Here are the biggest hacks and tips I've learned. I give out travel tips frequently on Twitter, so tune in if you enjoy.
THREAD.
Importantly, I have only ever bought 1 way tickets, and most lodging has been purchased 1 day to 1 week in advance. Apps and sites are key.
-> $100 goes a lot further in China, Russia, and Thailand than it does in Norway and Switzerland.
-> Book 1 way air tickets...
E.g. I went to Asia. I really wanted to go to Japan...
Then you simply enjoy China, and find a cheap, shorter flight into Japan.
-> Flexibility is key here.
Using major airfare hacks I'll talk about later - you pick what city has the cheapest flight into Asia. Then you make your way to Tokyo.
You cannot travel cheaply on 1-2 week trips to Asia. Cost savings come around 3 weeks to multiple months.
I recommend doing it after college or a job. Very few people have 2 months of PTO. Instead, give yourself 2 months between jobs.
Why?
If you only give yourself a 2 week window to go to Japan, you can only select tickets that are at the edge of this range. This is a losing strategy.
-> Instead, go when you have 1 month. Plan ahead.
Do not book at this point!
This is a judgement call. When you are in that window, pull the trigger when you see a price you like.
-> Do not book round trip! Or lodging (covered at end)
Want to hit China, Thailand, and Korea? Book inbound to China, fly to Thailand, then fly out of Korea. Round trip forces another flight back to China.
-> Round trip almost never saves money!
It is almost always more expensive, limits your flexibility, and forces you to travel sub-optimally.
-> Don't pick a city/country, pick a region!
This isn't a rule, just what the prices showed me before traveling. I ended up in Asia, rather than Tokyo. This allows me to see...
-> Cost of living is important!
Rather than spending $2,500 in Tokyo for 1 month, I spend $1,600 to see Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, and Tokyo for 1 week each!
-> Do not book lodging in advance!
If you book hotels and AirBnB's ahead of time, expect very limited flexibility.
I am a planner type, but I have learned that the richest travels come with the greatest flexibility...
I have never overpaid for lodging with this strategy, and it gives great flexibility. An exception would be going to the Olympics or FIFA.
Tune in for more like this every week.