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Ever wonder how travel agents operate when we go on trips? (It is our speciality after all.) We aren't gatekeeping these tips any longer! Here are 10 behind-the-scenes travel hacks that we use when we travel.
1. Use TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR
We invest in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for faster screening, and often add CLEAR to breeze past ID checks in seconds. The cost is about $80 for 5 years for Precheck and it's worth every cent. Be sure to check the Precheck line hours for your airport because they aren't open 24/7. Keep your electronics in your bags and breeze right through. Orlando Airport also has an App, and if you don't have precheck or it's closed, you can schedule a time. It's called MCO Reserve.
2. Book Rides in Advance
Instead of scrambling for a ride during early-morning transfers, or on the way to your cruise port, we schedule rides ahead of time—whether it's Uber, Lyft, shuttle or a private car service-- saving money, time and avoiding last-minute surge pricing.
3. Pay With Loyalty Credit Cards
Using an airline-branded card earns us perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access—not to mention miles that fund future free or discounted flights. Some cards such as the Delta American Express have awesome perks for first time users such as 80,000 miles. Other cards offer free companion flights such as Alaskan. Check Nerdwallet’s top credit card offers (updated monthly) to see the best bonuses.
Disney Rewards Visa Card offers rewards points, a special photo op in Epcot, and 10% off merch and other things in the parks. Cruise Lines, Universal, and many hotel suppliers have credit cards that come with exclusive perks and points too.
4. Always Compare Airport Options
We don’t default to the closest airport—we search nearby cities for better fares, flight times, or more reliable carriers. Some small-town airports with 1 or 2 airlines are double (or triple) the closest International Airports price. On the other hand, some smaller airports may offer free parking, and better flight times including nonstop options. Sites like Kayak and Google Flights are great for comparing and setting up price drop alerts. I like to search in incognito mode on my browser for lower prices. Oh, and don't forget the refundable rate/insurance. More on that next!
5. Always Add Insurance
During the pandemic we saw how many clients lost money on canceled trips. We always add insurance to our flights, travel packages and cruises, just in case, so we don't lose our money. The rates may be a little higher, but it's better than losing thousands. You can use private insurance such as Insuremytrip.com or add it directly with the airline or cruise line. Be sure to check the fine print on what is covered, or if it's a "cancel for any reason" insurance.
We book with an airline that gives free carry-ons like Delta or Southwest, and skip the baggage claim lines. Checked bags take more time, they are less convenient to get through the airport with, and they could be delayed, damaged, or even lost. If you decide to check a bag in, throw an Airtag into your suitcase, so you can always track where it is and ensure it’s reached your destination. Once my bag was left behind in my departure city, and I didn't get it back until the next day!
7. Travel on Midweek Mornings
We often fly or check into hotels on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, on the early morning flight to avoid peak prices and busy travel days. Disney World has lower priced rooms during the week and often offer discounts for Sunday-Thursdays. We arrive for cruises a day early, since most cruise lines depart over the weekend, to save on airfare and arrive well before departure time. If you have a flight delay or cancelation, there's plenty of time to book another. The first flight out in the morning is rarely delated because the plane is already there from the night before and you're not waiting for it to arrive.
8. Skip Spending in Tourist Traps
We dig into local Facebook pages and travel forums to find the real must-see spots—beyond the obvious guidebook suggestions. We love to use Viator for vetted excursion suppliers. There are apps, such as GPS My City, to use for self guided walking tours and must see places. We don't book the cheapest hotel possible when we visit tourist traps such as Times Square or the Vegas Strip, but we go for quality and safety, and check for good reviews to avoid the noise, crowds, and scams.
9. Check for Price Drops and Rebook
We monitor flight and hotel prices even after booking. If the price drops and it's refundable, we either apply the discount or rebook and pocket the savings. You have to have the refundable rate to do this, and it's very common for cruise prices to go down, and Disney to put out discounts closer to travel.
10. We Never Choose the Cheapest Option
Sure saving money is great, and I'm a very frugal mom myself, but there are reasons things are so cheap. If you're searching for a vacation with the "whatever's cheapest" mindset, let me tell you now: you're going to be disappointed. Not to sound bougie, but, we'd never stay 2 star. We have seen the consequences! We love the value resorts at Disney and Universal, and some of the offsite hotels aren't worth saving that extra $100/night.
Is the cheapest hotel going to be far away form everything? Is it going to be loud, or even unsafe? Is the cheapest cruise going to be enjoyable in hurricane season, or is it on a super old ship? Is my kid going to have a meltdown on a 30 minute bus ride to the Magic Kingdom or should I upgrade to stay a little closer? These are the important questions.
Want to travel like a pro? Steal these secrets—or better yet, book with us... we already know them all!
Kingdom Konsultant Travel agents can answer all your travel questions, plan your vacation, book your vacation, coordinate all the travel, recommend the best excursions, and so much more!
Happy travels!
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