How I Fly

I travel affordably, lightly and conveniently, and this is how I do it!

Travel Tips

In addition to essentials like your passport, toothbrush and adapters, these things don’t take up much space and are handy if you want to pack light, spend less, and stay clean:

  • Washing line and travel tube of washing powder – washing your clothes, especially think items like underwear, as you travel, especially if you stay in one place for more than 1 night, means you don’t need to pack so many clothes.
  • Anti-bacterial gel and a pack or two of tissues.
  • Slippers for indoors so you don’t have to walk around the room in dirty shoes.
  • Small empty water bottle, which you can refill once you get past airport security and also in countries where tap water is drinkable.
  • Food checklist, so you know what you are looking for when it comes to menu browsing – this helps you to make a decision more quickly and ensures you don’t end up spending on food just to fill you up, only to realise afterwards that there was item X out there that is a local speciality but you can’t try it because you’ve already spent your food allowance for the day, you’re too full, or you’ve already sat down for a meal and don’t have time.
  • Guidebook borrowed from the library – this way you don’t have to buy a book for somewhere that you may go to only once, and you won’t fill up precious bookshelf space at home.

Travel Habits

I always take a notebook with me with important booking information so that if anything happens to my phone, I still have access to these details. It also serves as my travel diary, and any notes or sketches I want to make, especially in places where photography is not allowed, I can make in the notebook.

I check the official websites of places I definitely do not want to miss. Guidebooks are not always accurate, even the latest editions, and may not tell you about discounts or multi-ticket options. Some popular attractions like the Palace of Versailles or the Real Alcázar require advance ticket booking to skip the queue.

I used to book hotels but now I prefer to book a self-catering studio apartment, B&B, or smart hostels with the option of staying in private en-suite rooms. They have more character, and you tend to pay less for the same level of comfort. Airbnb is a last resort, to be considered alongside reliable budget hotel chains. Not that I have had bad experiences when booking an Airbnb myself (though the first Airbnb I ever stayed in had had its bathroom window shattered by hooligans when we arrived and my friend had to call the host to get the glass shards cleaned up), but because Airbnb is more affordable for groups than for people travelling in pairs.

I check prices on both the accommodation’s official website and Booking.com, as either one may be cheaper than the other, especially if I can use Genius discounts on Booking.com.

Help the host by not reserving your room on Booking.com, which takes 15% commission for each booking. If you see a price cheaper on a 3rd party platform, contact your host first to ask if they can offer the same discount and cancellation policy and if they do, book direct. I was advised this by one of my hosts Andy at The Barleycorn Inn.

I don’t choose breakfast unless the accommodation includes it regardless (e.g. a B&B). This means I can try a different café every day, or buy local pastries from different shops and eat on the go to save time.