Do you love to travel? If you’re like me, then the answer is YES. It’s great to hear about the awesome vacations people take and learn about the amazing places the world has to offer. But what’s even better, is to actually travel to these places yourself. Seems obvious right? But you might be saying to yourself, “well sure I’d love to travel too, if I could afford it!” You’re not alone! I used to feel the same way. I would save and save to take that one big trip every few years. The good news is, is that there are ways to travel smarter. When you travel smarter, you can take that epic surf trip that you want, when you want.
Here are 3 simple things you can start doing right now that will get you on your way to that epic vacation you have been dreaming about.
1. Finally spend your points and miles. If you have a credit card or travel frequently, then most likely you have been building up points and miles that have been rewarded to you simply for using the credit card, airline or both. This is a great way to travel for next to nothing.
The entry to Manu Bay. Ragland Surf Trip June 2015.
So you’re probably wondering does it work? Well here’s the answer, I just returned from an amazing trip to New Zealand. And how much did the ticket cost? It cost about $60 in taxes – that’s a joke. How did I do it? I finally stopped hoarding my miles and used them. And it was worth it!
2. Take advantage of the “Sharing Economy.” Taking advantage of the sharing economy can help you travel cheaply as well as help you save for your next trip. As guests, you have the option to stay in accommodations that fit your travel needs. They can be simple, no frills, to fancy like at the Ritz. The great part is, is that the shared economy accommodations are typically more affordable. You also get more amenities, more space, and a major plus is local knowledge of the area from the host you stay with.
We scored this “Funky Cottage” overlooking Manu Bay in Raglan, New Zealand for less than $100/night (fits 4 easy) – What a steal.
We used an Airbnb on our New Zealand trip and found a rad “Funky Cottage” in Raglan to make our home base for a week. We also got to take advantage of our hosts local knowledge of the best surf in the area and how to find it. For what we would have spent at a hotel, we got to stay in an entire house. Here is a $25 discount for your first stay with Airbnb: $25 off your first Airbnb stay .
You can also become a host and rent an unused space or entire space in a primary residence. As a host, renting your own space means you can generate income while traveling. It reduces expenses and creates more travel time on the same budget.
3. Take advantage of “Last Minute Specials”. This is a great way to have an epic trip without the cost. Waiting until the last minute also gives you the best chance to have the best surf conditions. Too many times, people plan their amazing surf trip in the best location, with the best place to stay, with the best people, but the surf falls flat. If you can wait until the last minute when you know the surf is going to be epic, you can also take advantage of last minute travel deals. When businesses don’t fill up seats, rooms, tours etc, they typically offer a great last minute special. This is why Live Swell created “Last Minute Specials.” Live Swell will monitor the surf alerts in the top beach towns as well as the best last minute travel deals to get you to the beach towns. They sort through all the best last minute specials and send them right to your inbox. This way you can take advantage of “Last Minute Specials” without having to do all the work.
See you at the next epic surf town! Safe travels everyone!