Sandmann Travels | Budget Travel & Travel Hacking
Learn how to travel more for less with smart travel hacks, beginner-friendly points and miles strategies, and budget-friendly planning tips. | Weekly newsletter with actionable tips. | Personalized travel planning services. | 1 on 1 points and miles coaching.
I worked on my "vacation" 🇮🇪🐎
Hey Reader, I just got back from two weeks in Northern Ireland, and it was unlike any trip I've ever taken. The bulk of my time was spent volunteering at a horse trekking operation — riding and working with 3- and 4-year-olds being trained for holiday trekking careers. Long days, basic farmhouse living, and an incredible group of fellow volunteers. It was worth every sore muscle. Before and after the volunteer stint, I did some solo exploring in Dublin and Belfast. And crucially, my flights,...
Back in action!
Hey Reader, After over a year and a half of not missing a weekly email newsletter, I missed sending something out the last couple weeks 😮 Been a bit MIA between some work travel which included nearly 16 hours of driving, and currently on a 2-week trip to Northern Ireland 🇮🇪 I'm spending 2 weeks with a volunteer program training young horses on a family farm that organizes horse riding holidays on the North Coast. Over the last week we've spent time spook proofing 4-year old horses - getting...
Some insane travel news ✈️
Hey Reader, If you haven't heard yet, as of May 2, Spirit Airlines announced that they are ceasing operations effective immediately. While some loved to bash Spirit - "oh I would never fly with them" - the low cost carrier offered a true low cost flight option to get from point A to point B. They're only one of few low cost carriers providing some form of price competition against the big guys (Delta, United, American, etc.). And without that competition, it might mean budget options on...
What is your debit card doing for you?
Hey Reader, I love when a juicy credit card sign up bonus hits my account. I just reached the minimum spend on a new travel credit card and 75k points were just added my account. At a bare minimum that's worth at least $750. All I did was sign up for a card, spend on what I normally would, and was given free money. So when people tell me they buy their everyday essentials or even large purchases with a debit card, I'm crying inside for them. Using a debit card might feel like the “safe” or...
How to save money on travel without points
Hey Reader, While I LOVE earning and redeeming points and miles, I totally get that the travel hacking game isn't for everyone. So today we're gonna talk about a few ways to add to your travel fund without signing up for new credit cards. 1) Bank bonuses Banks are always competing against one another for your loyalty, and you can take advantage of this. My husband and I have earned nearly $2,000 in bank bonuses over the last year by opening new checking accounts, transferring in the minimum...
What you need to know before transferring points
Hey Reader, Before you make your first points transfer from your bank to an airline or hotel transfer partner, there are a few things to keep in mind. Even if you've done this a few times, there may be some tricks in here for you, so keep reading. Let's run through them so you don't have any unwanted surprises before booking your next trip with points. DON'T transfer points speculatively. Points transfers are one way only - so once you transfer them to a partner, those points are stuck there....
Is buying points ever worth it?
Hey Reader, Did you know you could buy points? The concept of buying points might sound a little backwards, but stick with me. Most airline and hotel points programs allow you to buy points, whether that's to top off the points you already have to complete a booking, or simply book with points because you get a better deal that way. Many programs also often sell their points 'on sale' or for a particular bonus. One program that does this quite often is IHG, where they will offer a 100% points...
Call me, beep me, if you want me to plan your trip 😉
Hey Reader, If you've known me for a while, you'll know that Iceland has been one of my favorite countries I've visited. The otherworldly landscapes, dramatic coastline, glaciers, horses, rolling hills and fields, hiking on volcanoes, soaking in natural hot springs. I mean.. c'mon. I also might be biased because this was where my husband and I got engaged. So when Sarah reached out to me asking for help planning her and her husband Tim's Iceland trip, I couldn't wait to re-live our road trip...
That one night trip is still worth it.
Hey Reader, I just spent the weekend at a farmhouse in midcoast Maine for the sole purpose of fully unplugging, spending time with my husband and dogs, reading, playing board games, and walking in the woods and along the coast. And let me tell you... If you ever wonder if it's worth it to spend $200 to just 'hang out' in a house that's not your own, it truly is. Not only does a change of scenery help reset your brain, but being able to step away from all the little home responsibilities that...
Can we daydream for a minute?
Hey Reader, Let's dream together for a minute. I want you to think about your dream trip. Not the vague "I'd love to go to Italy someday" version. I mean the real one, the one you picture when you're stuck in a Monday meeting or doom scrolling through someone else's vacation photos before bed. Most people think the dream trip is a budget problem. "I just need to save up enough money." But in my experience taking several of my own dream trips, and helping others plan theirs, the real blockers...
Learn how to travel more for less with smart travel hacks, beginner-friendly points and miles strategies, and budget-friendly planning tips. | Weekly newsletter with actionable tips. | Personalized travel planning services. | 1 on 1 points and miles coaching.