For better or worse, travel often feels like it’s divided into the “haves” and the “have-nots.”
The “haves” are the people with mountains of airline miles and hotel points. They fly in the pointy end of the plane, stay in gorgeous hotels, have elite status everywhere and seem to have the perfect credit card for every purchase.
The “have-nots?”
They’re the rest of us. We fly economy, stay in perfectly nice (but decidedly less glamorous) hotels, have little or no elite status, and our favorite credit card is probably whatever Dave Ramsey says we should have.
But here’s the thing.
Not every travel perk is reserved for people with platinum status and unlimited points.
There are plenty of little-known tricks, freebies and conveniences that are available to just about everyone—you simply have to know they exist.
Here are seven of my favorites.
The Pillow Menu
Some hotels have extra pillows available that are different from the ones already in the room. They may not be advertised, but if you ask the front desk or housekeeping, you might be able to get foam, feather or hypoallergenic pillows or firmer options.
They’re used less often than the ones that are always on the bed, and one of them might be more comfortable for you. The foam ones are my favorite.
Your concierge can be your greatest asset
If your concierge is a good one, they often have connections, speak the language, and have more clout (because they’re not just a stranger trying to make a reservation). They can often help you get special bookings (think shows, restaurants, events, etc.), including last-minute or hard-to-book ones.
If you decide to ask your concierge for help, be polite about it. Also, if possible, make your request well in advance.
Your Hotel Key Card Can Do Double Duty
In some hotels, especially outside the U.S., you have to place your room key in a wall slot to turn on the room’s electricity. The idea is to keep guests from leaving the lights and air conditioning running all day when they’re not there.
In many rooms, another card of the same general size will fit in the slot while you’re inside. That can be useful if you want to keep the power on while your actual room key stays in your wallet.
Just know that some newer systems require the actual hotel key card. In that case, tell the front desk that you left the key in the room and need a spare key, then use the old key for the power slot. ;- Just be advised that some hotels may not love guests trying to bypass the energy-saving setup while they’re gone all day.
You can raise the armrest on most aisle seats in planes
It’s typically a latch or a button at the base of the armrest, underneath. Like where the arm connects to the rest of the seat. This picture may help.
Note: all armrests need to be down and locked during takeoff and descent. But it sure is convenient when you’re getting ready to get up to exit the plane!
Ask the doorman before you open your Uber app
Uber isn’t always the cheapest rate – sometimes. A taxi ride can save you a lot of money.
How to get a better price at a fancy hotel
Hotels that mainly cater to business travelers tend to lower their prices during holidays to fill their rooms. So if you want to stay in a swanky hotel over Christmas at a lower rate, this is the kind of place to look for.
Don’t Go To Popular Places Between 10 AM And 2 PM
That’s when everyone else is going there, too. Go early or late, and the crowds will usually be much smaller.
This is especially true for major tourist sights, famous photo spots, museums, observation decks and anything that attracts cruise-ship passengers or day tours.
Final Thought
The funny thing is that none of these tips require elite status, a luxury travel budget or even years of travel experience.
They simply require knowing they exist.
And that’s true for a surprising number of travel “secrets.” The travel industry is full of little tricks, shortcuts and perks that aren’t hidden—they’re just not advertised.
So the next time you check into a hotel, board a plane or explore a new city, don’t be afraid to ask a question or two. Sometimes the best travel hack isn’t finding a loophole.
It’s simply knowing what to ask for.
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