I have a confession. I used to think I was a flexible, easygoing traveller. Someone who could adapt to any situation, sleep anywhere, and embrace the “authentic” travel experience.
- Hostels? Sure.
- Guesthouses? No problem.
- Overnight buses? Well… that’s another post.
But after a recent trip that involved house sits, guesthouses, homestays, and hotels, I had a revelation:
I am, without question, a comfort snob.
I don’t need five-star luxury (all the time), but I do need a half-decent mattress, a private bathroom, and air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a jet engine taking off.
I don’t want to wake up covered in mysterious mosquito bites, nor do I want to feel like I’ve walked into a scene from The Shining when I check in.
At the same time, I don’t want to blow my entire travel budget on accommodation. I’d rather spend that money on experiences, food, or a decent glass of wine with a view.
So, the question is: How do you travel in comfort without spending a small fortune?
How do you find good hotels, nice flights, and stress-free transport without falling into the “luxury travel” price bracket?
Well, my fellow comfort-loving traveller, I’ve got you.
Here are some of the best hacks I’ve learned over the years to travel smart, sleep well, and keep your wallet (mostly) intact.
1. The ‘Offbeat but Upscale’ Hotel Hack
In my experience, most hotels in prime tourist areas fall into one of three categories.
- Overpriced luxury palaces where even the mini bar seems to require a mortgage.
- Soulless chain hotels that feel like they were designed by someone who has never actually travelled.
- Questionable budget options where the room may or may not have been last cleaned in 2012.
The good news is that some of the best hotel deals and options are hiding just outside the obvious areas;
Business districts are your best friend
Business hotels are often cheaper on weekends when the corporate travellers have disappeared, leaving behind empty rooms at bargain rates.
You still get all the good stuff like big beds, soundproof rooms, and solid Wi-Fi, but without the weekday price tag.
University hotels and training centres are another hidden gem
Many universities have guest accommodations or conference hotels that are open to the public. They’re usually clean, modern, and much cheaper than mainstream hotels.
Plus, you get to feel vaguely intellectual just by being there.
Hotels just outside the main tourist zones tend to offer much better value
Instead of booking in the absolute heart of a tourist hotspot, look at places 10-15 minutes away. Often, these hotels are half the price but still within easy reach of the action.
You also avoid the noise, the crowds, and restaurant prices designed to fleece tourists.
Quick Hacks
- Use Google Maps to search for hotels in the area you want to stay. Click on ‘Hotels’ under the search bar to bring up all the available options with prices. Once you find one you like, check the hotel’s actual website. Many will match or beat third-party prices and throw in extras like breakfast or late checkout.
- Sign up for hotel newsletters. If you’re eyeing a specific hotel chain, subscribing to their newsletter often lands you discounts that aren’t available on booking sites.
2. The ‘Loyalty Without Loyalty’ Trick
You don’t need to be a Marriott or Hilton die-hard to score perks.
(Although that’s probably our travel hack of the century, becoming a Marriott Vacation Club member some 15 years ago – but that’s another post.)
Loyalty programs appear to be relevant only to frequent travellers who live in airports and rack up millions of points.
With a gazillion tiers like “elite qualifying nights” and “accelerator bonuses,” plus a redemption process that seems more complex than filing a tax return in a foreign language, many travellers assume they’re not worth the effort (my husband included).
But the truth is, even casual travellers can take advantage of them without doing any mental gymnastics.
Many hotel chains offer perks just for signing up, and you don’t have to spend years collecting points to benefit.
Most major brands, like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards, offer free Wi-Fi, room upgrades, and late check-outs just for being a member. Even at the lowest tier, you can often skip extra fees and get a better experience simply by booking direct.
If you’re used to searching on third-party sites like Booking.com or Expedia, use them to compare prices but always check the hotel’s website before booking. Many hotels will match the lowest price and throw in extras like free breakfast or flexible cancellations.
(NB: Not always. The amount of times we’ve stood in a reception making the booking on booking.com because it’s cheaper!)
Quick Hacks
- If you’ve stayed at a hotel before, it’s worth calling them directly before you book again. Hotels often keep guest records, and if you ask, they may match your previous rate or offer an upgrade—especially if it’s off-season or mid-week.
- Some loyalty programs offer instant status boosts just for having certain credit cards, even if you never use them to book. Check your card benefits—you might already have hotel perks you didn’t know about.
- If you’re booking a hotel for a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, first trip to a destination), mention it at check-in. Hotels love a reason to upgrade guests when rooms are available.
3. The ‘Fake VIP’ Airport Lounge Hack
Airports are designed to extract money from you at every turn.
You’re trapped in a commercial maze where a bottle of water costs more than a first-class ticket to Fiji (ok I’m exaggerating, but you know what I mean), and your only seating options are are either bolted metal benches or a floor tile near the charging station
Meanwhile, your food choices are a sad-looking pre-packaged sandwich for the price of a steak dinner, or the “healthy” options: McDonald’s, KFC, or Dunkin’ Donuts.
But here’s a handy hack!
You don’t need a first-class ticket to escape the chaos. Airport lounges, once the exclusive domain of business travellers and people who casually use the phrase “my PA will handle it”, are now accessible to anyone willing to be a little strategic.
Lounge access doesn’t just mean free food, comfortable seating, and unlimited coffee. It also means peace, quiet, and a refuge from boarding gate purgatory.
Ways to get in without a business-class ticket:
- Priority Pass, but the hack version. Instead of buying an annual membership, check if a single-use lounge pass is available for your layover. Some lounges sell access via LoungeBuddy or directly at the door, often for £25-£35. That’s roughly the cost of an airport sandwich and a drink, except now you get comfy chairs, fast Wi-Fi, and a buffet.
- Credit cards with lounge access. Some travel credit cards offer a couple of free lounge visits per year, which is perfect for long-haul flights or delays. Even if you don’t travel enough to justify a premium card, some mid-tier ones include this perk.
- Frequent flyer programs you didn’t realise you had. If you’ve ever flown the same airline a few times, check your account, you may already have low-tier status that gets you into certain lounges.
Quick Hacks
- Some lounges allow paid access at the door, but spots fill up fast. Check LoungeBuddy or the airport website in advance.
- If you have a long layover, some lounges offer a cheaper evening rate if you arrive a couple of hours before closing.
- If you’re flying with a friend who has lounge access, they may get a free guest pass. It’s always worth checking before you spend money on entry.
4. The ‘High-Quality but Low-Cost’ Flight Strategy
Flying doesn’t have to mean choosing between soul-crushing budget airlines that nickel and dime you for breathing or eye-watering first-class fares that require remortgaging your house.
There’s a sweet spot in between, and it’s all about knowing where to look.
Not All Airlines Are Created Equal
Budget airlines get a bad rap, and often for good reason.
We’ve all been on those flights where the legroom is so tight your knees double as an airbag, and the in-flight service consists of being aggressively upsold a lukewarm panini.
The trick is knowing which “hidden premium” airlines offer far better comfort at a similar or slightly higher price than budget carriers.
Some airlines consistently punch above their weight in terms of value:
- Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines often have economy seats that feel more like premium economy, with extra legroom, better food, and free checked baggage.
- JetBlue Mint (on transatlantic routes) offers lie-flat seats at prices that sometimes undercut BA’s premium economy.
- Middle Eastern airlines like Qatar and Emirates frequently have deals on business-class flights cheaper than premium economy on Western carriers.
Hybrid Airlines: The Sweet Spot Between Budget & Full-Service
These are airlines that offer premium perks at budget-friendly prices.
For example:
- Norse Atlantic Airways runs long-haul flights to the US and Europe with premium economy seats that rival legacy carriers but cost half the price.
- French Bee and LEVEL offer surprisingly spacious seats and solid service without the relentless add-on charges and sneaky fees that double the ticket prices on budget airlines.
- Japan’s ZIPAIR sells business-class flatbeds for less than some economy tickets on major airlines.
Finding Premium Comfort Without the Premium Price
- Google Flights ‘Track Prices’ Feature – Set an alert for your route, and Google will notify you when fares drop. Many premium economy and business-class seats go on sale at random times.
- Look at ‘Fifth Freedom’ Flights – These are routes operated by foreign airlines between two countries that aren’t their home base. For example, Emirates flies New York to Milan, and Singapore Airlines operates Manchester to Houston—often at much lower fares than local carriers.
- Use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ Search – If you’re flexible, search for flights to “Everywhere” and sort by price. Sometimes, business class to a nearby city is cheaper than economy to your main destination—a sneaky way to fly in comfort and just book a cheap train or local flight for the final leg.
Quick Hacks
- Some airlines auction off business-class upgrades a few days before departure—check your booking to see if this is an option.
- If you’re flying long-haul with a stopover, check if the airline offers free or discounted layover hotels—Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines all have great programs.
- If your flight is only half full, ask about paid upgrades at check-in—sometimes they’re cheaper than booking outright.
5. The ‘Stay for Free Without Sleeping in a Stranger’s Spare Room’ Option
Accommodation can be one of the biggest travel expenses, but there are ways to stay for free without resorting to sleeping in a hostel bunk bed or sharing a stranger’s spare room while awkwardly avoiding eye contact at breakfast.
House sitting is one of the best-kept secrets for free accommodation.
Homeowners around the world need reliable people to look after their homes (and often pets) while they’re away, and in exchange, you get to stay rent-free in some incredible locations.
If you love animals, this can be a win-win—just be sure to read the listing carefully. Some gigs involve little more than watering plants and collecting the post, while others come with a high-maintenance cat that only eats poached salmon or a Labrador with separation anxiety that requires 24/7 emotional support.
Home exchanges are another brilliant option.
Think of it like Airbnb, but instead of paying, you swap homes with another traveller. It’s perfect if you have a home base but want to experience new destinations without spending a fortune on accommodation.
Websites like HomeExchange.com make the process safe and easy, and you don’t always have to do a direct swap—some platforms let you earn credits for hosting and use them later in another location.
If you like the idea of living in a home rather than a hotel, but sometimes you don’t fancy walking someone’s neurotic Labradoodle at 6 AM, pet-free home sits and work exchanges are also an option.
Some platforms connect travellers with people who need light housework, gardening, or simple hosting duties in exchange for free accommodation—perfect if you don’t mind a little effort to save a lot of cash.
Quick Hack
- Best house sitting platforms: TrustedHousesitters (great for international sits) and MindMyHouse (cheaper but with fewer listings).
- Home exchange tip: If you don’t have a home to swap, look for points-based exchanges that let you stay in someone’s home now and offer a place later.
- Always read the fine print: Some sits require you to be home for most of the day, which is great if you want to relax but not ideal if you plan to be out sightseeing.
6. The ‘Eat Well Without Paying £20 for a Coffee’ Strategy
Eating out while travelling can be one of the biggest budget killers, especially if you’re in a major city where a simple breakfast costs more than your first car.
The good news? You don’t have to survive on instant noodles in your hotel room to save money—you just need a few smart food hacks.
Airport coffee robbery is real
Paying £5 for a coffee in an airport is one thing, but some places now have the audacity to charge £20 for a mediocre latte and a croissant.
The fix is a collapsible travel kettle and some decent instant coffee bags (or tea bags) in your carry-on.
It’s a small thing, but if you travel often, it saves a surprising amount of money (and frustration).
Buffet breakfast = free lunch (sort of)
If your hotel includes breakfast, make the most of it. Bring a small, reusable snack bag and take a couple of croissants or pieces of fruit for later.
Hotels are well aware that people do this—if they didn’t want you to, they wouldn’t be putting pastries in neat little paper napkins, begging to be taken.
Lunch is the new dinner
If you love eating out but don’t love the prices, swap dinner for a long, leisurely lunch. Many restaurants offer the exact same dishes at half the price on their lunch menu.
You get a great meal, a quieter atmosphere, and more money left for other experiences.
Hotel kitchenettes are your secret weapon
Even a mini fridge and a microwave can save you a fortune. Supermarkets in most countries sell ready-made salads, charcuterie boards, and even warm meals that cost a fraction of what you’d pay in a restaurant.
A simple picnic-style meal in your room or on a balcony can feel just as indulgent as dining out—especially with a good local wine.
Quick Hacks
- Find the local supermarket. Many cities have small grocery stores where you can grab fresh salads, pre-cooked meals, and local treats for a fraction of restaurant prices.
- Use Google Maps to search for ‘set menu’ or ‘prix fixe.’ This will show you restaurants offering fixed-price meals, which are often much cheaper than à la carte dining.
- Avoid restaurants within 100m of major landmarks. If you can see the Eiffel Tower from your table, congratulations—you’re about to pay 3x the normal price. Walk a few streets away for better food at local prices.
7. The ‘Transport Without Trauma’ Rule
Getting around in a new place shouldn’t feel like an episode of The Amazing Race, but transport costs can add up quickly if you don’t know the tricks.
The key is avoiding overpriced tourist traps and knowing when a small upgrade is worth it.
Avoid Uber surges by walking a block away.
If you’re in a busy tourist area, ride-share prices can skyrocket thanks to surge pricing. Walk just one or two streets away, and the fare can drop by 20-30%.
If the surge is really bad, use the local taxi app (most countries have one) or hop on public transport.
First-class train tickets aren’t always a splurge.
In many countries, first-class train seats cost just a little more than standard tickets, but with way more space, fewer crowds, and sometimes free drinks. This is especially true in places like Spain, Thailand, and parts of Europe.
Always check both options before booking—you might be surprised.
Car rentals near the airport = unnecessary pain.
Renting a car at the airport usually comes with a huge surcharge. If you can, book from a location just outside the airport and take a quick taxi or shuttle there—it can save you 30% or more. Bonus: you’ll avoid the long rental counter queues that make you question all your life choices.
Public transport is your secret weapon.
In some cities, using a simple travel card or metro pass can cut your costs in half compared to buying single tickets.
Cities like London, Tokyo, and New York reward regular riders with daily or weekly caps, so if you’re staying a while, grab a transport card on day one.
Quick Hack
- Compare taxi vs. ride-share apps. In some places, Uber is cheaper; in others, the local taxi app is the better deal (especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America).
- Check ‘two-person’ transport options. Some train and bus systems offer discounted duo tickets—cheaper than two singles.
- Avoid “tourist transport” scams. Many airport taxis and tourist buses charge double what a local taxi or metro ride costs. A quick Google search before arriving can save you a fortune.
Bonus Hack: The ‘Invisible Tourist’ Strategy
Tourists get charged more for almost everything—hotels, taxis, restaurants, even bottled water.
But the smartest travellers blend in just enough to avoid the tourist tax while still enjoying all the perks of being on holiday.
Book like a local.
Some hotel booking sites show different prices based on your location. Use a VPN to check if hotels or flights are cheaper when booked from a different country. Sometimes, even switching your IP to the airline’s home country can unlock lower fares.
Eat where the locals eat.
If a restaurant has a host waving a menu at you outside, walk away. If it has a laminated menu with photos, run. Instead, follow the locals—if a place is packed with people who actually live there, it’s probably good and reasonably priced.
Use ‘local pricing’ tricks.
In some destinations, tourist attractions have cheaper tickets for residents. If you’re staying for a while, check if a monthly pass or local discount card is worth it. Even renting a local SIM card can sometimes qualify you for resident pricing.
Quick Hacks
- Use Google Translate to read local versions of booking sites—sometimes the local-language site has cheaper rates than the English version.
- Check for expat Facebook groups. They often have the best insider tips on where to stay, eat, and get local discounts.
- Dress like you belong. You don’t need to go full Jason Bourne slipping through international borders mode, but avoiding obvious tourist signals (like massive backpacks, selfie sticks, and cameras swinging from your neck) helps you blend in and avoid getting targeted for higher prices or scams.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Without the Cost
Travel isn’t about suffering through 4am budget flights, dodgy motels, or meals that cost as much as your rent—not unless you want to.
The good news is, with a few smart tweaks, you can travel in style, sleep in comfort, and enjoy the journey without selling a kidney to fund it.
A little strategic booking, a few well-placed loyalty sign-ups, and knowing when to skip the tourist traps can mean the difference between a cramped budget flight with mystery smells and a spacious premium seat for the same price.
Whether it’s scoring a better hotel for less, sneaking into an airport lounge without a first-class ticket, or finding flights that don’t make you question your life choices, these hacks can save you money while keeping your travel experience enjoyable.
And let’s be honest—travel is meant to be fun, not a Bear Grylls challenge!
