Travel Tips
During my many years of travel I've learned some tips and tricks to planning your perfect getaway. Nothing can screw up a much awaited vacation more than a SNAFU cropping up that throws all of your day's plans into chaos. So I'm going to share those tips and tricks with you.
KNOW YOUR BUCKET LIST
When I plan a trip for leisure, I want to be able to cross at least one item off my bucket list during that trip. Number 1 on my personal bucket list was to swim with dolphins - which I managed to cross off my list during one of my trips to Mexico.
Many people I know never bother to do anything with their bucket list except keep in the 'wishful thinking' category in their heads...but life's too short for that in my book.
So when I plan any trip, I always keep my bucket list in mind. What can I cross off that bucket list with this trip I'm taking?
PLAN WELL IN ADVANCE
I begin planning any trip 6 months to a full year in advance and there are several reasons I do this:
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To avoid last minute rushing and possibly forgetting something
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To take advantage of sales and promotional specials to save money
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To avoid problems with getting reservations for anything that tends to book up and sell out fast
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To give myself plenty of time to comparison shop accommodations, transportation, activities, etc. in making out my travel itinerary
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To give me a chance to speak to locals in my travel destination because they always have the best information on less touristy traps
KEEP A TRAVEL ORGANIZER
I know most of you probably keep most everything on your cell phones but they just aren't my thing. If they're yours, knock your socks off...but I don't need Big Brother tracking my every move nor irradiating my brain so I go the old fashioned route...a 3 ring binder style 6"x9" leather bound travel planner.
I used to use Passporter until that went out of print, so I just made my own travel planner.
Photo below.
If you're going to go this route, get one that zips shut. It prevents anything from falling out of it.
I loved the pages and pocket pages the Passporter had as each travel day had a page that had everything on it for that day and its own pocket to put things like printed admission tickets, coupons, maps, etc. in it.
I made my own duplicate pages in a computer word processing program, then just printed them out on card stock and hole punched them. I bought 6x9 pocket pages.
As I planned my trip I'd write everything in pencil so I could erase if I wanted to make changes.
This way I had everything at-a-glance as I planned.
But isn't it a hassle hauling that book around everywhere you go during your trip?
Nope. I have a lightweight nylon mini travel backpack that I put everything I need for that day in - water bottle, medications, sun cap, sunglasses, cell phone, wallet, etc. This keeps my hands free. So I just throw my travel planner in there.
BUDGET
Decide what your trip budget will be and stick to it! I don't know about you, but I don't like coming home off the high of a vacation to find a stack of bills waiting for me.
I'd figure out what my entire trip budget was going to be, then divide that total into the number of days my trip would consist of. I'd write that total in the budget section on each trip day in my travel planner. As I made reservations, booked activities, etc. I'd deduct the cost of those from my total funds available for that specific trip day. In doing this, I had a running total of my budget for each trip day, that I could see at a glance. I've never gone over budget using this method.
CREDIT CARDS WITH TRAVEL PERKS & AWARDS
Since I plan my trip a full year in advance, this allows me to accumulate perks and awards on my credit cards, that I can use toward my trips.
For example, my accumulated Delta Skymiles paid all but a very small portion of round trip airfare for 2 to Cozumel, Mexico
No small savings since at that time,
the price was around $1,000 per ticket. It also allowed priority boarding and a free 2nd suitcase.
However, make sure any such credit cards you get are NO ANNUAL FEE cards.bonus
FEBRUARY 2025 8 BEST TRAVEL REWARD CREDIT CARDS
But note the annual fee on some of those! I have the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card. No annual fees, they get the trick done and both offer bonus sign up rewards. I pay any balance off in full each month so I never get hit with interest charges or go into debt.
Accommodations
There are so many varieties of accommodations available today - hotels, motels, all inclusive resorts, B&B's, hostels, private units for rent, RV & camping sites...
I always shop around for accommodations that are conveniently located in my travel destination and that offer specials at times. For example, for our trip to Cozumel I wanted to do some scuba diving and Cozumel Palace was a diving resort. By waiting to book our reservations until their Black Friday sale, I paid half price and got a $1500 resort credit (same as cash) that was good both inside and outside the Palace. Using that resort credit, I was able to upgrade us to a
seaside suite with in room hot tub, 24/7 valet service and a fully stocked bar.
It also bought us a gourmet meal served on the beach, prepared by a chef, as well as a spa day and a couple of other activities.
The resort had 4 different restaurants we could eat in that were included in the price of our stay, a poolside restaurant and free drinks.
By planning our activities around eating meals at the resort, we saved a bundle. The entire trip for 2 including round trip airfare cost me under $5,000 for 10 days.
Best of all, because it wasn't one of the modern hotel chains, the service at Cozumel Palace was OUTSTANDING! To the point we felt the resort staff were like family. I've never walked out of blistering heat to immediately have a cold towel placed around my neck the moment I walked through the door and a drink placed in my hand. Our suite was spectacular as well. If I ever return to Cozumel I wouldn't consider staying anywhere but Cozumel Palace.
When shopping for accommodations, look for spots that are conveniently located to the activities you plan for your trip and that has easy access to transportation. For our dolphin swim we only had to walk about 2 blocks down the street and we could catch a cab right at the door of the Palace. We had no problem getting around anywhere and it was very inexpensive to do so.
I always try to remain a bit flexible on the accommodations I might ideally desire for my trip. If what I wanted wasn't available in the particular area I was focused on, what else was available? I've found a lot of hidden gems I wouldn't have been aware of had I not been flexible.
If your only option is one of the chain hotels or motels, then inquire about discounts. Often they offer discounted pricing to active and retired military veterans, or holders of an AARP or AAA card, for example.
Transportation
I find renting a car a royal pain in the butt. I only do that as a last resort normally. There are just too many other options that are out there, hassle free and a whole lot more fun.
In Portland, Maine hubby and I could tour all of Portland on a vintage fire engine for $28 each plus we had time to explore on our own during the tour. No negotiating unfamiliar streets, paying for gas and parking, etc. as you would with a rental car. Hubby had been a fireman so LOVED this option and so did I.
Plus we learned Portland history we wouldn't have learned in a rental car and lemme tell ya...
hubby buddied right up to those firefighters driving the truck and they all immediately began talking "shop". The three of them had a ball together.
In New Orleans, driving and parking is a NIGHTMARE. On the other hand we paid $20 to take a carriage ride around the French Quarter and had a fantastic driver who not only knew New Orleans history but was hilariously entertaining.
For $8 each we could get a 3 day streetcar/bus pass to get anywhere between the CBD and French Quarter and both stopped to pick up passengers just a few feet from the hotel entrance.
So explore your options! There are plenty of other options out there that are way less expensive and more entertaining than a rental car. Many of them are within walking distance of your accommodations if you plan things right.
I'd order our transportation passes in advance if possible and put them in the pocket of my travel planner.
The Airlines & flying
You would not get me on a plane anymore. It is no longer safe to fly and booking airline tickets has become a maze you'll never negotiate your way out of. And then there are all the other hassles one encounters with flying...
Why do I say it's no longer safe to fly?
in the past 50 years, America has had no plane crashes involving fatalities. In the first month of this year alone, we've had 87 plane crashes with injuries and fatalities due to many carriers getting involved in WOKE nonsense and hiring unqualified DEI pilots. The recent crash in Toronto where an unqualified DEI female pilot landed the plane upside down is just one example.
Whatever is going on within the airline industry has many people raising their eyebrrows and refusing to fly. This guy sums it all up...
I have a friend, Alex who's a Security Analyst for the airports across the country and their airline carriers. It's his job to analyze how effective their security measures are. Do you know how he does this? He smuggles a bomb (wired so it's impossible to detonate) past TSA security and onto the plane. HE'S BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DOING THIS IN EVERY U.S. AIRPORT AND WITH EVERY AIRLINE CARRIER!
If you think the invasive overreach of the TSA and airlines are protecting you against anything you couldn't be more wrong. Your safety is not their concern, their bottom line corporate profit margins are. It might also interest you to know that the #1 cause of airline crashes is our government taking down our planes.
But if you're an adrenaline junkie with an appetite for risk taking, here are my air travel tips.
Know your rights as a passenger
What are the airlines obligations to you their customer if they cancel your flight or overbook it and bump you? They're not going to clue you in because they want those bottom line profits in their own pocket.
BE AWARE OF EXCESSIVE AIRLINE FEES & AVOID THEM
The airlines have gotten so ridiculous about these added surcharges and given their track record lately, I'm waiting for them to charge additional for a safe landing. Or installing automatic window shades on timers and for an added charge, you can look out the airplane window for 30 seconds.
(They don't want you to see the plane losing its right engine mid flight...not good for business!) Don't laugh...these days that happens more than you think!
My fave TV show is Smithsonian Channel's Air Disasters. If you saw what was going on behind the scenes now days, especially with airplane maintenance and repairs, you wouldn't board a plane without a parachute at the very least. Even the pilots with consciences are now refusing to pilot a plane if they feel it's not up to par maintenance wise. There was just a pilot scheduled to fly a 747 to Hawaii, he was getting a high oil temperature reading on one of his gauges and discovered some filter on the plane hadn't been changed. He refused to fly the plane. Even the qualified pilots are in fear of their own lives now and aren't taking any chances.
Know air fares and how they work
Flight prices can change multiple times a day depending on several factors: airlines change the prices of their flights according to market demand, and they drop prices mostly when demand for a route is low, which often happens in winter (outside the holidays). You can also expect flight prices to drop between 4 months and 3 weeks before the departure date, and early on in the week, such as on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesdays.
Airlines regularly change prices during the week depending on competitor’s prices and other factors, which is done to maximize profits and increase the number of filled seats.
Recent data reveals that average airfare can spike by over 30% during peak holiday weeks. In contrast, off-peak times surrounding these events often present more affordable options.
Budget friendly, low cost airlines
By all means check out low cost, budget friendly air carriers! Just know ahead of time what you're getting on one of these flights.
The Pros and Cons of Low-Cost Air Travel Explained
Note: Low cost airlines are best avoided if you need to check baggage and can't travel with only a carry-on. Budget airlines usually charge for carry-on luggage as well as checked suitcases. However, it's still worth checking to see if the combined price of your luggage and airfare is cheaper than flying another carrier offering free checked luggage.
The best Budget Airlines in order: (For domestic flights)
Southwest
Avelo
JetBlue
Breeze
The worst Budget Airlines in order:
Sun Country
Spirit
Frontier
Allegiant Source
Plane seating
According to Frequent Flyers these are the best plane seats and why:
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Over the wings: This area experiences the least motion, especially during turbulence.
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Exit rows: These seats offer more legroom.
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Aisle or window seats: These are generally preferred.
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Towards the front of the plane: If you want to debark quickly. However, i
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Avoid the rear of the plane
Sorry, but I disagree - except with the exit rows.
If you're sitting over the wings, that extremely flammable jet fuel is stored in the wings!
So if you go down or a fire starts aboard, you're sitting next to 2 big bombs.
Aisle seats are better than window seats if you'd have to evacuate the plane for any reason and you have a cabin full of panicked passengers. In a window seat, you'd likely end up climbing over other passengers and seats to evacuate the plane.
Towards the front of the plane? What normally hits the ground first in an airline crash? Or if the nose landing wheels collapse? If the plane would lose an engine and stall?
That's right...the nose section typically hits the ground first.
So do you really want to sit in the front of the plane?
I'd try to reserve a seat in the tail section every time. Yes, you'll feel the most turbulence there because the plane tail swings in turbulence. Yes, it's closest to the bathrooms but the upseide of that is that you don't have to stand in line for 10 minutes waiting for someone to finish their business.
Not many people know this, and airlines try to keep this under wraps to avoid passengers swarming to the back seats on every flight.
However, it turns out that if you sit in the back row of a plane, you may have a chance of being upgraded free of charge.
The reason for this is that the tail end of an aircraft tends to be heavier, so airline employees will usually move people from this area of the plane first to balance out the airplane.
If this happens to you, you have a chance of being moved to first class without having to pay for the upgrade. Of course, this doesn’t happen on a frequent basis, but it’s worth a shot!
The second reason I choose a back seat is that although the NTSB crash investigators claim it doesn't matter where you sit should your plane crash, I don't buy that. If you look at the percentage of crashes involving fatalities, the tail has a higher chance of breaking off the fuselage and remaining intact. So while you too might 'break up', odds are you'll remain intact with the rest of the tail section.
Yes, that means you're the last off the plane when deboarding but at least you'd possibly BE deboarding in the event of a crash.
Through experience, I've learned that my best chance of getting accessible overhead storage is if I'm in the back of a plane because I get to pass every potential opening for my carry-on bag.
Finally, the back of the plane is my best chance of sitting next to empty seats.
From experience, it seems like airlines typically fill seats from front to back. If there are any open seats, they're usually in the last rows of the plane. This gives me a little more leg room too.
Dealing with airport hassles
These are the most common airport hassles you'll deal with:
Security Checkpoint: To minimize time spent at the security checkpoint, be prepared and travel light, minimizing obstacles to safe, smooth travel. Make the security checkpoint go by quickly by emptying pockets ahead of time, removing laptop from bags, and removing shoes and belts to not only make it faster for you, but for those behind you. Also make sure that all liquids are in the appropriately sized containers before heading to the airport. Remember to always be kind and respectful to others because everyone has a flight to catch too- not just you.
TSA Hold Up: While TSA screenings are an important safety measure, the long lines and extra time spent during bag searches and pat-downs can be a hassle. Remember that being compliant will get you on the plane faster. Answer any questions the officer may have and be willing to have your bags searched.
Overbooked Airplanes: Airlines often compensate passengers who volunteer to give up their seat by paying for all expenses such as hotel and meals, in addition to giving them a flight voucher. If you are in absolutely no rush to get to your destination, it may be something to consider. However, if you’re one of the ones chosen to give up your seat, but you have to be on that flight for other commitments, explain your situation and politely refuse, all while maintaining an amicable tone. Any reluctance to do so could cause suspicion and may take more of your time.
Overweight Baggage: If a crew member at the check-in desk tells you that your bag is overweight and you have to pay an extra fee, kindly ask if you can step aside to take some of your belongings out and place them in another bag or suitcase. Once they give you the okay, look behind you and signal to the next person in line that they can go. This proper airline etiquette will ensure you’re being conscious of others’ time.
Passenger Clash: If you have a small disagreement with another passenger, first try to resolve it among yourselves. If the problem escalates or continues, ask the flight attendant for assistance. In matters such as putting your tray up and down, turning off you phone or any other flight procedure, you should not question the crew. However, if there is a customer service concern, you can politely speak to the head staff.
Crying Children: Crying infants should be tolerated; the mother wants them to stop crying way more than you do. Refrain from giving the parents long glares- they know their child is being loud and your stare won’t stop it. In the case of older children, try blocking them out with headphones or earmuffs before talking to the parents if the problem persists.
Uncomfortable Arrangements: You have a right to be comfortable, and issues such as seat-kicking, inconsiderate neighbors, and loud media should be addressed by a flight attendant. The staff is trained on how to deal with these problems in the most inoffensive way possible. Tell a member of the crew about your problem and they will take care of it.
Things I find helpful when flying
An ID & passport holder that hangs around the neck keeps your boarding pass, passport, etc. readily handy in going through airport security.
Noise cancelling headphones block out 90% of the noise from airplane engines and fellow passengers.
A memory foam pillow helps support your neck during takeoff and allows you to sleep more comfortably on long haul flights.
Dining
Food has gotten so expensive recently. It would be real easy to spend a major portion of your trip budget on food and dining. I learned to pare my travel food costs down using a few simple tips and tricks.
Look for accommodations that include food
Places like hotels, motels and B&B's often include at least one meal with your reservation - usually a continental breakfast. Take advantage of these meals.
Similarly, rent accommodations that have a kitchen so you can cook most of your own meals. It's cheaper to hit up a grocery store than pay for a meal out.
* A hotel mini fridge doesn"t count as a kitchen
Kitchen access is especially good for those traveling in a larger group of people>
Avoid airport meals
Eat before you get to the airport and avoid paying exhorbitant prices for mediocre food. Bring along shelf stable snacks if you need something to munch on and a refillable water bottle with a filter. Avoid buying bottled water if at all possible. It's overpriced and bad for the environment.
Find out where the locals eat
I always do this without fail. The locals at your travel destination know where the best places to eat are, where the prices are usually reasonable. Avoid touristy areas and restaurants as vendors there jack the prices up to take advantage of their tourist season. You'll also avoid long lines in waiting to eat if you don't have reservations.
Check out food trucks
Food trucks not only have good food at reasonable prices, they're great if you want to grab something to eat on the go.
Use food coupons
Again, this is something I always do. When my sister and I went to Disney World, I scored a bunch of $10 food coupons that paid for full meals at places like Downtown Disney, which was right across the street from our hotel. It saved us well over 30%, save for the very few meals inside Disney at it's restaurants, like the Polynesian.
If you've visited Disney, then you know they knick you on EVERYTHING you purchase! We'd take advantage of the hotel's free breakfast, pack an insulated lunch bag during breakfast (FREE) and take our lunch and refillable water bottles into the parks in our insulated lunch bags.
The right Groupon deal can reduce your tab by 40% or 50%, depending on the vendor’s generosity. You can also try industry-specific coupon sites, such as Restaurant.com.
Some people have reported having problems with vendors accepting Restaurant.com coupons, I've never experienced any problem with them or them being refused. They also offer special deals at some restaurants they issue coupons for.
Take advantage of credit card perks
I applied for a no annual fee Chase VISA Disney card before my trip to Disney, that awarded Disney Dollars for my purchases on the card.
Those Disney Dollars paid in full my sister's and my dinner bill at the Chef's de France Disney restaurant - one of the most expensive in Disney. $$$$
The only thing it didn't cover was the server's tip.
The Disney Dollars are also good for purchasing Disney merchandise both inside and outside of the Disney parks.
Turn to Yelp or Google Restaurants for Price-Sensitive Searches
My go-to restaurant-finding aid is Yelp. Google Maps works in a pinch too, and its quality has really improved over the years. Its integrated mapping feature is beneficial when you’re already out and about in an unfamiliar city.
Both Yelp and Google Maps have user-friendly price-filtering tools that exclude overpriced restaurants. Add at-a-glance star ratings, detailed user reviews, and (usually) accurate menu details, and you have pretty much all the information you need to make an informed, cost-conscious decision about lunch or dinner.
Scope out restaurant websites
I found these to be invaluable! For example, for my Disney trip Rainforest Cafe's website offered free membership to its Landry's Select Club. Just for signing up, I received a $25 Welcome Reward
and a $25 Birthday Reward. I also received Priority Seating at their restaurants as well as rewards offers given only to members. For every $250 I spent at a Landry's restaurant, I'd receive $25 in rewards.
There's a Rainforest Cafe just outside the entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom.
<-- This was lunch for the 2 of us and it cost us nothing by using my Landry's Select Club rewards.
Restaurant websites will often advertise their own specials that won't be advertised anywhere else. So it pays to check the food websites of the location you'll be traveling to.
Seek Out Events With Free Food
Clever event organizers use free apps and refreshments to lure on-the-fence attendees. Affirm their decision-making by patronizing said events, such as museum exhibit openings, university lectures, teach-ins, and rallies.
Utilize foods native to your travel destination
While your mouth might be watering for a juicy steak, utilizing foods native to your travel destination will save you bucks.
New England thrives on fishing, therefore the cost of readying seafood for consumption is far less than what it would cost you to sink your teeth into the juicy steak that had to be shipped in to the restaurant and is likely days old by the time it gets to the restaurant.
On the other hand, in New England seafood is caught on a daily basis so is fresh. Not to mention usually less expensive.
Drink in Moderation
You don’t have to give up drinking alcohol, but your travel budget will thank you for saying no to that second beer or glass of wine with dinner (and sadly, that after-dinner cocktail). If you want to drink, take advantage of predinner happy hours with drink discounts.
Also be aware of the fact that in touristy areas the booze you're being served is likely bottom shelf and can even be watered down.
You can also wait to unwind until after your meal. In the U.S., and indeed in most parts of the world, store-bought alcohol is cheaper than booze served in local restaurants and bars. When you arrive at your destination, hit the liquor section of the nearest bodega or supermarket to stock up.
By utilizing these tips and tricks you can very effectively gain substantial savings when it comes to your travel food budget!
Attractions
Visiting world-famous attractions doesn’t have to mean draining your wallet. Whether it's climbing a historic tower, exploring a legendary museum, or walking through an ancient ruin, there’s almost always a way to cut costs while still getting the full experience. The trick is knowing when to pay, when to look for deals, and when to skip the ticket booth altogether.
City Passes & Bundled Tickets – When They’re Worth It (and When They’re Not)
City passes can be a great way to save money, but only if you actually use them. Many major cities offer passes that bundle multiple attractions into one discounted price—but before you buy, ask yourself:
✅ Will you visit enough attractions to make it worth the cost? If a pass includes 20 attractions, but you only plan to visit 3, it might not be the best deal.
✅ Are the included attractions ones you actually want to see? Some passes load up on filler attractions that you wouldn’t have paid for anyway.
✅ Does it include perks like skip-the-line access? In places with huge crowds (like Rome or Paris), the time saved can be just as valuable as the money saved.
Do the math before buying a pass. Add up the cost of individual tickets to see if the pass actually saves you money. If not, skip it and pay for attractions separately.
GoCity Pass (various cities) – Offers flexible sightseeing passes in cities like Sydney, San Francisco, and Barcelona.
Heading 4
Free Museum Days & Attraction Discounts – How to Find Them Before Your Trip
Many world-class museums offer free entry on certain days, but tourists often don’t know about them and end up paying full price unnecessarily. Some attractions also offer student, senior, or local resident discounts—you just have to ask.
Here’s how to find these hidden deals:
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Check the official website – Most museums list free-entry days under their "tickets" or "visitor info" section.
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Search “free things to do in [city]” – Travel blogs and forums often list up-to-date free attractions.
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Use tourism board websites – Many cities list discount days for popular sights.
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Ask your hotel or hostel staff – Locals often know about last-minute deals or free events that aren’t widely advertised.
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Smithsonian Museums (Washington D.C.) – Always free!
Booking Tickets in Advance to Avoid Surge Pricing
Attractions with timed entry slots (like the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, or Sagrada Familia) often increase prices as the date gets closer—or worse, sell out completely. Booking online in advance can save you money and guarantee your spot.
When to Book in Advance:
✔ Major landmarks with limited daily capacity (e.g., the Alhambra in Spain, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam).
✔ Popular observation decks (e.g., Burj Khalifa, Empire State Building).
✔ Historical sites with required permits (e.g., Machu Picchu’s hiking trails).
✔ Skip-the-line tickets for crowded attractions (e.g., Vatican Museums, the Eiffel Tower).
Use sites like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Tiqets to compare ticket prices—sometimes, third-party sellers offer better deals than the official website.
Alternative Ways to See Top Attractions for Free
Sometimes, you don’t need to pay at all to experience a must-see landmark. Instead of standing in line and paying premium prices, look for alternative ways to enjoy the same attraction—often with a better view!
Before paying for an attraction, ask yourself: Can I get the same (or better) experience without a ticket? Many times, the answer is yes.
Statue of Liberty (New York) – Skip the pricey ferry and take the free Staten Island Ferry for the same views.
Just because an attraction is famous doesn’t mean you have to pay premium prices to experience it. Some of the best travel moments come from exploring cities, finding hidden gems, and discovering alternative ways to see iconic sights—often for free.
If you’re willing to think outside the box, you can enjoy must-see destinations without spending a cent. Here’s how:
Free Walking Tours – The Best Way to Explore a City for $0
One of the best budget travel hacks is taking a free walking tour. These tours, usually run by passionate locals, give you a deep dive into the history, culture, and legends of a city—all for free (or a small tip).
Free tours work on a pay-what-you-want basis. A $5–$10 tip per person is fair if you enjoyed the tour—but it’s still much cheaper than traditional paid tours.
Where to find the best free walking tours:
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SANDEMANs New Europe – Available in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and more.
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GuruWalk – A great platform for finding unique local-led tours worldwide.
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FreeTour.com – Lists independent free tours in over 100+ cities.
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Ask at your hostel/hotel – Many offer their own walking tours or know of great ones.
Hidden Gems & Local Experiences – Just as Incredible (But Free or Cheap!)
Sometimes, the best travel experiences are off the beaten path—and they don’t cost a thing. Instead of following the crowds to overpriced attractions, seek out hidden gems that are just as magical but way cheaper (or free!).
Google “hidden gems in [city]” before your trip. You’ll find blogs, local recommendations, and spots most tourists overlook.
Viewing Famous Sites from Outside – When Skipping Paid Entry is Better
Let’s be real—sometimes, the best part of a famous attraction isn’t inside, but outside. Many travelers regret paying steep entry fees for attractions that look just as good (or even better) from the outside.
If you want stunning city views without paying for observation decks, look for rooftop bars, public parks, or hilltop viewpoints instead.
Now that you know how to experience top attractions for free or on a budget, let’s talk about how to avoid common tourist traps that can overcharge you for underwhelming experiences.
How to Spot Overpriced, Overhyped Attractions Before You Waste Money
Not all expensive attractions are bad—some are absolutely worth the cost. But if an attraction has any of these red flags, it’s probably a tourist trap:
🚩 High entry fees for an average experience – If people say, “It wasn’t worth the price,” believe them.
🚩 Massive crowds and long lines – If you’re spending more time waiting than enjoying, reconsider.
🚩 Fake “authentic” experiences – Over-commercialized cultural shows or markets selling mass-produced souvenirs.
🚩 Everything is overpriced – If food, drinks, and souvenirs cost double what they should, it’s a sign.
🚩 Locals don’t go there – If only tourists visit an attraction, it’s usually not an authentic experience.
Before paying for an attraction, check Google Reviews, Reddit, and travel forums. If the top reviews say, "Not worth it" or "overpriced," save your money.
If an area is packed with souvenir shops, people trying to sell you things, and menus in five languages, you’re in a tourist trap. Walk a few blocks away, and prices will drop.
How to Research and Find Authentic, Worthwhile Experiences Instead
🔎 Use Travel Forums & Blogs – Websites like Reddit (r/travel), Lonely Planet forums, and independent travel blogs often reveal hidden gems and local secrets.
📍 Ask Locals – Your hotel staff, Airbnb host, or even a taxi driver can give better recommendations than any travel brochure.
🎟️ Look for Local Events & Free Experiences – Many cities have free festivals, concerts, and community markets that tourists never find.
🍽️ Follow the Locals – If a restaurant is full of locals instead of tourists, it’s probably affordable and authentic.
Use Google Maps and search for “Where locals eat in [city]”—you’ll find hidden restaurants that aren’t overpriced tourist traps.
Visiting must-see attractions doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With the right strategies, you can experience world-famous landmarks, explore incredible cultural sites, and soak in the best views—all without overspending.
Other travel tips
Contact your travel destination's Chamber of Commerce
Contact the local area Chamber of Commerce in your travel destination.
Chambers are manned by locals who know what's going on in the area and with what businesses.
Pick up or order a travel guide for your destination, it's often filled with notices and free coupons.
Get reusable items to make travel easier & more convenient
If you're a Frequent Flyer, get yourself a luggage scale and some unique ID tags for your luggage that makes your black suitcase stand out from the other 5,000 black suitcases rolling down that baggage carousel.
With a luggage scale, there's no more guessing as to whether or not your suitcase will come in at or under the airline's 50 pound per bag limit.
An insulated lunch bag will keep those to-go meals you've packed warm or cold as necessary.
Lightweight. Get a color that stands out so you can easily identify the bag as being yours.
I've found this handy hang up toiletry bag to be invaluable. No more hunting for toiletries or packing them in plastic bags so they don't leak or spill all over my clothing. You can order one here
I never leave my house without a charger, but it used to be a scramble to try to find a spare power bank, wall plug, and cord. I've been loving this new three-in-one portable charger from Anker because it has a built-in plug and cable. I can use the built-in USB-C cable to charge my laptop, and there's a place for an additional cable if I want to charge my phone at the same time. It also tells you the exact battery percentage that's left on the outside of the charger
Last but not least...
TSA APPROVED SCAN-SMART ANTITHEFT AND WATERPROOF BACKPACK
If you want to avoid unnecessary hassle with airport security and also to avoid becoming a victim of theft on your travels, you should consider buying a smart travel bag.
This SwissGear Smart DayPack is a very trendy travel backpack and one of the most popular travel-safe bags ever. It is a top antitheft travel safe backpack and one of the best laptop backpacks ever.
That concludes my travel tips and tricks. Hope you found something useful!
Happy and safe travels!