Traveling Is More Expensive Than Ever. Here’s How to Do It Anyway.

Samantha Leal: “There’s a lot of discourse on TikTok about the difference between vacationing vs. traveling. Vacationing is seen as a respite—something you do for enjoyment, whereas traveling is for exploration. And when prices are higher than ever, it’s worth putting a lot of thought into which type—or what ratio—you’re after when planning a trip.”

SL: “I love a loyalty program. But with booking travel, there’s a fun little dance of knowing whether to book with points or book with cash and hoard—er, save—your points. As the NerdWallet expert notes here, you’re usually better off booking with points if you have them, as point values (like all things) tend to lose value the longer you hold them—meaning it takes more points for the same trip as time goes on.”

SL: “This isn’t a tip, but an interesting piece about the state of an industry staple that always seemed immutable. Post-pandemic, hotels are arguing that guests prefer fewer cleanings, whether it’s for sustainability, privacy, or other reasons. It makes you wonder—will cleaning become an a la carte option? And if so, what’s next?”

SL: “Atmos’ list of places not to travel is rooted in environmental concern, but their recommendations can also easily steer you away from places that will cost much more due to the fragile nature of water usage or carbon emissions.”

SL: “I’m not going to lie, I really didn’t understand travel agents until recently—and it seems like I’m not the only one of the Millennial and Gen Z set who didn’t. But depending on your circumstances, it may be easier or more cost-effective to work with one—especially as most are free for travelers.”

SL: “Luxury buses are an often overlooked option for travel, and one that often gives you a lot of bang for your buck. As the author notes, you can often get more sleep than you would on a red eye, plus, you might arrive straight in the city center, saving you transportation costs and time.”

SL: “I love the Financial Feminist podcast, and appreciate that they’re covering how to travel on a budget without sacrificing ethical concerns.”

SL: “Discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations? Check. Avoiding hotels and traditional vacation rentals? Check. Supporting communities while slow traveling? Check. Albergo diffuso translates to ‘scattered hotels’ and offers travelers a chance to stay in refurbished short-term rentals in smaller cities.”

SL: “The top travel trends right now include booking bigger, longer trips three to six months out—which not only means you’re likely to secure better prices, but you have a longer runway for saving up and planning your trip budget.”