I advocate for experiencing the world, and it’s great to do so while not spending needlessly. Make no mistake, I love a fight-class flight, and those lay-down pods are a taste of luxury. However, flight upgrades are expensive, and upgrades and add-ons can significantly increase the final cost of a trip. And if budget travel is the priority, the total price can quickly add up to something that may make you think twice about hitting that “pay now” button at the final step of your flight booking.

Travelling can be a wonderful experience, but it’s not without challenges. Among the worst aspects of today’s travel are the inevitable flight delays or cancellations, lost luggage, jet lag, navigating unfamiliar airports, and crowds of people, mostly rushed, tired, and irritable. Those challenges can be stressful, with significant travel time and numerous connecting flights or long layovers.