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Road-Tested Tips
If you’re paying big for a flight (who isn’t nowadays), looking for ways to save while you’re on the ground and traveling will be key to cutting down your travel budget and ensuring you have extra pocket money for the good stuff while on vacation.
The following travel perks and freebies are available to everyone — not just those with airline status or business class tickets — and will help make your travels a little bit more affordable.
Check out the best free travel perks you didn’t know you were missing out on:
Free Hotels During Long Layovers
Did you know that many airlines around the world offer free hotel accommodations if you book a long layover? Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airlines, and Air China will provide passengers with complimentary hotels when they book a layover long enough to get out and explore the city.
Free City Tours During Long Layovers
Speaking of getting out and exploring the city during a long layover, many airlines will also provide travelers with free guided tours if they book a long enough layover.
Turkish Airlines famously provides tours to the Old City and transfers completely free of charge (but don’t forget to tip your tour guide!).
Free Wi-Fi on Flights
I can remember a time when Wi-Fi on flights was a laughable concept — and to be honest, I kind of miss it. There was something special about binge-watching inflight entertainment without the temptation of checking your messages or answering emails.
These days, however, most airlines will provide free Wi-Fi for all travelers as long as you’re a member of the airline’s loyalty program (even base-level members get free Wi-Fi, just make sure you sign up and get your loyalty number before the flight takes off).
Free Hotel Happy Hours
Many hotels offer free cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Kimpton Hotels, for example, hosts free wine happy hours nightly (depending on the location) where guests can mingle and grab a complimentary cocktail. DoubleTree by Hilton, on the other hand, offers free hot chocolate chip cookies to all guests.
Free VIP Security Access
If you’ve ever looked longingly at the business travelers breezing through the VIP security line, you’ll want to pay attention to this one. Biometrics company CLEAR has recently launched theRESERVE programwhich allows travelers in any class to book a specific time to go through the quick security line at airports across the United States. Select airports in Canada also offer this service under the name EXPRESS.
Free Toiletries at Your Hotel
Did you forget a toothbrush or razor, perhaps even Advil or tampons? They might not have replacements right in your room but most reputable hotels carry toiletries and other essentials that you can request. These toiletries are complimentary and will save you the hassle of having to run out to the nearest pharmacy.
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Free Meals or Hotels During Delays
Did you know that you’re entitled to free meals and hotel stays duringcertain flight delays? If your domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours or your international flight is delayed by more than six hours, you might be entitled to a meal or hotel voucher depending on the specific circumstances. If you’re not immediately offered a voucher, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Free Museums
Museum entrance fees can really add up if you do any kind of culture hopping while traveling — but there are certain tricks for getting into the top museums around the world for free. There are a lot of museums that offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month (including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Colosseum in Rome).
You might also be able to take advantage of free tickets if you’re a Bank of America or Merrill credit or debit card holder, which offers theBOA “Museums on Us” program.
Free National Parks
There are many national parks across the country that offer free admission year-round (including the North Cascades National Park in Washington and the Redwood National Park in California, for example). However national parks like the Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado generally charge admission. Be sure to check out theFree Entrance Days in the National Parksto plan your frugal trip into the wilderness.
Free Pooling Airline Miles
We don’t need to tell you about the major perks that can come with collecting airline miles and climbing the ranks as a loyalty member — but it’s worth noting that you can pool your entire family’s airline miles for free and earn status even faster. This means that if you’re flying with your family, you can snag your non-frequent-flyer partner’s or your kids’ airline miles for your own account (yes, kids over the age of 2 are eligible for miles).
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