
Informative, great tips, awesome blog.
desertsafariridesFebruary 7, 2018 at 11:13 am
Your travel blog is inbox. Excellent luck 😉
marmaristravelagencyMarch 14, 2018 at 1:32 pm
A fantastic post, a wonderful blog! See you in the street.
😉
SallyGMarch 16, 2018 at 2:06 am
Thank you and see ya:)
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SallyGJune 26, 2018 at 10:51 pm
Thank you:)
SallyGJune 26, 2018 at 10:51 pm
Thank you:)
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AngieMay 30, 2019 at 6:42 pm
Now I have a better understanding on credit card bonuses & signing up for flight alerts(I always pass on this) . Thank You 🙂
SallyGJuly 17, 2019 at 10:06 pm
I’m glad that you can now leverage credit card benefits and travel alerts. Sharing is caring:)
Thanks for sharing! Will definitely be using the tips above. And keep traveling, the sky is the limit ??
Glad to inspire! Happy travels!!
Waoh gal I now believe that anyone can go places !!! What a thought , what an idea. Kudos ???
Love the blog. Very precise …????
LOL…. I like the point of don’t wait for friends to confirm travel, like you waited for me on that Abu Dhabi trip and lost out. Lol. Really good tips Sally, Thanks for sharing:)
Fantastic read Nyambura, and what I love most of this article is when you say, "I am yet to regret purchasing a trip over an item". This is very true and the reason I am a frequent traveller too. The hardest part for me is going away during term time, which I rarely do but whenever I get the chance, I go for it. This time I am in Japan and was lucky enough using my air-miles to travel first class for the 4th time. This is a great article and thank you for posting. P.S You write so well. Looking forward to reading some more xo
I love traveling too but I hv kids so I hv to work with their schedule but Ill incorporate some of your ideas to increase my travel, thanks for your honesty and sharing
Good read for my future happy travels. Kudos frendie
Awesome tips! You are preaching to the choir with me but I still love it! Nice writing too..
Thank you Nancy! I know you of all people totally get it:) Happy travels dear!
Thank you Nyake:)
Hi Suzy,
I know it can be challenging working out schedules but it is doable. Sometimes these flight deals come at a time that can work for you. Keep your eye on them:)
Thanks for reading Grace! Those airline miles are fantastic. My goal is to use mine to bump my status from good ol economy to Business or First Class. Enjoy your time in Japan and make great memories:)
Michael, that Abu Dhabi deal was a bust for us but we learnt our lesson:) Happy Travels!
Priscilla, thanks for checking it out:) Happy travels!
Marilyne, it is very doable! You can join me on my next adventure:)
A realistic perspective. Good read Sal! Keep on. Xoxo
Quite informative I always admire your travels now I know how!! Taking notes…
Awesome read! I am frugal too and love the tips you shared on how to make these trips happen.
I love this! So informative, great tips, and great writing! Am one of those curious people who admire your travels and always wondered how you do it so I can learn too.
Hey Sally G… wonderful blog with great insight on the ins and outs of traveling on a budget. People do think, to travel you have to break the bank. But with the few tips you have offered, can help a great deal. I agree why spend money on designer wear, when you can make memories for a lifetime.
Mellen, thanks for reading! Travel is not expensive unless one allows it to be. Here’s to building more wonderful memories!
Jules, thanks for checking out the blog and for being candid! I just want to you to know that we can all do this with proper planning and an open mind:)
Joannie, frugal travelistas unite:) I hope the tips will help you create your next amazing adventure!
Josephine, thank you! You too can do it!
Ruth, thx for checking out the blog!! We can plan the next amazing adventure! xoxo
I am no where close to being as savvy a traveler as you are, but I am learning. Deals are all over the place if only one takes the time to look for them. Now all I need to know is where you sign up for traveler alerts. I would like to know when flights are ridiculously cheap so I can jump on them.
Oh, and call me when next you see a deal. I am always ready for travel.
Sally G, thanks for your travel tips. I am also a frequent world traveler and I get this questions all the time. But over time I have learnt some of this tricks, I am still learning and also really appreciated you for your prompt replies when requesting friends and family discounts. I now can afford 4star hotels by paying a fraction of what it costs. Thanks. I have also learnt to use prolonged stopover to any of a desired destination without actually being my final destination. My airticket say to Kenya would cost me 1,000$, should I decide to stop over Paris for two days, I would only add a$ 100 and with my hotel discounted, I get to see Paris for absolutely less than I had planned a trip to Paris… I am enjoying my trips and sweet memories. Let’s meet in Vienna-Austria ✈️
PG, Austria has been on my bucket list since I first saw the movie Sound of Music as child!! I wish I could join you but the timing wouldn’t work for me. Have a wonderful there Happy travels!
Chrissie, with practice one becomes savvy pretty fast:) Let me know if I can be of any assistance. Happy travels!
Great article! Thank you for the travel tips. To many more travels and adventures!
Hi. I love to travel but can never bring myself to do it alone. How do you overcome that and please let me know of any deals you might have upcoming in 2017.
Thank you for checking out the blog! Cheers to more travel!
Hi Emma,
Thanks for stopping by.
I would suggest you start with a short trip – a day trip or an overnight stay close to home alone. Once you conquer that solo you can take a longer trip. Having planned activities helps to keep you busy and also meet people you can interact with.
Solo trips are very liberating:) Feel feel to contact me if you have any questions.
Informative, great tips, awesome blog.
Your travel blog is inbox. Excellent luck 😉
A fantastic post, a wonderful blog! See you in the street.
😉
Thank you and see ya:)
Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting
more from this website, and your views are fastidious for
new visitors.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable piece of writing, I have got much clear idea
regarding from this piece of writing.
Thank you:)
Thank you:)
Hi there, I log on to your new stuff like every week.
Your humoristic style is witty, keep up the good work!
thanks for sharing
magnificent issues altogether, you simply won a brand new reader.
What could you recommend about your post that you simply made a few
days in the past? Any sure?
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the most useful blogs on the net.
I am going to highly recommend this site!
Great article! We are linking to this particularly great
content on our website. Keep up the good writing.
Very energetic post, I liked that bit. Will
there be a part 2?
Now I have a better understanding on credit card bonuses & signing up for flight alerts(I always pass on this) . Thank You 🙂
I’m glad that you can now leverage credit card benefits and travel alerts. Sharing is caring:)