Travel smart on any budget—here’s how in 5 minutes

And get ChatGPT’s best travel framework

Hey AI Explorer,

Welcome back to the latest edition of your weekly newsletter “Solve with AI”.

Earlier this week, I mentioned that I would share with you an exciting post related to your next travel adventure.

Why a travel post?

Travel is an integral part of our modern society. With access to several modes of transportation, most people can travel to a new destination or even a new country.

If you are a travel buff like me (27 countries and counting), traveling opens up new experiences and expands your worldview. I love the excitement that comes with traveling.

• You get to meet people from different cultures.

• You can taste and enjoy new delicacies.

• You can see new places be it mountains, palaces, markets or beaches.

• You can understand and appreciate the difference in standard of living.

• You can experience new adventures that you cannot in your home town or country.

To sum it up, traveling to a new location or even your favorite destination can offer a refreshing break from routine, provide new experiences and perspectives, and create lasting memories.

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Traveling today is different from traveling in previous centuries. It is significantly easier for someone to be on the opposite side of the world in 24 hours (minus the jet lag). Although it is not free from first-world adventures which can be a hassle.

• Trip Delays and Cancellations: Your flight can get disrupted due to weather, cyber attack, technical failure, or missed connections. A few weeks ago, my flight was impacted by the CrowdStrike and Microsoft issues. I was at the airport for almost 5 hours instead of a 1.5-hour connection.

  A few years ago, a major storm kept us stranded at the airport for almost a day. A landslide near the Himalayas impacted our travel by 2 days.

  Trip delays are more common due to a rise in global travel demand and staffing challenges.

• Lost or Delayed Baggage: Imagine you purchased souvenirs, delicacies, and gifts and your luggage was lost by the airliner. Your excitement to share your travel with your loved ones fades away quickly.

  As per the 2023 SITA Baggage IT Insights report, the global average for mishandled bags was 4.35 per thousand passengers in 2022. One in 200 luggage is either lost, stolen, or delayed. That’s a pretty high number.

• GPS and Navigation Issues: Cell phone GPS is so much better than printing Yahoo maps (I am old ;)). However, there have been many instances where I was navigated to a completely different location or took an incorrect exit.

  I remember Google GPS took me to a no-parking zone near Pisa Tower in Italy. I parked at multiple spots without any warning and received $800 in parking fines mailed directly to my home address in a completely different country.

• Poor Internet Connectivity: Living without wifi or data connection is like living without air. The issue becomes even more concerning when you have kids.

  Sometimes even the best hotels can have choppy connections depending on the location of your room and the router.

• Overbooked Hotels and Accommodations: Online booking tools have done a great job in securing our reservations. However, finding that your room is not available due to overbooking is still an issue. Imagine arriving in a completely different country after a long flight and your room is given to someone else.

  Yeah, you can leave a negative review or get hyped up but it will not solve your issue.

• Language Barriers: Google Translate can help with quick translation but you cannot use it everywhere yet. Reading signs while driving, understanding train directions, and negotiating prices are a few examples where Google won’t work.

  Last week, I took the train going in the opposite direction because I misread the destination.

• High Expectations vs. Reality: Have you seen those TikTok or YouTube shorts about expectation vs reality?

  Guess what?

  It is absolutely true. Don’t build up expectations based on social media, reviews, or travel blogs. People often buy the fast pass at Disney World based on travel blog recommendations only to realize the wait times are much longer.

• Health and Safety Concerns: The most common health issue I experience when traveling to other countries is food poisoning. Waterborne bacteria are common in many countries and a slight deviation from standard food choices can make you vulnerable.

  I always maintain the right balance between eating street food and sticking to quality restaurants.

• Currency Exchange Rates and Fees: After COVID-19, inflation is significantly high in many countries. Some countries have inflation as high as 200% which means your stronger currency cannot buy the same products you could have bought a few years ago.

  Always plan for currency fluctuations when traveling to other countries.

So far we have spent time discussing the first world issues that can impact your travel in many ways. We will now focus on ideas and strategies to help you plan your travel like a pro and keep your budget in check.

There are many strategies available to build travel plans, book cheaper flights, or find discount hotel rooms. I would like to focus on a comprehensive strategy.

I have developed a framework based on the work done by two authors:

• "How to Travel on a Budget" by Meghan Maher.

• "The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Travel" by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht

I call it the SMART-P Travel framework. I will walk you through the framework and give specific examples from my travel itinerary on how I have implemented it.

SMART-P Travel Framework

1. Set a Realistic Budget and Prepare for the Unexpected (S)

Before you even think about booking that flight, you need to set a budget that covers everything—and then some.

You might plan a $3,000 trip to Europe, breaking it down into flights, accommodations, food, and activities. But don’t stop there. Always allocate a portion of your budget for emergencies. I recommend putting 10-15% for emergencies.

Focus on what you value most, like authentic cultural experiences, and do your homework on potential risks at your destination, whether it’s earthquakes in Tokyo or political unrest in Sao Paolo.

Planning your budget with foresight means you can enjoy your trip without worrying about financial surprises.

2. Maximize Savings and Recognize Danger Signals (M)

Traveling smart means finding the best deals while staying alert to your surroundings.

Start by booking flights on off-peak days—like that Tuesday flight to Paris that saves you $200. Opt for budget accommodations in safe neighborhoods, like a hostel in Barcelona’s Gràcia district, where you can save money without compromising safety. And always trust your instincts.

I understand for families with kids off-peak months or days may not work. In those cases, look for locations with fewer travelers such as Big Sky Resort, Montana instead of Snowmass, Colorado.

If something feels off, like someone following you in Roma Italy, don’t hesitate to change course.

3. Allocate Funds Wisely and Evaluate Situations (A)

Your travel budget is a living, breathing thing and it needs to be managed daily.

Set a daily spending plan that keeps you on track, like budgeting $50 a day in Thailand. If something unexpected comes up, like needing a taxi in a downpour, adjust your budget for food or activities to stay within your limits.

Prioritize free activities, like a walking tour in London or Chatachuk market in Bangkok.

Be ready to reassess if things don’t go as planned, like treating an injury while hiking in the Swiss Alps.

4. Research, Plan, and Perform Essential Actions (R)

Research is your best friend before any trip.

Know the customs, typical costs, and potential risks at your destination, like health concerns in Bali. Plan your itinerary to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities, like free museum days in Paris, and make sure you’re prepared for emergencies by mapping out hospitals and embassies.

If something unexpected happens—like getting caught in a protest in Hong Kong—take decisive action. Know what are the options to stay safe.

Reroute your plans or find a safe place immediately. Planning thoroughly and being ready to act fast ensures both an enjoyable and secure trip.

5. Track Expenses and Adapt to Changing Circumstances (T)

Staying within your travel budget requires constant vigilance and flexibility.

Use an app like Trail Wallet to track your spending in real-time, so if you’re overspending on food in Tokyo, you can adjust by eating at more affordable spots.

Many spots around the Tokyo main station are cheaper and of good quality.

Be resourceful if your plans change like finding a new place to stay last minute if your Mexico City accommodation cancels.

Always be ready to switch up your plans by visiting free sites in Taipei like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall instead of shopping when funds run low.

Source: Google Photos

6. Prepare for Emergencies and Recover (P)

Travel isn’t just about fun, it’s also about being prepared for the unexpected.

Pack the essentials for survival, whether it’s a first aid kit and water purification tablets from Amazon or learning how to treat snake bites before an Australian road trip.

And if disaster strikes like a hurricane while you’re in Florida know your evacuation plan and execute it. Review the potential hurricane threat on websites like National Hurricane Center.

Being prepared for emergencies means you can handle whatever comes your way and bounce back quickly, making your travel experience all the more rewarding.

Now that we have discussed the framework in detail, let’s make it easy to implement using ChatGPT.