Many of us love traveling but often get put off by how expensive it can be to plan a great trip. Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a way to get around these financial hurdles? Well, there is.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon a way to rack up a ton of credit card reward points and then use them to get discounted or even free travel. It might sound too good to be true, but it really works if you do it right.
This technique, known as travel hacking, has allowed me to score free flights, save on hotel stays, and even have an incredible honeymoon in Jamaica for just $400. This all-inclusive deal covered flights, accommodation, meals, drinks, and activities.
Though travel hacking works, there are a lot of myths out there that might make you think twice about trying it. Here are five common misconceptions you should ignore.
1. TRAVEL HACKING IS DECEPTIVE OR ILLEGAL
The name ‘travel hacking’ might make it sound shady or like you’re cheating the system by collecting credit card points for travel. But that’s not the case. Travel hacking is completely legal. While airlines and hotels might not love it, they’re the ones who created these rewards programs. Some people open credit cards just to get the points, then close the accounts once they have the rewards. This can impact your credit score, so it’s something to do carefully. Some credit cards even let you reapply and earn the same rewards every couple of years. Both companies and customers benefit from these arrangements.
2. YOU NEED TO TRAVEL FIRST TO EARN POINTS
It might seem like you need to travel to start earning travel points, but that’s not true. In fact, you can earn lots of points just by using your credit card for everyday purchases. You don’t have to travel or meet any specific requirements to start collecting points. While using your card for travel bookings can certainly help, it’s really the sign-up bonuses that make the biggest difference.
3. TRAVEL HACKING IS EASY
Travel hacking does take some work. You need to do your homework, make a plan, and keep an eye on your spending to avoid racking up debt.
4. YOU HAVE TO SPEND A LOT
Some credit card bonuses require you to spend a substantial amount, which might seem daunting. But if reaching the spending minimum makes you uneasy, it’s best not to pursue that particular bonus. It’s not worth going into debt just to earn points. The smart way to do it is to use your card for your regular, necessary expenses.
5. ANYONE CAN DO IT
Another myth is that anyone can get into travel hacking. That’s not entirely true. First, you need a good credit score to qualify for credit cards with the best rewards. If you struggle with controlling your spending, travel hacking might not be suitable for you. And if you’re already in significant debt, this isn’t the best route for you either.
But if you are passionate about traveling and can follow the guidelines for good travel hacking practices, I encourage you to give it a shot.
Were you aware of these myths about travel hacking?