If it feels like seasoned travelers are always landing better deals, scoring room upgrades, or breezing through trip planning, it’s not just luck—it’s strategy. Frequent flyers have long cracked the code on finding value, comfort, and convenience in ways that most casual travelers overlook.
But the good news? These tricks aren’t secret. With a little insight and the right tools, anyone can plan like a pro—and unlock savings that add up with every trip.
The Power of Bundling
One of the most effective hacks in a traveler’s toolkit is bundling. When flights, hotels, and car rentals are booked together in a single transaction, travelers not only save money, but also gain peace of mind. Bundled bookings are often priced lower than when purchased individually, and many platforms offer extra discounts when you lock in multiple trip components at once.
Seasoned travelers know that bundling can also simplify the experience—reducing the number of confirmation emails, syncing schedules, and even offering more generous cancellation policies.
Loyalty Programs That Actually Reward You
Loyalty programs are everywhere, but not all of them provide real-time value. Many require months—if not years—of accumulating points before you can redeem them for anything useful. Savvy flyers look for programs that reward instantly, allowing them to see the benefit right after their first booking.
Orbitz, for example, offers a rewards program that lets users earn what are essentially travel dollars, which can be applied to future hotel bookings. This type of system makes it easier for budget-conscious travelers to save without having to jump through complicated hoops or reach elite status levels.
Book Smarter on Mobile
There’s a reason why frequent travelers rely on apps for their bookings: mobile-exclusive prices. Travel platforms often roll out app-only deals that aren’t visible on desktop versions. These promotions can include lower hotel rates, bonus rewards, or flash discounts during high-traffic periods.
Additionally, mobile apps make it easier to track itineraries, receive gate change alerts, or modify reservations on the go. For those who travel frequently, convenience is just as valuable as cost savings.
Many travelers using apps like Orbitz have reported consistently getting better hotel rates and personalized offers simply by booking through their phones rather than their laptops. It’s a small shift in behavior with a surprisingly big impact.
Timing Really Does Matter
Another common tactic among seasoned travelers is understanding the timing of bookings. Flights tend to be cheapest when booked 1–3 months in advance for domestic trips and 2–8 months for international ones. Hotels, on the other hand, can sometimes drop in price closer to the check-in date—especially in non-peak seasons.
Tools that allow flexible date searches are a big advantage here. They help travelers identify the cheapest days to fly, or even suggest destinations based on current deals. Being flexible and open to changing dates by just a day or two can result in significant savings.
Consider Membership Perks Beyond Points
While airline and hotel loyalty programs are widely known, travelers often overlook the value of membership benefits on booking platforms. Some platforms offer exclusive support lines, complimentary upgrades, or reimbursements for checked bags and seat selections to their higher-tier users.
Orbitz, for instance, provides premium members with travel benefits that go beyond just collecting points—like TSA PreCheck® reimbursements or access to perks at select hotels. For frequent flyers, these extras can enhance comfort without increasing cost.
Know When to Book—and When to Wait
There’s a fine art to deciding when to pull the trigger on a booking. Frequent travelers rely on fare alerts, flexible booking tools, and price tracking to make informed decisions. These features notify users when prices drop or when limited-time deals match their preferences.
Smart travelers also pay attention to cancellation policies. With many platforms offering free cancellation or flexible change options, it’s sometimes worth booking a great deal early—even if plans aren’t fully confirmed.
Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be unforgettable. What frequent flyers have mastered is the ability to extract more value from each step of the planning process—whether through bundling, rewards, or timing.
Thanks to platforms like Orbitz, even casual travelers can access tools that make smarter, more affordable travel possible. With instant rewards, mobile savings, and flexible booking features, the advantages that once belonged to frequent flyers are now within reach for everyone.
You don’t need thousands of miles under your belt to travel like a pro. You just need to know where to look—and how to book.
