Welcome to the 360 Escapes Best Travel Hacks and Resources Page!
Why trust my recommendations? Simply because these resources have consistently provided me with value for money and significantly uplifted the quality of my adventures. From finding hidden gem accommodations to snagging the best deals on flights, these hacks have been my trusty companions on every journey.
I’m not just sharing these resources, I am passing on the keys to unlocking a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a novice setting out on your first expedition, these tools will make a noticeable difference in your travels.
Best for Cheap Flights
In the world of travel, finding the best deals can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter Google Flights, the savvy traveller’s best friend and a game-changer in the hunt for affordable airfare. This nifty tool has revolutionised how I search for flights, offering a user-friendly platform that’s as informative as it is intuitive.
Kiwi is my top choice for its multi-airline hacker fares, making it easy to find the cheapest prices for complex routes. Plus, with their Kiwi Guarantee for missed connecting flights when booked with different airlines.
Kiwi.com offers an extensive database of low-cost flights from both traditional and budget airlines, an interactive map, and more. Find great fares with ease using Kiwi.com!
Trip.com‘s user-friendly interface, competitive prices, and extensive travel options make it easy to find precisely what you’re looking for, no matter your destination or budget. Their reliable customer service always assists with any questions or issues, giving you peace of mind throughout your travels.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Flight?
It’s essential to be flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals. With that flexibility, you may be able to score a round-trip ticket to Thailand for as low as £450, which is less than half the regular price that I frequently encounter. However, remember that these deals are not guaranteed to be available before your preferred travel dates. In general, great deals are much more unpredictable compared to regular prices.
There is no absolute rule for booking travel, as it can vary widely. However, if your travel dates are not very flexible, finding a great deal is generally more difficult. In this case, you should aim to book your trip between one and five months in advance, depending on your destination and whether you are travelling during peak periods. If you have more flexibility with your dates, you can afford to book a little closer to your departure. Most importantly, be sure to check for deals every day!
Best for Flight Refunds, Delay, Cancellation or Overbooking
Compensair is a UK based online service that helps air travellers to receive up to £450 compensation from airlines in case of a flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding. Compensair takes care of all the paperwork, negotiations with the airlines, and legal proceedings.
Free flight check, which takes less than a minute!
Best for staying Connected
International roaming and getting local SIM cards are outdated, and so last year 🙂
Airalo eSIMs can be purchased and set up in just a few minutes, making them the perfect choice for modern digital nomads and frequent international travellers.
I rely on eSIMs to simplify and cut the costs of roaming charges. Airalo is a top eSIM provider for travellers, offering coverage in over 200 countries and regions globally.
When purchasing, you can select your desired data amount and duration. Remember that most Airalo eSIMs only support data, not phone calls or text messaging.
I use online messaging services like WhatsApp or Messenger to stay connected while travelling.
- Most iPhone models released after the iPhone 11 are eSIM-compatible
- Many Android phones support eSIM, including the Google Pixel series and, Samsung Galaxy series
Surfshark VPN: My go-to for Cheaper Flights & Safer Travel!
Now, let’s discuss something fascinating for budget-conscious travellers: scoring significant flight savings! You might have heard whispers about “incognito flights” or deleting cookies, and while those can play a small part, the secret weapon is combining those tactics with a robust VPN like Surfshark.
Best for Accommodation
Booking.com is the largest hotel booking site globally. It offers a great loyalty program that makes accommodation more affordable, and I appreciate its free cancellation policy on many listings.
Additionally, Booking.com provides a price match guarantee. If you find the same hotel, accommodation type, and cancellation policy on the dates you’ve booked at a cheaper rate on another online hotel reservation app or website, they will match the price.
Best for Asia Accommodation
Thanks to its user-friendly platform and wide range of options, Agoda is a top choice for travellers worldwide. One of its standout features is the flexible payment options, including “Book Now, Pay Later.” This feature allows you to secure your booking without making an immediate payment, which can be a lifesaver when planning your travel budget.
Agoda is the leading booking site in that region.
You’ll likely find more options here for your next trip to Asia.
Best Guides & Tours Companies
The Viator website offers budget-friendly day and multi-day tours in hundreds of cities worldwide. It also provides “skip the line” tickets for popular attractions.
Similar to Viator, Get Your Guide offers a 24-hour full refund for most bookings, while Viator offers free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later. Also. Get Your Guide offers some hard-to-find and exclusive activities.
Spending Money Abroad
Using a bank card that doesn’t incur fees or interest when spending overseas and withdrawing money is essential.
Commission charges can stack up if you are not spending like a local.
Revolut – free cash withdrawals worldwide up to £200 per month. After this amount, you pay just 2% interest. The card itself costs £5. You can hold multiple currencies at one time.
Monzo – free cash withdrawals worldwide up to £250 per month. After this amount, you pay just 3% interest.
Wise – an online bank account is beneficial when transferring money overseas. You can send money worldwide with minimal fees, receive payments, and hold multiple currencies.
You can also order a Wise card by Mastercard, which lets you withdraw up to £200 with 0% interest at ATMs worldwide.
Xe.com
Currency and exchange rate website. Knowing the exchange rate beforehand does help a lot. I always try to think in local currency when I travel and memorise the rate, so I can easily convert abroad. When I receive the change back, I instantly know the amount.
I’ve seen tourists overpay for things, or don’t know how much money they have in their pockets because they don’t know the rate. Going to some Asian countries can be tricky because of all the extra zeros!
In Vietnam £1 = 32,547 Vietnamese Dongs.