Let's Get Travelling: Travel Hacking Basics for Beginners

"Travel hacking" became a popular term in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when bloggers and authors, including writer Chris Guillebeau, shared ways to travel widely for much less money by making clever use of airline miles, hotel points and loyalty programmes. Subscription newsletters sprang up to alert members to deals. This page originally pointed readers to one of those services.

Programmes and rules change constantly, so here's a plain, evergreen introduction to the basics, including the risks.

This is general information, not financial advice. Rewards programmes vary by country.

What is travel hacking?

Travel hacking means using loyalty programmes, rewards and deals to reduce the cost of travel. Common methods include:

Airline frequent flyer programmes: earning miles by flying or through partners, then redeeming them for flights or upgrades.
Hotel loyalty programmes: earning points for stays and redeeming them for free nights.
Credit card rewards: earning points or miles on spending, sometimes with large sign-up bonuses.
Shopping portals and partners: earning extra points through partner retailers.
Fare deals and error fares: spotting unusually cheap flights.

Where it can help

If you already travel occasionally, joining free loyalty programmes for airlines and hotels you use costs nothing and can add up over time. Using a rewards credit card for normal spending, if you pay it off in full every month, can also earn points without extra cost.

The risks

Travel hacking has real risks, especially with credit cards:

Interest and debt. Credit card interest rates can be high. Any interest you pay can quickly wipe out the value of rewards.
Overspending. Chasing bonuses can tempt people to spend more than they would otherwise.
Annual fees. Some rewards cards charge fees that may outweigh benefits for lighter users.
Credit score effects. Opening many accounts can affect your credit in some systems.
Changing rules. Programmes can devalue points, change redemption rates or close.
Complexity and time. Keeping track can become a hobby in itself.

The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises consumers to understand the terms, fees and interest of rewards cards and to avoid carrying a balance.

A sensible approach

Start with your finances. Have an emergency fund and no high-interest debt first.
Join free programmes for airlines and hotels you actually use.
Choose one rewards card at most, if it suits your spending and you'll pay it off in full.
Redeem points regularly. Points can lose value over time.
Keep it simple. Don't let it take over your life.

Simpler ways to travel for less

You don't need points to save money on travel:

Be flexible with dates. Midweek and off-season travel is often cheaper.
Book at the right time. Compare prices and set fare alerts.
Consider alternatives: trains, buses, home swaps, hostels, camping.
Travel closer to home. Our article on seeing the world without travelling far has ideas.
Save in advance. A dedicated travel savings pot avoids debt.

Travel with purpose

Whatever method you use, think about why you travel. Rest, adventure, culture, connection with family? Knowing your purpose helps you choose trips that are worth the cost.

Try this

If travel is on your life list, open a separate savings pot for it, join the free loyalty programme for the airline or hotel you use most and set a fare alert for one trip you'd love to take.

Sources and further reading

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Credit cards