The Secret to Free Travel: A Beginner's Guide to Travel Hacking

Ever wonder how some people seem to be constantly jet-setting without breaking the bank? The answer isn't a secret inheritance or a lottery win; it's a practice known as travel hacking. It's the art of strategically earning and redeeming airline miles, hotel points, and credit card rewards to travel for a fraction of the cost—or even for free.

Don't be intimidated by the name. At its core, travel hacking is all about being smart with the money you're already spending. This guide will get you started with the basics, from choosing the right credit card to maximizing every dollar you spend.

Step 1: Get the Right Travel Credit Card

The single most effective tool in any travel hacker's arsenal is a good travel credit card. The key is to find a card that offers a significant welcome bonus and rewards you for the type of spending you do most.

Choosing Your Card

• Look for a Big Welcome Bonus: The fastest way to accumulate a lot of points is through a welcome bonus. Many cards offer 50,000 to 100,000 points or miles if you spend a certain amount in the first three months. That can be enough for a round-trip flight or several nights in a hotel.

• Consider a Flexible Points System: Cards with flexible points (like RBC Avion or American Express Membership Rewards) are often the best for beginners. These points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners, giving you more options and better value than a card tied to a single airline.

• Check the Benefits and Annual Fee: A card with an annual fee isn't always a bad thing. Often, the value of the perks—such as free checked bags, airport lounge access, or annual travel credits—far outweighs the cost. Do the math to see if the benefits make sense for your travel habits.

Quick Tip: Never carry a balance on a travel credit card. The interest you pay will quickly cancel out the value of any points you earn. Only charge what you can pay off in full each month.

Step 2: Maximize Your Daily Spending

Once you have a travel card, you need to use it effectively. Think of your card as a tool to turn your everyday expenses into travel rewards.

• Pay for Everything with Your Card: Use your travel card for groceries, gas, utilities, and dining out. If you're disciplined about paying off the balance, you'll accumulate points on money you were going to spend anyway.

• Leverage Bonus Categories: Many cards offer bonus points on specific categories, like 3x points on dining or 2x points on travel. Be mindful of these categories and use the right card for the right purchase.

• Use Online Shopping Portals: Before you make an online purchase, check to see if your card's rewards program has a shopping portal. By clicking through their link, you can earn extra points per dollar spent at hundreds of retailers.

Step 3: Understand Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs

Beyond credit cards, loyalty programs are the foundation of travel hacking. Sign up for the programs of the airlines you fly and the hotels you stay at, even if you don't travel often.

• Earn with Partners: Many airlines and hotels have partnerships. For example, you can earn miles with a Star Alliance airline on a flight operated by another partner airline. This allows you to consolidate your points even when you're not loyal to a single carrier.

• Transfer Points Strategically: When it comes time to book, research your options. A flight that costs 50,000 miles through one airline might only cost 30,000 miles if you transfer your flexible points to one of its partners. This is where the real "hacking" happens—finding the best redemption value.

• Take Advantage of Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions that offer bonus points for booking a certain number of nights or flying a specific route. Sign up for newsletters to stay in the loop.

Step 4: Redeem Your Rewards for Maximum Value

Earning points is only half the battle. Redeeming them for the best value is what turns an ordinary trip into a legendary one.

• Go for Business Class Flights: While you can use points for economy flights, the real sweet spot for many travel hackers is flying business or first class. A round-trip business class flight to Europe that would cost thousands of dollars can often be booked for the same number of points as a few short economy flights.

• Consider "Sweet Spot" Redemptions: Every loyalty program has "sweet spots," or redemptions that offer exceptional value. A common one is using a fixed number of points to book short-haul flights that might otherwise be expensive. Research these for your programs before you book.

• Book Your Flights Early: Award seats on flights are limited, and they often become available several months in advance. The more flexible you can be with your dates, the better your chances of snagging a great deal.

Travel hacking is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes some planning and research, but with a little effort, you can turn your everyday spending into incredible travel experiences. Now, where will your points take you next?

Reach out to me at brianne.lamie@fora.travel and let's start planning your next buzz worthy vacation!