The 8 Best Ways To Make Economy Seating Comfortable

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Whether it’s a quick flight across the state or a string of flights around the world, comfort can make or break your travel experience.

 

For those of us who aren’t flying first-class—gasp—here are a few insightful tips for the best ways to make economy seating comfortable.

 

1.) Plan ahead to know your options and snag your preferred seat(s).

 

Accommodating for comfort begins with the purchase of your flight. For those whose travel is not within the upcoming weeks: take the opportunity to research not only prices and schedules of flights but to also get familiar with the airlines’ seating and in-flight options.

 

Most flight arrangements and purchases are available online, and many airlines offer the option of choosing your seat from whichever seats are available. Therefore, the earlier you purchase your seat, the more seats you have to choose from.

 

Do you like the window? If you’re flying solo, the window provides the best surface to lean on for sleeping. Or maybe you want the coveted aisle seat for extra leg room and easy access to the restroom. How close do you want to be to the restroom? These are all questions to ask yourself when choosing your seat.

 

If you’re looking to fly across the country, for example, the flights will vary in price according to the time of day for departure and number of flights in-between your location and your destination. Consider comfort in addition to your wallet. Maybe you don’t mind flying out at 6:00 a.m. Maybe you prefer a non-stop flight—or maybe you would rather divide the travel into two shorter flights.

 

Regardless of your preferences, planning ahead always ensures more options.

 

Here’s a fun fact for travelers looking to save money: the least popular days to fly are Tuesday and Wednesday. Translation: the cheapest flights are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, especially when traveling internationally.

 

For those who have no choice—because they have obligations Monday–Friday that not even cheaper airfare can pardon—and must fly out on a Friday or weekend day: don’t worry, you can still find comfort in your travels with these tips.

 

2.) Prep for the big day.

The next tip for maximizing comfort during your travels in economy seating is to prep your trip with good rest, diet, and exercise. You know, like you always do!

If you’re traveling especially long distances, you will need all the energy you can get from natural remedies like decent sleep and plain foods that won’t cause you physical distress during impractical conditions.

 

For many, this tip can be easier said than done. And for those who are traveling into drastically different time zones, maybe you want to be tired during your flights to get a head start on your new sleep schedule.

 

However, nobody has ever regretted getting adequate rest before travel.

 

 

3.) Dress to decompress.

Once you have your seats and have initiated the self-care pre-flight, choose your traveling attire. While many of us may feel obliged to look our best, oftentimes our “best” isn’t our most comfortable. Unless you are expected to dress professionally in your travel to a work-related event, you should always consider comfort first.

 

Another fun fact: while you may be easily cold or stuck on an overly air-conditioned flight, your body may experience slight swelling or bloating due to changes in pressure during air travel. This means that your mildly tight-fitting pants or shoes can become quite constricting by the time your plane lands.

 

To prevent this, choose looser or stretchier pants and comfortable shoes for your flight.

 

If you’ve decided to go with sandals to save time and effort in the TSA line, bring a pair of socks onboard, too. Even if you don’t have a carry-on, socks are an easy addition to your in-flight belongings.

 

What you choose to wear and bring with you in-flight should correspond to the weather or climate of your destination. If you are arriving in a very warm, humid climate, bring along a change of clothing. Or if you are traveling from a hot climate to a frigid environment, pack a change of clothes.

Of course, you’ll probably want to wait until you’re off the airplane and into the airport restroom to change…

 

Other wardrobe items to consider for travel are sunglasses, beanies, and scarves. These are also easy to bring aboard.

 

The biggest make-or-break wardrobe item for travel is the kind of shoes you wear, especially for long, all-day travel. Do yourself a favor, wear exercise shoes.

 

The only people who look glamorous during long flights are the flight attendants and maybe the pilots—but that’s just because their uniforms are cool. And even they would probably rather be wearing yoga pants, sweatshirts, and sneakers.

 

Forget what the magazines say: comfort over fashion.

 

4.) Tune in or tune out.

Depending on which airline you use and the duration of your flight(s), you may have entertainment options on a miniature TV in the headrest in front of you. These could include movies and TV shows, trivia games, interactive games to play with other passengers, and a live map with an ETA of your arrival.

Some planes even provide Wi-Fi—which is how you know we are living in the future.

 

If you are on a shorter flight or a plane without these devices, you will want to bring quality headphones, earplugs, and content to sustain you.

 

Plenty of people capitalize on the opportunity to disconnect, too. Flying is a great way to catch up on some reading or start a new book, write, study, or even draw.

 

Keeping the mind busy and happy, as we know, makes the time fly by—no pun intended.

 

 

 

5.) Eat, drink, and be merry!

 

Depending on the length of your flight, you might need to eat a meal or two. While you may be limited to airplane food, you can bring along your favorite snacks. You can also opt for treating yourself to coffee, soft drinks, and if you’re really wanting to relax, booze. Of course, you’ll need to be of age and have a proper ID.

 

While in-flight food and drink items can be pricey, your alcohol tolerance is much, much lower.

This is due to the decrease in pressure reducing the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, producing light-headedness.

 

This means two things: you can drink less for the same effect, and, please be careful.

Nobody wants to deal with a belligerently drunk passenger on a plane. Especially when their behavior—or unconsciousness pre-takeoff—negatively impacts anyone else’s traveling experience.

 

If you drink responsibly, an in-flight buzz can ease stress and nerves, helping you feel more comfortable.

 

6.) Take breaks.

No, not from being on the plane, but from sitting in that chair.

 

While you may think you usually spend a good amount of your day sitting, it tends to be a bit more tedious and unpleasant while on an airplane, especially during long flights. Many large airplanes provide a “hallway” next to the bathrooms where you can stand and stretch.

 

Without upsetting the aisle-seated passengers too much, take long stretch breaks. Walk up and down the aisles. Stretch your legs and back. Stand so long that you actually desire sitting again.

 

Just remember to adhere to the “stay seated” alert during takeoff, landing, and turbulence.

 

7.) Meditate or medicate.

For those who really hate to fly or are easily airsick: you are not alone. Traveling by aircraft isn’t exactly a natural phenomenon. Don’t feel silly or embarrassed for having flight anxiety—in fact, accepting it helps soothe the beast.

 

Facts you probably already know: flying is the safest form of travel. No, really.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, the chances of dying in the air are 1 in 9,821.

 

Additionally, in 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented new rules to limit the hours that pilots spend in the cockpit to ensure that they receive enough rest prior to flights. This minimizes fatigue-associated incidents and ensures safer air travel for everyone.

 

Facts you may not know: turbulence is not dangerous. It’s merely the plane undergoing the atmospheric changes from high pressure to low pressure. Or disturbance in the air from intersecting airflows. Or flying over any kind of natural or manmade structure that disrupts the airflow. Turbulence is caused by many things, and a damaged or unsafe aircraft is not one of them.

 

Additionally, according to the TSA website, all prescriptions are allowed aboard in your carry-on baggage.

 

  1. Take a nap.

This is typically the toughest goal for flyers. The best way to snooze is with a memory-foam neck pillow, which ranges in price from $12–30.

 

Depending on who you travel with, you might also be able to snag a shoulder or even use a neighboring food tray as a surface.

 

If you are a light sleeper, try putting in your headphones to soft, soothing music.

 

According to experts, even grabbing 10–20 minutes of sleep is adequate for a nap.

 

With these tips in mind, you will be able to kick back and relax from point A to point B.

 

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And remember: flying is not mandatory, it’s optional. If you still find yourself not as comfortable as you’d like, you can always choose to travel by other means, like by ship, train, or horseback. Just remember to bring enough food for the journey.

Passport Rules You May Not Be Aware Of

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For many people, a passport is the key to discovery and adventure; a ticket to the world.

For others, it’s the government-official document that they’ve come to find out, after hours of searching for it, has expired two years ago.

 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

 

Whether you need a passport, a renewal, or just updates on the latest legislation, here is a comprehensive list of all must-know US passport rules for 2018.

 

Passports: The Basics
A passport is issued by the United States Department of State and is required for all US citizens when exiting and entering the US and all other countries in the world.

 

A passport obtained by someone 16 and older is valid for 10 years, and a passport obtained by someone under 16 is valid for 5 years.

 

Passports and processing costs vary according to type, age, and residency.

If you’d like to get specifics, check out the passport fee calculator available here.

 

Adults (16 and older)

For first-time applicants, a passport comes with two fees paid separately: the application fee and the execution fee.

Children (under 16)

Parents, take note: unlike the processes for adults, “All child applicants, including renewals, must apply in person,” (Travel.State.Gov).

 

The passport fees for kids under 16 are as follows:

Whether you’re looking to acquire, replace, renew, or modify a passport, the multi-step process is not one you can skip over like reading the “terms of service” before an update. You’ll need to get familiar with your responsibilities as a passport-owner.

 

The Application Process

 

Step 1: Fill Out Your Form.
The DS-11 form is for first-time applicants, children under 16 applying or renewing, applicants aged 16–17, and for anyone not eligible for the DS-82 form.

The DS-82 form is for renewing an adult’s passport. Renewing with the DS-82 requires your current or previous passport. If you do not have it—stolen, missing, lost—than use DS-11.

The DS-5504 form is used for changing a name within a year, correcting a passport error, or replacing a Limited Validity passport within 1–2 years.

Once you’ve acquired the right form and have filled it out, you will need to provide the required identification information.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents.
Depending on what form you’re using, you will need citizenship evidence, identification, and for those under 16, proof of relationship.

Step 3: Take Your Photo.

Gone are the days of mandatory onsite photographs. That’s right, you can submit a 2 by 2-inch color photo of your own choosing as your passport picture.

However, the guidelines are strict. If you wish to provide your own picture, take note of the passport photo requirements:
• Head must be facing the camera in full view
• Neutral expression or natural smile
• Both eyes open
• Dressed in typical attire
• Taken within 6 months of obtaining passport
• Taken with plain white or off-white background
• Head must be between 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
• Printed in color
• Taken without headphones or glasses – “If you cannot remove your glasses for
medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.”
• Taken without a hat or head covering – “If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public. If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor’s statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes,” (Travel.State.Gov).
Once you’ve taken or submitted your photo, you are ready to get out your checkbook.

 

Step 4: Pay the Fees.
The accepted payment methods for passports and processes are very specific. Read the following information to ensure that you show up prepared.

 

The accepted payment methods for Application Fees and Additional Services Fees when applying at a Passport Acceptance Facility are checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

 

Credit and debit cards are NOT accepted.
I repeat: credit and debit cards are NOT accepted.

The Execution Fee is paid separately and can be paid with: money orders at all locations, payable as instructed by the facility; personal checks and cash (exact change only) at some locations; and credit cards at US postal facilities and some other locations.
For those paying the Execution Fee, take note:

Beginning April 2, 2018, the execution fee will increase from $25 to $35; however, the extra $10 will only be charged for people applying in-person at a passport agency. The increase will not apply to those renewing their passports by mail.

If you are planning to get a passport in-person, there is still time to save yourself $10 if you act quickly and get your passport before April 2, 2018.

 

The payment method options for applying by mail—Renewals and Additional Services fees—are as follows:
• Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s)

  • Money orders payable to “U.S. Department of State”

For applicants residing in Canada, visit Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States.

The accepted payment methods for applying at a Passport Agency are more varied:
• Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and Debit Cards displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo
• Checks (personal, certified, cashiers, travelers), payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchanges), payable to “U.S. Department of State”
• Cash (exact amount only – no change provided)
• Pre-paid credit card or gift card displaying the Visa or MasterCard logo

Lastly, accepted protocol and payment methods for applying outside of the US are as follows: “You must apply in-person at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Each U.S. embassy and consulate has different procedures for submitting and processing your final documents, but the forms, supporting documentation, fees, and finished products are the same.
U.S. embassies and consulates can only accept cash (local currency or U.S. dollars), or in some cases, credit cards. Please see the website of your embassy or consulate to confirm the forms of payment they accept,” (travel.State.Gov).

 

Step 5: Submit!
Then, of course, wait for your passport to arrive so you can (step 6) travel the world!

 

 

Fortunately, completing the application process as a first-time applicant only happens—you guessed it—once. Other passport processes are typically less tedious.

 

The Renewal Process

Unless your current passport is lost, stolen, or damaged—in which you must then apply in-person with the DS-11 Form—you can renew your passport by filling out the DS-82 Form with your current passport.

 

“Adult renewal applicants residing in the U.S. must apply by mail.”

This means that you should allocate enough time for this process prior to any travel.

 

Where and When to Apply

If you need a passport immediately due to a life or death emergency, call to make an appointment for emergency passport services:

 

1-877-487-2778
1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TDD)

Business hours Mon.–Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, except Federal Holidays. Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

After business hours: 202-647-4000

 

According to the U.S. State of Department website: ”Life or death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 business days).

You must provide all the usual application documentation in addition to proof of the life or death emergency. Proof of an emergency includes a death certificate (translated), a statement from a mortuary, or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional,” (Travel.State.Gov).

 

If you are traveling within 2 weeks or need a foreign visa within 4 weeks and need a passport in less than 3 weeks’ time, make an appointment at a passport agency or center. “Proof of immediate international travel, the Expedited Fee, and an appointment are required for each application submitted in person at a Passport Agency or Center,” (Travel.State.Gov).

 

If you need a passport in less or more than 4–6 weeks, apply at an acceptance facility or apply by mail.

 

The easiest way to find the nearest passport acceptance facility is by using the convenient and easy-to-use Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page, where you can search by proximity to your zip code.

 

Pet Passports

If you don’t wish to part ways with your animal, rest assured. You don’t have to.

 

“Pet Travel Schemes (PETS) is a pet passport program used by a group of participating countries, including the United States and nations in the European Union,” (USA Today).

 

Pet owners planning to travel abroad with their pets must first take the (approved) animal to a veterinarian certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The pet passport is provided by the vet.

 

If you choose to travel domestically or internationally with your pet(s), it’s important to research all of the information, as rules vary by state and destination.

 

To learn everything you need to know about traveling with your favorite furry (or not so furry) buddy, visit the United States Department of Agriculture.

 

 

Passports: The Latest
Recently, the Department of Homeland Security put the following nine states on alert for the possible requirement of passports for domestic travel: Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington.

 

The reason? Their state-issued IDs are not compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005.

 

However, TSA has granted extension until October 2018 to enforce the new ID rules.

 

For those who want to play it safe, order your passport and become TSA-compliant before the deadline. To learn more, visit the official website for the Department of Homeland Security.

 

 

FAQs
If your passport has water damage (read as: was left in a pocket of jeans that went through the wash), you will need to replace it.

 

Other damage that might require passport replacement includes: “a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries,” (Travel.State.Gov).
While not as common as damaged passports, some travelers are eligible for a diplomatic, official, or regular no-fee passport.

If you—and if permitted, your dependents—are traveling abroad for the US government, or if you are exempt by law from paying passport fees, you can acquire your passport(s) from the Special Issuance Agency located in Washington, D.C.

 

For the rest of us: take note of upcoming travel that overlaps with a passport’s expiration. “Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met,” (Travel.State.Gov).

 

If you are abroad and your passport does expire, you can renew your passport at the nearest US embassy or consulate general.

 

For any other information regarding entry and exit requirements for your destination country—and if the country will require 2–4 blank visa or stamp pages—visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information page.

 

 

Remember: your passport is the ticket to the world.

 

And also the only document that will grant you re-entry back into the United States.

 

Only have it on you when you need it. Otherwise, you risk a lot more than losing a booklet.

 

Travel Smarter, And Reap The Benefits Of An Online Business That Helps You And Others Travel For Free

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To travel the world is one thing…

To EXPERIENCE the world in VIP style is taking the idea to a whole new level.

The concept of doing it for free or close to it makes the whole concept sound rather sexy…wouldn’t you agree?

But what does ‘experience the world in VIP style’ mean exactly?

For some that evokes thoughts of visiting exotic lands, embarking on new and exciting adventures to places you’ve never been, doing things you have always dreamt of, staying in amazing hotels and resorts, and eating amazing foods.

For others it evokes thoughts of exclusive access, bonus amenities and upgrades, special views, and unique treats. The concept of this type of lifestyle normally requires a bank account with a few extra commas or zeros in it.

Until now. Yes, my friend…things in the world of travel are a changin’!

To give you a point of reference, think about Skype…

Whether you use it or not, it’s an International brand with an International audience that cast a wide enough net and got so big that a little company by the name of Microsoft came along and decided they need to buy them out.

Why?

Because Skype (along with the Internet) virtually killed the long distance industry and forever changed the way we communicate with people all over the world.

All because of a technology platform, right?

To expand on the reference, think about Uber…

Whether you use this service or not, it’s now an International brand with an International audience of not just users of the service, but also DRIVERS.

So they have not only forever changed the taxi industry and made billions of dollars in profit in the process…they have also created OPPORTUNITY for people to make money from it if they choose.

Again, all because of a technology platform they created that brought people together. Remember, as of this writing they own ZERO cars.

These are all independent drivers.

I could go on and on suggesting companies like YouTube, Facebook, AirBnb…

and tons of others like them that became giants by SHARING GREAT THINGS, even in some cases offering incentives to invite friends, family, and others to their respective platforms.

And much like Uber, these other platforms offer various types of opportunity to earn from their platform as well.

For example, Facebook and YouTube both offer opportunities to earn money by purchasing some of their traffic and pushing it to something you want to share/sell to others you don’t know.

You see, the world we live in is very cyclical.

All that means is that everything is tied together somehow and success ALWAYS leaves clues.

Most people never take the time to study those clues.

I always have.

I’ve learned over the years as it pertains to my love of travel and new experiences: the importance of FREEDOM of time and money in order to do as much of it as you want, whenever you want, however you want, and as often as you want.

Pipe dream you say?

Nope.

Start accepting the idea and concept that you CAN have freedom in your life and you CAN travel and experience the world…

And yes, even your own back yard- in luxury VIP style withOUT the VIP bank account…

Because it’s real.  Very real.

You see, freedom –to me- is having an automated (or at least semiautomated) income that exceeds my expenses…

Even if only by $1.

Freedom is having the time to do and experience the things that make you feel happy and fulfilled. Freedom is spending all the time I want with friends and family creating new memories.

I know you agree with this.

I’ve learned how to travel and experience my city, my region, my country, and the world like a VIP without the need to have a massive bank account.

Remember…

Money SAVED is actually money earned…as long as you are investing it properly.

Yes, because of technology you can now earn your way to this VIP lifestyle I speak of for free – or close to it.

You see, information shared is knowledge gained.

If you want to travel more, have more peak life experiences, create microfreedoms in your life so you actually have more time to simply “think” and ponder your next trip or chapter in life…

If you want to see what it’s like to not live your entire life around a budget that constricts your higher faculties…

If you simply would love to know how to add more fun, freedom, and fulfillment to your life….

Then you’re already loving what VIP Travel Hacks is about!

I’ve always wanted to travel the world. I just could not figure out how to do it as often as I wanted, for as long as I wanted, or in the way I wanted because of…

time and money.

Sound familiar?

This is almost the entire reason I became a part time, then full time entrepreneur…

Because of the freedom it provides when done the right way.

Now I travel all over the world…often. And I do it with all the best upgrades, top resorts, cool experiences along the way, and guess what?

I never worry about time or money anymore.

Why?

Because I now have a location independent business…

Now, we literally RAKE in points by going out to eat, shop online, even play golf or when Heather gets her hair done!

‘Hacks’ are nothing more than introductions to new ideas or even expansion of existing ideas.

And the same is true with ‘TRAVEL HACKS’…

They are nothing more than introductions to new ideas or even expansion of existing ideas in TRAVEL.

The way business is done in today’s world is through what I like to call ‘social commerce’.

Think about it…

Social media is how word about a product or service can –and does travel like wildfire.

That’s why companies like Facebook, and even Uber or AirBnb exist (not to mention a ton of others)…

They ALL owe their exponential growth to some kind of technology platform AND a viral social network.

Yes, the world and the way business is done has been transformed because of social commerce and viral social networking. Plugging into the power of a global network and technology platform gives you this.

Combined with travel…

Well, paying for travel will soon be a thing of the past.

Just like paying for long distance and paying a premium to go to a movie theater for the latest movie.

So now ANYONE can dine, travel, and essentially LIVE like a VIP without the price tag associated with it.

All because of the power of a network.

Now imagine your world just as it is right now, but you’re already a PART of that network that provided you with this…

Hopefully by now I’ve established the need to open your mind to possibilities because what I’ve been describing to you is no longer a “What if…?”…it’s a “When are you going to take advantage?”

Networks provide leverage.

Leverage is defined as a mechanical advantage that creates the ability to move a larger force with a smaller one.

In business and entrepreneurship, I’ve learned, leverage is simply a lifestyle advantage that creates the ability to initiate large movements through the efforts of a network of people.

Exactly in the way that Facebook and YouTube grew into the giants they are today…

through viral social networking and the power of sharing.

When a video goes “viral” it means that it was either funny, shocking, educational, or something that touched someone’s emotional nerve.

Hence, it gets shared over and over and over again until it has millions and millions of views.

Same thing is happening here.

Combine the best elements of social media, the best elements of travel and unique experiences, and cutting edge, app driven technology…

then you have everything you need to travel the world in style, for less, and more often.

AND make money in the process.

“Travel” is not just going to a far away place…it’s being somewhere different for an amazing experience, right?

An amazing experience can take place locally in your own backyard as easily as it can take place in far away lands…

The experiences I am creating are priceless to me…

and now you can start creating more priceless memories too.

Experiencing the world in style can be done quite simply by applying what I’ve discovered…

And also accepting new ideas and concepts in app driven technologies…

It’s about the changes taking place RIGHT NOW in the travel industry.

So just imagine being able to take exotic dream trips around the world in VIP style, experience local dream trips, even dream days and dream nights ALL in VIP style so your life can be filled with more amazing experiences more often?

I’ve learned that ‘travel hacking’ goes FAR beyond points laundering, credit card games, and all the other standard, run of the mill hacks you can quickly and easily find implement….

Heck, I still do all these things.

There’s a difference between travel hacking and VIP travel hacking.

The millions of experiences, perks and richness of living the luxury lifestyle are available to anyone because of it.

With a healthy dose of curiosity, a dash of courage and the willingness to follow a proven path…

you can create not simply more experiences in your life…

you can also create a life filled with location independence, and more freedom.

To learn more about how we travel for free AND get paid to do it send us a private message on one of our social media accounts, or email us.

Travel Smarter, Save Money, And Accumulate Lots Of Points

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“You still PAY for travel?!”

Things are changin’ in travel and this question is becoming more and more common.

Traveling smarter, saving money, and accumulating lots of points doing everyday things is what it’s all about now!

If you’re an adventurer at heart…

a mental nomad with a desire to have the freedom and ability to travel the world in style, more often, and for less…

5 MYTHS THAT ARE STEALING YOUR ABILITY TO TRAVEL MORE OFTEN

So, let’s erase the common myths of VIP travel.

Myth #1: VIP travel means paying for first class accommodations.

I have two words for you: buying power.

Think about this for a minute…

The concept of a wholesale buying club has worked out really, REALLY well for companies like Sam’s Club and Costco (hundreds of millions of memberships sold) to sell things like toilet paper and peanut butter, right?

They even offer different levels of membership, based on the level of service you want from them.

Someone actually had the genius idea of taking this idea and expanding it into travel in the same way Uber took an existing idea (taxis) and expanded it…

the same way Skype took an existing idea (long distance communication) and expanded it.

Basically, someone had the vision to take an existing idea (travel) and expand it using a combination of proven model along with an advanced digital platform.

Think “Costco meets Facebook” here.

The result : VIP travel and experiences are available to everyone now, not just celebrities.

Myth #2: You have to build up frequent flyer miles for years.

Remember, ‘hacks’ are nothing more than introductions to new ideas or even expansion of existing ideas.

So, who’s to say you can’t simply speed up the process of accumulating points and miles without necessarily traveling more often…?

That’ll mess with your head if you ARE a frequent flyer!

You “can” rack up FF miles over years of flying (why not?), and even by playing the credit card game (applying for credit cards that award you a ton of points up front over and over), which will ultimately ruin your credit.

I’m a huge fan of acquiring as many points and miles as humanly possible.

There are simply ways to speed up the process of point and mile accumulation so you can travel in style, for less, and more often!

It’s a concept I call “triple dipping”.

So keep building up those FF miles year after year, but why not do it faster and bigger?

Myth #3: Work and vacation are separate.

This is my favorite because it requires the biggest shift in thinking.

Again, because of technology, systems, and networks you can now create a lifestyle where both work and vacation are (or can be) one.

This is the life I’ve been living for quite some time now.

There are many different ways to create location independence. I have dabbled in many.

It’s been scientifically proven that vacations have immense health benefits and so does work…if you love it.

If you work a job you love, I commend you because it’s rare these days.

But the fact remains that you are likely location DEPENDENT or you’re bound to someone else’s agenda and goals in life.

Sorry, but that’s the reality of it.

Work and vacation CAN be one in the same, but you must get a basic understanding of how digital systems work in today’s world of part or full time entrepreneurship. It’s where the world is heading…heck, it’s probably already more there already than not there.

When you have this basic understanding, then it’s entirely possible to simply lease someone else’s system to help build your freedom, just like many people when leasing a car…

You have the time to travel more often WHILE you put in some time working.

“Workations”, as I lovingly call them, are actually really REALLY fun (Heather and I take them all the time now) because you can prop your feet up on the railing overlooking spectacular views from your room, or work anywhere you’d like.

Myth #4: Luxury VIP travel is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

I prefer to say “Luxury VIP travel is a once in a weekstime opportunity” or a “once in a monthstime opportunity”.

It’s all in the perspective you have.

Once you’ve embraced the concepts in travel that are now available AND taken advantage of them you will be able to expand your mind in ways you likely didn’t know was possible. All because you have had new experiences or better ones like you’ve never had before.

When you combine that with entrepreneurship and the right digital systems you’ll start thinking in terms of “where do I want to go next month?” instead of “where can I AFFORD to go next YEAR?”.

See the difference?

Myth #5: Luxury VIP travel is too ‘above’ me.

If you believe this then my advice to you is read a book called The Magic Of Thinking Big by David Schwartz.

Here’s the bottom line:

The old way of travel is dead.

Rather, it’s in the process of dying.

No more spending hours on the Internet with dozens of open windows trying to compare all the deals from various vendors…

No more wondering if what you do end up booking is what you end up getting…

No more paying 100% for your vacations and experiences…

No more having to plan your own excursions…

No more spending hours trying to figure out the latest travel hack to save a few bucks or earn a few more points…

No more relying ONLY on the same normal travel hacks to save money and travel better.

You’re ready to abandon the old way just like everyone else, right?

As you nod your head in agreement, I want you to think back to that bucket list vacation you’ve not yet taken…that bucket list experience you’ve not yet had.

Can you see it?

OF COURSE YOU CAN, so luxury VIP travel NOT above you. It may just be above most of your conscious thoughts because you’re thinking about your current situation INSTEAD of your future situation.

Isn’t it true?

Look, over the years I’ve studied human psychology for the sole purpose of learning why I wasn’t where I wanted to be at various points…

to learn how to think about the right things instead of the wrong things.

Basic human emotion is this:

We ALL want more or better than our current situation, even though every situation is different.

The difference is always the openness of the mind to new ideas and concepts…

AND the willingness to take action on them.

Some people were highly “skeptical” when they learned you could talk to someone on the other side of the world…

for free. (Skype)

Some people were skeptical when they learned you could stream any movie you wanted right into your living room…

without leaving the house. (Netflix)

Some people were skeptical when they learned you could summon a private driver to take you anywhere you wanted…

all from an app on your phone, for a fraction the cost of a dirty taxi. (Uber)

There was even a point in time where people were skeptical and thought it was unrealistic to have a smart phone that was more like a computer we carried everywhere with us.

We all know how that skepticism turned out.

OK. Enough philosophy.

POINTS ON STEROIDS

As of the writing of this ebook my wife and I have taken 18 vacations in about a year and a half…

We’ve travelled all over the world to various bucket list destinations…

had amazing experiences…

And most recently we’ve started to put our points accumulation on steroids!

All because of this unique concept that didn’t exist just a few short years ago.

To top it all off…

We then figured out how to “triple dip” and “quadruple dip” as I like to call it…

by using our favorite miles credit cards in unison with the technology perks of being a part of this incredible idea, and voila!

We often triple and now even QUADRUPLE the points we earn…

And also earn free VIP travel and experiences.

Professional award mile travelers invest huge amounts of time reviewing deals and leveraging their points…

In many cases, brokering, optimizing and leveraging reward miles is a part time or full time job.

Now you can enjoy the benefits of all this without all the hassle.

Just go out and live your life…

And earn points.

Simple as that.

If you nab a points earning credit card or two along the way…

FANTASTIC!

You’ve just added even more steroids to your points earning power.

We always want to focus on how you can gain more unique and memorable experiences too…

how you can have more freedom…

how you can live a VIP lifestyle…

all while saving money and even doing it all for free, or darn close to it…

Imagine you’re already plugged into a unique digital platform and technology that provided you with this…

That gave you POINTS for doing things you already do every day anyway like…

getting gas for your car…

dining out…

paying for child care…

picking up a few things at the store…

going bowling with friends…

enjoying a date night with your loved one…

And these points, each and every one of them…

were the equivalent of $1USD in value!

AND you could accumulate as MANY as you wanted…

and apply them toward unique VIP experiences and travel.

Would I have your attention?

What if I went further to remind you…

that all your points earning credit cards would now allow you to double, triple, and even QUADRUPLE the rate at which you accumulated points?

And what if I further said…

that all these points can be applied to every day travel, curated VIP vacations, wine, and tons of other products you already buy anyway?

Essentially, while you live your life…

you’ll be earning points that you can apply to yet more experiences.

If you’re reading this thinking, “What the…?!”

Then you’re thinking EXACTLY WHAT I THOUGHT when I first learned this was even possible.

I’m going to share with you some COMMON TRAVEL HACKS that you can earn points regardless of whether you take advantage of new technology I’ve been mentioning…

then you can imagine ALL THESE POINTS multiplied if you intend to become a VIP travel hacker when you DO take advantage of it.

You’d have to be living under a rock to now know by now that award travel is used by tens of thousands of people to fly for free…

So here are some common travel hacks you may or may not be aware of:

1. Consolidate Your Travel During Bonus Periods

Keep all promo emails from your award travel providers…

Skim those e-mails looking for special promotions.

ALWAYS sign up for every promotion…

even if you don’t meet the minimums, sign up.

You are earning equity and you never know when you will be able to cash it in.

2. Buy The Flight Upgrade With Points

The idea of free flights or a complimentary hotel stay is attractive…

however quite often, the best bang for your buck is to use your points for the upgrade.

Don’t spend $1,800 for a business class flight…

Shop well, pay $800 for coach, then upgrade with your award points.

The value-savings equation is much higher.

Once you start traveling more frequently, you can often get the upgrades WITHOUT even using your award points.

Ask for an upgrade when you book your coach ticket.

This should get your ticket marked with the booking symbol Y or B…

When seats open up in the next class, you should get a complimentary upgrade.

This can work well when you are a frequent traveler and registered with the carrier as such.

3. Buy One Way Tickets, Twice

Strange as it sounds, I almost always book one-way tickets.

The VIP lifestyle means I don’t have to plan things out months in advance, of course…this is the freedom I speak of.

but it also means I can piece together separate airlines and schedules to accomplish what I want…to save money.

4. Ethical Point Laundering

You can seriously hijack award points/miles with what is commonly referred to as “manufactured spending.”

The process is simple enough.

Essentially you just find different credit cards that offer tons of miles for getting it.

There are blogs out there that rate them.

Many cards offer a signup bonus of 40,000 points (miles) when you spend $4,000 (or whatever) on purchases in the first 3 months of opening an account. The nominal annual fee is well worth it when you max out those points.

You simply purchase cash-like products (government issued securities, cash gift cards) to fulfill the monetary “purchase” requirement, then cash them in to pay off your credit cards.

It is a closed-loop system where the money moves around and you are only responsible for the small cost of the transaction fees.

Some of these loopholes are closed, so be sure to check the offering details.

To learn more about how we travel for free, send us a private message on one of our social media accounts, or email us.