Travel Tips If You're Under 21
I have learned a lot about travel in the past couple years, and I feel that since I'm younger, I have struggled through a couple of really stupid situations because of my age. Like being told that I can't check into my hotel that I booked months in advance because the company failed to tell me that there was an age requirement. Here are some of the tips I have for all of you guys who want to travel but still have the obstacle of age.
Call before you reserve a hotel, especially if you are reserving through a third party
Call before you reserve a hotel, especially if you are reserving through a third party
Sometimes third party sites will not be as clear about the required check-in or booking age, so check the hotel's website or call ahead of time. Its better to have to change your plan instead of arriving at your hotel and being told that you can't stay there.
Check out hostels
Hostels are much cheaper and more flexible with age, and you can meet some really awesome people in the process.
Or book an Air BNB instead
If you're really set on having your own place at your destination, book an Air BNB. The age requirement is 18, so there are no surprises. Keep in mind that many places have a 2 night minimum stay. I always book with "superhosts" because they are reputable and I know my Air BNB will be clean and awesome.
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Get AAA to get discounts through Hertz rentals
In my opinion, you should have AAA anyways because it is totally worth the money in itself. But outside of that, AAA offers lots of travel discounts, including on Hertz rentals. Also, the "Young Renter Fee" (Age 20-24) is waived. Check out AAA perks here.
Triple check with the rental age at your destination
It can be really difficult to rent a car anywhere if you are under 25 years old. If you get lucky and are able to book, triple check with the company so you know about all of the hidden fees, deposits etc., and that they won't change their mind when you get to your destination. Something like that happened to a friend of mine who flew to California, and it almost ruined her vacation.
Use Scott's Cheap Flights to get loophole travel deals
I love this website for plane travel because the algorithm finds cheap deals when travel sites make mistakes or there are last minute flights etc. Be prepared to create an account with the website, and read the fine details. Some deals are great, but sometimes have extra outside costs, like you have to pay for your own checked bags, so just be aware.
For spontaneous flying, use Kiwi
If you have a chunk of time to travel and no plan, use Kiwi to compare flight prices on a map. Choose a destination based on your budget , and go from there.
For really expensive trips, insurance is worth it
Some companies offer travel insurance on booked trips, and I don't normally purchase it for trips that are cheaper and smaller because its not worth the price. But for those trips that could cost you a fortune if you had to change something for any reason, it is definitely worth it.
Do your research before booking a cruise
Like hotels, some cruise lines don't allow people under certain ages on their ships. Be sure to read between the lines and understand everyone's policies. Some may allow anyone to book, but need someone 21+ to check in.
Make a separate travel savings account
To save money for travel, open a separate account just for that purpose. Set up a schedule to draft a certain amount of money from your main checking account regularly. Most banks will have student account options so you can avoid typical fees.
Plan ahead, but be flexible with your itinerary
Always do research about your destination so you have an idea of what you want to see and where you want to visit. But don't be afraid to take a chance and do something unexpected, or don't make an itinerary at all. Everyone has their style.
Research cultural differences and climate
This is especially important if you are traveling abroad. Some countries don't accept tips, some have varying drinking, jaywalking, and skateboarding laws, and other specific cultural expectations. For example, in Poland, if you jaywalk, you can get definitely get a fine. In France, you need to put effort towards dressing well, don't walk around Paris in yoga pants and a college t-shirt. Research the climate of where you will be visiting and pack accordingly. You don't want to be surprisingly cold/hot when you get there or overpack because you were too lazy to look it up.
Have all phone numbers and addresses in your phone and written down
Nothing sucks more than not having service to look up an important phone number or your travel itinerary in your email inbox. Have all your contacts ready to go, as well as screenshots of important things in your phone will save you a headache.
Keep photos of your passport and other important documents on your phone and a cloud
Sometimes mistakes happen, you lose your plane tickets or your passport gets stolen. Have a backup photo or scan of all of these important docs on your phone. I use the app Tiny Scanner to have everything on hand. It costs a couple dollars but its worth it. I also upload y docs to my Google Drive account in case I lose my phone or its dead. You can never be too sure with these things. Have backups of your backups.
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