Flight Booking Hacks
| Hack | Details |
|---|
| Book 6-8 weeks out | Sweet spot for domestic — international: 2-4 months |
| Search incognito | Airlines use cookies to raise prices on repeat searches |
| Tuesday/Wednesday flights | Cheapest days to fly — Sunday is most expensive |
| Flexible dates | Use "Whole Month" search on Google Flights — +/- 3 days can save 50% |
Jet Lag Formula
| Direction | Strategy |
|---|
| Flying East | Go to bed earlier 3 days before — avoid morning light, seek afternoon light |
| Flying West | Stay up later 3 days before — seek evening light, avoid morning light |
| On the plane | Set watch to destination time immediately — eat and sleep on that schedule |
Money-Saving Tips
| Tip | Why |
|---|
| Use local ATMs | Better exchange rate than airport kiosks — DECLINE the ATM's conversion rate |
| Travel insurance | $50 policy vs $50,000 medical evacuation — not optional |
| Free walking tours | Tip-based — great orientation on day 1, bring €10-20 cash for the guide |
Pro Tip: The single best travel hack: learn 10 words of the local language. 'Hello, thank you, please, excuse me, how much, where is, bathroom, water, beer, goodbye.' Locals will treat you completely differently. 10 words opens doors that English alone cannot.