unpopular travel opinions

There are a lot of different opinions on how you should travel — that’s what makes the world great right? Different views and perspectives on everything. Before I dive into this, I want to remind you that my goal is to see and help you see as many places as you can no matter what your budget is! Let’s dive in.

AIRPORTS ARE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

My vacation starts the minute I get to the airport. I am READY for it and all of my budget travel rules fly right out the window here. $20 for a drink? No problem.

I arrive early, find my gate, then, depending on what time it is, find a coffee or drink to sip on before my flight takes off. If it’s a larger airport I’ll even walk around and do some window shopping. I could honestly spend the entire day at an airport, shopping, drinking, and watching planes arrive and depart.

LONG LAYOVERS AREN’T THAT BAD

If it’s going to save me hundreds of dollars, I really don’t mind a long layover (even 24 hours). As I already said, I love the airport. Plus, if your layover is long enough, you have some time to explore the city you’re laid over in! It’s like a double vacation.

BUSSES, TRAINS, AND METROS > TAXIS, UBERS, AND LYFTS

This is especially the case if you’re looking to save money but if you really want to immerse yourself in the culture of wherever you are, don’t be afraid to use public transportation. It’s fun to people watch and, who knows, you might even get to meet someone! Dylan and I had the time of our lives sitting in a train station for hours talking to someone we had just met.

TAKE THE LONG WAY AND AVOID TOLLS

I know, you’re probably thinking that it’s not cheaper if you have to drive far enough out of your way, but wouldn’t you rather pay to take a more scenic route and see more than just pay to use a road that [usually] passes right by everything.

DON’T STAY CLOSE TO ALL OF THE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

I know, it might sound like a weird opinion, but don’t stay near everything you want to see. You’ll miss out on the rest of the city that surrounds these places. Stay off the beaten path with the locals and discover a hidden gem of a bakery or become a regular at the grocery store.

TALK TO YOUR AIRBNB HOSTS

Listen, I’m one of the biggest introverts around, so I understand not wanting to talk to your hosts or even acknowledge that they're really a person outside of messaging back and forth on the app, but step outside of your comfort zone! Aside from saving money, isn’t this one of the main perks of using AirBnb?! We’ve received some of the best advice and recommendations from our hosts.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT BRINGING A FANCY CAMERA, YOUR CELL PHONE WILL BE JUST FINE

I know — I KNOW — whaaaaatttt? How could a photographer say this?! Your phone is capable of a lot more than you think and if you’re just using a camera on auto, you might as well use your phone. Don’t lug a big ol’ camera around, it’ll just weigh you down.

NO PLAN > PLAN

I’ll be honest here, I HATE being on a really strict schedule when I travel which is why I don’t ever go with a tourist group. I’d much rather book the tickets and wing it.

RESORTS ARE THE LAST PLACE I’D STAY

If your main goal from vacation is to relax, then sure stay at a resort, but I’m traveling to explore, see new things, experience new cultures, and meet new people (people that aren’t required to serve me), the last place that’s happening is at a resort.

RENT THE CAR!

If you’re traveling to a city, like Paris or Dublin, rent a car and get outta the city! Explore the countryside. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t scary to rent a car in a foreign country but I promise it’s so worth it.