10 Travel Hacking Tips to Save Money and Travel More

Do you love traveling but hate spending too much money on flights, hotels, and other expenses? Do you wish you could travel more often and visit more places without breaking the bank? If you answered yes to these questions, then you might be interested in learning about travel hacking.

Travel hacking is the art of using various strategies and techniques to travel for cheap or even free. It involves earning and redeeming travel rewards points, miles, and cashback, finding the best deals and discounts, and being flexible and creative with your travel plans. Travel hacking can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your trips, and allow you to travel more frequently and comfortably.

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. Travel hacking is not illegal, unethical, or complicated. Anyone can do it, as long as you have some basic knowledge, skills, and tools. In this article, I will share with you 10 travel hacking tips that you can use to start your travel hacking journey. These tips are based on my own experience and research, and they have helped me travel to over 30 countries in the past few years. Ready to learn how to travel hack like a pro? Let’s get started!

Tip 1: Sign up for travel rewards credit cards and use them wisely.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to travel hack is to sign up for travel rewards credit cards and use them wisely. Travel rewards credit cards are credit cards that offer you points, miles, or cashback for every purchase you make with them. You can then redeem these rewards for free or discounted flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.

There are many types of travel rewards credit cards, such as airline cards, hotel cards, general travel cards, and cashback cards. Each card has its own benefits, features, and requirements, so you need to do some research and comparison before choosing the best one for you. Some of the factors you should consider are:

The sign-up bonus: This is the amount of points, miles, or cashback that you can earn after meeting a certain spending requirement within a certain period of time. For example, a card might offer you 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. Sign-up bonuses are usually the most valuable part of a travel rewards credit card, as they can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel value.
The earning rate: This is the rate at which you earn rewards for every dollar you spend with the card. For example, a card might offer you 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The higher the earning rate, the faster you can accumulate rewards.
The redemption options: This is the way you can use your rewards to book travel or get cashback. For example, a card might allow you to transfer your points to various airline and hotel partners, or redeem them for travel vouchers, gift cards, or statement credits. The more redemption options you have, the more flexibility and value you can get from your rewards.
The annual fee: This is the fee that you have to pay every year to keep the card. For example, a card might charge you $95 per year. The annual fee can be worth paying if the card offers you enough benefits and rewards to offset it, but you should always do the math and compare the costs and benefits of each card.
The perks and benefits: These are the extra features and services that the card offers you, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, travel insurance, and more. These perks and benefits can enhance your travel experience and save you money and hassle.

To make the most of your travel rewards credit cards, you should follow these best practices:

Sign up for cards that match your travel goals and spending habits. For example, if you fly frequently with a specific airline, you might want to get their co-branded card to earn and redeem miles with them. If you travel to different destinations and use different airlines and hotels, you might want to get a general travel card that offers you more flexibility and variety.
Meet the minimum spending requirement to get the sign-up bonus, but don’t overspend or buy things you don’t need. You should only use your credit card for purchases that you can afford and pay off in full every month. Otherwise, you will end up paying interest and fees that will cancel out the value of your rewards.
Use your credit card for all your everyday expenses, such as groceries, gas, bills, and subscriptions. This will help you earn more rewards without changing your lifestyle or budget. You can also use your credit card to pay for big-ticket items, such as travel, electronics, and furniture, as long as you can pay them off quickly and avoid interest charges.
Pay attention to the bonus categories and promotions that your card offers. For example, some cards might offer you extra points or cashback for spending in certain categories, such as travel, dining, or entertainment, or for shopping at certain merchants, such as Amazon, Uber, or Starbucks. You should take advantage of these opportunities to boost your rewards earnings, but only if they align with your needs and preferences.
Redeem your rewards for the highest value possible. This means that you should compare the different redemption options and choose the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. For example, transferring your points to airline or hotel partners might give you a higher value than redeeming them for gift cards or statement credits. You should also look for sweet spots and deals that can help you save more points or miles, such as off-peak awards, flash sales, or partner discounts.
Keep track of your rewards balances, expiration dates, and activity. You don’t want to lose your hard-earned rewards because you forgot to use them or they expired. You should also monitor your credit card statements and transactions to make sure that you are earning and redeeming your rewards correctly and that there are no errors or frauds.

Tip 2: Join frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs.

Another way to travel hack is to join frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs. These are programs that reward you for flying with a specific airline or staying with a specific hotel chain. You can earn points or miles for every flight or stay, and then use them to book free or discounted flights or hotels. You can also enjoy other benefits, such as free upgrades, priority check-in, late checkout, and more.

There are many frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs out there, and each one has its own rules, features, and partners. You should do some research and comparison before joining the ones that suit your travel style and preferences. Some of the factors you should consider are:

The earning rate: This is the rate at which you earn points or miles for every flight or stay. For example, a program might offer you 5 points per dollar spent on flights or hotels, or 1 mile per mile flown. The higher the earning rate, the faster you can accumulate rewards.
The redemption options: This is the way you can use your points or miles to book travel or get other perks. For example, a program might allow you to redeem your points or miles for flights or hotels within their network, or transfer them to other partners, such as airlines, hotels, or credit cards. The more redemption options you have, the more flexibility and value you can get from your rewards.
The elite status: This is the level of membership that you can achieve by flying or staying a certain amount of times or spending a certain amount of money with the program. For example, a program might have different tiers of elite status, such as silver, gold, and platinum, that offer you different benefits, such as bonus points, free upgrades, lounge access, and more. The higher the elite status, the more perks and privileges you can enjoy.
The expiration policy: This is the rule that determines how long your points or miles are valid for. For example, a program might require you to earn or redeem some points or miles every year to keep your account active, or they might expire your points or miles after a certain period of time, such as 18 months or 3 years. The longer the expiration policy, the more time you have to use your rewards.

To make the most of your frequent flyer programs and hotel loyalty programs, you should follow these best practices:

Join the programs that match your travel patterns and preferences. For example, if you fly mostly with one airline or alliance, you might want to join their frequent flyer program and focus on earning and redeeming miles with them. If you travel to different destinations and use different airlines and hotels, you might want to join a few programs that offer you more variety and flexibility.
Earn points or miles for every flight or stay, and don’t leave any on the table. You should always provide your program number when booking or checking in, and keep your receipts and boarding passes as proof. You should also check your account regularly and make sure that you get credited for all your activity. If you notice any missing or incorrect points or miles, you should contact the program and request a correction.
Use online tools and apps to manage your points or miles and find the best deals. There are many websites and apps that can help you track your balances, expiration dates, and activity, such as AwardWallet, TripIt, and Points.com. There are also websites and apps that can help you find the best redemption options and deals, such as AwardHacker, AwardMapper, and Hotel Hustle.
Be flexible and strategic with your bookings. You should try to book your flights or hotels as early as possible or as late as possible, as these are the times when you can find the most availability and value for your points or miles. You should also be flexible with your travel dates, destinations, and routes, as this can help you save more points or miles and avoid peak surcharges and blackout dates. You should also look for sweet spots and deals that can help you get more value from your points or miles, such as off-peak awards, round-the-world tickets, or fifth-night-free offers.
Leverage your elite status and benefits. You should try to achieve and maintain the highest level of elite status that you can, as this can give you more advantages and perks. You should also use your benefits wisely and make the most of them, such as requesting free upgrades, accessing lounges, and enjoying late checkout. You should also be aware of the status match and challenge opportunities that some programs offer, as these can help you get elite status faster and easier.

Tip 3: Use online tools and apps to find the best deals and track your points.

Another way to travel hack is to use online tools and apps to find the best deals and track your points. There are many websites and apps that can help you compare prices, find discounts, and book travel for cheap or free. There are also websites and apps that can help you manage your travel rewards points, miles, and cashback, and find the best redemption options and deals. Here are some of the online tools and apps that I recommend and use:

Skyscanner: This is a website and app that allows you to search and compare flights from hundreds of airlines and travel agents. You can find the cheapest flights, the best times to fly, and the best routes to take. You can also set up price alerts and get notified when the prices drop or rise. Skyscanner is my go-to tool for finding cheap flights and saving money on airfare.
Google Flights: This is another website and app that allows you to search and compare flights from various airlines and travel agents. You can find the cheapest flights, the best times to fly, and the best routes to take. You can also explore destinations, track prices, and get tips and suggestions. Google Flights is another great tool for finding cheap flights and saving money on airfare.
Momondo: This is a website and app that allows you to search and compare flights, hotels, and car rentals from various providers. You can find the best deals, the best times to travel, and the best places to stay. You can also discover new destinations, get travel inspiration, and get travel tips and guides. Momondo is a great tool for finding cheap travel and saving money on accommodation and transportation.
Booking.com: This is a website and app that allows you to book hotels, apartments, hostels, and other types of accommodation from various providers. You can find the best prices, the best locations, and the best amenities. You can also read reviews, see photos, and get recommendations. Booking.com is a great tool for finding cheap accommodation and saving money on lodging.
Airbnb: This is a website and app that allows you to book unique and local accommodation from hosts around the world. You can find apartments, houses, cabins, cottages, and other types of accommodation that suit your needs and preferences. You can also read reviews, see photos, and get tips from hosts. Airbnb is a great tool for finding alternative accommodation and saving money on lodging.
Hotels.com: This is a website and app that allows you to book hotels, resorts, and other types of accommodation from various providers. You can find the best deals, the best locations, and the best amenities. You can also read reviews, see photos, and get recommendations. Hotels.com is a great tool for finding cheap accommodation and saving money on lodging. It also has a loyalty program that gives you one free night for every 10 nights you book with them.
Priceline: This is a website and app that allows you to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages from various providers. You can find the best deals, the best times to travel, and the best places to stay. You can also use the Name Your Own Price feature, which allows you to bid on travel and get discounts of up to 60%. Priceline is a great tool for finding cheap travel and saving money on travel expenses.
Hotwire: This is another website and app that allows you to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages from various providers. You can find the best deals, the best times to travel, and the best places to stay. You can also use the Hot Rate feature, which allows you to book travel without knowing the exact details until after you pay, and get discounts of up to 60%. Hotwire is another great tool for finding cheap travel and saving money on travel expenses.
TravelPirates: This is a website and app that allows you to find the best travel deals and offers from various sources. You can find cheap flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, and more. You can also get travel inspiration, tips, and guides. TravelPirates is a great tool for finding cheap travel and saving money on travel expenses.
AwardWallet: This is a website and app that allows you to track and manage your travel rewards points, miles, and cashback from various programs. You can see your balances, expiration dates, and activity. You can also get alerts, reminders, and tips. AwardWallet is a great tool for keeping track of your travel rewards and maximizing their value.
AwardHacker: This is a website that allows you to find the best redemption options and deals for your travel rewards points and miles. You can see how many points or miles you need to book a flight or hotel, and which program or partner offers the best value. You can also see the availability, fees, and taxes. AwardHacker is a great tool for finding the best use of your travel rewards and saving more points or miles.

Tip 4: Be flexible with your travel dates, destinations, and routes.

Another way to travel hack is to be flexible with your travel dates, destinations, and routes. This can help you find cheaper flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, and also discover new and exciting places to visit. Here are some of the ways you can be flexible with your travel plans:

Use the calendar or map features on Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, or other websites and apps to see the cheapest dates and destinations to fly to. You can also use the explore or discover features to get suggestions and inspiration for where to go and when to go.
Use the multi-city or open-jaw options on Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, or other websites and apps to book flights that depart from and arrive at different airports. This can help you save money and time, and also visit more places in one trip. For example, you can fly from New York to London, then take a train to Paris, and then fly back to New York from Paris.
Use the nearby airports or alternative airports options on Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, or other websites and apps to see if you can find cheaper flights by flying to or from a different airport. Sometimes, flying to or from a smaller or less popular airport can save you money and hassle. For example, you can fly to or from Newark instead of JFK, or to or from Gatwick instead of Heathrow.
Use the hidden city or throwaway ticketing technique to book flights that have a layover in your desired destination, and then skip the final leg of the flight. This can help you save money and time, but it also has some risks and drawbacks. For example, you can book a flight from New York to Los Angeles with a layover in Chicago, and then get off the plane in Chicago and skip the flight to Los Angeles. However, you should be aware that this technique can violate the airline’s terms and conditions, and that you might lose your luggage, your return flight, or your frequent flyer miles. You should also only do this with one-way tickets, and not with checked bags or connecting flights.
Use the error fares or mistake fares technique to book flights that have unusually low prices due to human or computer errors. This can help you save a lot of money and score amazing deals, but it also has some risks and drawbacks. For example, you can book a flight from New York to Tokyo for $200 instead of $2,000, due to a missing zero or a currency conversion error. However, you should be aware that the airline might cancel or change your booking, and that you might not get a refund or compensation. You should also book your other travel arrangements, such as hotels and car rentals, after you receive a confirmation from the airline.

Tip 5: Book flights and hotels in advance or at the last minute.

Another way to travel hack is to book flights and hotels in advance or at the last minute. This can help you find the best prices and availability for your travel plans, and also take advantage of opportunities and deals that might arise. Here are some of the ways you can book flights and hotels in advance or at the last minute:

Book flights in advance, preferably 2 to 3 months before your departure date, or even earlier for peak seasons and popular destinations. This can help you find the lowest fares and the most options for your flights, and also avoid price hikes and surcharges. You can use Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, or other websites and apps to compare prices and find the best time to book your flights.
Book hotels in advance, preferably 3 to 4 weeks before your arrival date, or even earlier for peak seasons and popular destinations. This can help you find the best deals and the most options for your hotels, and also avoid price hikes and surcharges. You can use Booking.com, Airbnb, Hotels.com, or other websites and apps to compare prices and find the best time to book your hotels.
Book flights at the last minute, preferably within 24 hours of your departure date, or even within a few hours of your departure time. This can help you find cheap flights and deals that might be available due to cancellations, overbooking, or low demand. You can use Priceline, Hotwire, TravelPirates, or other websites and apps to find last-minute flights and deals.
Book hotels at the last minute, preferably within 24 hours of your arrival date, or even within a few hours of your arrival time. This can help you find cheap hotels and deals that might be available due to cancellations, overbooking, or low demand. You can use Priceline, Hotwire, TravelPirates, or other websites and apps to find last-minute hotels and deals.

Tip 6: Take advantage of stopovers, layovers, and open-jaw tickets.

Another way to travel hack is to take advantage of stopovers, layovers, and open-jaw tickets. These are different ways of booking flights that allow you to visit more than one destination in one trip. Here are the definitions and examples of each term:

A stopover is a break of more than 24 hours in a city or country on your way to your final destination. For example, you can book a flight from New York to Bangkok with a stopover in Tokyo for 3 days. This way, you can visit two cities for the price of one flight.
A layover is a break of less than 24 hours in a city or country on your way to your final destination. For example, you can book a flight from New York to Bangkok with a layover in Tokyo for 6 hours. This way, you can explore a city for a few hours without paying extra for the flight.
An open-jaw ticket is a ticket that allows you to fly into one city or country and fly out of another. For example, you can book a flight from New York to Bangkok, and then book another flight from Phuket to New York. This way, you can travel around a region without having to backtrack to your original destination.

Taking advantage of stopovers, layovers, and open-jaw tickets can help you save money and time, and also discover new and exciting places to visit. Here are some of the ways you can take advantage of them:

Use Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, or other websites and apps to search and compare flights with stopovers, layovers, and open-jaw tickets. You can use the multi-city or open-jaw options to customize your itinerary and find the best deals and routes. You can also use the map or explore features to see the cheapest and most popular destinations to stop over or lay over.
Use AwardHacker, AwardMapper, or other websites and apps to find the best redemption options and deals for your travel rewards points and miles with stopovers, layovers, and open-jaw tickets. You can see how many points or miles you need to book a flight with a stopover or an open-jaw ticket, and which program or partner offers the best value. You can also see the availability, fees, and taxes.
Use Stopover Buddy, Layover Guide, or other websites and apps to find the best things to do and see during your stopovers or layovers. You can get tips, suggestions, and guides for how to make the most of your time in a city or country. You can also find tours, activities, and experiences that suit your interests and budget.
Use Airbnb, Couchsurfing, or other websites and apps to find cheap or free accommodation during your stopovers or layovers. You can find hosts who are willing to let you stay at their place for a night or a few hours, or even show you around their city or country. You can also read reviews, see photos, and get tips from hosts and guests.

Tip 7: Travel during off-peak seasons and avoid holidays and weekends.

Another way to travel hack is to travel during off-peak seasons and avoid holidays and weekends. This can help you find cheaper flights, hotels, and other travel expenses, and also enjoy less crowds and more availability. Here are some of the ways you can travel during off-peak seasons and avoid holidays and weekends:

Use Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, or other websites and apps to see the price trends and the best times to travel to your desired destination. You can use the calendar, chart, or graph features to see the cheapest months, weeks, and days to fly or stay. You can also use the price alert feature to get notified when the prices drop or rise.
Use TravelPirates, Secret Flying, or other websites and apps to find the best deals and offers for off-peak travel. You can find cheap flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, and more for off-season destinations and dates. You can also get travel inspiration, tips, and guides for off-peak travel.
Use Airbnb, Couchsurfing, or other websites and apps to find cheap or free accommodation during off-peak seasons. You can find hosts who are willing to let you stay at their place for a lower price or for free, or even show you around their city or country. You can also read reviews, see photos, and get tips from hosts and guests.
Use Groupon, LivingSocial, or other websites and apps to find cheap or free activities and experiences during off-peak seasons. You can find tours, attractions, events, restaurants, spas, and more for off-season destinations and dates. You can also get discounts, coupons, and vouchers for off-peak activities and experiences.

Tip 8: Use alternative modes of transportation and accommodation.

Another way to travel hack is to use alternative modes of transportation and accommodation. This can help you save money and time, and also have a more authentic and adventurous travel experience. Here are some of the alternative modes of transportation and accommodation that you can use:

Use buses, trains, ferries, or carpooling instead of flights or car rentals. This can help you save money and time, and also enjoy the scenery and the culture along the way. You can use websites and apps such as Busbud, Trainline, Rome2rio, or BlaBlaCar to find and book the best options for your travel plans.
Use hostels, couchsurfing, camping, or house-sitting instead of hotels or apartments. This can help you save money and time, and also meet new people and have a more local and social travel experience. You can use websites and apps such as Hostelworld, Couchsurfing, Campspace, or TrustedHousesitters to find and book the best options for your travel plans.
Use bike-sharing, scooter-sharing, or walking instead of taxis or public transportation. This can help you save money and time, and also have a more fun and healthy travel experience. You can use websites and apps such as Lime, Bird, or Google Maps to find and use the best options for your travel plans.

Tip 9: Leverage your status, referrals, and coupons.

Another way to travel hack is to leverage your status, referrals, and coupons. This can help you get more benefits, discounts, and rewards for your travel plans, and also share the love and value with others. Here are some of the ways you can leverage your status, referrals, and coupons:

Use your student, senior, military, or other status to get discounts and perks for your travel. You can use websites and apps such as StudentUniverse, STA Travel, or ID.me to find and verify your status and get access to exclusive deals and offers for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
Use your credit card, frequent flyer, hotel loyalty, or other status to get benefits and perks for your travel. You can use websites and apps such as AwardWallet, TripIt, or Points.com to track and manage your status and get access to exclusive benefits and perks, such as bonus points, free upgrades, lounge access, and more.
Use your referrals to get rewards and discounts for your travel. You can use websites and apps such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Uber, or Lyft to refer your friends and family and get rewards and discounts for your travel. You can also use websites and apps such as ReferralCandy, InviteReferrals, or Referral Rock to create and manage your own referral programs and get rewards and discounts for your travel.
Use your coupons to get discounts and deals for your travel. You can use websites and apps such as Groupon, LivingSocial, or Honey to find and use coupons and deals for your travel. You can also use websites and apps such as CouponCabin, Rakuten, or Ibotta to get cashback and rewards for your travel.

Tip 10: Be creative and have fun.

The last and most important way to travel hack is to be creative and have fun. Travel hacking is not only about saving money and traveling more, but also about having a more enjoyable and memorable travel experience. Here are some of the ways you can be creative and have fun with your travel hacking:

Use your imagination and curiosity to find new and exciting ways to travel hack. You can use websites and apps such as Atlas Obscura, Culture Trip, or Roadtrippers to find and explore unique and unusual places and experiences. You can also use websites and apps such as Duolingo, Memrise, or Babbel to learn and practice new languages and cultures.
Use your skills and talents to travel hack. You can use websites and apps such as Workaway, HelpX, or Worldpackers to find and exchange work for accommodation and food. You can also use websites and apps such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer to find and offer freelance work and earn money for your travel.
Use your passion and hobbies to travel hack. You can use websites and apps such as Meetup, Couchsurfing, or InterNations to find and join communities and events that match your interests and passions. You can also use websites and apps such as Skillshare, Udemy, or Coursera to find and take courses and classes that match your hobbies and goals.
Use your humor and personality to travel hack. You can use websites and apps such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google Reviews to write and read funny and honest reviews and tips for your travel. You can also use websites and apps such as Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to create and share funny and creative content and stories for your travel.

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