How to Start “Travel Hacking” and See the World for CHEAP

Episode #445
Travel hacking allows you to see the world for less than you spend at home. That’s right. If you took your rent or mortgage payment in the US and traded it for traveling abroad, you could live off far less money and do far more than you do back in the States. But you’ll need to know how to work the system before you take off on your flight, or else you might come home happy and full but broke.
Matthew Kepnes, better known online as Nomadic Matt, made travel his full-time job, documenting how much he spent, saved, and enjoyed along the way. Matt has spent more time outside the US than most Americans will in their lives-and he has some secrets to share. Matt goes over EXACTLY how to start travel hacking, from credit cards to cheap activities, hostels, hotels, and horror stories you should try to avoid.
Matt also shares why so many Americans spend WAY too much money when they’re abroad and what you can do to make your trip last FAR longer IF you follow a few essential tips. So, if you want to finally take the year off and wander around Europe, Southeast Asia, or Central America but don’t think you have the funds to do so, Matt is here to prove you wrong.
Show Notes at:
www.biggerpockets.com/blog/mo...
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How to Earn Free Vacations With Travel Rewards Credit Cards:
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Apps, Tools, and Websites Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Agoda: www.agoda.com/
Booking.com: www.booking.com/
Campspace: campspace.com/en
GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com/
Google Hotels: www.google.com/travel/search?...
InsuranceMyTrip: www.insuremytrip.com/
Medjet: medjetassist.com/
SafetyWing: safetywing.com/
Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going): www.going.com/
Skyscanner: www.skyscanner.com/
Warm Showers: www.warmshowers.org/
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Connect with Matt:
Website: www.nomadicmatt.com/
Ten Years a Nomad: www.amazon.com/Ten-Years-Noma...
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day: www.amazon.com/How-Travel-Wor...
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Mindy: www.biggerpockets.com/users/m...
00:00 Intro
00:50 Money Moment
03:46 Becoming "Nomadic Matt"
08:33 How to Start "Travel Hacking"
09:26 Best Websites for Flights and Hotels
17:10 Travel Like You Live
22:24 Cheapest Countries and Where to Stay
29:03 Free Activities and Beating Burnout
35:31 You Can Afford to Travel!
36:36 Top Travel Tips

[@cecile4648]

As someone who's been a nomad since 2015, I can't believe this episode doesn't mention the cheapest ways to travel... Namely, volunteering in exchange for room and board (with WorkAway or WWOOF), and the very best way to travel in my opinion: house- or pet-sitting, where you get to stay for free in someone's house so you enjoy all the comforts of home (no bunk beds, no shared bathrooms/kitchens, etc). And for those who do prefer to spend money on accommodation while traveling (why would you?), hostels do have female-only dorms, and even usually some private rooms. Again, can't believe Matt didn't say it when discussing safety in hostels... Maybe I should make a living teaching people how to travel for cheap, too 😂

[@cb2596]

I backpacked around the world on and off for 4 years before I was married. I learned so much about money doing it. It actually shaped me into a person that not only appreciated the value of money, but also madr me have a frugal mindset.

[@futurefilmcriticsai]

Took my thirteen year old twins on a birthday trip to New York City about 5 years ago stayed in a hostel worked out great!! Hostel has a few cringy type looking
People but also has several high school trip groups too so we fit right in. Left more money to do touristy things like a Broadway play, Brooklyn Bridge, ate some were kinda cheeky in Manhattan shop and enjoyed ourselves. Location was everything we could get on and off subway just a few blocks from hostel. Private room shared bathroom, it was probably 10 rooms per hall,that owners did a good job in keeping reasonably clean. Just keep in mind things like a clear plastic bag for toiletries that you don’t mind getting wet while showering and flip flops for the shower. We spent more time out then in.

[@Kornheiser10]

If touring Italy you can't beat the free tours that you can download from Rick Steeves. They're amazing from the Ufizi in Florence to the Colleseum in Rome. Over 20 excellent tours.

[@cryptofan8057]

All hostels are not huge open rooms. You have private rooms semi private where a limited number of people share a room etc.

[@josephjuno9555]

Alot of places now require reservations a year in advance? That really limits flexibility

[@traetrae11]

26:08 I’m glad you asked the safety question but as a woman, his experiences could be vastly different from a woman in the same situations. He may not have had problems but simply switch the gender and/or race and now what?

[@eprohoda]

yahoo-Like itt-total unreal travel,peace out, =))

[@josephjuno9555]

Everyone shud travel and they mite see what it means to be Truely poor! They mite realize how good it is to Live in the USA! There are poor areas here too but not as bad as some arsas

[@freedomworks3976]

Priceline is one of the best inventions capitalism has delivered us. ❤

[@arnikabass3767]

You mentioned Maui, Hawaii so casually in this episode and gave no respect to the devastating fires that have recently happened there. Are you oblivious to the tragedy and horrifically stark situation going on there?!