Travel Hacks: Score the Best Deals on Flights and Accommodations

Wanderlust is a funny thing—that insatiable desire to explore new places, immerse yourself in different cultures, and create lasting memories. But when your bank account is running on empty, those travel dreams can feel impossibly out of reach.

Here’s the reality, though: You don’t need to be rolling in cash to travel the world. With some savvy travel hacking techniques up your sleeve, you can score ridiculously cheap flights, luxurious accommodations, free upgrades, and VIP perks that were once reserved for the rich and famous.

In this blog, you’ll uncover the top travel hacking secrets to score the best deals on airfare and accommodations. Get ready to pack your bags, because your next adventure is just around the corner!

The Art of Finding Cheap Flights

Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an epic international journey, airfare costs can make or break your travel plans. Here’s how to hack the system for dirt-cheap flights.

1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates:

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying during busy holiday periods or peak summer travel days? You’ll pay a premium.

Flights leaving a day or two earlier/later can be hundreds of dollars less! Get strategic by using a tool like Google Flights to search an entire month’s worth of dates in one go. You’ll immediately see which days offer the best prices.

2. Sign up for Airfare Deal Alerts:

 Sometimes the most unbelievable flight deals are so short-lived you could miss them with a single blink. Luckily, there are services dedicated to real-time deal monitoring.

Scott’s Cheap Flights, for example, uses sophisticated software to detect rock-bottom mistake fares and unbelievable sales. You’ll get instant alerts sent to your inbox with details on the deal. Pro-travellers swear by it!

Other top sites for finding cheap flight deals:

• Thrifty Traveller
• Secret Flying
• Next Vacay
• FareDrop.com

3. Book Separate One-Way:

Tickets Most travel booking sites push you to purchase round trip airfare on the same airline. But did you know that booking two one-way fares on different carriers can sometimes be cheaper?

Always compare the cost of roundtrip fares versus booking one-ways on Budget Airline A for the departing, then a one-way back on Budget Airline B. Flexibility in mixing and matching airlines = bigger savings.

4. Use Incognito Browsing Mode: 

Sketchy? Yes. But many frequent flyers swear that opening an incognito or private browser can circumvent higher airfare prices sometimes shown to frequent visitors.

It’s theorised that airlines hike rates based on your search history, browser cookies, and other tracking data. While not proven, it’s an easy enough hack to try before booking flights.

Hack Your Way to Cheap Accommodations

After airfare, accommodations are the next biggest vacation expense. Whether it’s luxury resorts, trendy Airbnbs, or budget hotels, these tricks will help you score amazing digs at a steal.

1. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs: 

Never underestimate the power of free hotel loyalty programs! Many offer incredible perks like room upgrades, late check-out, free breakfast and more. Plus, you’ll earn points towards free nights with every paid stay.

For maximum rewards, concentrate stays within one or two chains so you can reach elite status levels faster. Top programs to consider:

• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt
• IHG Rewards
• Hilton Honors

2. Book via “Opaque” Sites: 

OK, this one requires a leap of faith. Sites like Priceline Express Deals and HotWire offer heavily discounted “opaque” hotel rates where you don’t know the name until after booking.

But if you’re not too picky about specific hotel brands, opaque deals can save you up to 60% versus booking directly. Search within your desired neighbourhood or rating to lock in rock-bottom prices!

3. Try Alternative Accommodation Options: 

If traditional hotels aren’t your jam, tap into the sharing economy for creative, cost-effective accommodation options.

Home Swapping: Trade homes with other travellers to enjoy an authentic local experience for free via sites like Home Exchange and Love Home Swap.

Couchsurfing: This community platform connects you with hosts offering free accommodation, usually just a spare couch or room. A fun way to meet locals!

House Sitting: Single folks or couples can land free accommodations by taking care of someone’s home (and often pets) while they travel.

Hack Timing for the Cheapest Rates

When it comes to booking travel, timing is everything if you want to get the cheapest rates. Plan ahead correctly and you can save some serious cash!

When to Book Flights: Thanks to a growing number of airfare data studies, we now know the optimum time periods for booking both domestic and international flights:

Domestic Flights: 

Try to book between 1 and 4 months in advance for the lowest pricing. The “prime booking window” opens around 3 months prior to travel dates.

International Flights:

Begin searching around 6–8 months in advance, with prices bottoming out in the 2-3 month range pre-trip. Fares tend to spike again in the final few weeks.

For Holiday Travel: 

To avoid paying an arm and a leg for flights around major holidays, aim to book at least 6 months out whenever possible.

When to Book Hotels: 

Hotel pricing follows similar demand patterns based on seasonality and occupancy rates:

Major City Hotels: Look for deals 3–4 weeks before arrival for the lowest rates. Within 2 weeks, be prepared for rates to spike as occupancy fills up.

Resort Destinations: The optimal range for resorts and beach destinations is 2-3 months out. Anything within a month will likely be peak pricing.

Around Holidays: Just like flights, hotels near major holidays and events tend to inflate rates unless you book at least 3–4 months in advance.

Pro Tip: If your travel dates are somewhat flexible, try shifting your trip up or back a few days to avoid premium weekend rates.

Earn Free Travel with Credit Card Rewards

Frequent flyer programs and credit card travel rewards are a travel hacker’s best friends. Get strategic with applying for new cards and managing your points and miles balances to score luxurious trips for pennies on the dollar!

The Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners: 

For those new to the travel rewards game, these are some of the most rewarding starter cards:

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: One of the top-rated travel cards with an 80k bonus after spending $4k in the first 3 months. Points are transferable to airlines and hotels.

Capital One Venture X Card: Offers a huge 75k bonus worth $750+ in travel after meeting the minimum spend. There are lots of annual credits and perks.

Citi Premier Card: This card currently has an 80k bonus offer after spending $4k in 3 months. Points transfer to airlines like Turkish and AeroMexico.

Once you are comfortable with the basics, start strategizing for premium travel rewards cards that offer even more benefits.

Hack Airline and Hotel Programs: 

Choose branded travel cards that earn points directly through airline frequent flyer programs or hotel loyalty accounts.For example, the United Explorer Card earns United MileagePlus miles you can redeem for United flights or flights on partner airlines like Lufthansa.

Similarly, the World of Hyatt Credit Card earns bonus points in the Hyatt program for free nights at Andaz, Park Hyatt, and other premium Hyatt brands.

Maximise Your Travel Rewards: 

Earning points and miles is only half the battle. The real pro hackers know how to maximise redemptions and stretch those rewards as far as possible.

Always Check Award Availability: Just because you have the points doesn’t mean award seats or nights may be available. Look for open availability before transferring flexible points.

Book Stopovers for Free: For international award tickets, see if the airline permits a free stopover en route to add an extra city for no additional miles.

Be Opportunistic: Follow blogs like TravelIsFree to learn when airlines drop increased award availability or hotels offer point promotions and bonuses.

Thrifty Travel Hacks for Budget Trippers

While points and miles are great, some of the most effective travel hacks involve simple lifestyle tweaks to stretch your cash further. These insider tips will help you travel more for less!

Get Around for Free (or Cheap):

Between rental cars, gas, Ubers, and public transit, just getting around a new city can really add up. Cut those transportation costs with savvy alternatives:

• Take Free Walking Tours: Available in most major tourist cities, free walking tours led by savvy locals provide an awesome orientation at no cost (just tip your guide).
• Use Public Transportation: Do your research on metro systems, buses, and trams to easily navigate without hailing overpriced cabs or Ubers. Tourist passes provide unlimited rides.
• Rent Bicycles or Scooters: Bike share programs and affordable scooter rentals make it easy (and fun!) to explore your temporary hometown on two wheels.

Cook Your Own Meals: 

Food is one of those travel expenses that can quickly spiral out of control if you aren’t careful. You don’t have to survive on instant ramen, though!

• Book Accommodations with Kitchens: From Airbnbs and hostels to extended stay hotels, having kitchen access lets you cook your own affordable meals.
• Shop at Local Grocery Stores: Stock up on inexpensive produce, proteins, snacks, and drinks at local supermarkets or street markets.
• Take a Cooking Class: Combine cultural immersion and a tasty dinner by taking a local cooking class to learn regional specialties.

Take Advantage of Free Activities: 

Sure, museums and tours can get pricey, but many destinations are filled with amazing free or low-cost things to experience:

• Free Museum/Attraction Days: From New York’s Museum of Modern Art to Madrid’s Prado Museum, look for free entrance hours or days.
• Parks and Hiking Trails: Stroll or hike through gorgeous green spaces and trails at no cost to enjoy the outdoors.
• Community Events and Festivals: Check the local calendar for seasonal events, parades, markets, and live music that are free to attend.

Score Luxury Travel at Bargain Rates

While hacking for budget travel is great, many thrifty travellers aim to experience luxury travel at deep discounts. With some strategy and creativity, you can seriously elevate your travel game!

Get Luxury Hotel Upgrades: 

Waking up in an opulent suite after paying basement-level economy rates is one of the most satisfying travel hacking feats. A few tricks to increase your odds:

• Join the Hotel’s Loyalty Program: Just being a member unlocks potential room upgrades based on availability.
• Follow Upgrade Experts on Social: Accounts like @thatbucketlistguy share real-time ways to leverage hotel programs.
• Arrive During Slower Periods: More rooms are likely available for complimentary suite upgrades on weeknights or off-peak.
• Add a Personalised Note: Contact the hotel 1-2 weeks prior and politely request an upgrade, mentioning a special reason like your anniversary.

Fly in Luxury for Less: 

Like hotels, airlines often have excess premium cabin and business class availability they are willing to offload for a fraction of the list price. Be ready to pounce on deals:

• Set Deal Alerts: Services like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Next Departure monitor air routes for ridiculous business-class bargains.
• Watch for Upgrade Offers: At check-in or departure gates, airlines may offer cheap upgrades to premium economy, business, or first class.
• Use Miles Strategically: Redeem miles for premium cabins on ultra-long-haul routings to maximize your value per mile.

Status Match for Elite Benefits:

Who doesn’t love perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and free checked bags? But achieving airline elite status through travel is difficult.

Instead, status match between partner airlines and alliances for a VIP experience at lower tiers or buy elite status outright. Premium credit cards provide shortcuts too.

Embrace Travel Deal Stacking

The savviest travel hackers combine multiple money-saving tactics for maximum savings. It’s called deal stacking and it’s a surefire way to drastically reduce travel expenses.

1. Use Coupon and Cashback Sites: 

Before booking anything online, check sites like RetailMeNot and CouponCabin for valid promo codes and discounts you can stack on top of sale rates. Don’t forget cashback sites like Rakuten Ebates that pay you a percentage back for online travel bookings.

2. Book Packages and Promotions: 

Instead of pricing out airfare and hotels separately, keep an eye out for travel package deals that bundle them together at a discounted rate. Airline vacation packages, Costco Travel, and credit card travel portals are smart places to look.

3. Layer Payment Methods: 

Earning rewards on big purchases like travel? Use credit cards strategically to triple dip:

1. Pay with an airline/hotel-branded card to rack up loyalty points
2. Go through an online shopping portal to earn bonus miles
3. If available, use a card that offers rotating quarterly bonus categories like travel

Tap into the Travel Blog Community

The travel blog world is an indispensable resource for scoring freebies, getting advice from seasoned globetrotters, and even making money while exploring.

1. Discover Secret Travel Deals: 

Savvy travel bloggers are experts at unearthing incredible under-the-radar travel deals and error fares. Following trusted travel blogs and signing up for deal newsletters gives you a direct pipeline to opportunities. Some top sources:

• Scott’s Cheap Flights
• Travel Pirates
• Secret Flying
• The Flight Deal

2. Leverage Social Media: 

The travel community on social media is incredibly active and tight-knit. Twitter and Facebook groups dedicated to travel hacking, credit card churning, and specific destinations allow you to swap tips, ask questions, and get real-time advice. Some popular ones:

• /r/Travel on Reddit
• Award Travel 101 Facebook Group
• Travel Codex Facebook Group

3. Get Free Travel Advice: 

Established travel bloggers field questions on finding cheap flights, maximizing hotel points, avoiding tourist traps, and more. Leverage their expertise by reaching out via blog comments or social media. Many are happy to help budding travellers for free.

Beware of Common Travel Hacking Mistakes

While travel hacking offers amazing opportunities to travel for less, there are pitfalls that can cost you money or cause hassles. Avoid these frequent mistakes:

1. Overlooking Fees and Change Policies: 

Ultra-low base fares often come with restrictive change and cancellation policies. Don’t book unless you’re certain about travel dates. Always factor in fees for checked bags, seat selection, and other extras too.

2. Not Tracking Your Credit: 

Applying for multiple travel rewards cards in a short period of time can damage your credit score in the short-term due to credit inquiries. Prudent hackers monitor their credit and space out applications accordingly.

3.  Letting Rewards and Points Expire: 

Travel rewards and frequent flyer points/miles often expire after 12–24 months of account inactivity. Set reminders to keep your accounts active to avoid losing your hard-earned rewards.

4. Paying Interest on Travel Cards: 

The high interest on unpaid card balances quickly wipes out any travel rewards earned. Have a payment strategy to avoid interest fees and devalue your rewards.

Never Pay for Travel Again

With these insider travel hacking tips and tricks, you’re ready to start globetrotting on a budget. Score deep discounts on flights and accommodations, earn valuable rewards, and maximize every travel dollar. 

Your next dream vacation is just one discounted business-class fare or hotel suite upgrades away. Where will your newfound savings take you?