A lot of good stuff here. One thing I would add is that it's worth paying a little bit extra for your hotel to get a booking that you can cancel. You never know when your plans are going to change, and it's good to be able to cancel your hotel booking if you find that you don't need it.
One of the ways I have saved a lot of money on hotels (in North America) is I find the hotel I am interested in staying (or a couple of them) find the lowest rate for them. Then call the hotel themselves. I make sure to NOT speak to the their reservations line, but to someone at the actual hotel. And I simply ask if they can beat the rate. In some cases they can’t, in some cases they can only match it, but in others they can offer a much better rate! it’s how I got Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City at only $150 Canadian a night. They were having a conference and had a couple of extra rooms and gave me the conference rate.
In addition especially for the smaller family run hotels they do not have to pay the booking site fees that can really add up so it is better for them too. They can thus pass on the savings as you found out.
Check if any marathons are in the area that you are visiting or any other large events in the city that may cause streets to be closed down on your route from A to B
Thank you Aly. I have been traveling for years and even lived in a few countries since I’m 6months old….but i have learned a few tips, therefore not boring at all 😊 and very helpful. Merci beaucoup d’Ottawa 🇨🇦
Great video! I think many viewers would also benefit from learning about airline loyalty programs (such as Aeroplan), credit card travel perks & points and other value-oriented things.
Thanks for all the helpful tips. Trying to watch the other videos and the popup say they are hidden and unavailable. When will they be available in North America?
For the next episode, can you provide recommendations for transport (for a family of 4) to/from airport & resort? Ex. Puerto Vallarta airport and Hyatt Ziva 😉
Hello Aly, my brother and I were planning our annual trip to Mexico. And we both started looking on Expedia for flights and hotels, we were searching at the same time; and for some reason we were getting totally different prices. We were getting the same suggestions from Expedia regarding flights and hotels, but my prices were about $350/$400 higher per person than his results. Any idea why the discrepancy on prices? Of course he ended up making the purchase on his end, but we were left wondering why I was getting much higher quotes.
It's free, you just have to create an account (it actually changed to Daily Drop Pro now). If you click on the 'pricing' tab, you'll see options for the free or pro membership: www.dailydrop.com/pro?via=aly-smalls
Do you know of a website that allows you to find driving tours? We're headed to Queretaro MX soon and it seems like every tour is for walking and my partner's knees really prevent that.
This was helpful! We are planning a trip to Europe with 3 destinations and some of the websites you mentioned I have never heard of before. Also checking off boxes on our list of wants and don’t’s or do’s will help too. The tour sites will help us a great deal! Thank you and I can’t wait for the next one! I’m saving this video to go back an reference it 😊
I'd said that as a hotel owner in Canada, I actually recommend nNOT booking through 3rd party sites and apps because you'll usually end up paying more as the property will tack on the extra fees that the 3rd party charges them plus...if you need to make any changes to your booking the hotel can't do anything and you'll have to contact the 3rd party which is generally painful. @@ToddMoore1
Sometimes YT sensors comments or puts them at the very bottom 🤷♀️ but I see this one! If the hotel has a user friendly website, absolutely! But every hotel/accommodation is different. Some are great, some are awful!
This is episode 1 of my Travel 101 series! You can watch part 2 here: ruclips.net/video/eVt6Jhy1pi8/видео.htmlsi=1zgd2c94bEppPGjT and part 3 here: ruclips.net/video/LZkhRChv-N8/видео.htmlsi=fQ13QeckSnYoI83F ...and everything I mentioned in the video is linked below: 👇
► Links to things mentioned in video:
FareDrop flight alerts: faredrop.com?fpr=aly25&fp_sid=ep1
World Map for Weather: scarletscribs.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/this-awesome-map-tells-you-the-best-time-to-visit-every-destination-in-the-world/
Viator (for day trips/tours): viator.tp.st/h83qXgwB
Get Your Guide (for day trips/tours): gyg.me/4jKXJwXP
Airbnb Experiences: www.airbnb.com/experiences
Thatch: www.thatch.co/@AlySmalls
Transfer Partners Cheat Sheet: www.dailydrop.com/transfer-partners-cheat-sheet?via=aly-smalls
Booking (hotels): booking.stay22.com/likewhereyouregoing/aBXqabjxVz
Expedia (hotels): expedia.stay22.com/likewhereyouregoing/E3RNM6q7Ov
Plannin (hotels): plannin.com/?refId=alysmalls
SeatGuru (airplane seat maps): www.seatguru.com/
AeroLOPA (airplane seat maps): www.aerolopa.com/
► CARRY-ON BAGS I LIKE:
» Travelpro: amzn.to/3zKs2uc
» Monos: shrsl.com/4oq7g
» July carry-on light: go.shopmy.us/p-7389891
» ANTLER Carry-on (55x35x21): go.shopmy.us/p-7317419
» Velocity 55x40x20cm (22x16x8): amzn.to/4ek2oeR
» ANODE Carry-On (22x16x8”): amzn.to/4gKpddy
» BEIS Small Carry-On Roller: go.shopmy.us/p-7271169
► PERSONAL ITEM BAGS:
» Travel tote bag: amzn.to/3Y1VDsu
» Taygeer backpack (large): amzn.to/3XLW7Sk
» 18x14x8 Foldable Travel Duffel Bag: amzn.to/4gJ02aX
» Other travel tote personal item: amzn.to/4dor3hc
A lot of good stuff here. One thing I would add is that it's worth paying a little bit extra for your hotel to get a booking that you can cancel. You never know when your plans are going to change, and it's good to be able to cancel your hotel booking if you find that you don't need it.
Agreed!
One of the ways I have saved a lot of money on hotels (in North America) is I find the hotel I am interested in staying (or a couple of them) find the lowest rate for them. Then call the hotel themselves. I make sure to NOT speak to the their reservations line, but to someone at the actual hotel. And I simply ask if they can beat the rate. In some cases they can’t, in some cases they can only match it, but in others they can offer a much better rate! it’s how I got Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City at only $150 Canadian a night. They were having a conference and had a couple of extra rooms and gave me the conference rate.
In addition especially for the smaller family run hotels they do not have to pay the booking site fees that can really add up so it is better for them too. They can thus pass on the savings as you found out.
@@davesaunders7080 Good point!
Thank you for this series. It is just what I needed. 😊
Hey that was good. As a pretty experienced traveler I learned a couple of useful things.
Love this! Super helpful.
So much value in this video!! ❤
Check if any marathons are in the area that you are visiting or any other large events in the city that may cause streets to be closed down on your route from A to B
Thanks for the video. Look forward to the series.
This is extremely helpful! We are planning a special retirement trip. Thank you!
Thanks Ally!! As a fellow Canadian your information is top notch. Also. Congratulations on your wedded bliss to Chris!!!!
Thank you Aly. I have been traveling for years and even lived in a few countries since I’m 6months old….but i have learned a few tips, therefore not boring at all 😊 and very helpful. Merci beaucoup d’Ottawa 🇨🇦
Really, really helpful!!! Great tips, I've just subscribed based on this video. Thank you!
Me too!!!😊
Thank you so much. I watched it three times and took extensive notes. ❤
Great video! I think many viewers would also benefit from learning about airline loyalty programs (such as Aeroplan), credit card travel perks & points and other value-oriented things.
Great tips!!! Thanks so much! I really enjoy your videos.
This is an excellent post - lots of great info that I’ll definitely use. Thanks!
Well done! Thank you!
Thank you! So helpful!
Great tips! I just love your channel! I’ll spread the word! Greetings from Cape Breton!
Great video! This is going to be an awesome series.
Thank you! 🙏
Another great video
Another great video! Thank you!
Very helpful thank you
Thank you so much! These tips are excellent.
Woo… I’ve got to rewatch this because there’s SO many details my brain couldn’t absorb how fast your were speaking. 😜
Aly,
Excellent info!
Great tips!
Great idea!
That was so helpful! Also, off topic but love your lipstick! Would you minding sharing the brand/shade? :)
Beauty
Thanks for all the helpful tips. Trying to watch the other videos and the popup say they are hidden and unavailable. When will they be available in North America?
For the next episode, can you provide recommendations for transport (for a family of 4) to/from airport & resort? Ex. Puerto Vallarta airport and Hyatt Ziva 😉
Question
Can I bring a bag of damprid in my carry on bag ?
Hello Aly, my brother and I were planning our annual trip to Mexico. And we both started looking on Expedia for flights and hotels, we were searching at the same time; and for some reason we were getting totally different prices. We were getting the same suggestions from Expedia regarding flights and hotels, but my prices were about $350/$400 higher per person than his results. Any idea why the discrepancy on prices? Of course he ended up making the purchase on his end, but we were left wondering why I was getting much higher quotes.
I actually hate going the 3rd party route. I hate getting the “you’ll have to talk to them” answer whenever there’s an issue.
how do you get the free version of fare drop? It did not give me the option.
It's free, you just have to create an account (it actually changed to Daily Drop Pro now). If you click on the 'pricing' tab, you'll see options for the free or pro membership: www.dailydrop.com/pro?via=aly-smalls
Do you know of a website that allows you to find driving tours? We're headed to Queretaro MX soon and it seems like every tour is for walking and my partner's knees really prevent that.
You can’t get anywhere direct from Regina!
you can fly direct into Minneapolis! WestJet started service this summer :)
This was helpful! We are planning a trip to Europe with 3 destinations and some of the websites you mentioned I have never heard of before. Also checking off boxes on our list of wants and don’t’s or do’s will help too. The tour sites will help us a great deal! Thank you and I can’t wait for the next one! I’m saving this video to go back an reference it 😊
Interesting 🤔 I've twice commented on this video with my opinion on something (as somewhat of an expert on the particular point) and it's been removed
What was your previous comments?
I would like to know that too. Maybe if you respond to a respond it would not be noticed.
I'd said that as a hotel owner in Canada, I actually recommend nNOT booking through 3rd party sites and apps because you'll usually end up paying more as the property will tack on the extra fees that the 3rd party charges them plus...if you need to make any changes to your booking the hotel can't do anything and you'll have to contact the 3rd party which is generally painful. @@ToddMoore1
Let's see if my reply to the reply gets removed 🤨
Sometimes YT sensors comments or puts them at the very bottom 🤷♀️ but I see this one! If the hotel has a user friendly website, absolutely! But every hotel/accommodation is different. Some are great, some are awful!