You don’t need to fly business class or stay in a five-star resort to enjoy an unforgettable trip. In fact, some of the best travel memories are made while wandering through street markets, catching scenic train rides, or stumbling upon a tiny café in a quiet corner of a city.

So, how do you experience a feel-good getaway that won’t break the bank? Smart planning and the right tools are key. Specifically, if you're dreaming of an escape that’s still within your budget, Maya Black is here to make that trip more doable than you think. With every purchase, this black credit card lets you earn Maya Miles, which you can later use for travel, shopping, and dining. This means you turn everyday spending into future travel rewards and more. Additionally, you can track your miles easily in the app, and you’ll see how they rack up faster than you'd expect. It's like having a low-key travel fund working in the background. That’s because you get up to 10x miles with Maya Black Preferred merchants.

With this powerful tool, from the #1 digital bank in the Philippines, you can fulfill your travel goals without overspending. Now pair it with a few smart planning strategies, and you’ll see how easy it is to enjoy a getaway that feels good in every way. Here are some tips to help you travel farther, spend smarter, and enjoy more during your next getaway.

1. Be Flexible

To begin with, your travel dates can unlock major savings. For example, flying mid-week or during shoulder seasons (like after the peak of spring, if you intend to travel to Japan) can cut your airfare dramatically. Moreover, you’ll often enjoy thinner crowds and better availability at hotels and attractions.

If you’re using travel rewards, flexibility gives you even more options. Many point redemption programs offer better deals when you book ahead or when you’re open to less popular routes and schedules. Even airline sales, like holiday promos or anniversary deals, can stretch your points further.

Flexibility isn’t just about timing. It’s also about transportation. If you skip the cab and take the metro, or walk instead of riding, then you save more. Plus, you gain a deeper connection to the places you visit since you’ll be traveling like a local.

2. Spend Smart, Sleep Better

Accommodation is one of the biggest travel costs. But it’s also one of the easiest to optimize. Start by looking just outside the main tourist zones. Staying in areas like the suburbs of Singapore rather than the city center can save you big bucks. These spots are also often quieter and more authentic.

Like the date of your trip, timing also matters when it comes to accommodation. It could mean the difference between peak rates and budget-friendly deals. And when booking, use multiple platforms or check hotel price aggregator sites to compare rates. But don’t just focus on price alone. Look at access to transportation, neighborhood vibe, and the amenities, too. A hotel with a rooftop terrace sounds great, but is it something you’ll actually use? Reviews can help you spot the difference between nice-to-have and worth-paying-for.

And if you’re open to unconventional options, try a home exchange, house-sitting, or even volunteer-based stays. These can dramatically cut costs and give you a more immersive experience, especially on longer trips.

3. Eat Well without Splurging Too Much

Food is one of the highlights of travel, but it’s also one of the sneakiest ways to overspend. A good strategy is to choose accommodations with a small kitchen or kitchenette. Cooking even just one meal a day can free up your budget for more exciting things. For short trips where hotel stays make more sense, look for ones with great free breakfasts. It can make mornings smoother and keep you full until later in the day.

That said, don’t skip the joy of eating out in a new place. One budget-saving strategy is to have lunch at a nice local restaurant instead of a popular tourist trap. It’s usually more affordable than dinner and just as delicious. For other meals, whip up something easy from ingredients you picked up at a local market or sample some inexpensive street food. You’ll save money and get a taste of everyday life in your destination.

Finally, always carry snacks. You don’t ever want to be hungry; that’s just a recipe for buying overpriced, bland food near tourist spots. So, pack trail mix, granola bars, or even local street snacks to hold you over until you find something that’s truly worth the splurge.

4. Do More with Less

Experiences are what make travel truly unforgettable, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on tours and tickets. For instance, many cities offer free walking tours where tips are encouraged but not required. Audio tours and mobile apps can also give you tons of local insight without the high price tag. Public parks, local markets, community events, and open-air museums are also often just as memorable as the “must-see” attractions. Another great idea is to spend a morning people-watching at a plaza or wandering through neighborhoods off the beaten path.

That said, choose your paid experiences intentionally. Whether it's a cooking class in Vietnam, a pottery workshop in Kyoto, or a mountain trek in Batanes, make sure it aligns with your interests and not just what’s trending online. When you're spending mindfully and choosing experiences that align with your values and interests, your trips become more meaningful and often, more affordable.

Travel Smart, Feel Good

The best kind of travel doesn’t leave you stressed about your bank account. It leaves you feeling inspired, recharged, and connected to new cultures, new people, and even a new version of yourself.

With Maya Black, every grocery run, every online order, and every bill paid gets you on the fast lane to the black card life you’ve always wanted. No annual fees, total budget control, and those sweet Maya Miles. That’s a travel credit card worth having in your pocket.

Depending on your profile, you could be instantly approved for a standard Maya Black Credit Card. If you’re still building or rebuilding your credit history, you may be offered a Maya Black Express instead, giving you access to the same perks while helping you establish your credit score.

Applying for Maya Black Express is simple: just make an Express Deposit of at least PHP 12,500 in the Maya app. From there, you can easily manage your card in-app. You can set spending limits, control categories, and pay bills securely with just a few taps.

The best part? With responsible use, you may qualify for an upgrade to a standard Maya Black Credit Card in as little as six months. Plus, your deposit earns 3.5% annual interest, which you can get along with your deposit back.

Plan smart, spend intentionally, and don’t be afraid to do things differently. Because at the end of the day, feel-good getaways aren’t about how much you spend. They’re about how fully you live while you’re there.