Michelle Sandmann - Here to help you plan your dream trip!
Practical travel hacking tips for those who want to make travel a reality without overspending, trip guides, itineraries, and travel planning services.
6 Questions to Ask Before Booking That 'Amazing' Flight Deal
Hi Reader, We've all been there - excitedly clicking "book" on that impossibly cheap flight, feeling like we just scored the deal of the century. But if you've traveled on budget airlines before, you know that the initial fare is often just the beginning of what you'll actually end up paying. The Hidden Price Tag of Budget Travel That $49 flight to Miami might look amazing on paper, but by the time you reach your destination, you might be wondering where your "deal" disappeared to. Let's...
Free Travel Planning Template + My Best Budget Tip
Hi Reader, I just wanted to say thank you for being part of my travel-loving community. Whether you're here for planning tips, destination inspiration, or just dreaming about your first points redemption, I’m so glad we get to connect like this. Okay, I’m rambling. What I really wanted to share is one of my favorite trip planning tips - especially if you’ve been daydreaming about your next getaway but aren’t sure where to go. Here it is: book your flights first. If you’re flexible on...
Think you can’t book your dream trip with points? Think again.
Hi Reader, Just the other day, someone came to me ready to give up on using their points to get to Australia. They wanted to fly one-way to Australia this summer but thought there was zero award availability. A few quick searches later? I found them multiple flight options for just 40,000 Capital One miles. You don't need loads of cash, or complicated hacks, just smart strategy and knowing where to look. If you’ve been: Sitting on a pile of points with no clue how to use them Searching and...
Level Up Your Airport Experience ✈️
Hi Reader, Now that you’ve got a strategy to relax in airport lounges (if you missed it, check out this blog post), let’s make sure you almost never have to wait in a long airport line again. 1. Check In Early & Skip the Counter Always check in online at least several hours in advance, some airlines even charge a fee if you don’t! Set a reminder to check in 24 hours before departure. Most airline apps send a push notification when check-in opens, making this step effortless. Checking in...
Don’t Have a Travel Credit Card? You Can Still Travel for Less ✈️
Happy Sunday Reader, By now, you probably know I’m all about leveraging travel credit cards to score nearly free trips with points and miles. But what if I told you that you don’t even need a credit card to get in on the travel hacking game? Yep, you read that right. You can actually buy points - and in certain cases, it can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on flights and hotels. I know what you're thinking... Why would I buy points? Doesn't that defeat the purpose? Stay with...
Checked off my to-do list. Did you?
Happy Sunday Reader, I always believe you should do one thing at a time. Easier said than done, I know. Just focus on one thing you can do today. For me, today I am focusing on planning out the National Parks we want to visit this summer/fall. Of course, having the right tools and strategies is really important when it comes to planning budget-friendly, points-savvy, and unforgettable trips. And it’s something you should always be doing, too. It helps you save money, maximize rewards, and...
Travel March Madness 🔥
Hey hey, After a whirlwind start to March, traveling for fun, then family visits, a work trip, and then getting knocked out by the flu, I’m finally getting back into the swing of things. This week’s newsletter is a mix of exciting travel tidbits, juicy offers, and news. Let’s dive in! Elevated Sign Up Bonus Alert: Capitol One Venture Right now, there are tons of credit cards offering elevated sign up bonuses (SUBs), but one, in particular, has me extra excited - the Capitol One Venture 🥳 💳...
What's REALLY Holding You Back From Traveling? 🤔
Hey there, Let's have an honest conversation. I've been getting so many messages lately that go something like this: "Your trips look amazing, but I could never..." "I wish I could travel more, but..." Sound familiar? Today, let's bust through those "buts" and talk about how to turn your travel dreams into reality. Because here's the truth: most barriers to travel are more manageable than you think. The Big Three Travel Roadblocks (And How to Crush Them): 1. "Travel Is Too Expensive." This is...
How I Scored $700 Flights to New Zealand (And How You Can Too!) 🇳🇿✈️
Hey there, Kia ora from stunning New Zealand! I'm writing to you from the spectacular South Island, where I'm currently living out my 30th birthday dream on a 2.5-week road trip. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and I can't wait to share more of this adventure with you. (Keep an eye on my Instagram or Facebook for daily doses of New Zealand magic!) Remember last week when I talked about the power of planning ahead? Well, this trip is the perfect example of how advance planning and smart...
Don’t Sleep on Planning Summer Travel - Book Now to Save! 🌴
Hey there, Believe it or not, summer is right around the corner! And with summer being the most expensive time to travel, booking as far in advance as possible can save you a lot of money. I recently had two different moms tell me how expensive their family's April vacation trips were going to be, but they were only just starting to look in late January. Unfortunately, that’s often too late to find the best prices. The same applies to summer travel - if you wait until spring to book, you’ll...
Practical travel hacking tips for those who want to make travel a reality without overspending, trip guides, itineraries, and travel planning services.