Y’all REALLY tryna travel in 2018?? I got you. We’re covering everything today - flights, accommodation, taxis, EVERYTHING! Here’s a thread on how I’ve traveled to over 20 countries for the low:
Like I said, I’ve flown to Paris for under $450 TWICE. Flew to Mexico for $100. Arizona $30. I’ve found flights as low as $8. Traveled for free. But in 2018, we’re ALL catching flights. Let’s go.
I think we all know by now Google.com/flights is the GOAT. If you missed it, I’ll explain why really quickly. But don’t listen to me...try for yourself. 
You don’t even gotta know where you’re going. Google Flights will tell you where to go. But if you do have a place in mind, you can see the price for every single day to make sure you’re not gettin played. See how in the video:
But don’t stop there, search around. Look at @skyscanner @kayak @agoda & direct airline sites! Set price alerts so you know when prices drop with @hopper.
Follow twitter accounts like @scottsflights @airfarewatchdog @theflightdeal , they tweet out flight deals & glitches on the regular. Or you can sign up for email newsletters Be ready for that deal!
Search flight legs separately, it might be cheaper. If you’re from a small town, you may need to take the bus or train to a larger airport to save hundreds. Check prices In nearby towns & cities. You really have to do the most.
Last but not least, when it comes to flights flexibility is KEY! If you don’t have obligations, be open to different dates, locations, airlines, Time of flight, etc.
Oh, & search often. Flight prices change everyday B. You never know. Don’t start too early & don’t wait too late. 3 months is the sweet spot.
Location, location. Where are you going? Places like Australia, the US, & Western Europe will be way more expensive than Mexico, Central America, parts of South America, South East Asia, Eastern Europe & parts of Africa.
People travel to Thailand & live, eat, sleep & have fun for a month on what people in the US pay for rent. Cost of living is extremely different.
Accommodation - think @Airbnb for really unique places, a local feel, and just overall better range in prices for the budget traveler to the luxury traveler. Plus you can give friends your code for a discount on your next stay! I got one for y’all! airbnb.com/c/cjohnson3271
If you’re open, think Hostels. Hostels are a big reason many people can travel. Why pay hundreds for a hotel when you can pay $10-$25 a night, & less in most cases. You can book a private room, but still meet other travelers. Great for solo travelers! Check @hostelworld
Hotels - check @HotelTonight for last minute deals. Are you a military, AAA, or AARP member? Check for discounts EVERYWHERE, even on car rentals
You can even volunteer around the world in exchange for a place to stay. Check @Workaway for random jobs that will give you a room & possibly meals for working 4-5 hours a day! You just need to book the flight! I volunteered on a 5 day sailing trip & saved $450
Are you a photographer? Writer? Videographer? Think about what skills you can offer to hotels or companies in exchange for accommodation! Be resourceful!
Are you in college? Study abroad, ask your school about scholarships. Sometimes a semester exchange is actually cheaper than your schools tuition. You never know until you ask.
Also, students...check @statravelUS @StudentUniverse for discounts, NEVER forget your student ID on trips bc lots of museums & other activities are free or discounted for you.
I studied abroad in South Africa, Panama, and India. At times, worked 2 & 3 Jobs to save up for those programs. Probably the best decision I made in college!
Avoid taxis - take @Uber or local transportation. In Paris, a taxi from the airport cost around $50, Uber cost around $30-40, local bus $5.
Dont forget to pack light though if you go with a budget airline like @Ryanair, @FlyFrontier or @SpiritAirlines otherwise you’ll be crying or on twitter complaining you had to pay $100 extra for checked bags. Please don’t play yourself.
Think about all the things you can do for free or reallyyyyy cheap abroad - live street music, beautiful beaches, simply wandering around, hiking, bike riding, etc.
Eat local. Go to the local markets OR just walk a few streets back from the tourists sports for cheaper & usually better food!
Time is money, so let’s talk about time. A 3 day trip is better than no trip. Use 2 weekend days & 1 vacation day. Take a quick road trip, visit the next town over. ANY change in scenery could be super beneficial & also low cost.
Planning a trip yourself will likely be cheaper than booking with a tour. Maybe you don’t have the time or know how to plan though - check @Groupon or @efultimatebreak for @GeckosTales for affordable group trips!
Finally, think about what travel means to you. Is it about luxury? That’s cool but It may be a little more pricey! If it’s simply about meeting people, learning about cultures or languages, stepping outside of your comfort zone, you can definitely make it happen on the low.
Happy New Year & Happy travels!
Oh & omg travel insurance! In the past, I never got it. On my trip through Central America I got it & my things got stolen, $1000 was reimbursed to me. You never know. Travel insurance can save you a lot in the long run.
And if you’re looking for more detailed, actionable steps...here you go! heyciara.com/blog/how-to-ma…
A few more I’ve through of - to save on International data, I have T-Mobile. Texting & 3G data is free for me, pretty much everywhere. Otherwise, put your phone on airplane mode & only use WiFi at accommodations, restaurants, etc.
On skyscanner, you can literally type “everywhere” from where ever your flying from, then select “cheapest month” & it will give you the cheapest place to fly to! kqzyfj.com/click-8506495-…
Youre* :(
