Are you tired of spending a fortune on travel expenses? Do you dream of jet-setting around the world without breaking the bank? If so, then it’s time to learn the art of travel hacking.
Image by JoshuaWoroniecki CC0
What is Travel Hacking?
Travel hacking is taking thriftiness to the next level to get the most out of your travel budget. Think loyalty programs, credit card rewards, deals, promotions, and holiday loopholes. The aim of travel hacking is to save money so you can travel further, for longer, more often – and if you get the upgrades in more style too!
By making the most of these travel hacks you could significantly reduce the cost of travel and accommodation, as well as unlock perks such as free upgrades, lounge access, and exclusive benefits.
Travel Hacks You Need to Know!
1. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs – These programs are offered by airlines, hotels, and other travel companies and allow you to earn points or miles for every purchase or stay. These points can then be redeemed for free or discounted travel, hotel stays, and other rewards.
2. Utilise Credit Card Rewards – Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can be redeemed for free or discounted travel or hotel stays. Additionally, some credit cards offer bonus points for travel-related purchases, making it easier to accumulate points for your next trip.
3. Get a Supermarket Loyalty Card – The points can be used with third party reward partners and are often worth more than the points themselves. Tesco Clubcard for example usually doubles the value of the points and has partners such as:
- APH Airport parking
- Le Shuttle
- Royal Caribbean International Cruises
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- com
- Cosmos Travel Tours
- Cunard Cruises
- Eurocamp
- Intrepid Travel
- P&O Cruises & Ferries
- Stena Line
4. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates – Flights, ferries, trains and accommodation are often cheaper during off-peak seasons or mid-week. By being open to different travel dates, you can take advantage of lower prices and save money on your trip.
5. Go Incognito when Searching for Flights – Did you know that airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your search history and increase prices accordingly? To avoid this, use incognito mode when searching for flights. This will prevent websites from tracking your search history and potentially save you money on your flight.
6. Think Beyond Staying in a Hotel – Alternative accommodation such as Airbnb, hostels, house-sitting or couch-surfing can help save money on your trip and also provide a more authentic and unique travel experience.
7. Travel Hacking Apps and Blogs – Hopper, Skyscanner, and Kayak are just a few examples of apps that can help you find cheap flights and accommodation. As for travel hacking bloggers take a peek at Nomadic Matt for inspiration!
8. Credit Card Comparison Websites – Rewards on some cards stack up better than others for travel rewards, check out moneysupermarket.com for latest deal information. You can also compare bank account travel perks on there too.
9. Travel Insurance – The Ultimate Travel Hack! – Having the right travel insurance and car hire excess insurance can save you so much money in the long run! Whether it is replacing a lost or stolen passport, covering the cost of a missed or delayed flight or even the cost of medical expenses overseas or repatriation – travel insurance easily pays for itself.
Travel hacking takes time and effort. Getting Travel Insurance Doesn’t!
It’s important to be patient and persistent in your pursuit of travel deals and rewards. You must keep an eye out for promotions and be ready to act quickly when you find a good deal. But getting the right travel insurance takes just one click – head on over to worldwideinsure.com and get your quote today!