Save money on accommodations, cruise bookings, and travel with these great status matching, search, and planning apps.
We’ve been to over 92 countries and counting. Over the years we’ve discovered tools, hacks and budget travel tips to save money on travel. In this post, we present seven tools or apps that can help you save money on accommodations and cruise bookings, keep you connected overseas, improve your travel experience and save you time.
1. Directo Chrome Extension: Save on Accommodations
There’s a free Chrome extension called Directo that notifies you if you can book your accommodations directly. This can potentially save money or get you additional perks. You can download it from getdirecto.com or the Chrome extension website and it works on Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO.
For example, let’s say you’re looking for a place to stay in Madrid and you find a great option on Booking.com. With the Directo extension, you’ll see a “D” icon on certain listings. This indicates that you might be able to book directly with the property instead. This is worth checking out because if you book directly, the property doesn’t have to pay a commission to Booking.com. As a result, they may pass those savings on to you. Effectively, you’re cutting out the middleman.
When you click on the Directo icon, you’ll be taken to the property’s website. Here you can compare prices and perks with what’s offered on Booking.com. Sometimes, you might find that joining a free membership program on the property’s website can get you a discount. Or you might be offered extras like free breakfast, early check-in, or late check-out. Even if the price is the same, it’s still worth booking directly since you’ll have a more direct line of communication with the property if any issues arise.
So the next time you’re planning a trip and looking for a place to stay, be sure to install the Directo Chrome extension and take advantage of the potential savings and perks that come with booking direct!
2. Status Matching: Maximize Travel Perks
Now, let’s talk about status matching and why it’s a game-changer for travelers. Status matching allows you to leverage your existing membership status with an airline or hotel to gain similar perks with another company. It’s a powerful way to enhance your travel experience and unlock exclusive benefits. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Status Matching
Here’s how it works: you take your status with one airline or hotel and use it to match and gain perks with another. For instance, let’s say you have gold or platinum status with American Airlines. You can then reach out to other airlines like KLM and Air France and request that they match your status within their own loyalty programs. This is exactly what my wife Monica and I did, and it worked like a charm!
To find out about the current status matches and how to achieve them, head over to statusmatcher.com. This website is a goldmine of information. It allows you to see which companies are offering status matches and shows you how others have successfully achieved them. You can filter by airlines, hotels, and even cruises, as status matching isn’t just limited to flights.
Benefits of Status Matching
So, why go through the effort of status matching? Well, the benefits can be significant and really enhance your travel experience. For example, with matched status, you could enjoy early boarding, extra checked luggage, and lounge access at airports. These perks can make your travel days much more comfortable and efficient.
On cruises, status matching can get you free high-speed internet, priority boarding, free drinks, and even a bar tab worth a few hundred dollars. It’s like having a VIP pass that elevates your vacation to the next level.
Real-Life Examples
Now let’s look at some concrete examples of how status matching has worked for us. As I mentioned, we matched our American Airlines status to KLM and Air France, which then extended to their entire alliance, including Delta and other airlines. This gave us access to a range of benefits across multiple carriers with just one status match.
Another successful story was when we took our status on Royal Caribbean and applied it to Virgin Voyages. This unlocked an array of perks, including free high-speed internet, free laundry, a bar tab, free drinks, and priority boarding. It’s like discovering a secret cheat code for travel upgrades!
So, there you have it—a deep dive into the world of status matching. Be sure to check out statusmatcher.com to explore the current opportunities and start planning your next move. With status matching, you can truly maximize your travel perks and take your adventures to the next level.
3. and 4. Cruise Plum | Cruise Line: Find Amazing Cruise Deals
There are some incredible websites out there that can help you score amazing deals on cruises. Today I want to talk about two of my favorites: Cruise Plum and Cruise Line. These sites are like your secret weapons for finding hot deals, last-minute offers, and hidden extras that will make your cruise experience even more fantastic.
Using Cruise Plum
Head over to cruiseplum.com and use the standard search function to explore the thousands of potential cruise combinations. You can narrow down your search by selecting specific criteria such as destination, date, and cabin type. Keep an eye out for their hot deals and last-minute deals, which can offer significant savings.
For example, let’s say you’re interested in a transatlantic cruise for two people with a standard cabin. On Cruise Plum, you might find a balcony cabin on the Celebrity Eclipse for as low as $600. And the best part? The additional costs, like taxes and tips, are just $75 per person per day, which is an incredible value for all that’s included.
Using Cruise Line
Now, let’s talk about cruiseline.com, which is another fantastic resource for finding cruise deals. This site is great for specific searches and offers a wealth of reviews to help you make an informed decision. You can compare multiple cruises side by side and even request quotes from different travel agencies to find the best deal. Cruiseline.com is all about helping you find the perfect cruise at the perfect price.
So, whether you’re dreaming of sailing the high seas or exploring exotic ports of call, be sure to check out Cruise Plum and Cruise Line. With a bit of searching and flexibility, you can find incredible deals that will make your cruise vacation truly unforgettable.
5. Airalo: eSIMs to Stay Connected
One of the challenges of traveling the world is staying connected. Enter Airalo, a convenient solution that lets you set up eSIMs before you even arrive at your destination.
First things first: what is an eSIM? Well, it’s an embedded SIM that allows you to access mobile operator services without the need for a physical SIM card. This means you can skip the hassle of hunting for a local SIM card upon arrival.
Here’s how Airalo works: visit their website or download their app on your phone. It’s important to note that your phone needs to be unlocked by your carrier for this to work. Once you’re set up, you can choose from a range of affordable data plans covering over 200 countries and regions. For example, I can opt for the European package, which covers 30+ countries. This ensures that I have full coverage as I move around the continent.
The beauty of Airalo is that it’s cost-effective and convenient. Instead of paying exorbitant rates for international plans from carriers like AT&T or Verizon, you can get cheap data with Airalo. For instance, I can often get 1GB to 5GB of data for just $10, which is a fraction of what I’d pay with a traditional carrier.
With Airalo, you can activate your eSIM as soon as you land at your destination, ensuring you stay connected throughout your travels. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to stay connected while exploring the globe, be sure to check out Airalo.
6. ChatGPT: Leverage for Efficient Travel Planning
One of the most exciting ways to use ChatGPT is for travel planning. It can save you a ton of time and effort by generating personalized travel itineraries based on your specific needs and preferences.
Let’s say you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in July and want to make the most of your time there. You can simply input your destination, travel dates, and any preferences or requirements you may have, such as a desire for great photo spots, food recommendations, and less crowded locations. ChatGPT will then create a detailed itinerary to ensure you have a memorable experience.
For instance, your itinerary might include famous sites like the Sagrada Familia, as well as local neighborhoods where you can immerse yourself in the culture and find those hidden gems. Similarly, you can exclude sights you’ve seen before if you don’t want to see them again. It will also take into account your preferred mode of transportation, whether it’s walking, using public transit, or something else entirely.
The real benefit of using ChatGPT for travel planning is that it saves you HOURS of research. Instead of scouring multiple websites and guidebooks, you get a comprehensive plan in seconds. You can then customize it further to your liking. This level of convenience and personalization truly elevates your travel experience.
So, if you’re looking to streamline your travel planning and want a tailored itinerary that considers your unique interests and preferences, be sure to give ChatGPT a try. It might just become your favorite travel companion!
7. Priority Pass: Enhance Your Airport Experience
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve probably heard of Priority Pass. It’s a membership program that gives you access to airport lounges worldwide. This handy perk can elevate your airport experience, and the best part? Many credit cards offer Priority Pass for free, allowing you and a guest to enjoy its benefits at no extra cost.
So, what are these benefits? Priority Pass grants you access to airport lounges with complimentary amenities, such as free food, drinks, and improved internet access. It offers a peaceful environment to relax or work before your flight, making your travel experience that much more enjoyable and stress-free.
When choosing a credit card, look for those that include Priority Pass as a perk. To maximize the value, consider cards with generous signup bonuses and reasonable annual fees. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of Priority Pass without breaking the bank.
Here’s a real-life example from my travels. During a layover in Oslo, I discovered that the airport didn’t have a Priority Pass lounge. However, one of the airport restaurants accepted Priority Pass, and we received a $30 credit – per person! We enjoyed a delicious meal and drinks in a pleasant setting, all without reaching for our wallets.
Priority Pass is an excellent tool to enhance your airport experience, providing comfort and convenience while you wait for your flight. So, if you travel frequently, consider signing up for Priority Pass or choosing a credit card that offers it as a benefit.
Conclusion: Optimize Your Travel with These Essential Tips
In this post, we’ve covered a range of practical budget travel tips and tools to elevate your travel experiences and save you time and money. From streamlining travel planning to enhancing airport lounge access, let’s recap the key takeaways and explore some final thoughts.
Recap of Key Points
- Using the Directo Chrome Extension to save on accommodations by booking directly.
- Maximizing travel perks through status matching on websites like statusmatcher.com.
- Finding the best cruise deals using comparison sites like Cruise Plum and booking directly with cruise lines.
- Staying connected globally with Airalo eSIMs, offering cheap data plans in over 200 countries.
- Planning efficient itineraries with ChatGPT, a time-saving and personalized travel planning tool.
- Elevating your airport experience with Priority Pass, including lounge access and restaurant credits at airports worldwide.
Actionable Takeaways
- Install recommended tools like the Directo Chrome Extension and Airalo app, and experiment with websites like statusmatcher.com and Cruise Plum to unlock savings and perks.
- Leverage your existing travel statuses and credit card perks to access benefits like business class upgrades and lounge access.
- Utilize search engines and comparison sites to find the best travel deals, and consider booking directly to save on accommodations.
Practical Advice for Future Travel
- Plan ahead and utilize the tips shared in this video (below) to enhance your travel experiences, save money, and discover new strategies.
- Stay informed about the latest tools and updates in the travel industry, and engage with the travel community to share and learn from others.
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel and share your own travel hacks and recommendations in the comments to help others optimize their journeys.
- View these apps in action in our video below:
Budget Travel Tips to Travel Smarter
We hope these budget travel tips will empower you to travel smarter and make your trips more enjoyable and affordable. Remember to plan efficiently, explore new tools, and stay connected with our community. We will continue to share valuable travel tips and hacks.
Happy travels and keep exploring!
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