Travel Hacking 101: How To Score Cheap Flights and Free Travel

Picture yourself jetting off to an exotic destination without spending a cent on airfare or hotel stays. This isn't a far-fetched dream—it's the reality for savvy travel hackers.

As travel hacking becomes more popular, more and more people are figuring out how to use credit card rewards and loyalty programs to make their travel dreams come true. By strategically earning and redeeming points, you can slash your travel expenses and make those bucket list trips more attainable than ever.

In our travel hacking guide, you’ll learn the basics and get actionable tips to start travel hacking today.

You’ll learn the techniques and tools you need to quickly and easily build up your travel points and rewards so that you can go on your dream vacations sooner than you ever thought possible.

What is Travel Hacking?

Travel hacking is a smart way to save money on trips by using loyalty programs, credit card rewards, and other financial perks. 

By collecting points and miles from airlines, hotels, and credit card companies, you can get free or discounted travel. This might mean free flights, hotel stays, or even upgrades, all without the usual high costs of traveling.

While it might sound complicated, travel hacking is actually legal and pretty simple. It works within the rules set by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies, which offer these rewards to keep customers coming back. 

Travel hacking is a legitimate way to reduce travel expenses, as long as you follow the terms and conditions of the programs you use.

The Benefits of Travel Hacking

Travel hacking can make your trips more affordable and enjoyable. Let’s look at why you might want to spend your time learning how to travel hack!

Cost Savings

• Significant savings: Use loyalty programs and credit card rewards for free or heavily discounted airfare and accommodations.

• Budget flexibility: Reduce your trip costs and free up money for dining, excursions, and cultural activities at your destination.

• Long-term benefits: For frequent travelers, these savings can quickly add up, sustaining a jet-setting lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Enjoyment and Accessibility

• Fun challenge: Turn travel planning into an enjoyable and rewarding experience by hunting for the best deals and optimizing rewards.

• Sense of achievement: Master the intricacies of travel hacking and feel the satisfaction of outsmarting the system.

• Low entry barrier: Travel hacking is accessible to anyone with a credit card and a willingness to learn. Many online resources are available to help you earn and use reward points.

• Democratizing travel: Makes exploring the world possible for more people, opening up experiences that might previously have seemed out of reach.

Set Your Travel Hacking Goals

Setting clear travel hacking goals is key to getting the most out of loyalty programs and credit card rewards. When you know what you want to achieve, you can better direct your efforts.

• What to Consider: Think about factors like your home airport, the airlines you prefer, and any perks you’re aiming for, like elite status. These details will help you pick the best programs and credit cards to join.

• Make Strategic Choices: If you often fly from an airport where one airline is dominant, it makes sense to focus on that airline’s loyalty program. If you’d like perks like lounge access or priority boarding, aim for an elite status that offers these benefits.

Examples: Your goals might include saving miles for an international trip, gathering points for a family vacation, or earning enough rewards for a business-class flight to Europe. You could also aim to use points to cover a week-long stay at a luxury resort.

What Are Loyalty Programs?

Loyalty programs have been a key part of customer retention strategies for decades, with airlines leading the way in the early 1980s. 

Originally, these programs were created to reward frequent travelers with points that could be used for free flights and upgrades. Over the years, loyalty programs have expanded to include hotels, car rental companies, and even credit card issuers, offering a wide range of benefits to members. 

Travel hacking taps into these programs by strategically earning and redeeming points to get the most out of travel rewards.

Most loyalty program points are earned through smart spending rather than frequent flying or hotel stays. People can quickly rack up points by using credit cards linked to loyalty programs for everyday purchases. 

This strategy allows travelers to earn rewards without constantly being on the go, making travel hacking accessible to more people.  

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Choose the Right Credit Card For You

Choosing the right credit card will help you increase your travel hacking savings. To make the best choice, consider these key factors: earning potential, rewards, elite status benefits, and annual fees.

Earning Potential and Rewards: Look for a card that offers high earning rates, especially on travel and dining expenses. Cards with generous rewards programs can help you accumulate points quickly, boosting your ability to redeem them for valuable travel perks.

Elite Status Benefits: Some credit cards offer perks like airport lounge access, priority boarding, or even hotel elite status. These benefits can make your trip more comfortable and convenient.

Annual Fees: Weigh the card's benefits against its annual fee. While some cards have high fees, the rewards and perks they offer can more than make up for the cost—if you use them frequently.

Popular Choices: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum are top picks among travel hackers for good reason. They offer substantial signup bonuses, strong point-earning rates, and a wide range of travel perks, making them excellent options for frequent travelers.

International Travel Considerations: If you travel internationally, a card with no foreign transaction fees is a must. This feature can save you a lot on purchases made abroad, helping you make the most of your travel budget.

Start with a Low Minimum Spend Requirement: Begin your travel hacking journey by applying for a credit card with a low minimum spend requirement and a generous welcome bonus. This allows you to earn lots of loyalty points without stretching your budget.

0% Introductory APR: Consider using a credit card with a 0% introductory APR (annual percentage rate) to avoid interest charges while you pay off your balance. This feature can be especially beneficial if you plan to make large purchases to meet the minimum spend requirement for a welcome bonus.

Earning Points and Miles

Earning points and miles efficiently is key to successful travel hacking. By focusing on strategic spending and taking advantage of point opportunities, you can increase your rewards balance.

Everyday Spending

• Use rewards credit cards for all your regular expenses: Make it a habit to use your rewards credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, dining, gas, and utility bills. This allows you to earn points on money you’re already spending.

• Accumulate points without changing your spending habits: By using your rewards card for normal expenses, you’re not spending extra money just to earn points. This is a passive yet effective way to build up your rewards balance over time.

• Look for credit cards that offer bonus points in specific categories: Many cards offer extra points for specific types of purchases. For example, some might offer 3x points on dining or 2x points on travel. Identifying these categories can give you more points over time.

• Align your spending with these bonus categories to increase your earnings: Once you know which categories earn bonus points, use that card for those purchases. This strategy can quickly increase your credit card points.

• Always pay off your balance in full each month: Interest charges can quickly negate the value of any points you earn. To keep your rewards truly rewarding, make sure to pay your full balance every month.

Increase Your Sign-up Bonus

• Apply for new credit cards that offer generous welcome bonuses: Many cards offer large point bonuses for new cardholders, often worth hundreds of dollars in travel value. These bonuses are one of the fastest ways to accumulate points.

• Carefully read and meet the minimum spend requirements within the specified timeframe: Welcome bonuses usually require you to spend a certain amount within the initial few months. Make sure you understand these requirements and can meet them comfortably.

• Plan your credit card applications strategically: Time your applications with periods when you know you’ll have large expenses, like during holiday shopping or a big event. This helps you meet spending requirements without overspending.

• Avoid overspending just to meet bonus requirements: Make sure to meet the minimum spend, but don’t buy things you don’t need just to get the bonus. Stick to your usual budget as much as possible.

• Make sure the card’s benefits align with your travel goals before applying: Beyond the welcome bonus, consider if the card’s ongoing rewards and perks match your travel style. For example, if you prefer staying at hotels, a hotel-branded card might be more valuable than an airline card.

Alternative Earning Methods

• Use online shopping portals to earn extra points on purchases: Many airlines and credit card companies have online shopping portals that offer bonus points when you shop through their links. Always check these portals before making online purchases.

• Participate in dining rewards programs to earn points when eating out: Sign up for dining programs offered by airlines or credit card issuers. When you dine at participating restaurants and pay with your registered card, you’ll earn extra points automatically.

• Complete surveys to earn additional points: Some loyalty programs offer points for filling out surveys. While the earnings are usually small, it’s an easy way to top up your balance or keep your points from expiring.

• Participate in promotional activities offered by loyalty programs: Look for special promotions, such as bonus miles for certain activities or purchases. These promotions can quickly increase your frequent flyer miles.

• Reach your travel goals more quickly by diversifying your earning strategies: By combining credit card spending with shopping portals, dining programs, and other earning methods, you can accelerate your progress towards your next free trip.

As an example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a high rewards rate, extensive travel perks, and valuable credits that can offset its $395 annual fee (including an annual $300 travel credit)

It provides 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, with higher rates for travel booked through Capital One, as well as airport lounge access and flexible redemption options.

While the card's value is closely tied to using Capital One's travel portal, it offers a simpler and more accessible premium travel card experience compared to some competitors

Maximize Your Rewards Points

Maximizing your rewards is key to getting the most out of your travel hacking efforts. If you want to travel hack well, you should learn how to use smart booking strategies and understand how to make the most of point transfers.

Booking Strategies

Tip: Have flexible flight date ranges? Use Google Flights to find cheaper prices (in green) based on the date selection.

• Travel during off-peak seasons: Plan your trips when demand is lower, which often requires fewer points for bookings. This approach can help you stretch your rewards further and enjoy less crowded destinations.

• Consider less popular routes or destinations: Traveling to less-frequented places or choosing alternative routes can save you a lot of points. Plus, it might lead to discovering hidden gems that aren’t on the typical tourist radar.

• Book as early as possible: Award availability is often limited, especially for popular destinations. Booking early increases your chances of securing the flights or hotels you want with your points.

• Be flexible with your travel dates: Shifting your travel dates by just a few days can lead to better deals or more availability. Use flexible date search tools when booking to find the best options.

• Consider alternative airports: Flying into or out of nearby airports can sometimes require fewer points, particularly for popular destinations with multiple airport options. This can be a great way to save points and avoid the busiest airports.

• Mix and match airlines or hotel chains: Don’t restrict yourself to just one airline or hotel chain. Combining different loyalty programs can often yield better value, allowing you to get the most out of your points.

Point Transfers

• Understand partner programs: Get to know your credit card’s transfer partners. Many rewards programs allow you to transfer points to other airline and hotel loyalty programs, which can offer greater value for your points.

• Look for transfer promotions: Look for limited-time promotions that offer bonus points when transferring to specific partners. These promotions can help increase the value of your points.

• Compare point values before transferring: Always check the value of your points in both the original program and the transfer partner to make sure you're getting the best deal.

• Use transfers to top-up accounts: If you're close to having enough points for a specific redemption, transferring points can help you reach your goal faster. This is especially useful when you're just a few points short of a big reward.

• Consider the transfer time: Some point transfers are instant, while others can take days. Plan accordingly, especially for time-sensitive bookings, to avoid missing out on your desired reward.

• Find ‘sweet spots’ in partner programs: Some loyalty programs offer exceptional value for certain routes or types of redemptions. Learning about these "sweet spots" can help you get the most bang for your points.

• Diversify your points portfolio: Having points in multiple programs gives you more flexibility and opportunities to earn more reward points through strategic transfers. 

Popular Travel Hacking Strategies

To get the most out of travel hacking, use strategies that match your spending habits and travel goals. Here are two effective approaches: the Tortoise vs. Hare strategy and leveraging rotating category bonuses.

Tortoise vs. Hare Approach

• Understand the two main strategies: The "Tortoise" approach focuses on gradual point accumulation over time, while the "Hare" approach aims for rapid points acquisition through credit card signup bonuses.

• Consider the "Tortoise" strategy for steady growth. This strategy involves consistently using a rewards card for everyday purchases. You build up points slowly and steadily without changing your spending habits.

• Try out the "Hare" strategy for quick gains: This approach focuses on rapidly collecting points through credit card signup bonuses. It requires meeting the minimum spend requirements on new cards, allowing you to accumulate a large number of points in a short time.

• Choose based on your financial situation: Consider factors like your credit score, ability to manage multiple credit cards, and comfort with applying for new credit. The "Tortoise" strategy is lower risk, while the "Hare" strategy can yield quick rewards but requires careful financial management.

• Align with your travel objectives: If you need points quickly for an upcoming trip, the "Hare" approach might be best. If you’re planning for long-term, consistent travel, the "Tortoise" strategy could be more suitable.

• Consider combining strategies for the best results: Many travelers use a hybrid approach, combining steady point accumulation with the occasional boost from signup bonuses. This can help you balance consistent earnings with rapid points gains when needed.

Rotating Category Bonuses

Tip: Chase Freedom uses a category rotation for perks

• Understand rotating category bonuses: Some credit cards offer extra points in specific spending categories that change each quarter. These categories might include things like groceries, gas, dining, or online shopping.

• Keep track of current bonus categories: Stay informed by regularly checking your credit card's app or website. Mark your calendar with category changes to make sure you're using the right card at the right time.

• Plan your spending around bonus categories: If you know a certain category will earn extra points, time your large purchases to coincide with that period. 

• Use multiple cards strategically: Different cards often have different rotating point categories. By using the right card for each purchase, you can maximize the points you earn across different spending categories.

• Don't overspend to earn points: Focus on purchases you would make anyway. Avoid buying unnecessary items just to earn bonus points, as this can lead to overspending and debt.

• Remember to activate bonus categories: Some cards require you to manually activate bonus categories each quarter. Set reminders for yourself so you don’t miss out on these valuable extra points from your credit card company.

• Combine with other strategies for better results: Use rotating category bonuses alongside your chosen Tortoise or Hare approach. This combination can help you reach your travel goals faster.

Advanced Travel Hacking Techniques

To take your travel hacking skills to the next level, look into stop-overs, open jaw flights, and find loyalty program sweet spots. These will help you get more out of your points.

Stopovers and Open Jaws

• Stopovers: A stopover allows you to stay in a city for more than 24 hours on your way to your final destination, basically adding another trip leg at no extra cost in miles. For example, with United's Excursionist Perk, you could fly from New York to London, enjoy a stopover for a few days, and then continue to Rome—all for the same number of miles as a regular round-trip ticket. This technique lets you visit an additional city without using extra points.

• Open Jaws: An open jaw itinerary allows you to fly into one city and depart from another. For instance, you could fly into Paris and return from Rome, skipping the need to return to your original arrival city. This flexibility can save you time and money, as it avoids the extra travel and potential costs of backtracking to your initial city. Open jaws are particularly useful for exploring multiple destinations in one trip.

Sweet Spots

• Understanding Sweet Spots: Sweet spots are specific routes or redemption options within loyalty programs that offer exceptional value for your points. For example, Aeroplan allows you to add stopovers for just 5,000 points. Knowing this can help you book complex itineraries that use your points in the best way possible. Finding sweet spots often requires deep knowledge of award charts and transfer partners within your loyalty programs.

• Maximizing Value: To find sweet spots, get to know the award charts of different airlines and hotel programs. Some programs offer amazing value on certain routes, classes, or destinations. For example, using British Airways Avios for short haul flights within Europe or Asia can be a great value compared to cash fares. On the rare occasion you can even find accidental errors in travel fares which offer immense value.

Travel Insurance Benefits

• Built-in Travel Insurance: Many premium credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred, offer built-in travel insurance benefits. These can include coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, and lost or delayed baggage. Such benefits provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected travel disruptions.

• Choosing the Right Card: When you’re choosing a credit card, make sure that its travel insurance benefits align with your travel habits. For example, if you frequently travel internationally, a card that offers robust coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation might be valuable for you. Understanding the specifics of your card's travel insurance can save you money on separate travel insurance policies and may protect you from costly travel mishaps.

Managing Your Credit Score

To travel hack well, you’ll want to manage your credit score well. Effectively managing your credit score is crucial for successful travel hacking, as it directly impacts your ability to qualify for the best rewards credit cards. Here are some key practices to help you maintain a strong credit score and keep your financial health on track.

Managing your credit score is key to successful travel hacking. A strong credit score helps you qualify for the best rewards credit cards. Here are some ways to keep your score high and your finances healthy.

Maintain Good Credit

• Pay Your Bills on Time: Timely payments are the biggest factor in your credit score, making up about 35% of the total calculation. To keep your score healthy, always pay your bills on time. Late payments can lower your credit score and make it harder to qualify for new credit cards.

• Avoid Carrying Balances: Try not to carry a balance on your credit cards. Paying off your balance in full each month helps you avoid interest charges and keeps your credit utilization low. Credit utilization—the amount of credit you're using compared to your credit limit—accounts for about 30% of your credit score. Aim to keep your utilization below 30% to maintain a healthy credit profile.

• Keep Credit Utilization Low: If possible, keep your credit card balances low relative to your total credit limit. This practice helps maintain a strong credit utilization ratio, which helps to give you a good credit score. For example, if your credit limit is $10,000, try to keep your balance below $3,000.

Monitor Your Credit Score

• Regularly Check Your Credit Score: Monitoring your credit score regularly helps you stay on top of your financial health. It also allows you to catch any potential errors or signs of fraudulent activity early. Many credit card companies and financial institutions offer free credit score monitoring services, making it easy to track your score.

• Review Your Credit Reports: You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com. Review these reports to check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Look for any discrepancies or unfamiliar accounts that could indicate identity theft.

• Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any errors or suspicious activity on your credit report, address them immediately. Disputing incorrect information and resolving issues quickly can prevent long-term damage to your credit score.

By following these practices, you can maintain a strong credit score, which will help you qualify for the best travel rewards credit cards. A high credit score not only opens up more opportunities for earning points and miles but also helps you secure favorable interest rates and terms on loans and other financial products.

Stay Up-to-Date with Travel Hacking

To stay on top of the latest travel hacking strategies and deals, use a range of resources and take advantage of learning opportunities. By engaging with expert content and joining communities, you can sharpen your skills and make the most of your travel rewards.

Resources

• Travel Hacking Blogs and Websites: Keeping up with travel hacking blogs and websites is a great way to learn new tips and tricks. Websites like One Mile at a Time, The Flight Deal, and Nomadic Matt regularly share insights on how to find credit card bonuses, cheap flights, and free hotel stays. 

• Online Communities: Joining online communities such as the Travel Hacks subreddit can be incredibly beneficial. These platforms offer real-time advice and shared experiences from fellow travel hackers. You’ll find discussions on the latest promotions, strategies, and travel deals, helping you stay informed and ahead in the travel hacking game. 

Learning Opportunities

• Conferences and Workshops: Attending conferences and workshops is an effective way to gain expert insights and network with other travel enthusiasts. Events like the Women’s Travel Fest and The Travel Summit feature sessions led by travel hacking experts, covering a wide range of topics from booking free trips to maximizing your travel points. These events provide both educational value and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for travel hacking.

• Networking and Knowledge Exchange: Conferences and workshops not only offer expert-led sessions but also provide opportunities to network with other travelers. By exchanging knowledge and experiences, you can learn about new techniques and strategies that you might not have considered. 

Common Travel Hacking Mistakes

Travel hacking can be incredibly rewarding, but try to avoid these common mistakes that can derail your efforts. 

1. Applying for Too Many Credit Cards at Once

• The Issue: Applying for multiple credit cards in a short period leads to several hard inquiries on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score.

• Avoidance Strategy: Space out your credit card applications. Aim to wait at least three to six months between applications to maintain a healthy credit profile and avoid unnecessary damage to your score.

2. Overspending to Meet Minimum Spend Requirements

• The Issue: Overspending just to hit the minimum spend requirements for signup bonuses can lead to unnecessary debt, negating the benefits of the rewards.

• Avoidance Strategy: Plan your spending carefully. Only apply for new cards when you know you have upcoming expenses that will help you meet the minimum spend without going over your budget. Avoid buying things you don’t need just to meet these requirements.

3. Forgetting to Cancel or Downgrade Credit Cards Before Annual Fees

• The Issue: Forgetting to cancel or downgrade a credit card before the annual fee is charged can result in paying for a card that no longer benefits you.

• Avoidance Strategy: Regularly review your credit cards to determine if they still align with your travel goals. If a card’s benefits no longer justify the fee, consider canceling or downgrading it to a no-fee version before the annual fee hits. Set reminders in your calendar for when annual fees are due.

4. Neglecting Point Expiration Dates and Program Rules

• The Issue: Ignoring the expiration dates of your points or failing to understand program rules can lead to losing valuable rewards.

• Avoidance Strategy: Keep track of the expiration dates for all your points and miles. Many programs allow you to extend the life of your points by making a small purchase or earning additional points. Understanding program rules also ensures you don’t miss out on opportunities or violate terms that could cost you points.

5. Not Keeping Track of Rewards Programs and Credit Card Benefits

• The Issue: Failing to stay organized with your rewards programs and credit card benefits can lead to missed opportunities, such as not using perks like free hotel nights, lounge access, or travel credits.

• Avoidance Strategy: Regularly review all your rewards programs and credit card benefits. Consider using a spreadsheet, app, or other tools to track your points, miles, and benefits. This will help you earn more points and stay on top of any perks you might be entitled to. 

Join the Travel Hacking Revolution

Join the growing community of savvy travelers who are using travel hacking to help them pay for exciting adventures around the world. With just a little effort and the right strategies, you can earn free or discounted travel, making those dream destinations more accessible than ever. 

Your next adventure is just a few points away, so pack your bags and be ready to see the world!