Whether you’re looking to save big on a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or want to travel the world like a modern-day digital nomad, there are plenty of opportunities to save big on travel expenses without having to use specialty credit cards in 2020.

Below we dig into some of the most effective travel hacks that keep extra cash in your pocket without making you feel as though you are traveling on a shoestring budget. You’ll still be able to stay in great hotels, enjoy fantastic flight experiences, and enjoy exotic destinations that would have usually cost a small fortune – but not for you!

Let’s dig right in.

1.    Hack Flight Fares with Incognito Mode

Airfare is inevitably one of the most significant travel expenses you’ll have to cover out-of-pocket if you aren’t racking up big-time air miles with a specialty rewards credit card.

Thankfully, you’ll be able to travel in style without spending a mountain of money on flights.

For starters, you’re going to want to keep your airfare searches “invisible,” at least from the airfare and travel companies. You aren’t paranoid in thinking that every time you do search for airfare and don’t buy tickets, the price goes up.

It’s happening, and these websites are in complete control of it. Your web browser saves this information in your cookies, and the website uses this data to try and trigger you into purchasing tickets before the prices climb any higher.

By searching for airfare while in incognito mode, those cookies never get saved in the airfare companies never know that they have to jack the prices of their tickets up on you to trick you into making an impulse decision.

2.    Smart Hotel Bookings Save Big Money 

There’s always going to be a bit of a temptation to stay in big brand hotels that you are familiar with. Still, these are usually the most expensive beds at any international destination.

Instead, look for locally-branded hotels and accommodations that don’t have to carry the same kind of expensive overhead that chains like Hilton, for example, bring to the table. Local and independent hotels will almost always be significantly less costly for the same caliber of room. You’ll get even better deals if you reserve your stay in advance or extend your stay beyond a couple of nights.

3.    Leverage Airline Shopping Portals 

Lastly, take advantage of the online shopping portals that almost every major airline on the planet has somewhere on their website.

These kinds of shopping portals work a lot like affiliate marketing, rewarding the airlines for bringing business to the retailers that advertise offers and deals on these platforms.

You’ll be able to get significant savings on everything from clothing and accessories to cell phones and camera gear, gifts and gourmet food, patio and outdoor furniture, high-end electronics, and more. You’ll be able to earn discounts on travel with those airlines with each purchase, too.

Conclusion

All of the tips and tricks we highlighted above can help you hack your travel itinerary to save big money without having to lean on specialty credit cards. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling across the country or the world; these tactics keep cash in your pocket.

This is a guest post by Christopher Liew. He is a CFA charter holder who helps readers find the best ways to save and make money at Wealthawesome.com.