Introduction

Travelling is a great way to experience new cultures, meet new people, and see different parts of the world. However, travelling can also be expensive, which is why many people look for ways to save money while on the road. That’s where travel hacking comes in. Travel hacking involves using various tips and tricks to save money on flights, accommodations, and other travel expenses. In this article, we’ll share 50 travel hacking tips to help you travel smarter and cheaper.

1. Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs

These programs offer rewards points for each flight or hotel stay that can be redeemed for free travel or upgrades.

2. Use a travel rewards credit card

Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses and rewards points for spending, which can be used for free travel or other perks.

3. Research flight prices before booking

Use comparison websites such as Kayak or Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.

4. Book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays

These are usually the cheapest days to book flights.

5. Book flights during off-peak times

Flying during unpopular times such as early mornings or late nights can often be cheaper.

6. Use reward points to upgrade your flight class

Some loyalty programs allow you to use your rewards points to upgrade your seat to business or first class.

7. Check for flight deals on social media

Many airlines and travel companies offer exclusive deals on their social media pages.

8. Book your hotel stay directly with the hotel

Booking directly with the hotel can often result in lower prices and better room options.

9. Use hotel rewards points to upgrade your room 

Similar to flight rewards, hotel loyalty programs often allow you to use your points to upgrade your room.

10. Take advantage of credit card concierge service 

Many travel rewards credit cards offer complimentary concierge services that can help you with travel bookings and reservations.

11. Use travel deal websites

 Websites such as Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounted travel deals.

12. Use public transportation instead of taxis

Using public transportation such as buses and trains can be a cheaper and more authentic way to travel.

13. Book activities in advance

Booking activities such as tours or tickets to attractions in advance can often result in lower prices.

14. Use Airbnb instead of hotels

Airbnb can often be a cheaper and more authentic accommodation option.

15. Use a VPN to book flights and hotels

Using a VPN can sometimes result in lower prices as websites may offer different prices based on location.

16. Fly with budget airlines

Budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet can offer significantly cheaper flights than major airlines.

17. Take advantage of stopovers

Many airlines offer free or low-cost stopovers, which can allow you to visit an extra destination.

18. Use discount codes

Many travel companies offer discount codes that can be applied to bookings.

19. Join Facebook travel groups

Facebook groups focused on travel can offer insider tips and recommendations.

20. Check for student or senior discounts

Many airlines and travel companies offer discounts for students and seniors.

21. Take advantage of credit card travel insurance

Many travel rewards credit cards offer travel insurance that can cover things such as flight cancellations and lost baggage.

22. Book travel packages

Travel packages that include flights, accommodation, and activities can often be cheaper than booking separately.

23. Use credit card points to rent a car

Some credit cards offer rewards points that can be used to rent a car.

24. Use a travel rewards aggregator

Aggregators such as Points.com allow you to consolidate and manage your rewards points across multiple programs.

25. Take advantage of last-minute deals

Many travel companies offer last-minute deals on flights and accommodations.

26. Use discount hotel booking websites

Websites such as Expedia and Hotels.com offer discounted hotel bookings.

27. Use travel rewards points 

One of the most common and popular ways to use travel rewards points is to book flights. Many travel rewards programs offer the option to redeem points for flights, either through the program’s own booking portal or by transferring points to partner airlines. 

28. Use travel rewards points to book rental cars

Many travel rewards programs allow you to redeem points for rental car bookings.

29. Use credit card points to book cruises

Some credit cards offer rewards points that can be used to book cruises.

30. Use credit card points to purchase travel gift cards

Some credit card rewards programs allow you to use your points to purchase travel gift cards, which can be used for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

31. Book flights with a layover

Booking flights with a layover can sometimes be cheaper than booking a direct flight.

32. Book flights with multiple airlines 

Booking flights with multiple airlines can sometimes be cheaper than booking with one airline.

33. Use a travel rewards app

Many travel rewards programs offer mobile apps that allow you to manage your rewards points and book travel on-the-go.

34. Take advantage of credit card dining rewards

Some travel rewards credit cards offer rewards points for dining at certain restaurants.

35. Use credit card rewards points for travel-related purchases

Many travel rewards credit cards allow you to redeem your rewards points for travel-related purchases such as luggage, travel gear, and travel insurance.

36. Use cashback apps

Cashback apps such as Rakuten and Ibotta offer cashback on travel purchases.

37. Book non-refundable hotel rooms

Non-refundable hotel rooms can often be significantly cheaper than refundable ones.

38. Use credit card rewards points to book vacation rentals

Some credit cards offer rewards points that can be used to book vacation rentals through websites such as HomeAway and VRBO.

39. Take advantage of credit card airport lounge access

Some travel rewards credit cards offer complimentary access to airport lounges.

40. Use hotel rewards points to book hotel experiences

Many hotel loyalty programs allow you to use your rewards points to book experiences such as spa treatments and restaurant reservations.

41. Book travel during shoulder season

Shoulder season is the period between peak and off-peak travel times, and can often offer lower prices and fewer crowds.

42. Take advantage of credit card travel statement credits 

Some travel rewards credit cards offer statement credits that can be applied to travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.

43. Use travel rewards points to book travel packages

Many travel rewards programs offer packages that include flights, accommodations, and activities.

44. Use travel rewards points to book flights for friends and family

Many travel rewards programs allow you to use your rewards points to book flights for others.

45. Use a travel rewards shopping portal

Some travel rewards programs offer shopping portals that allow you to earn rewards points for online purchases.

46. Use credit card rewards points for airport parking 

Some credit cards offer rewards points that can be used for airport parking.

47. Take advantage of free hotel amenities

Many hotels offer free amenities such as breakfast, Wi-Fi, and airport shuttle services.

48. Book refundable flights during uncertain times

During uncertain times such as a pandemic, booking refundable flights can provide peace of mind and flexibility.

49. Use credit card rewards points for travel-related subscriptions

Some credit card rewards programs allow you to use your points to pay for travel-related subscriptions such as Netflix and Spotify.

50. Use a travel agent

A travel agent can provide insider knowledge and access to exclusive deals and packages.

Conclusion

In today’s world, travelling has become more accessible than ever before. With a little bit of research and some travel hacking tips, you can save money and make the most of your travel experience. Whether you’re looking to save money on flights, accommodations, or activities, there are many strategies you can use to travel on a budget. By being flexible, taking advantage of rewards programs, and staying open to new experiences, you can make the most of your travels without breaking the bank. So start planning your next adventure today and use these travel hacking tips to make the most of your trip!