Travel Industry Insiders Share the Biggest Secrets Most Travelers Don’t Know Exist

Want some secret hacks that make traveling a breeze? Industry insiders dished on Reddit, sharing secrets even seasoned travelers didn’t know about. 

Learn the best secrets to affordable, comfortable travel to make your next vacation the best one yet. 

Open Jaw Tickets

Different airplane flight paths across a dotted image of the world map.
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A European vacation is a dream for many American tourists. But when you’re traveling so far, you don’t want to be stuck in one city. Some tourists feel trapped by their itinerary when they book round-trip tickets. 

Instead, use an open-jaw ticket (also called multi-city) to fly into one city and out of another. 

Pillow Menu

Happy woman sleeping in a comfy bed.
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Luxury hotels thought of everything. Many offer a “pillow menu,” allowing guests to choose from various pillow styles for the perfect night’s rest. 

The Concierge

A hotel concierge stands in the lobby eager to greet guests.
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A Conceirge’s entire job is to make your stay memorable. Many have unique connections and can get bookings or reservations for must-see attractions. Tip them well!

Voiding Tickets

Boarding passes and passports with a model plane on top of them.
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US travelers have 24 hours from booking to cancel their travel plans for a full refund. However, that grace period extends on the weekend – if you purchase your tickets on Friday, you have until Monday to cancel. 

Extended Layovers

Woman with a hat, bag, and passport in hand ready to take a trip somewhere.
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Some countries crave tourist dollars so much that they offer special incentives for travelers to extend any layover they may have. Travelers passing through Qatar, Istanbul, and Iceland have taken advantage of these programs to enjoy an extra city. 

Family and Friends Discount

A tourist with a pile of money and his bag ready to go has a shocked look on his face.
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Many hotels and airlines have fantastic discounts for friends and family. Workers can get their favorite people free rooms, cheap flights, and more. 

Costco Rentals

Line up of brightly colored vintage cars that only show the very front of the cars.
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Did you know that Costco offers rental cars? Book through your favorite shopping club for deep discounts. 

Passport Rules

A pretty tourist with passport in hand reaching her hand out with her palm up as if to say no. Her eyes are closed.
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Before embarking upon an international adventure – check your passport! The name on your ticket must match the name on your passport perfectly. If your middle initial is on your passport, it must be on your ticket. 

You should also check the expiration date, as many countries require it to be valid for at least 3-6 months after you’ve supposedly returned home. 

Bag Checks

Happy man dressed like a tourist holding his passport up and his luggage over his shoulder.
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If you arrive early on an international flight, you don’t have to haul your bags around waiting for check-in time. Head to your hotel and ask if they’ll keep your bag until check-in. Most will, and some even have free shower facilities for early arrivals. 

They’ll also hold your bags after checking out. 

Missed Flight Policies

A man sits alone in an airport terminal burying his head in he lap.
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If something happens en route to the airport, causing you to miss your flight – show up anyway. Some airlines will put you on the next flight for no extra charge if they have space available. However, you typically forfeit your seat if you don’t bother to show up. 

Points

man smiling holding out a bright gold star as a reward
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You must dive into the travel points system if you travel a lot. Hotels, airlines, and credit cards all offer their own rewards systems, and many seasoned travelers can use these perks to score free trips. 

Why You Should Visit Aspen in the Shoulder Seasons

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Aspen is a winter wonderland perfect for outdoor skiing adventures. But if you don’t enjoy skiing, you should consider visiting during the shoulder season instead. Here’s why shoulder season is Aspen’s best kept secret!

You Don’t Need to Travel Overseas for Ancient Ruins

Tower ruins at Hovenweep National Monument in the Canyons of the Ancients.
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Explore stunning ruins in your own backyard with an adventure through the Canyons of the Ancients.

Visit a Real Haunted Hotel

An imaginary haunted house - a huge mansion with a giant full moon behind to represent one of the creepiest fall activities to enjoy
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For a real-life encounter, consider staying at one of America’s most haunted hotels

Enjoy Fictional Horror Instead

Woman making a scared face wearing horror cosplay like a painted skull from Dia de Muertos.
Photo Credit: Dia De Los Muertos via Shutterstock.com.

Celebrate the horror genre by checking out the best horror conventions across the US

The Best of California

picture of palm trees pointing toward the sky
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California is a massive state with a huge variety of cities, ecosystems, and things to do. Find out the best the Golden State has to offer and start planning your visit!

Check out the 41 Best Things To Do in California
 

Source: Reddit