Five Ways to Travel Better in 2016 - Travel Like Anna

Want to get more out of five ways travel better without the guesswork? Below we walk through the essentials in plain language, with practical steps you can use right away.

Key Takeaways

• When I’m back in Texas, I spend my time exploring the state and cool towns like Marfa.
• As the year wraps up, I encourage you to begin thinking about your travel resolutions for 2016.
• I wanted to share a post I wrote for Afar.com a few weeks ago about how to travel smarter, longer and lighter next year!
• Here are five methods to make make travel a priority in 2016 and maximize your vacation time: 1.

Is Five Ways Travel Better Worth It?

Worth noting: when I studied abroad in England, I spent each weekend exploring and saw more of the country than my local friends who had lived there for decades. I did the same when I moved to Austin, Texas.

• I took road trips to Marfa, Houston, Large Bend National Park and each quirky, photogenic town people recommended.
• Write down a list of places you’ve consistently wanted to visit but take for granted due to their proximity.
• More importantly, once a month, plan a trip to explore areas closer to home - nearby towns, national parks and attractions within your state.
• Take friends or family along for a fun day or quick overnight trip.

Where the Real Savings Hide

Learn to pack smarter and carry on all luggage. I consistently begin packing a few days before a large trip. (It’s method too straightforward to over pack when I am rushed!) Then, I spend a few minutes each day eliminating items down to only the bare essentials.

• Remember that packing lighter saves time at the airport since I skip the baggage check line and get to sleep in a few added minutes!
• Pack complimentary colors to maximize outfit choices.
• Limit your shoes to two pairs.
• Roll clothing to make more space in your bag.

A Closer Look at Five Ways Travel Better

As a rule, no matter where you go, there will be laundry services! Travel isn’t an excuse to abandon your exercise routine.

• Instead, apply your workout as a reason to explore a new city. (My favorite aspect to do on my first morning in a new place is to go for a sunrise run while the tourists are still asleep.) Bike the local neighborhoods, climb a volcano or go sandboarding!
• Join a tour or do it solo!
• In short, either method, you’ll get a more authentic look at the culture.
• Consider planning your trip near activities are that are both physically challenging and rewarding.

What to Know About Five Ways Travel Better

Hike the Inca Trail or the W circuit at Torres del Paine. Climb Kilimanjaro or trek to Everest Base Camp!

• Worth noting: push your limits and comfort zone.
• The stories will be priceless!
• It’s cheaper to travel for longer periods of time than to take multiple trips.
• Flights are typically the most pricey part of travel.

How Five Ways Travel Better Really Works

More importantly, once you arrive in a destination, it’s much easier and cheaper to country hop than to take additional trips. Spending a month or three in Southeast Asia is consistently cheaper than multiple visits.

• How do you find the time?
• For me, it was straightforward.
• Remember that i took advantage of gaps of time between jobs and after graduation from both college and graduate school.
• I also quit multiple jobs to travel.

Getting the Most From Five Ways Travel Better

Each time I was honest about my reasons for leaving and even got rehired when I returned! Glance at your work schedule for the year.

• As a rule, devise a detailed plan that allows you to take an extended trip without affecting your productivity.
• Meet with your boss face-to-face to outline your plan and/or discuss choices to work remotely.
• Be honest and direct.
• And, offer to bring him back a nice bottle of Argentinean malbec!

Tips That Make a Difference

In short, i wrapped up a seven-month trip in Central/South America earlier this year. I flew fifteen times and only paid for four flights.

• The rest were paid for with miles that I collected from traveling (for both work and personal trips) and rewards credit cards.
• What’s my secret? for a rewards credit card and frequent flyer mile accounts at each of the major airlines in your country.
• Worth noting: the initial sign-up bonus offered by most rewards cards is enough for one free flight!
• Make apply of online shopping malls offered by rewards credit cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on five ways travel better?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. I did the same when I moved to Austin, Texas.

Is it worth shopping around for five ways travel better?

Usually yes. I took road trips to Marfa, Houston, Large Bend National Park and each quirky, photogenic town people recommended.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. Write down a list of places you’ve consistently wanted to visit but take for granted due to their proximity.

Smart Ways to Save More on Five Ways Travel Better

• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on five ways travel better: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.