Hello Beautiful,
I’ve recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee and that trip inspired me in so many ways! By the time that this post is up, You would’ve heard all about My trip to Nashville already.
And if you haven’t… head over to my “Nassau Gal in Nashville” blog post, where I go more in-depth about my time in Nashville. However in this post, I wanted to give you 5 tips on how to travel smarter!
I’ve been traveling for most of my life, but now that I’m an adult, I’m finding more and more ways to save money and be more productive on my trips. These tips are for anyone because EVERYONE travels!
So let’s get started…
Tip 1: Long Layovers or Delays?… Read!
During my travels to Nashville, I took a plane from Nassau, Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida first, then a plane from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Nashville Tennessee.
The wait between Fort Lauderdale and Nashville was about 3 hours long. Normally, I would just connect to the airport WiFi and scroll the ‘gram, but this time my friend encouraged Me to purchase some reading material for the wait.
Smart Idea! As there was a magazine stand ahead, and I’ve been meaning to purchase some new fashion magazines anyway!
Occupying your mind during a long or unexpected wait also saves you from spending money in the airport’s overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops.
Tip 2: Let Your Hotel Save You Money!
Did you know your Hotel could save you money on Food and Transportation?
I’m picky when it comes to where I lay my head. That use to override the cost for me all the time! I would want to stay in an expensive hotel, just because the Lobby was pretty. Yet, I still had to pay a lot per night with nothing extra except housekeeping.
On this trip I thought SMART! Instead of staying in a super stylish hotel, I opted for an Embassy Suite. And here’s why…
A. It offered Airport Shuttle, which was a FREE ride to and from the hotel along with a FREE ride anywhere within 3 miles of the Hotel.
B. It had complimentary made-to-order American style breakfast every morning and a complimentary cocktail hour in the afternoon.
That means I saved money on transportation to and from the airport. I saved on one meal every day, and believe me it was delicious!! And I saved on drinks. Who doesn’t like a free “turn up?”
Tip 3: Lyft Less!
Lyft seems to be the new transportation craze, and I must admit it’s pretty awesome.
During the Nashville trip, my friend and I used a Lyft account. At first it started out effective cost wise and time wise, but soon it started to get expensive even though we were splitting the cost.
Believe me boo, $11.00, 2 – 3 times per day can add up!
Then it hit me, we were Lyfting wrong!
We were so excited to see Nashville, we were like we’ll go here and Lyft. Go there and Lyft. Come back and Lyft again.
However, the smart thing would’ve been to make a list of all the places we wanted to go to in a close proximity and average out the time we would spend there.
Then take one Lyft to that area. Once there, walk to different locations and maximize the time there.
Then, take a Lyft back tot he hotel.
4. Split & Share… Smart Idea!
Traveling with some can be fun! Especially a fun-loving friend or a funny family member!
The second best part about travelling with some else, is you get to experience more stuff for the price of one!
My friend and I split and shared cost from the hotel room, to the Lyft rides, to food.
One of the best ways to do this is with Food.
Chose a restaurant, you’d both like to try or one that, one of you have never tried before.
You select one thing off the menu and your friend select another.
Then ask for an additional plate, and split the food.
Enjoy your meal, then split the bill!
That way, you’ve both just had two dishes for the price of one meal.
5. Smile and ask Questions!
My plane ride from Nassau to Nashville wasn’t a connecting flight, but it was two separately booked flights. One from Nassau to Lauderdale, and one from Lauderdale to Nashville.
Because they were two separately booked flights, ideally I would have to claim my bags twice (once in Lauderdale and once in Nashville). However, the smartest move my friend and I could’ve made on this trip was to ask the airline rep to check us all the way through. After all we were using the same airline.
A smile and a question saved me $50 dollars in checked in luggage and the hassle of having to go to baggage claim in one state to check in again for another!
A question and a smile also saved us money in transportation one day! Instead of paying $11+ with Lyft, we got a free bus ride to Nashville bus station and directions on a $2 bus ride to our next attraction.
I’m telling you… a smile and a question can save you on much more than you think!
So there you have it! 5 ways to Travel Smarter.
Spring Break is here, Summer is about to make a comeback and that means more time to travel at your leisure!
So if you’re thinking about taking a trip, remember these 5 tips.
Safe and Smart Travels, Beautiful.
Xo.
Conesha
242Blqrze 