This guest post is written by Matt Kepnes: If you’ve traveled recently, you’ve probably noticed that prices have skyrocketed. Since the pandemic, the demand for travel has surged, and with that, costs have followed suit. These days, it seems like everyone is looking for a getaway, making it harder than ever to find budget-friendly options. […]
The Best Credit Cards for Building Points Fast
When I first discovered frequent flyer miles, it was like unlocking a hidden level in a video game. I thought I’d cracked the code—free flights! So naturally, I did what any travel enthusiast would: I booked coach seats because, well, they were free. But as time passed, I learned I was playing the game on […]
What 6 Months of Traveling in Southeast Asia Cost Me (2024 Update)
2024 update: Since first traveling to Southeast Asia in 2012, I’ve revisited the region nearly yearly, logging over 2.5 cumulative years. Over that time, some prices have changed, and this post reflects those numbers. Back in 2012, I spent a glorious eight continuous months backpacking in Southeast Asia on a long-term traveler’s budget. This meant […]
How I Book Virtuoso Hotels for Extra Perks
The concept is simple — hotels use all kinds of techniques to sell rooms, and sometimes that includes extra benefits at no added cost. I traveled for years before realizing that OTAs (online travel agencies like Booking or Expedia) are among the worst ways to book a hotel or flight. There’s virtually no chance at […]
The Amex Platinum Card: Why It’s Worth Keeping Despite the High Fee
The American Express Platinum Card, often heralded as the epitome of luxury in the credit card world, comes with a hefty annual fee of $695. This fee may seem huge, but for those who can leverage the card’s extensive benefits, it more than pays for itself. There’s a reason why I’ve held onto mine for […]