When you’re new to travel, it can be intimidating at first. During your travels, you learn a lot of things the hard way. After you get the hang of it, you might wish there was someone who would have schooled you to the travel game earlier in life. So, for the novice world travelers, here are five major keys to help you on your journey to balling all over the globe!

1. Credit vs. debit when traveling

I always use credit when I travel because I always use credit in general. Just remember to call your credit/debit card bank before you leave the country to let them know the dates and locations of your travel. Even if you plan to use cash for your trip, you don’t want an embarrassing credit card decline at your hotel because your bank suspects you’re home in the U.S. and that someone is illegally using your card for a fraudulent transaction overseas. This has happened to me. It’s embarrassing. Trust me!

Also, get into travel rewards cards such as Delta American Express and Chase Sapphire, where you earn extra points for anything travel and food related, even Uber and gas in your car. Do your research to compare and contrast benefits to find the right card for you. Some of these cards also waive international fees.

2. Travel rewards

There are levels to travel rewards. Most airlines have a reward system. If you consistently book your flights with the same airline over and over, they eventually reward you with free flights, upgrades to first class and other perks.

Most hotels have a similar reward system. The more you stay at the same hotel or hotel chain, the more that you will earn points, eventually earning you free nights or upgrades to suites, complimentary spa experiences and more. Learn about hotel parent companies as well. For example, Starwoods Hotels own many of my favorite hotels that I like for different reasons — such as The Westin (for comfort), A Loft (for modern appeal), W Hotel (for luxury), Le Meridien and more. If I stay at any of these hotels, they will all work toward the same points system (Starwoods Preferred Guest), that I can eventually use for free nights at any one of the hotels under the brand.

3. The travel plug

Follow your favorite airlines, hotels, travel blogs and all travel businesses on social media. There are always giveaways, freebies and contests. There are also travel groups on Facebook that you should get into. If you’re going to a certain destination, do a quick search on Facebook and you might find a group with all the resources, tips and people you need to make your trip the best experience possible.

4. Saving money when you get there

Resort suggested activities are ALWAYS the most expensive! I am all about safety first, but being frugal is a close second. There are tons of travel resources out there (blogs, Trip Advisor, message boards, etc.) that can help you determine the best travel experiences within your budget. And if you do your research in advance while also exploring opportunities when you arrive, you can absolutely save some money.

For example, on a trip to St. Lucia, I had an opportunity to snorkel between the Piton mountains, get a sulfur mud bath at the volcano, visit waterfalls, have a local meal in the capital, etc. Through the resort, the cost was $220 U.S. However, in casual conversation with fellow vacationers on the beach, they told us about a tour to the exact destinations through a local business that cost less than half of what the resort quoted us. They had a great time and had no complaints whatsoever, so we took the tour and it was amazing. We actually became really cool with the local tour company and they took us out a second time at no cost. Of course, always be mindful of your safety first, but if a great opportunity arises, be open to it!

5. Supply & demand

Always remember that travel is a game of supply and demand. If budget travel is what you’re looking for, think about it like this – airlines, hotels and all other travel vendors are going to increase their costs when the demand is high. So, in the winter when most of North America and Europe is experiencing freezing temperatures, its cheaper to travel there, but destinations such as the Caribbean are in “peak season.” Everyone is rushing to escape the cold and sip a piña colada or Bob Marley beverage on the beach. On the other hand, summer is off-peak season for the Caribbean, but peak season for the U.S. and Europe when the temperatures make it a more pleasurable experience to explore.

Also, do your research to learn of any major conferences, festivals, carnivals, sporting events, etc. in a region at the times you are looking to travel. The chances of finding a flight deal to Rio De Janeiro during their carnival is highly unlikely.

What are your favorite trips for travel newbies? Let us know in the comments below!

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