It sounds like it’s against the law, and even involves exploiting credit card loopholes, but it’s 100% legal and ethical, and could save you thousands of dollars every year.
It’s called “travel hacking,” It involves finding the best deals, utilizing reward bonuses, taking advantage of select loyalty programs, and a process called ‘credit card churning’.
Travel hacking is a great way to experience the world without breaking the bank. With a little bit of research and some strategic planning, you can take advantage of deals and discounts to save a ton of money on airfare and accommodations.
But where do you start? Credit and Cars CEO Shawn Younai is a master travel hacker who has made it his mission to help others maximize their travel experiences. This article will look at seven expert travel hacking tips from Shawn Younai to help you get the most out of your trips.
What is Travel Hacking?
Travel hacking is finding creative ways to save money on travel. It involves researching the best deals and discounts available, taking advantage of loyalty programs, and using credit card shopping portals. Travel hacking can be used to reduce the cost of airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
The key to travel hacking is to be flexible with your travel plans. You should be willing to take advantage of last-minute deals and look for opportunities to save money. With a bit of patience and the right strategies, you can make the most of your travel budget.
Expert Travel Hacking Tips from Credit and Cars CEO Shawn Younai
Shawn Younai is an experienced travel hacker who has made it his mission to help others maximize their travel experiences. Here are seven expert travel hacking tips from Shawn Younai that you can use to save money on your next trip:
“Using the right credit card can make a huge difference in how much you spend on your trips,” says Younai.
According to Shawn, you should look for a card with rewards and benefits that best match your travel needs. For example, if you’re looking for a card with a good sign-up bonus, you should look for a card that offers points or miles for every dollar you spend.
What if you are planning to travel internationally? In that case, the travel hacking master says that you should also consider looking for cards with no foreign transaction fees, which will save you money when you travel abroad.
Finally, make sure to read the fine print to ensure that the card you choose has the features and benefits you need.
Get the Best Sign-up Bonuses
Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses when you open an account. These bonuses can be a great way to get extra points or miles for your next trip. The travel-cheap master’s advice?:
“You should always compare the bonuses offered by different cards to make sure you’re getting the best deal.” -Shawn Younai
This means you should thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the sign-up bonus. Some cards may require you to spend a certain amount of money before you can get the bonus, so read all the details before opening an account to avoid surprises.
Join Programs to Earn Miles
Many airlines, hotels, and other travel companies offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or miles for each purchase. You can then use these points or miles to get discounts on future purchases. Shawn says:
“Every major hotel from luxury to low-level has a loyalty program, and these can be utilized to earn free stays, even when using another card to earn points or stacking benefits”
Beyond hotel loyalty programs, Younai advises that you should also consider joining hotel loyalty programs run by credit card offers. Many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles on every purchase you make. By using these programs, you can maximize your rewards and get the most out of your travel budget, sometimes reducing the cost of travel by up to 60%
Take Advantage of Deals and Promotions
“On top of leveraging points and programs, also consider that travel companies often offer deals and promotions that can help you save even more money on your next trip. You should always research and compare prices to find the best deals. You can use sites like Travelocity or Expedia to compare prices and find the best deals.” -Shawn Younai
One way to always get updates on timely deals is to sign up for newsletters from travel companies. Many companies offer discounts and promotions to customers who sign up for their newsletters. By signing up, you’ll be the first to know when a great deal comes along.
Other websites to find the cheapest travel deals (depending on your specific needs) that are recommended by the travel hacker include Scott’s Cheap Flights, Jack’s Flight Club, Hopper, and Fareportal. Each of these sites offer different features, such as searching for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more, so be sure to research each one and compare deals to find the absolute best bang for your buck!
Use Credit Card Shopping Portals
A credit card shopping portal is a website or app that allows you to earn rewards or discounts when you shop with your credit card. The portals are typically linked to your credit card provider, and you can earn rewards such as cashback, points, or miles when you make purchases.
“Credit card portals offer additional discounts or promotions when you shop with certain retailers or brands. Make sure you look for the best deals, and always consider the offer terms.” -Shawn Younai.
Price-slashing shoppers should know that credit card shopping portals can also be a great way to save money on travel expenses. Most portals offer discounts or additional points or miles when you make purchases through the portal. Shawn tells us that research is a necessity for a learned travel hacker. You should always compare the discounts offered by various portals to make sure you’re getting the excellent deal.
Make sure to always look at the terms and conditions of a shopping portal. Some portals may require you to spend a certain amount of money before you can get the discount. Make sure to carefully read the fine print before making any purchases to avoid surprises.
How To Get Free Flights In 2023
Is there currently a way to fly for free? The answer is yes:
“Many credit cards offer free flights as part of their rewards program. These free flights can be an incredible way to save money on a flight. You should always read the terms of the free flight offers to make sure you’re getting the lowest price.” -Shawn Younai (@Creditandcars on Instagram)
Credit Card offers are constantly changing, and some come but then quickly go. Choosing the right card with the right deal is an important part of the process. Some credit cards offer more generous rewards than others. Compare the different cards to find one that best meets your needs.
How to Get Started with Travel Hacking
“If you’re new to travel hacking, the best way to get started is to do some research. Look for deals and promotions, join loyalty programs, and take advantage of credit card shopping portals. You can also follow the official @creditandcars Instagram account where we give tips on how to travel hack your way around the world” -Shawn Younai
Always make sure to compare and read the terms and conditions of different offers to make sure you’re finding the best deal .It’s also important to be flexible with your travel plans. Travel hackers are willing to take advantage of special last-minute deals and look for additional opportunities that can be stacked to save money. With patience and the right strategies, you can make the most of your travel budget.
“Travel Hacking” Summed Up
Travel hacking is a great way to experience the world without breaking the bank. With a little research and some strategic planning, you can take advantage of deals and discounts to save money on airfare and accommodations.
This article looked at several expert travel hacking tips from Credit and Cars CEO Shawn Younai. By following these tips, you can save money on your next trip and make the most of your travel budget, and before you know it, you may find yourself saving money and becoming a master travel hacker. The best part? It’s 100% legal
Be sure to follow Shawn Younai on Instagram for the best Travel Hacking tips and tricks! @creditandcars
