Most people think travel is a luxury.
Granted, my roommates and I look at it almost as a way of life.
Although, because we are traveling month to month learning, growing and experiencing this crazy world, finding good deals and cutting costs is important.
Now, this is going to be pretty basic, but most people don't know these easy hacks.
And yes, this is for a two-week to month stay in a specific location.
Start By Getting a New Travel Credit Card
This is the first major point to make.
Most people end up traveling and spending all of their money on a debit or old card.
Now, if you are over four cards, there isn't a reason to get a new card.
But, if you are that many and want to diversify your credit lines and credit amount actually to increase your credit while getting rewards here are two cards that I recommend.
Now with the Delta Gold or Platinum, you'll get between 30,000-60,000 miles for their reward.
While the chase sapphire will get you the equivalent of about $500 for travel (more if you spend it on travel.)
Many people then assume that they have to spend unnecessary money to get these rewards, but instead you need part 2 to this system.
A Discounted Airbnb For 2-Weeks to 1 Month
That's where Airbnb comes in.
Don't get hotels.
Not only are they more expensive and typically less homey, but they are alson't "yours" for the duration of your stay somewhere.
Now we have four people so every stay we find we can divide by four, and easy way to already improve the economics of travel.
But, then Airbnb has a little secret most people don't know.
Search the number of people that you have, the beds you want, etc... After that make sure to set the dates.
If you are there for a few weeks, you'll get around 20%, per week.
Although, you really can thrive with the monthly where discounts go from 40%-60% off the typical night prices.
For instance, recently we stayed in Chicago for a month, and it ended up costing each of us only $475 for the month.
Yeah.
And the best part:
- No electricity costs
- No Gas
- No utilities
It's a simple upfront cost.
*note you do have to pay all of it at the onset of booking the reservation.
Which is where the credit card comes in.
Getting The Best Bang For Your Buck
If you got either of the credit cards above, now its time to get your rewards.
The easiest way is to put the Airbnb on your card.
Now you've paid up front for the Airbnb and got it for a whole month.
Most credit cards give you a few months before you have to start paying it off, making it easy for you to pay off the whole month over time.
Then, likely, you will have hit the required amount to get your bonus rewards on the Delta or Chase card.
And boom.
You've got a few free flights (free round trip to your destination) and a cheap place to live for a month.
That's a travel hack if I know one.
Do you have any other ones? I would love to know.
Thanks for reading,
Austin
Photo Credit:
Nice post!
Hello Austin,informative article and good tips. Nice to see fellow traveller/blogger here on @steemit. let's keep in touch! shashi x
Awesome! I just followed you. Thanks