Travel Hacks to Make Your Dream Destination a Reality

A dream destination may look different depending on who you are. You may look forward to laying on a warm, sandy beach and sipping a cool, refreshing drink. You may love the hustle and bustle of a new city filled with shops and restaurants to explore. No matter what your preference, there is one common denominator that tends to hold us back from these ideal vacations: finances. While the price tag of our dream destination may feel like a roadblock, there are things you can do to make your dream a reality.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, credit card points are a fantastic way to save money through travel. Utilizing your points can work two-fold. Before your trip, research and see how you can save money on flights, hotels, and more by using your saved up points to redeem rewards. Saving money on the front end is beneficial in the planning stages of your vacation, as it softens the initial blow of your credit card statement. By redeeming rewards, you have the potential to cut down expenses significantly. During the trip you can earn those points back by utilizing your credit cards on dining, shopping, and more. Orlando Credit Union’s Visa Xtreme Rewards Credit Card is a great option to make quick progress toward points. We offer 4 points per dollar on Amazon and PayPal purchases for the first 12 months; plus, 3 points per dollar on gas and travel, 2 points per dollar on dining and groceries, and 1 point per dollar on all other transactions.

Whether you’re flying or driving, be mindful of what you pack. If you are boarding an aircraft to reach your destination, packing light is a good move. Your bag size and weight can factor into saving you money. Additionally, remember that you are typically allowed one free carry-on. Use this bag to store toiletries or any other items that may not fit in your checked bag. While packing light may be beneficial for flying travelers, if you are planning to road trip, the opposite mindset can be a money saver. With no limitations to how much you can bring, make a list of anything you may need and attempt to pack all that you can. This will save you money throughout your trip by preventing you from making unnecessary purchases.

Last but certainly not least, be a meticulous planner. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “eat like a local,” now is the time to make that suggestion a reality. Prices go up when you dine and shop in tourist-dense areas. Do your research beforehand and find spots you’d like to explore that are more local-centric. This can be beneficial from a financial perspective, and it can also allow you to uncover some unique spots that you would not have found otherwise.

All in all, traveling to that dream location may be more attainable than you realize. Simply take the time to make the proper preparations and you can reach marvelous destinations all without breaking the bank.