In 2022 I had my best budget travel hacking year to date. My husband and I traveled for 96 days and spent just $12,460 over the course of the year. That's just $123 a day (for two) to see the world!
Budget travel hacking is a bit different than your traditional travel hacking methods because you are finding all ways to save money on travel - not just points and miles.
What is Budget Travel Hacking?
Travel rewards credit cards are a huge part of traveling the world for a lot less. However, most of us regular travelers don't feel we have the time to research and apply for credit cards regularly, keep track of and maximize the points and miles earned, spend those points and miles wisely, and close the card when the annual fee is due and still make it out the door for work in the morning.
And I totally get it. This hobby mainly attracts privileged dudes dead set on telling you if you're not earning at least 1,000,000 points and miles a year you're doing it wrong. And, unfortunately, they tend to be the loudest voices in the community.
Be sure to check out: What is travel hacking and why should you be doing it?
For me, budget travel hacking goes beyond credit cards. It means that you understand that credit cards are a valuable tool in budget travel. And you use travel credit cards to max out your options so you can spend on bigger and better things. You sign-up for a couple of cards a year for some bonuses but most of the time you just maximize your earnings with a couple guiding principles.
Budget travel hacking is utilizing all travel hacking methods. It's points and miles credit cards but it's also finding cheap airfare, maximizing rewards earned, learning basic stacking methods, watching for promotions, and utilizing every avenue available to save money. It doesn't always mean free trips, but it's certainly always a fraction of the cost.
Card Hacking
When I started seriously card hacking it was very intimidating and overwhelming. But I promise once you learn some basic principles, card hacking is one of the simplest ways to earn free travel.
Opening two credit cards annually can almost always earn you a highly discounted or even free trip abroad. Most airline cards will be enough to earn you a free economy flight to Europe, or sometimes even Asia. And many hotel card sign-up bonuses will earn enough points for at least 5 free nights, depending on the accommodations.
Before you start opening credit cards and earning those free trips, it's important to first check your credit score at creditkarma.com and ensure it's at least 700. If it is lower than 700, you first need to work on building your credit score. A 750 or higher credit score will almost always ensure approval for all travel credit cards.
Jade