If ever offered hotel credit cards, don’t be put off by the steep sign-up prices. According to Matt Kepnes aka Nomadic Matt, the author of “How to Travel the World on $50 USD Per Day”, this little trick can actually pay off. Even if signing up has a cost attached to it.
These accumulated sign-up bonuses can actually get you a week’s worth of free accommodation. Yup, these little hotel credit perks can really take you from your average Joe traveler to a savvy jet-setter.
Use a Box of Matches as a Nail File
Who needs a trip to the nail salon when you have everything you need right in your hotel room? Not sure what to use? Try the free matchbox. Yep, you can use the rough side of the matchbox to file down your nails. You don't need to spend a fortune on a trip to the nail salon or even buy a nail file.
Just use your complimentary matchbox and have manicured nails at the snap of a finger. If it starts to lose its effect, you can just ask your hotel for another one!
Get an AAA Membership
You would be surprised at the number of benefits you can get with an AAA membership. According to travel maestro, New York Times best-selling author and founder of the Travel Hacking Cartel, Chris Guillebeau, an AAA membership can go a long way.
Travelers can save an average of 5% - 10% at numerous hotels. Even on the occasions that you don't save money, cancellations can be done until the day of arrival. This kind of flexibility can serve you in the long run.
Stick to a Brand
One thing you can learn from our tips, you'll start to see that traveling perks are in large part due to customer loyalty and status. An easy way of racking up points for low cost is to pick the cheapest hotel out of a specific hotel chain, for example, Park Hyatt vs. Hyatt House or Hyatt Place, or one of the Hiltons and stick to that.
These places don't cost you an arm and a leg and offer loyalty programs, and since these systems are based on the number of nights and not dollars spent, getting a high status is pretty easy. Before you know it, you could be enjoying a complimentary dinner in an upgraded room at your favorite hotel.
Groupon Last-Minute Deals
Not everyone is as flexible when it comes to traveling. For many, it's super important to play it safe, but if you're not such a stickler for planning (and you have nerves of steel), Groupon is your secret weapon against rookie traveling money traps. The investment banker turned full-time traveler and writer Kriston Addis swears by the Groupon method to find great deals.
You can pick up a room in Las Vegas for way less, but of course, flexibility is the name of the game,