The Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Traveling Smart

I still remember my first big trip: leaving the Philippines and moving to the U.S. right after college. My heart was racing the entire time. Everything felt so overwhelming and exciting all at once. It was the biggest leap of my life, and honestly, I had no idea what I was doing.

I had a direct flight, which helped, but I didn’t know how to make the journey comfortable. I was exhausted, anxious, and just counting the hours until it was over. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t know any better. I thought traveling meant powering through and hoping for the best.

Then came my second international trip… and let’s just say it was one of those lesson learned moments:  I booked a flight with a long layover because I thought, why not? Big mistake. I ended up stuck at the airport, tired and clueless, not knowing how to pass the time. Eventually, I paid for a random hotel inside the terminal just to get a few hours of sleep and it was overpriced and super uncomfortable.

That trip made me realize there’s so much more to traveling than just getting from point A to point B. It’s not about surviving the trip, it’s about knowing how to make the journey smoother, easier, and honestly… something you can actually enjoy.

If you’re new to traveling or still figuring it out, trust me, I’ve been there. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned that completely changed the way I travel:

1. The Cheapest Option Isn’t Always the Best

In the beginning, I always picked the cheapest flight or hotel thinking I was being practical. But over time, I realized those choices came with hidden costs like long layovers, bad locations, and unnecessary stress.

What I’ve learned is that value matters more than price. Sometimes, paying a little extra means staying in a better area, arriving well-rested, or having a smoother trip overall. And honestly, it’s worth it.

Here's a Tip: Don’t just look at the price—check the location, total travel time, and reviews. It makes a huge difference.

2. Credit Card Points & Travel Perks Are Real (And So Worth Learning About)

For the longest time, I didn’t understand how credit card points worked. It felt complicated, so I ignored it. Now? I wish I had started sooner. (If you’re curious but hesitant about annual fees, check out my Free Guide: Is the Annual Fee Worth It? — it breaks it down so you know exactly what you’re paying for).

Those points have paid for my flights, hotel stays, and even lounge access—things that make traveling so much more enjoyable.

If you’re not earning points yet, you’re missing out on:

✔️ Free flights and hotel stays.
✔️ Access to airport lounges (lifesaver during layovers). I now check award flight availability using Seats.aero, it's a game changer for booking with points.
✔️ Travel perks like insurance and upgrades.

Learning how to use points has honestly been a game-changer!

3. Pack Smart, Not Stressful

Packing used to give me so much anxiety. I’d spend days stressing about what to bring, overpack, and still feel like I had nothing to wear.

What I’ve learned? Stick to pieces you actually love wearing. Plan your outfits ahead, use packing cubes (they’re life-changing), and always pack a few comfort essentials like a charger, skincare, and your favorite hoodie.

It’s not about packing less, it’s about packing right.

4. Comfort Matters More Than You Think

When you’re new to traveling, you don’t really think about how much comfort affects your trip. I didn’t either. I just figured travel was supposed to be tiring.

But little things like booking a hotel in a great location, choosing a direct flight, or having lounge access make such a huge difference. It’s the difference between arriving stressed and exhausted… or relaxed and ready to explore.

It’s okay to choose what makes your trip easier, you’ll enjoy it so much more.

The Biggest Lesson? Travel Smarter, Not Harder.

What I’ve learned through all those early mistakes is this: traveling smart doesn’t mean cutting corners, it means being intentional. It’s about knowing what makes your trip better, what’s worth it, and what truly adds to the experience.

And honestly? That’s just part of growing, learning, and figuring things out. Every trip teaches you something new and the more you travel, the more confident and comfortable you get.

If you’re reading this and still figuring it out, just know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. We all start somewhere, and those early experiences? They shape you into the kind of traveler who knows what’s up.

So keep going. Keep exploring. Keep learning. Because once you start traveling smart, everything changes. You’ll see the world differently and trust me, it only gets better from here. ✨🌍✈️

If you’re ready to skip the mistakes and start traveling smarter, I put together a free guide that shows you exactly how to make your credit card perks work for you.  Grab the guide here. 

P.S. I also shared the exact tools I use to book with points, find deals, and earn cash back. Check them out here:  Travel Tools I Use.  

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