Everyone dreams of seeing more of the world, stepping off a plane in a brand-new city, tasting food you can’t even pronounce yet, and proving to yourself you’re capable of so much more than just the daily grind. But while this dream sounds incredible, many people feel it’s impossible without draining their savings.
In reality, you don’t need a massive salary to fly often. What you do need is a few smart habits that help turn your everyday spending into plane tickets, hotel nights, and stories you’ll tell for years. Here’s how you can do exactly that.
Plan Way in Advance
Planning ahead is the oldest travel hack in the book, and it works every time. For example, flights booked months in advance are almost always cheaper than last-minute tickets. So instead of waiting for your leave to be approved by your manager at work, pick your destination now and start your research.
Since airfare is usually your biggest expense, sign up for airline newsletters and flight deal sites. Use flight comparison sites to watch fares and set up price alerts, too. Flash sales pop up all the time, and the best fares disappear within hours. A few minutes of research and timely booking can save you thousands of pesos.
Flexibility helps as well. Mid-week flights or off-peak departures, for instance, often cost far less than peak weekend flights. Sometimes, booking two separate legs is also cheaper than flying direct. For example, if you’re going to Europe, check if a flight to Dubai or Istanbul plus a budget airline connection to your final stop costs less than a direct flight. If a detour saves you PHP 10,000 or more, you’re already winning.
Let Your Card Do the Heavy Lifting
Beyond planning, the smartest travelers make their credit cards do the work for them. Most experienced travelers rarely pay full price for flights or hotels because they know how to collect points and perks.
The Maya Black Credit Card is a VIP credit card that is designed to help you earn those rewards faster. Specifically, you earn Maya Miles every time you use your card to pay for groceries, buy from your favorite stores, or even go on your daily coffee run. You can then use these miles to book flights, stay at hotels, or pay for shopping and dining at selected establishments.
Better yet, spend at Maya Black Preferred merchants and earn up to 10x more miles. That means you’ll reach your next adventure sooner, just by using your credit card for things you’d buy anyway. And since this numberless credit card is powered by Maya, the #1 digital bank in the Philippines, your details stay secure, accessible only to you via the Maya app. This gives you extra peace of mind even whether you’re booking online or shopping abroad.
With no annual fees for life, this card truly gives you the perks of a black credit card without the hidden costs. In other words, it’s your ticket to living that VIP black card lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of—minus the intimidating fees or strict requirements.
Say Yes to Free Experiences
One of the best ways to stretch your travel money is to say yes to free experiences. For example, many cities offer free walking tours run by locals who simply love to share their city’s secrets. It’s a great way to learn local history, find hidden gems, and get insider tips you won’t find in guidebooks.
Check museums for free entry days, too. Some of the world’s best museums open their doors for free at certain times of the week or month. You could also spend your mornings in local parks, markets, or neighborhood festivals. These small moments often become your favorite memories.
By incorporating these free experiences in your itinerary, you can splurge on something really special later, like a unique food tour or a once-in-a-lifetime activity.
Sleep Smart, Save Big
Accommodations often eat up a huge chunk of your travel budget, but they don’t have to. Hostels, in particular, offer private rooms, comfy lounges, and community activities, often at half the price of hotels or even less.
Rentals and homestays are another smart option, especially for longer trips. You get to cook meals in your own kitchen and store snacks, which saves you surprising amounts over a week or two.
And if you’ve racked up enough Maya Miles, you can also use your exclusive credit card to book a nice hotel stay for a night or two. It’s a simple way to reward yourself without blowing your budget.
Eat Where the Tourists Don’t
Food is one of the best parts of travel, but it can quickly drain your daily allowance if you’re not careful. Here’s something to remember: the closer you are to a famous landmark, the more you’ll pay for food. So, walk a few blocks away and look for spots crowded with locals. If the menu isn’t printed in five languages, you’re probably about to eat something authentic and affordable.
Street food is also a must-try. Again, follow the locals. If families are lining up, it’s probably safe and delicious. When you want to splurge at a fancy restaurant, book a table for lunch instead of dinner. Many places offer similar menus for much less during midday.
Travel Like a Local
Transportation is another expense where you can save big. Avoid taxis whenever possible. Instead, use public transportation. It’s cheaper, more fun, and often faster than sitting in traffic. Moreover, buses, trains, and subway systems give you a better sense of local life. Plus, the money you save on cab fares can be spent on a memorable meal or an extra activity.
See More, Spend Less
Traveling doesn’t have to stay a dream. With a little planning, some smart spending, and the right card in your wallet, you can see more of the world without going broke. It’s more affordable than you think.
Ready for your next adventure? Apply for a Maya Balck Credit Card today. Depending on your profile, you may be approved for a standard Maya Black Credit Card right away, or you might be offered Maya Black Express, which allows you to access all the perks of a Maya Black Credit Card, even if you’re just starting to build or rebuilding your credit score. Complete the Maya Black Express application by making an Express Deposit of at least PHP 12,500 in the Maya app, which will allow you to set up your own credit limit. Once approved for a Maya Black Express Credit Card, just keep using the card responsibly, and you may be evaluated in as little as 6 months for an upgrade to a standard Maya Black Credit Card. Moreover, this card earns 3.5% p.a. interest, so not only do you get your deposit back but also the interest it earned.
You can learn more about the perks that come with your Maya Black Credit Card on the app. Simply log in, go to Cards, select your Maya Black Credit Card, and head to Rewards.
