How Travel Hacking became my favorite hobby!
We have always loved to travel. My daughter grew up in Hiltons, Marriotts and airports. She has already been to 27 countries and 37 states. We love to experience new places, cultures and foods. Travel is mind opening!
Over the years we have had a few co- branded hotel and airline credit cards. We were thrilled to get a free night stay somewhere or a free airline ticket once or twice year. But then I came across an article during the pandemic about travel hacking. At first, it seemed to good to be true….free travel- like all the time? I’m skeptical right? Also, when we were first married, Babes and I got into some hefty credit card debt so we stopped using them and tried to stick with cash or debit cards…. (I cringe now thinking of all the points we missed out on!) But free travel, an improved credit score and elite travel benefits had me turning the page and ultimately has changed our life.
What is travel hacking?
Basically, we take advantage of all the benefits and bonuses that credit cards offer. These include lounge access, huge points bonuses, airline fee credits, credits to Clear, TSA pre check and Global entry, elite status with hotels, airlines and so much more! We will focus in on points bonuses in this blog.
So to begin, just sign up for a credit card that offers a bonus in points once you spend a minimum amount. You use your new card for everyday spending….groceries,gas,utilities dining…etc.etc. Make sure to pay your statement balance in full each month or then you will be charged interest. Once you hit your minimum spend and receive your points- You then use those points to book free travel. Points could be used for Airfare or hotel or even tours/ excursions.
What credit card is a good starter card for travel hacking?
We love the Chase sapphire card. Right now, Chase offers : Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Those 60,000 points could get you a round trip ticket to Europe or several free hotel nights or a couple of round trip domestic flights. So many options! This card does have an annual fee of $95 but you are getting a huge return….at least $600 in travel or more! For more information, I absolutely love the app TravelFreely. It has the latest credit card offers and keeps track of all your cards and bonuses earned.
Since we started this journey in June 2021 we have been to Europe (a few times), Costa Rica, Hawai’i and several domestic trips all for nearly FREE! Our main out of pocket is food. In addition, my credit score has gone from 650 to now in the low 800’s and Babes’ score is even higher. We also enjoy free lounge access in airports and have elite status with several hotel brands. We feel like high rollers when we travel, when in reality…we are just a little one-income family from Oklahoma! Now….see why travel hacking is my new favorite hobby?
Trail behind the Grand Hyatt Vail
