If you live near one of the 100+ airports that JetBlue flies to and from, then you should consider adding a JetBlue card to your repertoire. Branded cards from JetBlue will earn you extra points on all JetBlue purchases, as well as great welcome bonus points when you meet the required minimum spend.

Though the points earned on these cards are not transferrable like I usually suggest, JetBlue offers some great points redemptions both within the United States and internationally. Plus, there are options available even if you don’t want to pay an annual fee.

While other banks with points that transfer to JetBlue – such as Citi, Chase and American Express – offer cards with higher sign-up bonuses, a dedicated JetBlue branded card can be a great complement to those more flexible card options. Having an airline credit card like the JetBlue Mastercard can be a great choice to supplement the points you get from other credit card companies.

Let’s take a look at the two credit cards offered by JetBlue and see if they’re right for you!

Who should consider getting a JetBlue credit card?

You should consider getting a JetBlue card if any of the following apply to you:

• You frequently fly JetBlue operated flights
• You have a vacation planned that could be made possible by flying JetBlue
• You aren’t planning on opening a Chase card soon (see below for the reason why I say this!)
• You need a card with no foreign transaction fee
• You are trying to reach JetBlue Mosaic elite status
• You’re considering booking a JetBlue vacations package
• You want to earn more JetBlue points

Although JetBlue doesn’t have the same pull as some other major carriers, like American Airlines, or have a clear target destination like Hawaiian Airlines, I find that TrueBlue points can be highly valuable.

The ability to earn JetBlue points makes opening one of their cards a good choice for even infrequent JetBlue travelers.

Best overall JetBlue Mastercard: JetBlue Plus Card

The best overall card if you want to earn a lot of JetBlue TrueBlue points quickly is the JetBlue Plus card. The JetBlue Plus card offers the best balance between benefits and fees.

If you’re looking for a personal card, this card is far preferable to the $0 annual fee JetBlue Barclay card, particularly since the anniversary points bonus will offset the modest annual fee.

Annual Fee

$99 – a pretty typical fee for a card like this. This outlay of cash will likely be offset by the 5,000 points bonus and 10% bonus on your card anniversary.

Sign Up Bonus

Typically the JetBlue Plus card has a sign-up bonus of 40,000 TrueBlue points. At the time of this writing, though, the bonus had doubled to a whopping 80,000 points after spending $1,000 in three months!

Minimum Spend Required

The sign-up bonus (currently 80,000 points, usually 40,000 points) is awarded after spending $1,000 on purchases in three months. This is a very modest amount as annual fees go, and should be easy to meet for most people.

Benefits

The benefits of the JetBlue Plus card include:

• 6x points on JetBlue purchases
• 2x points on restaurants and grocery stores
• 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• JetBlue Mosaic elite status after spending $50,000 in one calendar year
• 5,000 point anniversary bonus
• 10% bonus points on card anniversary
• $100 statement credit on purchase of JetBlue vacations package
• 50% savings on eligible inflight food and drink purchases

Best JetBlue Mastercard for businesses: JetBlue Business Card

If you are eligible for business credit cards, then you should definitely consider the JetBlue Business Card.

With a higher typical sign-up bonus than the JetBlue Plus personal card for the same annual fee, I recommend going for this one over the personal card if you are able to do so. The minimum spend is higher, but still very attainable for most spenders.

Annual Fee

$99 – Again, a very typical fee for this kind of card, and absolutely outweighed by the 80,000 point sign-up bonus, 5,000 point anniversary bonus and waived checked bag fees – and of course the $99 statement credit in the first year of having the card.

Sign Up Bonus

The JetBlue Business welcome bonus is a hefty 80,000 TrueBlue points.

This is the typical bonus, and I haven’t seen it increase significantly in recent months. If interested in this card, I would go with the 80,000 point bonus rather than try to time out a special increased offer.

Minimum Spend Required

To get that great sign-up bonus, you’ll need to spend $2,000 in the first three months after being approved. Pretty easy to meet!

Plus, in the first year of having the card, you’ll receive a $99 statement credit to offset the $99 annual fee.

Benefits

The benefits of the JetBlue Business card include:

• Free checked bags for you and your traveling companions (one bag per person, traveling on the same reservation)
• 6x points on JetBlue purchases
• 2x points on restaurants and office supply stores
• 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• JetBlue Mosaic elite status after spending $50,000 in one calendar year
• 5,000 point anniversary bonus
• $100 statement credit on purchase of JetBlue vacations package
• 50% savings on eligible inflight food and drink purchases

These benefits are similar to the JetBlue Plus card, but you’ll notice that there is no 10% annual anniversary bonus, the 2x grocery store multiplier is replaced by a 2x office supply store multiplier, and the Business card includes free checked bags.

Best JetBlue Mastercard with no annual fee: JetBlue Card

“Best” is admittedly a strong word to use here. A more apt description would be “ONLY JetBlue Mastercard with no annual fee.” And that distinction would go to the JetBlue Card.

If you are absolutely dead-set on not paying an annual fee, then this is the only JetBlue branded card available to you. However, I think it would be shortsighted to choose this card over the JetBlue Plus card, as the latter offers so much better value for it’s $99 annual fee.

Annual Fee

$0, but in this case you sort of get what you pay for.

Sign Up Bonus

The JetBlue Card offers a welcome bonus of 10,000 points. This is okay if you are looking to top up points earned from transferrable cards like the ones discussed below. But they won’t get you far on their own.

Minimum Spend Required

The minimum spend for 10,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months is the same spending requirement as the JetBlue Plus.

Benefits

The benefits of the JetBlue card include:

• 3x points on JetBlue purchases
• 2x points on restaurants and grocery stores
• 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• 50% savings on eligible inflight food and drink purchases

Other cards that earn points for use on JetBlue:

You don’t need a specific JetBlue branded credit card in order to earn points that can be used to book JetBlue flights.

The great news is that Citi, Chase and American Express are all transfer partners of JetBlue. That means that you can transfer these points to JetBlue and turn them into TrueBlue points.

By selecting a card from a credit card issuer with transferrable points, you’re increasing your likelihood of being able to redeem points for a free flight – possibly even in JetBlue’s Mint business class cabin.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best card for those who are just starting to earn points and miles for free travel. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are easy to earn and easy to transfer, making them some of the most valuable points in the industry.

If you’re seeking a more premium card, with more premium benefits, try the Chase Sapphire Reserve. And if you’re eligible for business cards, definitely check out the awesome Chase Ink Business Cash card, which earns 5x on eligible purchases at office supply stores. Despite the name, it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Citi Premier

Far too many people ignore Citi, which is a shame because their ThankYou points have grown in value over the last few years. The Citi Premier card has had a fantastic welcome bonus of 80,000 ThankYou points for a long time now (the typical offer is 60,000 points). Pairing the Citi Premier with the JetBlue Plus card will get you a lot of bonus points that can you can use for JetBlue flights.

American Express Platinum Card

The biggest hitter of all travel cards, the American Express Platinum card boasts a massive $695 annual fee, but delivers benefits like no other card on the market. If you’re an experienced traveler and are looking for a card that offers the cream of the crop of industry benefits, definitely consider the Platinum.

There are so many ways to purchase tickets through JetBlue by using TrueBlue points, and credit card welcome bonus points can be the fastest and most powerful tool for even the casual JetBlue flyer. From a free first checked bag, to account anniversary bonus points, to discounts on inflight purchases, JetBlue Mastercards deliver so much more than points.

Let us know what card you’ve chosen in the comments!

Looking for more ways to maximize your credit card points? Check out our recent post 6 Credit Card Hacks You Need to Know: Save Thousands on Travel!

The post Credit Card Review: JetBlue Credit Cards – Which One is Right for You? appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

I love to travel. But what I love more is saving money on travel.

Traveling inexpensively is not just my hobby, I’ve made it my side business with Travel Hacking 101. My goal is to make travel accessible to people who feel that it’s out of their reach. And many people make the misguided assumption that to travel the world, they need to have lots of money.

If you’re long on travel ambition but short on funds, I’ve got seven budget travel tips for you to save money on travel. With enough time and planning, you can go just about anywhere, even on a tight budget.

I’ve saved the best option for last….

1. Plan ahead and do your research

One of the best ways to travel on a budget is to fully plan out your trip in advance. This doesn’t mean that you have to have every moment booked to within an inch of its life. But it does mean looking into things like accommodation, transportation, and local attractions before you go.

Start early

Giving yourself time to get a feel for what you should expect to pay for a hotel room or for transport between cities means that you’ll be able to build a trip budget based on what things actually cost – not what you imagine they cost, or what they cost in the priciest tourist areas.

Cheap flights, inexpensive car rentals and budget accommodation are all easiest to find when you’ve got time to research, plan and explore your options. Giving yourself time to compare usually means you’ll get a better deal.

Make a budget

Having a budget – and actually sticking to it – is a habit that will save you money no matter where you travel. In fact, this should be something that you do no matter where you’re headed.

Budget travelers especially need to live closely within their means, and have a plan to stretch their dollars (or euros or yuan or what-have-you…). The research you do to learn the average price of things will help you to decide how much you actually need for your trip.

A budget will also give you a savings target, so that you can make sure that you have enough cash on hand to pay for your trip. A budget trip that turns into credit card debt isn’t really affordable after all.

2. Plan to eat where the locals eat

This is especially true when it comes to finding cheap food. From street food to small, local establishments, you can be almost assured that you will save money when you immerse yourself in local life.

Get local recommendations

I find YouTube to be a great source of restaurant recommendations from local English speakers. I try to watch a lot of YouTube videos about my destination, and I keep a Google Map of the city where I can save restaurants that I hear about, with notes on each place. That way, when I arrive, I have a ready-made map of recommendations!

You can also expect to spend less when you eat the local food. If you’re in Southeast Asia, for example, you’ll pay a premium for American food. And I can guarantee it won’t be nearly as good as the nasi goreng or khao soi.

Cook some meals for yourself

Making your own meals will of course make your money go further. Groceries are generally pretty cheap everywhere, so if you have access to a kitchen, use it! If you don’t eat a big breakfast at home, there’s no need for a full spread when you travel. You can have lunch by buying some bread and cheese at a grocery store and have a picnic at a local park.

Making your own meals doesn’t have to be a sacrifice, if you treat the experience of buying and preparing local food as part of the experience.

While you could go super frugal and avoid restaurants altogether, that would be both a logistical hurdle and just not very fun. Trying new foods is one of the joys of travel – one of the joys of being alive, really. If you’re smart about your choices, you can afford to eat out once in a while, or every day.

Book a place with free breakfast

While it’s not as easy to get as it used to be, many hotels and b&b’s still offer free breakfast for their guests. Get a room that comes with your first meal of the day and you’re saving money to start your day! Who doesn’t like free food?

3. Look for cheap destinations

Saving money is easiest when the destination itself is inexpensive. Sure, you can do a budget trip to Paris, Tokyo or Dubai, but chances are you’re going to be able to afford a lot more in Eastern Europe, South America, Central America or Southeast Asia.

You’ll have most of the same expenses – accommodation costs, your flight ticket, maybe a car rental. But while you’ll still have expenses, you won’t spend as much money as you would in a place where your money doesn’t go as far.

Consider alternatives for the places you’re thinking of going. Dying to go to Hawaii and lie on the beach? You could spend a month in Thailand for the same price as a week in Maui.

Want to explore the Mediterranean coast? Croatia has the same beautiful views as Italy, but with nowhere near the expense – or the crowds.

Being both creative and flexible about your chosen destination can mean the difference between a lovely budget holiday and a stressful penny-pinching one.

4. Maximize free or low cost activities at your destination

Your goal when visiting other countries should be to experience as much of the local culture as possible. Seeing the world cheaply doesn’t mean you have to skip destinations – instead you want to focus your time on things that are low cost or even completely free.

Free walking tours

A quick google search for “free walking tour” or “free events” will likely yield some great results no matter where you’re headed. Free walking tours are some of my favorite activities when traveling – but be sure to research whether (and how much) to tip your guide. Sure we’re trying to save money, but not at the expense of the people working hard to make our trips memorable.

Free museum days

Free entry days at museums can be a godsend for a tight budget. Save money by planning trips to major tourist attractions on days when they offer open admission.

For example, the first Sunday of each month offers free admission to many major Paris musuems, like the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. In New York, you can visit the Guggenheim Museum on a “pay what you wish” basis on Saturday evenings.

There are loads of options for any major city. Crafting your schedule carefully can definitely help you save money.

5. Save on flight prices to get the best deals

No matter where you’re going, the cost of your flight is going to be one of the most – if not the most- costly expenditures of your trip. International flights in particular can seriously set you back. Finding the cheapest flights will make a big difference in your travel budget.

Be ready to be flexible

For budget travelers, seeking the best deals on flight prices usually means being flexible with your schedule. If you can be open to both a range of possible dates and a range of possible flight itineraries, you’ll be more likely to snag the best deals.

Consider budget airlines

If you’re based in the United States, chances are good that you’re familiar with low cost airlines like Frontier or Spirit. But many countries have similar options to get cheaper airline tickets for short trips.

Europe in particular has options for allowing you to travel for cheap throughout the continent. While no one would argue that they’re luxurious, airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air offer flights for only a few euros in some cases. While it used to be cheapest to take the train through Europe, domestic flights now offer both a faster and cheaper alternative.

6. Get travel insurance

This one is pretty straightforward. Even when you’re on a tight budget, going to the cheapest destinations and have snagged a great cheap flight, you’re still spending some serious money on your trip. Travel is an investment, and it’s one you want to protect.

Travel insurance is an extra expense, that’s true – but it’s a hedge against higher costs down the line. If you are stranded by a cancelled flight, most travel insurance will cover the cost of a hotel room. If your baggage is lost, most policies will cover the cost of replacing your clothes, toiletries, sometimes even electronics. And if you become ill in another country, travel insurance will typically cover much of your medical costs, even if your personal health insurance won’t.

Spend the extra few dollars and get travel insurance – I recommended AXA Travel Insurance.

7. Learn travel hacking

The best way to save money on travel is cut down on your largest expenses – flights and hotels. My preferred way to cut that cost? Not to pay it at all!

I’m a travel hacker. That means that I use credit card signup bonuses and points accrual to pay for flights and hotel rooms (and occasionally things like tours or food).

Travel hacking maximizes the value of your everyday spending – the money you’d be spending anyway in your normal regular life – to earn extra value for you in the form of points and miles.

I go into a lot of detail about travel hacking elsewhere on this blog, such as my guide to 6 credit card hacks to save thousands on travel. It’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars by using points to travel the world cheaply.

In addition to points to help you cover the biggest expenses of your trip, travel credit cards can offer things like a free night at a hotel, free wifi or even lounge access at airports (hello free food and drinks!).

If you’re interested in learning how to travel hack like I do, check out my Instagram channel and my page of the best credit card offers for travel. (I earn a small commission if you use my links to apply for a credit card; these funds help keep Travel Hacking 101 free!)

In short, there are a number of ways to travel cheaply. By planning ahead, choosing a cheap destination, going on free walking tours, and especially learning travel hacking, you can save more money on your next trip and still have an amazing time.

So what are you waiting for? Get started planning your dream vacation today!

The post 7 Ways to Save Money on Travel appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

To be a traveler, or to be a tourist?

It’s a cliche to say “be a traveler, not a tourist.” Sometimes it’s fun to be a tourist! Package tours, all-inclusive resorts, immersive theme parks…they’re popular for a reason – they make things easy and allow you to just relax and enjoy your time.

But tourist activities like these are truly different than what I think of as traveling. Tourism is an escape; travel is a challenge. There is room for both in our lives, but I find that travel is enriching and empowering in a way that tourism isn’t. Travel is sort of a nutrient-dense version of a vacation.

So how do you go from tourist to traveler? In order to be a successful traveler, you don’t need to know everything. You just need to be willing to learn as you go and take advantage of the resources around you.

This post will teach you the basics of travel so that you can go anywhere in the world. Read on for tips and advice for beginner travelers who want to see the world and find themselves along the way.

Make peace with discomfort

One of the biggest hurdles to becoming a traveler is making peace with discomfort. No one loves the feeling of being out of control and out of their element, but in many ways it’s the biggest driver of personal growth. And it’s the way that travel changes us most, for the better. In order to explore new places and experience different cultures, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone.

This doesn’t mean that you have to go on extreme adventures or put yourself in dangerous situations; it just means that you need to be okay with feeling a little bit uneasy sometimes.

If you enter into any travel situation with the expectation that there will be challenges to be faced, you can develop skills that allow you to view those challenges as opportunities.

Discomfort helps us grow

When I was 20, I took my first multi-country solo trip to Europe. I visited Ireland, France, Spain and Italy. With the exception of visiting a friend for a few days in Spain, I spent weeks alone, having to figure out every element of the trip by myself – and this was before smartphones.

One evening in Paris, I went wandering around a lovely neighborhood, thinking that getting lost on a stroll in Paris sounded just so romantic. And it was certainly a nice night – up until it wasn’t. At a certain point I realized that I wasn’t just “wandering around” lost, I was “I don’t know where I am and I don’t know the language” lost.

Figuring I would just keep walking until I found a Metro station (remember: no Google Maps on my phone back in 2001 – no cell phone at all, actually), I spent multiple hours – yes, hours – walking around, desperate to find a landmark or a hotel that might have English-speaking employees. By the time I found the Metro, my legs were burning, I had cried in public and I felt totally defeated.

At the time, I was disappointed in myself for not being able to figure out such a seemingly simple situation. But more than 20 years later, I recognize that this was a formative experience for a young me. That trip was the first time I had to solely rely on myself in every situation. Did I get lost? Yes. Did I find my way eventually? Also yes. A good, relatively low stakes lesson in trusting my own abilities – and in the wisdom on always having access to a map.

Ease yourself in to culture shock

I realize that the first tip I had was to get used to discomfort, and now my second tip is to minimize your discomfort. But these ideas aren’t as contradictory as you think. As you get used to traveling internationally, you’ll find that your adaptability grows and with it your experience of culture shock diminishes somewhat.

When you’re starting out, even similar cultures will give you a sense of culture shock, and that’s good! If you give yourself more of an on-ramp into that feeling, you’ll find over time that the newness of the experience may be what you like most, as oppose to presenting an obstacle to you enjoying your destination.

The first country I ever went to outside of the United States was Great Britain. I remember vividly the feeling of waking up and looking out my hostel window at chimneys that looked straight out of Mary Poppins. “Holy shit,” I thought. “I’m not in America.”

Britain was a great choice for my first international trip, precisely because it’s not fundamentally all that different from the US. Everyone speaks English, we share similar cultures with regards to things like lining up to wait (you’d be surprised how challenging it can be to get used to different culture’s attitudes towards waiting in line!), and it’s easy to access food and accommodation standards that are similar to what you’d find in America.

Maybe this doesn’t sound as adventurous as you’d like, and you’re right – the United Kingdom doesn’t present a major challenge when you’re traveling as an American. But this kind of place, which is just different enough from your own culture to stretch your boundaries, is a great place to start when you’re going abroad for the first time.

Alternatively, you can try to ease the experience of culture shock when traveling to a culture that’s quite different from your own. The first country we took my daughter to (well, the first she was old enough to remember anyway) was Egypt.

Egypt is significantly different in many ways from the US, and we wanted her to learn about and appreciate all these beautiful differences. To do that, however, I wanted to make sure we didn’t push her too far, as sometimes too much culture shock can lead to the person experiencing it to feel negatively about the place where they are.

So we chose to stay in Western-style hotels with an American standard of accommodation. As someone who has visited many parts of the world, I would have been happy to stay in smaller, more local establishments, but I respect that my daughter might not be at the point yet.

Maybe you’re not either. It’s okay to take stock of what you can handle and meet yourself where you are, rather than where you eventually want to be.

Don’t book a package tour

One of the best ways to learn about a new place is to explore it on your own, without being in a big group of other Americans. When you book a package tour, you’re immediately creating a bubble around yourself that insulates you from experiencing the culture more directly. By exploring on your own or with a private local guide, you’ll learn more about the culture and the people who live there.

Using a private local guide to get more insight into the culture and to help you communicate is different, to me, than big bus tours full of other Americans. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide can be an excellent way to see and experience a new place! But being shuttled from tourist site to tourist site with other people just like you? That’s not it.

You’ll also get to see things that aren’t included in tours. This doesn’t mean that you have to wander around aimlessly; be sure to do some research before your trip so you know where to go and what to see. With a little bit of preparation, traveling on your own can be an incredibly rewarding experience!

Learn some of the local language

In order to get the most out of your travels, it’s important to learn some of the local language. This will allow you to communicate with the locals and learn about their culture and customs. It can also be helpful in case of emergencies. While it’s impossible to learn every language in the world, there are a few basics that everyone should know.

Terms to learn:

Hello

Thank you

I’m sorry

Please

Do you speak English?

How much is this?

Menu, please

Where is the bathroom?

Table for [number of people], please

By speaking the common language of your destination, you demonstrate respect for their culture. Remember – you are a guest in their country. It’s not their job to accommodate you, it’s your job to be humble and respectful, like you would if you were a guest at someone’s home.

I have seen so many Americans conduct conversations right away in English, no matter what country they’re in, and it’s so rude. Certainly there are some places, like the airport or a Western hotel chain, where you can reasonably assume that the customer-facing employees will speak English (although that isn’t always the case).

But to go into a shop, a restaurant, a museum, and immediately assume everyone there should be fluent in a second language – YOUR language – is narcissistic, and perpetuates negative stereotypes about Americans.

Even in countries like Sweden, where there is widespread knowledge of English, taking the time to start with “talar du engleska?” will go a long way. In my experience, people are very kind when you try to speak to them in their native tongue, and you will likely find more patience and more assistance than you anticipate when you at least try.

Pack light

One of the most important things to learn when you’re starting out as a traveler is how to pack light. When you’re carrying all your belongings with you, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by a heavy suitcase.

Packing light will allow you to be flexible in how and when you travel. When you’re bogged down by multiple heavy bags, it’s hard to take the train. It’s hard to change your itinerary and find a charming little independent hotel, because you’ve simply got too much stuff that you have figure out how to get from point A to point B. To go where you want, it’s a good idea to bring as little as you can.

If you can carry a backpack, that will limit you to the weight that you can comfortably carry and create a natural limit. But this isn’t within everyone’s physical possibilities, and that’s okay! Choose the smallest suitcase you can find – ideally a carry on so you don’t need to check it for a flight.

Tips for packing light

Only pack what you need.

This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overpack if you’re not careful. Make a list of the items you need and stick to it!

Choose versatile items that can be worn multiple ways.

For example, a t-shirt can be worn as a shirt or a dress. A scarf can be used as a shawl or a belt.

Pack clothes that can be washed easily in case they get dirty.

Avoid packing anything that needs to be dry cleaned.

Use packing cubes to organize your belongings and save space.

Many people prefer rolling their clothes and having them loose in their suitcase, but I find that cubes help to condense the bulk of clothes better.

Leave room for souvenirs!

You’ll probably want to buy some souvenirs on your trip, so make sure you have enough room in your suitcase for them.

REmember that you can buy things at your location if you forget something.

Don’t get obsessed with bringing absolutely everything that you’ll need for your trip. Chances are, if you need something, you can find it.

People around the world use shampoo and soap and floss. I always have fun in grocery stores and pharmacies abroad, taking a chance on a new product. Plus, if you’re traveling to a place where the dollar goes further, you’ll even save money.

Of course, you should always be sure to bring your prescription medication and anything of which you need a specific brand (personally, I’m very picky about my tampon brand, so I always bring a stash of them with me).

Do your research

Before you go on your next trip, it’s important to do some research so you can make the most of your time there. By learning about the culture and customs of the country you’re visiting, you’ll be able to avoid any cultural faux pas and learn more about the people who live there. You can also find out what attractions are worth visiting and plan out your itinerary ahead of time.

Doing research before a trip is especially important if you’re traveling to a foreign country. Without a basic understanding of the local language and culture, it can be difficult to get around and communicate with the locals. That’s why it’s important to start planning your trip well in advance so you have plenty of time to do some research!

Read blogs and sites about the place your destination

Travel blogs (like this one) are both popular and plentiful. You should have no trouble finding one with a guide to the countries or cities you’re headed to, with just a Google search. Instagram and TikTok are also great places to find travelers who have been down that path before, and you can easily get in touch with them through those channels.

My favorite tactic is to watch YouTube videos of people traveling where I’m going. I particularly love food tours. Whatever you’re most looking forward to at your destination, you’ll find someone who has been there and done that – and knowing what you’re getting into can help to ease anxiety.

Make sure to buy travel insurance

Travel nowadays can be unpredictable. Flights are canceled, luggage is lost, systems are overwhelmed. The best defense, in this case, is a good offense.

When you have comprehensive travel insurance, you’re ready for setbacks. If you’re luggage is lost or delayed, most travel insurance will pay to replace the necessities like clothes and toiletries until your bags are located.

If your flight is delayed, travel insurance will generally cover the cost of a hotel stay so you’re not sleeping in the airport.

And in these pandemic times, policies with a covid rider will help you recoup most or all of your expenses if you get sick and can’t take your trip at all.

Policies are inexpensive, and your peace of mind is worth the price.

Take a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees

When traveling internationally, dealing with money can be stressful. In a lot of countries you will want to make most transactions in cash, but being the travel hacker that I am, I always like to get credit card points whenever possible!

So when I travel the world, I make sure to bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Sometimes banks will charge a fee for charges that originate outside of the United States, and they can really add up. Both when you are making plans and when you are in the country, a card with no foreign transaction fees will really help you save money.

My personal favorite card with no foreign transaction fees is the Capital One Venture card. But there are plenty of options!

Be flexible

One of the most important things to learn when you’re starting out as a traveler is how to be flexible. When you’re traveling, things rarely go according to plan and it’s important to be able to adapt quickly. If something doesn’t work out the way you expected, don’t get frustrated – just go with the flow and find a way to make the most of it.

This is much easier said than done, I realize. When you’re in the midst of a stressful moment, in a country where you don’t speak the language, it can easy to let anxiety get the best of you. And it can be tempting to preempt those difficulties by sticking with the least challenging destinations in the first place.

But there are ways you can mitigate these problems and learn to handle them – and you’ll amaze yourself at how capable you really are.

Be prepared for anything

One of the best ways to be flexible is to be prepared for anything. This means packing light so you can easily adapt your luggage depending on your needs, and also knowing basic survival skills in case of emergencies. It’s also helpful to have a good sense of humor – when things don’t go your way, a little laughter can help lighten the mood.

The travel insurance you purchased based on the previous tip will help you stay calm when plans change unexpectedly. The bits of local language that you brushed up on will help you to communicate even at a basic level. And the research you did on your destination will help you to get a lay of land so that you are more familiar with your surroundings.

Preparation before you go will be your best shield against feeling overwhelmed after you arrive.

Take it slow

Another thing that can help you be more flexible while traveling is taking it slow.

Don’t try to see everything in one trip – you’ll only end up getting overwhelmed and stressed out. Instead, pick a few places or activities that interest you and spend more time there. This will give you a better understanding of the culture and allow you to experience it more fully. Plus, it’ll leave plenty of room for future trips!

It’s often tempting to try to “do it all” when going to a new place for the first time. But the ambitious itinerary you made at home can be far more daunting when you’re at your destination, jet lagged and sore from a long flight. Build in an easy on-ramp for yourself and definitely build in time to rest and to simply explore.

Be kind to yourself

One of the most important things to learn when you’re starting out as a traveler is how to be kind to yourself. When you’re on a trip, things rarely go according to plan and it’s easy to get frustrated. That’s why it’s important to be patient and understanding with yourself – after all, you’re in a new place and things are bound to go wrong occasionally.

It’s also important to have a positive attitude. If you’re constantly complaining about everything that’s going wrong, or comparing the new location to home, it’ll only make your trip more unpleasant. Instead, enjoy the experience for what it is and embrace what’s new and different. You’ll be home sooner than you realize, so when you’re in new countries, try to really dive in.

Travelling is a great way to learn about new cultures and experience different parts of the world. It can be intimidating to plan a trip by yourself, but with some preparation you can make the most of your time abroad. By doing your research before you go and being flexible when things don’t go as planned, you’ll be able to have an amazing travel experience.

Want to learn how to travel for nearly free? Check out my ultimate guide to travel hacking for beginners!

The post How to Become a Traveler appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

“Do you need a tour guide in Egypt?”, and “Can you travel to Egypt without a private guide or tour?” are common questions travelers ask when researching the many private tours to Egypt, tour operators, and guides. From a Cairo day tour for the Pyramids and Sphinx, to a two-week long bucket-list trip, hiring a private guide in Egypt is a great idea for most travelers–here is why.

Do you need a tour guide in Egypt?

Technically, travelers can go to Egypt without a private guide–there is no requirement to travel with a tour operator, guide, or travel company. However, having a tour guide in Egypt will help travelers have a much better experience than going solo.

An Egypt tour guide helps travelers avoid pitfalls.

Egypt can be a difficult place to travel for foreigners. The language and alphabet are completely different from English, the customs and norms are unique from those in the United States, Europe, or Canada, and there are a lot of people in Egypt who try to take advantage of tourists’ time and money through scams, cons, and time-wasting attempts to sell souvenirs (see the video below on scams at the Giza Pyramids, for example).

Having a vetted and trusted tour guide can help mitigate all of these potential pitfalls–Egypt tour guides will be able to steer their guests away from the time and money-wasting vendors, communicate in an Arabic-speaking country, and help travelers respect the local culture.

There are many horror stories of travelers who did not have a private guide in Egypt, and ended up having a negative experience overall. They had no one to help them navigate the chaos of Cairo, cross the street safely, and know whom to trust when interacting with vendors in restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.

The right tour operator will ensure their guests experience all of the wonders Egypt has to offer, while side-stepping the potential bad side of traveling in Egypt.

Cairo (and Egypt) are difficult to navigate.

GPS is still a fairly new phenomenon in Egypt, and it can be tough to find landmarks, restaurants, or museums using Google Maps alone. Often when looking for a particular place it is essential to get directions or help from someone on the street, something very difficult for non-Arabic speakers.

And just finding a place is sometimes not enough–for example, the Giza Plateau, while easy to get to, has several different entrances, including one that falsely leads travelers to an area where they will be convinced to hire a horse or camel tour in order to enter. Once inside the Giza Plateau, only certain pyramids are open to visitors (and which ones are open always changes), certain roads need to be taken to see all of the monuments there, and the best vantage points for panoramic photos are unmarked.

Speaking of things being unmarked, it is extremely difficult to spot street names, building numbers, and sometimes even the way out of a particular tourist site. Hiring a tour guide will ensure that none of these navigation challenges vex travelers–a tour guide will help everyone get to all of their destinations in the quickest, safest, and most efficient way possible.

Guides provide excellent explanations at Egypt’s tourist sites.

In order to be a licensed tour guide in Egypt, one must study at a 4-year university, pass extensive exams on all ancient and modern tourist attractions in Egypt, and maintain good standing with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Tour operators in Egypt really know their stuff–it does not matter if it is an ancient temple, an 8th century Coptic Christian church, or a museum full of artifacts–they will be able to explain all of the important information about each place, and answer any questions.

All of the different pharaohs, dates, religions, and languages can get overwhelming, and just using a guidebook or the internet to understand the significance of a tourist site does not hold a candle to the experience of having a private tour guide.

A guide gives tourists a connection to authentic Egypt

There are many places and experiences in Egypt that cannot be found in a guidebook or a YouTube video, like small, hole-in-the-wall street food vendors, local markets, and cozy neighborhood cafes. Plus, opening days and times can vary widely (guidebooks or the internet often do not have up-to-date information), and there are always new places that guides will know about before any article is written or YouTube video is made.

Using a tour guide means getting a local perspective that is invaluable, allowing travelers to not only visit the museums and see the ancient history Egypt has to offer, but also meet the owner of a restaurant, haggle better with a shopkeeper, discover a hidden gem in an off-the-beaten-path area, and find the best street food.

Tour guides are always Egyptian, and this gives travelers an authentic and meaningful connection to what life is like for everyday people in Egypt. Guides love answering questions about Egyptian culture, customs, religious beliefs, family life, and more.

It is even commonplace for some guides to bring travelers into their home for a meal, or to their favorite local hangouts. The only thing tour guides in Egypt love more than showing travelers the history of their country is to talk about and share the modern wonders of Egypt, too.

How travel hacking works with hiring a tour guide

Savvy travelers who are able to hack their trip to Egypt can easily hire a private tour guide with all the money saved on flights and hotels, since these are usually the largest expenses of any trip to Egypt. A quality, trustworthy guide and driver with a private vehicle can cost as little as $150 per day, so taking all of the savings earned from booking hotels and flights using points, a tourist (or small group) can put a portion of those savings toward hiring a guide in Egypt in order to have the best experience.

For travelers going solo

Maybe after reading, a traveler still does not want a guide, due to budget constraints, or a strong desire to “DIY” their trip and explore on their own. While having a guide in Egypt is the best way to experience the country, travelers going to Egypt without a tour can do the following to help have the safest and most enjoyable experience:

1. Get a good guidebook. Lonely Planet Egypt is my favorite guidebook out there, but there are several other options. Having a good guidebook is essential for travelers flying solo.
2. Consider a guide for a portion of the trip. There are certain places in Egypt, like the Giza Plateau, where having a guide helps immensely, and other places, like the museums, where it is easier to sightsee solo. Consider planning some days using a guide, and other days independently, to minimize the hassle of certain hard-to-navigate attractions.
3. Do your research. Before the trip, scour the internet for how to best plan and execute a trip to Egypt. There are lots of YouTube videos, blogs, and articles dedicated to the topic.
4. Have a plan. Making an itinerary is a must in order to maximize a tourist’s time in Egypt. Travelers should have an idea of what cities they want to visit, and what sites they will visit each day. There are lots of itineraries available online, but it is important to make sure a particular itinerary is realistic–often travelers will try to cram way too much into each day.

What do you think?

Have you traveled to Egypt before and used a tour guide? If so, what was your experience like?

After reading, would you consider hiring a private tour guide for your trip to Egypt? What is your top reason for choosing to work with a guide? Leave a comment and let us know!

For those reading ready to book a guide for their trip to Egypt, fill out this form and you will get connected with a vetted and trusted tour guide–Travel Hacking 101 readers get 20% off all custom itinerary and private guide packages booked with Egypt Adventures Travel!

Gus Gleiter started Egypt Adventures Travel in 2020 as a way to show his second home to as many travelers as possible. His mission is to create curated travel experiences for adventurers who want to explore authentic Egypt. Gus first went to Egypt in 2012 as a study-abroad student at the American University in Cairo. Over the last decade he has spent several years living in Egypt, becoming fluent in Egyptian Arabic, and traveling throughout the country. He is now based in the USA, but still spends time every year traveling and leading tours in Egypt.

Wondering if a trip to Egypt is right for you? Check out my post about why Egypt should be on your travel bucket list.

The post Hiring a Private Guide in Egypt: Do you need one, or can you travel to Egypt without a tour? appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

If you’re looking to travel the world on a budget – or even travel for free – using credit cards to start travel hacking is the way to do it!

By taking advantage of sign-up bonuses and using reward points to book nearly-free flights and hotels, you can save thousands of dollars on your next trip. In this article, we’ll show you how to get started with travel hacking and teach you everything you need to know about earning free flights and hotel stays.

So what are you waiting for? Follow the steps in this guide to start travel hacking with credit cards, and then pack your bags!

6 Credit Card Hacks to Save Money on Travel

1. Apply for a credit card with a sign-up bonus

One of the best ways to eventually get a free flight is to sign up for a credit card with a generous sign-up bonuses.

Many cards offer bonus points or miles for signing up, and some even offer a bonus for spending a certain amount of money within the first few months – this is called a “minimum spend” or “minimum spending requirement.”

Decide what kind of points and miles you want to earn

There are many types of points out there that you can earn with credit cards. But not every airline and hotel will take the same points and miles. So it’s important to know what kind of points you want to earn.

• Airline points and miles

  These are points that are offered directly from airlines. Some examples are American Airlines AAdvantage miles – which are affiliated with Citi credit cards – and Delta Airlines SkyMiles – which are affiliated with American Express cards. Airline rewards credit cards will earn you points and miles with a single airline, and cannot be transferred to other airlines.

• Hotel points and miles

  These are points that are offered directly from hotels. Some examples are Hilton Honors points – which are affiliated with AmEx credit cards – and Marriott Bonvoy points – which are affiliated with Chase credit cards. Like airline rewards credit cards, hotel branded cards will only earn points from that hotel chain. The points cannot be transferred to other hotels.

• Transferrable points and miles

  Credit cards that earn transferrable points and miles include Chase, Citi, American Express and Capital One. The points earned on these cards can be transferred to travel partners to earn the best value per point. For example, you can transfer Capital One points to Singapore Airlines; you can then book tickets through Singapore Airlines for either their own flights or for flights in the same airline alliance. In general, transferrable points are the most flexible and most valuable – but airline and hotel points cards can also offer great bonuses!

Find a card with a good sign-up bonus

The easiest, fastest way to earn rewards points and start travel hacking is to earn a sign-up bonus. These are the points and miles that banks offer as an incentive to sign up for their card.

For example, at the time of writing, Chase is offering 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points for their Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Meet the minimum spending requirement

Once you’ve applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card we’re using as the example here, the spending requirement that Chase has established to get these points is $4,000 in three months.

If you meet that minimum spend, Chase will give you 75,000 bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards points. A pretty great deal!

Understand the annual fee

Keep in mind that most cards will have an annual fee associated with them – in the case of this card, it’s $95 per year. Just make sure that the value of the credit card points being offered exceeds the annual fee.

Chase Ultimate Rewards will give you a minimum value of $750 (but when used for travel rewards can be much more valuable than that), so this significantly offsets the $95 annual fee.

If traveling internationally, avoid foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees are sometimes charged by banks when you make a purchase in a country different from your own.

You don’t have to physically be in the other country to be charged these fees – I’ve been charged foreign transaction fees for online purchases! If you are traveling internationally, you will save a lot of money by choosing a card that states that it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

2. Use your credit card for everyday purchases

In order to meet your minimum spending requirement, you will likely need to use your new card for your everyday purchases. If regular travel is one of your goals, you will get the best bang for your buck if you put all eligible purchases on credit cards that allow for earning points.

Many credit cards offer rewards for spending money on things like groceries, gas, and dining out. So make sure you use your credit card whenever you can to maximize your rewards.

Spending on irregular purchases

Occasionally you will have an irregular large purchase that helps you to meet your minimum spend or earn bonus points. This is a great way to maximize your points earnings.

Some examples include:

• Medical expenses, such as dental work

• Holiday spending on gifts

• Home repairs or redecoration

• Car repairs or car registration fees

Regular spending

Most of our spending comes in the form of charges we make regularly, such as grocery shopping. Make the most of your regular spending by doing the following:

• Move your utility payments to your card (if the company allows for card payments)

• Pay your rent or your mortgage with a card (again, if the company will take a credit card)

• Charge your monthly entertainment services, like Netflix or Hulu, to your card

• Purchase all your groceries, household items, and restaurant trips to your card

Make sure to track your spending

Using a credit card this way means that you have to get used to using your credit card like it’s a debit card. That means only spending what you actually have the cash to cover.

You must never go into debt in order to meet a spending requirement, or charge more than you pay off in full! I have never paid interest charges or late fees on my card, because I always make sure that I am only spending what I can afford to pay off every month in full.

3. Be aware of your credit limit and credit score

It’s important to be aware of your credit limit and make sure you don’t go over it. If you do, you could end up incurring expensive interest charges. So be mindful of your spending and make sure you stay within your budget.

Travel hacking with credit cards is a long-term strategy requiring careful care your personal finance, and you’ll want to open multiple cards – the best way to ensure success is to keep your credit score high.

So, watch for things like foreign transaction fees and recurring subscription charges that could cause you to go over your limit.

Factors that impact your credit score

• Payment history – Make sure that you regularly pay your bills on time

• Amount of debt owed – Only charge what you can afford to pay off that same month

• Length of credit history – This is an aggregate of how long you’ve had your cards open, so don’t close cards that you no longer want! It shortens the length of your credit history.

• New or recent credit – Limit your card applications to every 90 days or longer

• Debt to credit ratio – Banks like to see that you have used only a small percent of your available credit

There are other factors that impact your credit score, but these are the most important and the ones that have the greatest impact on your score. For travel hacking, you want to maintain good credit – ideally a credit score of 750 or higher, in order to qualify for the best travel rewards credit card for you.

4. Pay off your balance each month

I truly can’t stress this enough – in order to be a travel hacker and get regular free travel, YOU MUST PAY YOUR FULL BALANCE EACH MONTH. Am I yelling?! Yes, I am!!

Don’t carry a balance – ever

Carrying a balance on your card will incur interest charges on your purchases. Interest charges will wipe out any value that your credit card rewards might offer. Similarly, late charges that are incurred if you miss your payment due date will be more than any of your points are worth.

Use your credit card like a debit card

Use your credit card like a debit card and track your purchases to ensure you have enough cash to cover your monthly bill. Set up auto pay on your cards so that you simply can’t forget to pay the statement balance on the due date. It’s vital that you keep track of your spending if you are to get any value out of this hobby.

Interest rates shouldn’t be an issue

The only thing that I don’t keep track of when it comes to my cards? Their interest rate.

If you are travel hacking responsibly, you should never pay interest. When you pay your full statement balance each month, interest is never charged. So you never need to worry about your interest rate.

5. Take advantage of bonus spending opportunties for extra points and miles

Many credit cards offer bonus points or miles for spending money in specific categories, like groceries or travel. So make sure you take advantage of these bonus categories whenever possible to maximize your rewards.

When accruing points for travel hacking, you’ll want to go beyond the welcome bonus, and use shopping portals and bonus categories to continually earn points.

Bonus categories

Bonus categories are specific to each card, but in general they will offer you a multiplier on points per dollar spent.

For example, a card might offer 3x points per dollar spent on groceries. Or another card might offer 3x points when you use their card at a restaurant.

One great way to keep track of which cards earn you bonus points in specific categories is the MaxRewards app. When you list your cards in this app, it will tell you which bonus categories the card offers, and help you decide which one to use for your purchase.

Shopping portals

To earn even more points, use a shopping portal or cash back website before you shop online.

Sites like Rakuten provide links to online shops that you likely use regularly, and will give you a percentage back on each purchase. With Rakuten, you can choose to earn your rewards as American Express Membership Rewards instead of cash.

Most airlines have shopping portals as well. For example, you can use the United Airlines MileagePlus Shopping site to earn United points when you click through before you shop at your favorite stores.

I recommend using CashbackMonitor.com to check which sites will offer you the best rebate depending on the store you’re planning to shop with.

6. Use a co-branded credit card for travel expenses

A co-branded credit card is a card that’s affiliated with a specific hotel or airline chain. These cards often come with generous rewards programs and discounts on travel expenses. So if you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out the co-branded cards offered by your chosen hotel or airline chain.

As discussed above, non-transferrable hotel and airline points can be earned by using a co-branded card. Unless you are working on meeting a minimum spend, it’s almost always best to use a co-branded card if you are staying at that specific hotel or flying on that specific airline.

Co-branded credit cards will typically give you a great points multiplier when you use the card to book their hotels directly.

For example, at Hilton you can earn up to 12x points when you use one of their credit cards to book your room through their website. If you spend $1,000 on hotel nights, that’s 12,000 points towards your next stay!

Using credit card rewards has been a major game-changer for me when it comes to affording travel. For the cost of an annual fee, you truly can get a free flight, hotel night or rental car.

The average consumer will earn a few points here and there, or maybe an elite status with a hotel. But once you know the secret to travel hacking for consistent travel rewards, you’ll be able to redeem points for regular trips to wherever you want to go.

Leave a comment and let me know how you’ve used points on travel, and your favorite travel hack with credit cards.

Want to learn more? Get my free 10-page step-by-step guide to travel hacking!

Also check out my post on How to Start Travel Hacking!

The post 6 Credit Card Hacks You Need to Know: Save Thousands on Travel! appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

I love Dublin.

Ever since I first visited in 1999, I’ve held a special place in my heart for the Irish capital. It’s so different than what you might expect – maybe a little smaller, maybe a little rougher around the edges. But also more cosmopolitan, more multicultural, more modern and somehow even more fun.

As a small city, you can do a lot with 3 days in Dublin. A long weekend is a great option to see the city before moving on to other parts of Ireland. Whether you’re interested in seeing famous historical landmarks, exploring the lively nightlife, or simply relaxing in a pub with a pint of Guinness, Dublin has something for everyone. Here is a perfect Dublin itinerary for exploring all that this wonderful city has to offer and getting to know the capital of craic (Irish for “fun”).

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3 Days in Dublin

Dublin Itinerary Day One:

Books and the Black Stuff

Trinity College
College Green
Dublin City Center

After tucking into a full Irish breakfast at your hotel (you can’t really visit Dublin without trying one), start your three days in Dublin with a visit to Trinity College, one of the oldest (and certainly the most prestigious) of Ireland’s universities.

Situated right in the middle of the city center, Trinity College is close to many of the areas you’ll want to visit in the city, such as Grafton Street, Temple Bar, Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green. Its green space and gothic architecture are a great introduction to urban Ireland.

You can choose to walk the easily-navigated campus on your own, or add on a guided campus tour as part of your visit to the star attraction at Trinity – the Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells
Old Library, Trinity College
Check opening hours and ticket prices

After a stroll through Trinity’s charming campus, then head inside to see the world-famous Book of Kells. This 9th-century manuscript is on display alongside other examples of early Christian art, and is one of those things you have to see at least once.

The Book of Kells is an illuminated copy of the New Testament and the four Gospels. Illuminated manuscripts are highly decorated, hand written texts, mostly from the Middle Ages. This book is so highly prized – and so often visited – because it is probably the most famous medieval manuscript, and best example of illuminated text, in the world.

Irish monks were crucial in keeping a record of the history of European culture between the Classical period and the Renaissance. Visiting the Book of Kells is a great way to learn about this fascinating part of Irish history.

And to create some more, er, contemporary artforms – on your way out, take a bunch of photos in Trinity’s iconic Old Library.

Temple Bar

When you’ve finished with the Book of Kells, head to Temple Bar. Rather than a traditional bar, the Temple Bar district is a city center neighborhood (granted, there’s a pub called the Temple Bar, but avoid it – it’s a tourist trap).

Temple Bar is ostensibly Dublin’s cultural hub (and it’s tourist hub, to be fair), as the Dublin City Council invested in its redevelopment with an eye towards attracting artists and theatres to the area. As with much of urban development, this has been both a blessing and a curse – the artists have made the area so vibrant and fun and interesting that it’s become too expensive for the artists to live here anymore!

But vibrant and fun and interesting it is, so when visiting Dublin you will want to make at least one stop here (but likely more). Browse the shops and stop for lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants – Zaytoon, an inexpensive Persian spot, is a perennial local favorite. For dessert, the Queen of Tarts cafe on Cows Lane is a personal favorite.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Close, The Liberties
Included in Dublin Pass

In the afternoon, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church. Continue your tour of the medieval period that you started with the Book of Kells; St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few buildings from the Middle Ages left standing in Dublin. The architecture is impressive, and so are the luminaries buried here. Hundreds of people are buried on site, including Jonathan Swift (who pretty much invented political satire with A Modest Proposal).

Kilmainham Gaol
Inchicore Rd, Dublin 8

or

Guinness Storehouse
St. James Gate, Dublin 8
Included in Dublin Pass

Once you’ve had a quick peek at the beautiful Gothic architecture, head a bit further from the city centre to one of Dublin’s two best attractions – Kilmainham Gaol or the Guinness Storehouse. At this point in the day, it will probably be too much to tackle both of them (you don’t want to pack your Dublin itinerary too full), but you can’t go wrong with either.

Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that now houses a museum chronicling the tragic figures of Irish independence who were executed there. In 1916, the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB)(“Republican” meaning they were seeking to create an Irish republic and end British colonialism of Ireland) led a failed uprising on Easter Sunday.

The Easter Rising was the most significant armed rebellion against British colonial rule, and though the IRB failed in their goal that day, it led directly to independence in 1929. The leaders of the Rising and other political prisoners were jailed and, sadly, executed here.

If you’d like a lighter stop, you can instead tour the Guinness Storehouse, home of the famous stout – this is Ireland’s most visited attraction. You can scarcely escape the allure of – and advertising of – Guinness while you’re in Ireland. It is nearly ubiquitous.

The Guinness Storehouse is a salute to all things stout, and you’ll feel downright patriotic by the time you get to the 360 degree glass bar at the top. Take a stroll through the process of making, marketing, and of course, drinking Guinness. Just make sure to let it sit before you dive in – I’ve had my hand swatted away by more barmen than I’d like to admit when I tried to take a sip before the second pour.

End your day with dinner and drinks at one of Dublin’s many lively pubs.

Dublin Itinerary Day Two:

Dublin Castle and Contemporary Culture

Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Place, Wood Quay, Dublin 8
Included in Dublin Pass

Spend your second day exploring some of Dublin’s famous historical landmarks. Visit Christ Church Cathedral – if you’re not cathedral’d out after yesterday. Christ Church Cathedral was built over 1,000 years ago, and it’s still a working church.

One of the best times to visit Christ Church is during a choral performance or rehearsal, or when the bells are rung. The acoustics in this cathedral are absolutely astounding! Even if you don’t catch it at a musical moment, it’s still a lovely space, and a beautiful way to start the day.

Dublin Castle
Dame St, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass

Chester Beatty Library
Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass

When you’ve finished at the cathedral, walk along Castle Street to Dublin Castle. Built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Viking settlement, Dublin Castle was once the seat of British power in Ireland. Today, it houses several museums and art galleries, with the free-to-visit Chester Beatty Library being the absolute best.

After touring Dublin Castle, stop by Butler’s Chocolate Cafe on Wicklow Street or Grafton Street for the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had. Take it to go and make your way to St. Stephen’s Green, one of Dublin’s main parks, for a respite from the chaos of the city. Relax for a bit on one of the benches or take a stroll around the lake before stopping for lunch at Matt the Thresher on Lower Pembroke Street. In the afternoon do some shopping on Grafton Street—Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare, or take in a matinee at the Abbey Theatre. Finish up your day with a stunning Italian dinner at Bar Italia on Ormond Quay.

Dublin Itinerary Day Three:

Traditional Irish Music and the National Museum

Bewley’s Cafe
78-79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2

To cap off your 3 days in Dublin, take things at a slower pace and enjoy some of the city’s more low-key attractions. Start with breakfast at Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street (a must when visiting Dublin).

Bewley’s opened in 1927 and is an iconic landmark in the city. The draw is the architecture and the atmosphere – Bewley’s has an Art Deco style that is unique in Dublin. Be sure to check out the amazing stained glass windows!

Grab a pot of tea and either a full Irish breakfast or something lighter, and take your time.

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Kildare St, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass

National Gallery of Ireland
Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass

After breakfast, make your way to a museum. I recommend either the The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology to see some fascinating ancient artifacts from all around Ireland, or the National Gallery for Irish and European art.

The NMI-Archaeology is the best place to get a glimpse at prehistoric Ireland. This is the primary location for Irish artefacts in the world. Items on display include Viking and medieval gold, the famous “Tara Brooch” and Neolithic weaponry.

If you’re looking for more modern forms of art, the National Gallery, in nearby Merrion Square, is Ireland’s premier art museum. It houses a fantastic collection of Irish visual arts, as well as a broader range of European art such as paintings by Degas, Vermeer and Picasso.

The Old Mill Restaurant
14 Temple Bar, Dublin 2

The Gutter Bookshop
Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar

Phoenix Park
Dublin 8

For lunch on this day, I recommend The Old Mill Restaurant for some delicious traditional dishes like boxty (with a whiskey to wash it down of course). In the afternoon, do some shopping in and around Temple Bar. The Gutter Bookshop is a personal favorite!

Or, if you’re looking for some more nature, take a taxi to Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest enclosed park which is home to several interesting monuments as well as wild deer. This being an urban park, of course, you won’t need hiking boots! There are botanical gardens, flower gardens and even cafes for you to take a break.

Chapter One
18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

Cobblestone Pub
77 King Street North, Dublin 7

End your weekend in Dublin with a swanky dinner at Chapter One – if you can get a reservation. Widely considered to be the best restaurant in Ireland, with two Michelin stars to prove it, Chapter One offers a high end dining experience and features the best Irish ingredients available. This is art on a plate. Aim to make reservations well in advance.

After dinner, stop by the Cobblestone pub for live music and one last pint before heading home. The Cobblestone is the quintessential traditional Irish music pub, and is beloved by locals. You can expect to find a traditional music session each night, so stop by and see what’s playing. There’s no cover charge – just grab a Guinness or a whiskey, grab a seat and enjoy.

I’d love to hear your favorite spots in Dublin! Leave a comment and let me know.

Wondering where to go for a pint while you’re in Dublin? Check out my blog post The 5 Best Pubs in Dublin for my favorites in the city centre!

The post How to Spend Three Days in Dublin: The Perfect Long Weekend appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

Air travel today is the most hectic it’s ever been. And that includes baggage handling. Wait times for bags after arrival are high, and the chances of your bag getting lost in the huge amounts of luggage are enough to make you regret that checked bag fee you paid. Your best option is to not check a bag at all!

Here are the 6 best carry-on bags for women in 2022:

Some things to keep in mind when choosing a carry-on bag:

1. The best carry-on bag for a woman is one that is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment but large enough to hold all of her essentials.
2. The bag should have a comfortable shoulder strap so it can be easily carried through the airport.
3. It is important to choose a bag with plenty of compartments and pockets so that everything can be easily organized and accessed.
4. A bag with wheels is also a good option, as it will make it easier to navigate through the airport.
5. The bag should be made from durable materials so that it can withstand the rigors of travel.
6. Finally, the bag should be stylish so that it can be used as a piece of luggage or a handbag once you arrive at your destination.

Let us know in the comments which one you chose!

Are you heading on a long haul flight? Check out my list of must-have products to help you survive those super long flights!

The post The 6 Best Carry-On Bags for Women in 2022 appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

Singapore and Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, Kenya and Tanzania….in my opinion, some of the most incredible destinations in the world are, well, far away. From the mainland United States, it can take the better part of an entire day to reach these amazing places. The journey to reach these bucket list destinations is definitely worth it – but you may be wondering: what are the essentials for long haul flights? I’ve listed the 12 carry-on essentials for long haul flights – especially if you’re in economy!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from these links, I may earn a commission. These funds help me keep Travel Hacking 101 absolutely free. Your support is appreciated!

Essential for Saving Your Sanity on Long Haul Fligthts:

Bose Quiet Comfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

In 2016, I was scheduled to take three roundtrip long haul flights in one year – the most I had ever taken. I decided that between those flights and my loud neighbor, I would invest in some decent headphones. The Bose Quiet Comfort headphones that I bought were one the best purchases of my life, and are still going strong years later. Although I didn’t have the luxury of getting a wireless version (I’m still rocking the wired look because they still sound just as great as they did in 2016), you have the chance to get these babies with Bluetooth instead! If you had to choose just one thing to buy for your long haul trips, this would definitely be my recommendation. And pair them with my next item for a truly elevated experience in economy….

Essential for Watching Movies on Long Haul Flights:

Twelve South AirFly Duo Bluetooth Transmitter

Forget the traditional C-shaped travel pillow; this one allows your head and neck to truly relax, and for you to sleep with your head in a more natural position. Calling it a pillow might be a bit of misnomer – it’s a structured neck support brace that you wrap into place using cozy, soft (and washable) fleece. Even better, the design of it means that it will take up much less room than your old, bulky traditional travel pillow. Sleep in an economy seat may never be truly great, but this neck support pillow makes long haul economy a little more restful!

Essential for Blocking the World Out on Long Haul Flights:

TOPOINT Bluetooth Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones

I’m a sensitive sleeper. The least amount of noise and I can’t drift off. This makes sleeping in what is basically a big, loud tin can in the sky somewhat challenging – which is where this eye mask comes in. Just like the Trtl pillow is something more than a pillow, the TOPOINT Bluetooth Sleep Mask is more than a mask. While it’s blocking out light from keeping you awake, it’s also a set of flat, unobtrusive Bluetooth headphones. I love to pop these on and play white noise, ocean sounds, or even a podcast to help me sleep.

Essential for Short People on Long Haul Flights:

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

Look, I’m short. I’m real short. I’m so short, sometimes my feet don’t quite touch the floor when I sit down. While the situation on flights is typically not quite that dire, my legs get super uncomfortable and even on relatively short flights I find myself dying for a place to put my feet up. Some airline seats will give you a paltry foot rest, but when has that really ever done the trick? If you’re like me, you’re going to need an Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest. Hang this over the tray table and you’ve got a comfy footrest that packs up small enough to fit in your carry-on. Sure, it’s not a first class lay-flat bed, but it’s definitely a step up!

Essential for Staying Powered Up on Long Haul Flights:

Anker Portable Charger

One of the pleasures of flying nowadays is that you’ll often find an outlet or USB charging port at your seat, particularly for international flights. But the relief that comes with having access to charging for your many electronic devices can turn to anxiety real quick when you plug stuff in and realize – the outlet doesn’t work. Has it happened to me often? No. But has it happened to me? Oh yes. And let me tell you from multiple experiences, it’s a terrible feeling to get on an 11 hour flight and realize your phone is going to die about 1/3 of the way to your destination. That’s why I always have my Anker Portable Charger in my carry-on. It can charge my phone nearly 3 entire times, so I’ve never run out of juice when I have it on me. There are other brands that emulate Anker, but none offer the durability and reliability that I’ve come to expect from their products.

Essential for When Your Long Haul Flight Comes with a Longer Delay:

AXA Travel Insurance

No matter how long your flight is, you should make sure that you’re adequately covered in the event that things go wrong during your trip. And things don’t have to go super, catastrophically wrong for you to lose money – maybe you have to see a doctor at your destination, or your bags are delayed and you need to rebuy some clothes and toiletries. These minor mishaps can really add up. Throw COVID and its related airport chaos into the mix, and you could end up on the hook for hundreds of dollars in costs if your flight is delayed or canceled. Pre-empt all that anxiety by making sure you purchase a travel insurance plan as soon as possible after you make the first booking for your trip. I recommend AXA Travel Plans – they offer comprehensive travel insurance at great rates, and are super easy to work with if you have to make a claim.

Wish you could be traveling in business or first class but can’t afford it? Check out my post How to Start Travel Hacking to learn how to earn points & miles that can get you upper class seats for next to nothing (yes really!).

The post Essentials for Long Haul Flights: 7 Products You Need to Make Your Next Trip a Breeze appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

Credit card sign-up bonuses are the fastest, easiest way to earn nearly-free travel. The points you can earn by opening a new credit card can quickly earn you enough to book flights and hotels for next to nothing. But with many banks so strict about the number of personal cards you can have before they deny your application, you may be asking yourself “how can I qualify for a business credit card?” And the good news is – it’s easier than you think!

What are business credit cards?

Business credit cards are designed mainly for small business owners. These owners need credit in order to purchase goods and services for their businesses. Typically the credit multipliers on these cards will be along the lines of “3x points on office supplies” or “5x points on advertising purchases.” Banks want to attract business owners, so they design the cards to be of greatest use to business owners. However, there are no rules about what you can and can’t purchase on these cards. You can use them for personal charges in addition to business charges.

What kind of business do you need to have to qualify?

The definition of a “business” for approval is quite broad, particularly if you are what is known as a “sole proprietor.” A sole proprietor is someone who owns and runs a business on their own. Some examples are consultants, bloggers, Etsy shop owners, etc. It means that you’re not in business with others and you haven’t filed for incorporation of your business. Chances are, if you’ve landed here, you’re a sole proprietor.

These “businesses” can be anything that earns you money outside of your regular, salaried or waged job. Some side hustles that can qualify you for a business card:

• Selling stuff on Facebook Marketplace or eBay
• Babysitting or pet-sitting
• Driving for Uber (yes, drivers for ride-sharing are considered sole proprietors, not employees)
• Delivering for Door Dash or GrubHub
• Writing a blog
• Selling stuff on Etsy or at craft fairs

There are so many ways to qualify! If you earn money outside of your job, chances are you can apply for (and be approved for) a business credit card.

Why would I want a business credit card if my business is tiny?

You should consider applying for business cards for the same reason you apply for personal cards – because they offer a great sign-up bonus and great perks that you will use to improve your travel experience. Just like personal cards, not every business card will be right for you. But you will likely find one that fits your needs well. Having the opportunity to apply for these cards expands the cards available to you.

Are there tax implications to using a business card for my personal expenses? Is that even legal?

First of all – it’s absolutely legal. You are of course going to be honest on your application, as you should with any and every financial document you complete. It is not illegal or inappropriate for you to charge personal items to a business card or vice versa.

For your taxes, you will likely want to keep scrupulous records of your business expenses and keep those separate from your personal expenses. Of course, every tax situation is different, and I am not a tax specialist, accountant or lawyer. Definitely talk to a tax professional about your situation if you are looking for information about how to file and how to document your business finances.

What are the best business cards?

There are so many business cards out there, and every business is different, so this will depend greatly on your individual situation. The business cards that I have – and love – are:

• Barclays Wyndham Earner Business Card: This heavy-hitter is an absolute must-have if you travel to Vegas often! It offers Wyndham Diamond Status, which you can then match to Caesars Diamond and MGM Gold. You can also transfer the sign-up bonus to Caesars Rewards points.
• Capital One Spark 2X Miles Business Card: This card earns unlimited 2x Capital One miles on every purchase – no need to keep track of spending categories. I love Capital One miles, so this is a great companion to the Venture and/or Venture X personal cards.
• Chase Ink Business Cash: With an all-time-best offer of 90,000 points and no annual fee (!!!), Ink Business Cash card deserves a place in your wallet. Despite the name, this card actually earns you Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which are some of the most valuable and flexible that you can own.

Not sure if you’re eligible for business cards? Want to get more personalized answers to your questions? Book a one-on-one consultation with me!

The post How to Qualify for a Business Credit Card – It’s Easier Than You Think appeared first on Travel Hacking 101.

For centuries, Egypt has been one of the most fascinating places on Earth. Do you really need a reason to visit? If so, I’ve got five of the best reasons to visit Egypt, so make some room on your bucket list….

The Food

Egyptian food is incredibly underrated! It’s a unique cuisine that is reminiscent of nearby Greek, Turkish, Italian and Lebanese foods, but has a style and flavor all its own. You’re unlikely to find Egyptian food in most US cities, so you may be unfamiliar with it, but rest assured, if you enjoy Middle Eastern food in general, you’re likely to love the food in Egypt.

Be sure to try tammeya, Egypt’s unique take on falafel, ideally along with foul, a mashed fava bean dish, for breakfast. You can’t leave without tasting Egypt’s national dish – koshari, a mix of pasta, rice, beans, onions and tomato sauce. Koshari is pure comfort food, and maybe the most affordable way to fill up! Molokhia, a thick, garlicky soup made with a vegetable similar to spinach, is amazing for a chilly evening (and the hefty amount of garlic is super good for you!).

Egypt is truly carb heaven – the government subsidizes the cost of bread, and you can expect to have wheat flatbread – aish baladi – at nearly every meal. Eat with foul, with white cheese, with hummus…with just about everything!

The People

Egyptian people are incredibly warm, friendly, hospitable and funny. I’ve rarely felt so welcomed by locals. Although you will encounter a strong tipping culture and a lot of hard-sell vendors, keep in mind that the Egyptian people are resilient and hard-working, and have been through a great deal of hardship in the last 15 years.

Many Americans may find Egypt’s tipping culture overwhelming; it’s important to be prepared to tip for almost any service, no matter how small. It’s important to keep a clear cultural perspective, though – for most of the world, American tipping culture feels constant and difficult to understand as well! Don’t let culture shock put up a barrier between you and everyday Egyptian people.

Egyptian people are also more diverse than many Americans might imagine. Most Egyptians are Muslim, but about 10% are Coptic Christian and a small minority are Jewish; you’ll learn a lot about their different ways of life simply by chatting with them. You’ll encounter more men than women in public life, but women are very much a vital force in Egyptian life – if you are a woman, definitely make the effort to meet and talk to Egyptian women. Egyptians absolutely love kids, so if you’re traveling with small children, you’re likely to be made very welcome!

English is somewhat well spoken in tourist areas, but be sure to make an effort to speak in Arabic – even a few words will go far in indicating your respect for them. As with any country you visit, remember that you are a guest in their country and it’s your responsibility to be polite and respectful. Traveling with an Arabic-speaking guide will help to break down barriers of culture and language so that you can really get to know people – I recommend Egypt Adventures Travel (I’m not affiliated with them and I don’t make a commission if you book with them).

The History

I mean, do I need to explain this one? Egypt is one of the most important places in human history, and the pride that Egyptians take in their incredible history is apparent everywhere you go. This is one of the top reasons to visit Egypt and why people keep coming back. Immerse yourself in ancient and modern Egyptian history in this unforgettable country.

Egyptian history is nearly inescapable no matter where you go, but Luxor and Cairo are two cities you can’t miss if you want to see the most historical sights and objects in the shortest period of time. Luxor is often referred to as an “open air museum” due to the number and significance of historical sights located in this relatively small city. Here you’ll find the Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple, to name a few. Luxor was the burial site for the most important people of the New Kingdom (Ancient Egypt’s most recent era – their final pharoah, Cleopatra, lived closer to our time than the time of the Pyramids, believe it or not! Egypt’s history is almost unfathomably long.)

Cairo (or it’s neighboring town, Giza, to be precise) is the home of the Old Kingdom’s (and maybe the world’s) most famous set of monuments – the Great Pyramids. These are so important that they have their own section on this list! But Cairo is also home to the Egyptian Museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization….you won’t run out of places to marvel at this incredible civilization.

The Beaches

It might not be the first place that Americans think of when they want a beach vacation (okay it definitely isn’t) but Egypt has some amazing seaside resorts. Resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are regular destinations for people in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. All-inclusive resorts on the Red Sea are both luxurious and very affordable.

Most of the beach-centric areas are located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Although at the time of writing the US State Department lists the Sinai Peninsula as a “do not travel” area, they make an exception for travel to Sharm el-Sheikh by air – meaning it’s safe to go there, but don’t plan on driving from Cairo. Once in Sharm, you can stay there or move on to a more laidback area like Dahab.

Sharm el-Sheikh itself is a purpose-built city designed for foreign tourism; some people love it, some people absolutely hate it. You’ll mainly find large all-inclusive beach resorts here, which we found fun for a couple of nights. If you like Cancun or Las Vegas, you’ll probably like Sharm!

If you’re more into the backpacker vibe, you’ll want to take a 1.5 hour bus ride to Dahab, which is a smaller, less commercial – but still highly touristed – town. In both Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh, you can expect to find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. Your hotel or resort can hook you up with some snorkeling gear if you just want to get your feet wet, so to speak.

The Pyramids

This is what you came to see.

I’ve been to a places in my life, and seen a lot of famous monuments and sights. Some were underwhelming. Some were impressive. But the Pyramids…however amazing you think the Pyramids will be, they’re even better. Everyone should see them once. Photos simply don’t do them justice. Of all the reasons to visit Egypt, the Pyramids is the one you’ll hear the most.

Built over 4,500 years ago, the Pyramids were massive burial tombs, and monuments to the strength and wealth of the Old Kingdom pharoahs. (They also were essentially giant signs that said “TREASURE BURIED HERE,” which is why pyramid-building went out of fashion, and tombs started to be built underground or in hillsides, as you’ll see in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings.) Keep in mind, too, that there are a LOT of pyramids in the Cairo area alone – what you think of as THE Pyramids are simply the most spectacular.

The Pyramids are located in Giza, which is technically a neighboring town of Cairo, but in practice is simply a continuation of the megacity on the left bank of the Nile. We chose to stay in central Cairo, but if you’d like to wake up each morning with a view of the Pyramids, you can absolutely do that, at hotels ranging from dirt cheap to eye-wateringly expensive (hello, Marriott Mena House). Whatever you do, be sure to read up on how to avoid scams when visiting the Pyramids complex – or better yet, hire a reputable guide to take you around. They’ll keep the scammers at bay.

Interested in visiting Egypt, but want to do it for much less money? Check out my blog post How to Start Travel Hacking: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Travel the World for Almost Free!

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