Category Archives: Travel Hacking

Guides, Techniques, and Tools to successfully travel happy.

Taking Advantage of Airport Delays

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Lisbon Airport, Portugal.
I remember it like it was yesterday. “Fletcher, (my veteran cameraman) should we roll the dice?”-I mumbled under my breath, as we stood in the 3 hour line at the airport counter. He looked at me, then glanced at the arrival board, full of delays and said, “Amsterdam?” I replied, “Exactly!” After all, I was still soaking wet from the 3 solid days of rain in our planned Portugal shoot. So who would have thought that one problem with nature would have led to an answer with the another so called problem. You see, all of the airports were delayed, due to the ‘Iceland Volcano’. All, but Amsterdam. Originally we were scheduled to connect in London in effort to get back to NYC. The volcanic irruption had delayed all flights out of Lisbon, Portugal, to London, because flights were delayed flying out of London. Amsterdam, was still allowing flights to come in and out. So instead of staying in Portugal, with nothing more than a bench to sleep on, we noticed that flights were going into Amsterdam. Therefore, we changed our route to go into Amsterdam, then NYC, simply because the flights were not delayed, going out of Amsterdam, allowing flights to connect in Amsterdam. Oh, one other thing, it was free! The icing on the cake is, we asked for the 23 hour lay over, as most airlines will allow you a 23 hour layover with no charge. It just so happened, upon our arrival into Amsterdam, 23 hours turned out to be 48 hours, as the volcanic ash moved over the Amsterdam airport. So, Fletcher and I took our free hotel voucher and meal tickets, to experience the adventures of Amsterdam. If you are confused, here is the proof. The lesson learned here was to realize the flexibility you have with the airlines and the delays. The next time you are delayed, with a bit of the above knowledge, you too, can turn a ‘Natural Catastrophe’ into an ‘Extended Vacation’.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3WZttV-gWw

As I prepare to film an all new 13 episodes for , “Alive! With Adventure Aaron”, on a larger network, we will be disclosing the new channel in July. Here is, “Alive-Amsterdam”. Featuring the ‘Worlds Expert On Flying Free’ and the ‘Godfather of Bumps’, Rick Ingersoll. Obviously, there are the standard, “Adventure Aaron”, bucket list items, but more importantly, you will see how we took advantage of a Natural Catastrophe, the Iceland Volcano.

The Travel Hacking Guide

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“Dedicated to everyone that gave me directions or free advice”-Aaron

For the first time in my blog history, I am actually going to write quite a bit. I debated making this an ebook or a guide book, but after much thought, I wanted this to be a way of showing thanks. I mean, its 2011 and it was exactly one year from today, I began filming, “Alive! With Adventure Aaron”! Its a story about how someone diagnosed with Cancer, decides to live out a Travel Bucket List incorporating “Travel Hacking”. I think back and I cant help but smile. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday…

“I am going to travel the world and I am going to do it for free”. Those were the exact words I told my longtime good friend, Kris on January 03rd of 2010. He simply laughed and said, “Yep…I am sure you will”. That’s the reaction most of my friends had at the time. As my ‘About’ section states, most of my friends don’t really get or understand how I make my living. More on how that works will be coming out soon, but for now, I want to share with you some the knowledge I have gained. After 20 months of traveling, 25 countries visited, dozens of travel bucket list items achieved, one on one interviews with some of the best travel hackers in the business, and experiences worth the world I have traveled, I wanted to create a resource that you can use. It took me the past 5 weeks of reflecting and researching to put together the page, “Travel Hacking”. Every country I have ever visited since I first left the states is listed. Travel hacking has been about adding meaning to the term as it was originally described to me. It has become the term I use to describe the “Street Smarts” of travel. The following are strictly my own personal experience from trial and error. If you’re traveling soon or currently traveling, this is meant to be a quick resource for you to continuously check.

The following is dedicated to all of the people who gave me free advice when I was lost or looking for the below information. I just want you to know, I found it and more! Welcome to the underground world of travel hacking.

The Travel Hacking Guide

 

Hidden Camera Currency Leverage in Hungary

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20 days in on my trip around the world without a bag, I have seen it all. The no bag issue is shockingly easy. Its the Europeans that have me a bit uncomfortable. Aside from the fact that my vibram five finger shoes aren’t up to par with the trending Euro style, its the black market that has sparked my interest. This is travel hacking at its finest! Heading from Zurich to Hungary by train and then continuing around the world, a travel hacker would say, currency exchange will make or break your vagabonding trip!

Well here is how you “leverage yourself” in Hungary. I managed to avoid a commission and even increase my rate from 160 to 192. 20 days in without a bag, I still smell great, but the shoes, may go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCZV_qYfhso

_______

Fiji- Swim With Sharks And Travel Hack Paradise

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In short-My recent trip to Fiji, put my battle of facing fears and travel hacking paradise to the test. Needless to say, Mission Accomplished. As a reward I am posting two videos featuring, ‘Getting Certified to Dive’ and ‘Swimming with the Sharks-Outside the Cage’. This is the actual unedited version of “Alive!-Fiji”, you can now purchase the first 5 episodes as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9L_pgvWtg



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwJ8x3At6k8


Special Thanks to Casey at FIJI FINEST TOURS, Aqua Trek, and the Darling Family at Voli Voli Beach Resort.

http://fijisfinesttours.com

http://volivoli.com

http://aquatrek.com

Follow Me Around The World, Without A Bag

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Follow me as I attempt to be one of the few people in history to go around the world without a bag, documented. 8 countries, 4 equator crossings, 50 days, 0 bags.

I have yet to travel around the world in one shot and I have yet to attempt to do it, without a bag. Adding to my bucket list, this is what travel is all about!

I will attempt to be one of the few people in history to go around the world without a bag. Rolf Potts, famous author of Vagabonding just completed his ‘No Baggage Challenge’ (www.rtwblog.com). I sat down with Rolf, while filming my travel show series. He is the legend behind backpacking and if he can go around without a bag, I had to see if I could do it as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyzFyIGXdmk

If you are tired of paying bag fees, want a new perspective on travel, or just want to live vicariously through me, now you can. With all of the bag fees these days, its time to put things in perspective. Travel hacking is about saving money, time, and is considered the streets smarts of travel. Going around the world and realizing what you need in life and don’t, is a great way to incorporate travel hacking. Everyone should have a travel bucket list. Although most think it cant be done in this day an age of higher travel cost, I would disagree. In fact, I plan to cross off a dozen of those items on my bucket list while I go through 8 countries in 50 days, without a bag.

You can follow me on a live interactive map by visiting http://adventureaaron.com/live-map/

I look forward to your support!

Travel Hack Your Way To Chairman Club Status.

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Travel Hack of the Century

If I told you that you could own the airways with the ultimate status on US Airways and it would only cost you $3,500 would you do it? What if you could do it in 3 weeks?

Its called a “Mileage Run”. If you saw the last post I did “Airlines Miles Gigolo” and didnt do it, here is another chance.

THIS IS CLEARLY MY HACK OF THE CENTURY. By far the best hack I have seen to date for the amount of money spent.

This is the link for the current promotion released early this morning.
US Airways

Here is the cliff note version. Fly routes on the above checklist and you will move up in status for every 4 items you check off. Here is how I am going to become the highest of the members and also Star Alliance GOLD.

My Account has about 5,000 miles in it now. I need about 20,000 for the first of 4 levels on the preferred list.

My routes with example dates
1-Omaha to Boston 7/15
2-Boston to NYC 7/15
3-NYC to Boston 7/16
4-Boston to Platsburg, NY 7/16
5-Platsburg, NY to Philly 7/16
6-Philly to Alaska 7/17
Total miles 6,345 and total cost $1253
7-Alaska to Phx 7/22
8-Phx to Jamaca 7/23
9-Jamaca to Charlotte 7/28
10-Charlotte to Melborne 7/29
11-Melborne to Charlotte 8/1
12-Charlotte to Baton Rouge 8/2
13-Baton Rouge to Charlotte 8/3
Total Miles 8,995 total cost 1,294.20
14-Charlotte to Los Cabos 8/4
15-Los Cabos to LAX 8/8
16-LAX to Hawaii 8/9
Total Miles 6,874 total cost 1,000
Grand Total in Miles 22,214 and cost is 3547.20

Remember I had 5,000 to start. With the addition of the above miles I earn the first level and with the 16 legs, I become eligible for 3 levels. Putting me at the cream of the crop.

So is it worth it? Lets see, I now get all of the following; (straight from the US Airways Website)
________________________________________________________
Chairman’s Preferred Life is better when you’re Preferred. Here’s a peek at all the perks you‘ll enjoy…

Upgrades
Travel in First Class. If an upgrade becomes available, we’ll automatically upgrade you and a companion to First Class (when traveling in the same reservation). Complimentary upgrades may be awarded up to 7 days in advance.

Upgrade to an Envoy Sleeper Seat anytime before takeoff. If you’re booked in Envoy, you can purchase an upgrade to an Envoy Sleeper seat anytime before departure by calling the Preferred Desk.

Complimentary upgrades are subject to capacity controls, Full-fare (Y or B class) economy tickets may be upgraded anytime after ticketing. Other paid tickets can be upgraded up to seven days in advance. Chairman’s Preferred members receive 2 annual electronic one way First Class/Envoy upgrades to be used to or from Hawaii, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Companions must be booked on the same itinerary and will be processed at the same time as the Preferred member.

Learn more about upgrades
Learn about mileage upgrades
Complimentary upgrades to/from Hawaii/Europe/South America/Middle East
Here’s how to use your annual electronic upgrades:

•Purchase your ticket through US Airways or a travel agent. Before you finalize your purchase, make sure that your fare class is eligible for an upgrade.
•Provide your Dividend Miles account number to a Personal Liaison at the Chairman’s Preferred desk to process the electronic upgrade for you and your companion. As always, upgrade eligibility is based on the fare you purchased and is subject to capacity control.
To/from Hawaii
Eligible fares paid Advance request schedule
Y and B Immediately after purchase – complimentary
All other economy fares 7 days prior to departure from each one way trip – upgrade credit required

To/from Europe, South America and the Middle East
Eligible fares paid Advance request schedule
All economy fares Anytime in advance (prior to departure from each one way trip) – upgrade credit required.
*An additional premium tax may apply upon exiting some transatlantic destinations. Terms and conditions apply.

Priority baggage handling and extra baggage allowance
Get your bags faster and take more with you.

•You and everyone in your reservation are exempt from the first, second and third bag fees
•Your bags will be loaded last which means they’ll be among the first on the conveyer belt at your destination
•Allowances vary by airline, so please contact the airline you’ll be traveling on for details.
Bonus miles
Earn award travel even faster with an automatic 100% mileage bonus for all paid, qualifying flights on US Airways, US Airways Express carriers, US Airways Shuttle and United, Continental Airlines and Lufthansa.

•Preferred flight bonus miles do not count towards Preferred status.
500 mile segment minimums
Chairman’s Preferred members earn a minimum of 500 miles on all US Airways operated flights.

Reserve Preferred seats
You’re able to reserve the best seats, including those in the front of the aircraft and exit row.

Reservations assistance
Get stellar customer service 24 hours a day. Just call the toll-free number on the back of your Preferred card to get in touch with our exclusive Chairman’s Preferred Desk, where Personal Liaisons will assist you with reservations, award travel, upgrades and more. It’s like having your very own personal travel assistant.

Traveling abroad? Our private email address and toll-free number (also on your card) will get you in touch with our Preferred Desk from Europe as well as select destinations in the Caribbean and South America.

Remember to let us know if you experience spectacular service from one of our employees by filling out one of the Above and Beyond Employee Recognition cards that came in your Preferred kit.

Nominate a friend to Silver Preferred status
As a Chairman’s member you can nominate an individual of your choice to Silver Preferred status. Email your nomination request to chairmans@usairways.com and use CNOM in the subject line. US Airways reserves the right to reject a nomination for any reason.

In addition, for every 25,000 Preferred qualifying miles you earn above 100,000 or for every 30 segments you fly over 120, you’ll be able to nominate another friend to Silver Preferred status.

Star Alliance benefits
Enjoy special privileges when you travel on any participating Star Alliance airline. Just present your Chairman’s Preferred membership card and same-day international ticket to access to the US Airways Club and to more than 600 Star Alliance lounges.

•Eligible international destinations for lounge access include Asia, Africa, Canada, Europe, Middle East, South America and the following cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Jose (Costa Rica)
Find out more about Star Gold benefits
Guaranteed seating
Get a spot on the fullest flights. We guarantee you a coach class seat on US Airways flights when you purchase an unrestricted fare (Y class), even if the flight is full. Just call the Chairman’s Preferred Desk at least 24 hours prior to departure to secure your seat.

Priority check-in and boarding
Skip the line and check in at designated Preferred ticket counters. In airports where none are available, check in at one of our First Class counters (within the U.S. or to Bermuda, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean) or at our Envoy Class counters for travel to/from Europe, South America and the Middle East. And if you’re traveling on one of our Star Alliance partners, go ahead and use the Star Alliance Gold check-in counter.

Get to your seat faster, too. Chairman’s Preferred members board US Airways operated flights with Zone 1.

•Priority boarding is not provided at all airports, by all airlines.
Priority security lanes
Sail through security at the airport and get to your gate even faster. Just show your Chairman’s Preferred card, a valid form of I.D. and your boarding pass at our Priority Security Lanes at participating airports. You can even bring your travel companions along with you.

Priority standby
Get that open seat before someone else. When you’re traveling on US Airways and Star Alliance™ member airlines, you‘re the priority. If there aren’t any seats left on a flight you wish to take, you’ll have priority over Silver, Gold and Platinum Preferred members, as well as other customers, should one become available.

Standby and redeposit fee waived
Move up to an earlier flight for free. We waive the standby fee for our Chairman’s Preferred customers who want to move up to an earlier flight on the same day of travel.

We waive the mileage redeposit fee of $150 for totally unused award tickets for our Chairman’s Preferred members.

US Airways Club benefits
Come in, be productive or just relax at the US Airways Club. As a Preferred member, you’ll enjoy a member discount on an annual membership.

Members who fly 150,000 Preferred qualifying miles or 150 segments in a calendar year will receive a free Club membership for the following Preferred program year.____________________________________________________

To take it one level higher, heres how you really hack this.
Not only do you get the free upgrades but anyone traveling on your reservation (1 extra) will get the free upgrade as well as the below. Plus you get 2 one way international tickets, free, and earn enough miles for a domestic roundtrip! If thats not enough, the rich get richer, all of your future flights will earn double the miles!!!!! Want more? Here your go…

Part of becoming Chairman is you get to nominate one person to Preferred Status! If your tight on cash, grab a friend who can earn extra miles using his credit card, offer him the preferred nomination and perhaps a small fee :)

Afterall, you will both be going First Class from here on out! Enjoy my friends, news on the show to come in the next 8 days. Big news…

Gaining World Class Skills-Morocco

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I came to the understanding recently when an old friend suggested that not all adventure had to be adrenaline based. It was my goal to flashpack through Morocco, that allowed me to understand what she meant. The culture shock of landing in Casablanca at 11pm and attempting to make your way to a hotel, in the middle of a Medina, is enough to scare the living #&%$ out of most. To then attempt to set out for a late night drink, in a predominantly Muslim Country, puts new meaning on the song, ‘Beer For My Horses’. Not only did I find the local brew, I managed to polish up on my negotiating skills, study cobra charming, uncover the culture behind the knock offs, and challenge my street smarts. If your a designer, it will give you a worldly view, if your in sales, it will certainly polish your closing ratio, if your an armchair traveler, it will confirm how comfortable your chair really is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frk6MenY_Sg

The resentment I had behind each instance I was tricked, was weakened by the strength of the world class skills I have added to my belt. Here is a taste of this bizarre world that I backpacked through in 5 days with a couple of my closest calls. Sometimes, backpacking is your only option, especially off the beaten path. It once again, reinforced that my decision to live each day to the fullest, was the right thing to do. When you cant use the spoken language to understand someone, you begin to read body language. The eyes, hands, and awkward movements, all become a 6th sense. The highest institution couldn’t teach me what I learned in 5 days on how to read people, ESPECIALLY THE SNAKES. All puns aside, it is a true world class skill.