TRAVELING FOR FREE
People are always asking us how we can afford to travel the way we do. When they do, we love nothing more than to share exactly how.
When we discovered how easy it was to travel for free. We were skeptical. We thought there had to be a bigger catch. Now, we swear by it.
WHY SHARE?
But, why are we spilling our secrets? Ignorance isn’t always bliss.
We think travel can be good for the soul. We hope everyone fits the chance to travel internationally, and experience different cultures.
Oftentimes, we think money is the biggest obstacle for people.
So, here is how to travel the world by paying for the daily expenses, you already would have. There’s no better time to start than the present.
BUT, HOW?
BEFORE TRAVEL HACKING
In the beginning of our travel ventures, we didn’t have the ability to “travel hack” using credit cards because our credit and income were too low.
Back in the day travel hacking was, simply: using “loyalty programs,” or “credit card points”.
Because of these points, we have had the opportunity to travel to New York, California, Orlando, New Orleans, France, Italy, Croatia, Japan, and more!
Do you need a credit card to get points for travel? NO.
———————————-
We want to make clear: we are NOT financial advisors. These are simply the steps we have personally taken. That have helped pay for many of our travels around the world. Do what’s right for you.
TRAVEL LOYALTY REWARDS
WITHOUT A BANK ACCOUNT
Okay, yes, in order to do this properly, you’ll need decent credit, to open a loyalty credit card, and fulfill its sign up bonus.
However, if you aren’t there yet in your credit journey, that’s okay! There are other ways to start earning loyalty points or bolster your current rewards, without applying for a travel credit card.
HOW?
You can earn airline miles/points by buying Starbucks or taking a ride on Lyft! Delta, Alaska, and other airlines currently.
You can receive miles when your favorite football team gains yards in the regular season, and even renting a place on Airbnb can get you miles nowadays!
If you use any of the platforms above, it seems like a waste not to be earning miles/points for the money you’re already spending.
For those who would like to travel more extensively on points, and already have a great credit score. Feel free to skip the next section.
HAVEN’T BUILT YOUR CREDIT, YET?
While, the loyalty rewards listed above are a great place to start. The most efficient way to begin traveling for free, is to apply for a travel rewards credit card.
Start with a card meant purely for building credit. Start early, responsibly, and don’t forget to ask for credit increases. Build until you get to a place you can get approved for a travel rewards card.
HOW WE STARTED
In college, I opened the Wells Fargo signature visa card. But, really, only because I had already been banking with Wells for years.
There are many cards out there designed to help build credit. You should choose a bank and card that suits your needs.
DID YOU KNOW?
In certain cases, you can gain credit by asking your landlord to prove you have been consistently paying rent on time.
TRAVEL HACKING
Now that we’ve built our credit, it’s time to choose our first (or second) travel rewards program.
TYPES OF TRAVEL REWARDS CREDIT CARDS
There are three main categories of travel rewards:
- Airline Rewards Cards
- eg. Delta, United, Alaska, etc.
- Hotel Rewards Cards
- Marriott, Hilton, IHG, etc.
- General Travel Rewards Cards
- Capital One, American Express, etc.
PICK A CARD, ANY CARD
No, Not That One
While, general cards like the Capital one Venture Card and The AMEX Platinum may sound nice. Generally, we have found, they just aren’t as worth it as other cards. And the high yearly fees can be difficult to justify.
We find, these cards are tailored to more frequent travelers. Who will make good use of the other perks the cards provide, like Priority Pass and Global Entry.
That being said, we actually do have both of these cards, ourselves. And enjoy the perks. We just don’t recommend getting them first… like we did.
However, everyone’s financial journey is their own. I have known people who like to prioritize opening checking accounts with high opening offers, instead. Or other available options. Make sure to do your own research, and choose the card(s) best for you.
THAT ONE
What card makes the most sense for you?
Where do your travel dreams take you?
WHAT WE RECOMMEND
- Start, with an airline loyalty card.
- Next, get a hotel card (or two).
- Then, finally, think about going for general rewards cards.
- Alternatively, or in addition to number 3: consider re-signing up for one of the loyalty cards you already have. For some loyalty programs, you can open a new card, and receive the sign up bonus, even if you already have a card for them. Talk about a travel-hacking puppet-master!
Why Airline, First?
For most people looking to pay for international (or other) travel, the largest expense of the trip will be plane tickets. With the second largest being accommodations.
The Airline and hotel rewards cards also, for the most part, have a smaller yearly fee than general travel rewards cards.
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS
AIRLINE MILES
Here are our personal favorite rewards cards, we use and recommend to friends and family. We also suggest doing more research, and signing up for the cards(s) that meet your needs, best.
ALASKA AIRLINES
We chose Alaska Airlines because, well, that’s where we used to be a flight attendant! Not only that, but it is notoriously one of the best airline cards out there.
WHY?
Not only does Alaska Airlines boast some of the highest sign-up bonuses in the industry, year-round.
But, they have recently been added as a member of The One World Alliance. Meaning it’s members get even more international airlines to use their points on!
Not only that, but they have their world-famous companion fare offer. Which, each year, lets you puchase two plane tickets for the price of one. While only paying for the taxes and fees of the second ticket. This is an incredible deal. Every. Year.
PLACES WE HAVE FLOWN USING OUR ALASKA AIRLINES POINTS: Florida, Costa Rica, Japan, and more!
————————————————
HOTEL POINTS/NIGHTS
IHG
To be honest, before we signed up for our IHG credit card. We didn’t really know what IHG was. But, we have multiple hotel rewards cards, and this is the one we end up using, most!
WHY?
While, most hotel rewards programs may offer a free night after spending 4 consecutive nights in the same hotel. Meaning your 5th night is free. IHG Does the same with LESS.
When using your card (paying with money and/or POINTS) After spending only 3 nights at an IHG resort, your 4th night is free. This is any time, any amount of times, year-round.
Not only that, but your new IHG card also comes with a Free Reward Night, every year!
We have stacked these rewards nights at the end of our 4 day trips. Giving us a total of 5 days at a hotel. With 2 of those days being FREE.
PLACES WE HAVE STAYED 4+ CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS USING OUR IHG CARD: Paris, New York, Okinawa, and more!
————————————————
GENERAL TRAVEL REWARDS AND REIMBURSEMENT
AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM
While, we love our AMEX Platinum card because of its TSA Precheck reimbursement, and Priority Pass perks.
The downfall of this card is it’s insanely high yearly fee of over $600.
However, if you use the perks the card has to offer, the yearly fee more than pays off.
——————————————-
Over $500?! Are you insane?!
Looking for something more manageable?
Our first Travel Rewards Card was the Capital One Venture card. With a far more manageable yearly fee.
WHY?
Really, each of these cards is so drastically different. You just need to compare them to see which perks make sense and will pay off for how you travel.
These cards are mainly used to pay for travel expenses, just may not be worth as many points overall.
Their points can, generally, be redeemed for “travel related expenses”. But, which, expenses those are can be confusing.
OUR FAVORITE PERKS FROM OUR TRAVEL REWARDS CARDS: Priority Pass, Airport Lounge Access, Global Entry, cash back, and more!
WE HAVE ALSO REIMBURSED OUR TRAVEL PURCHASES FOR THINGS LIKE: European flights, restaurants, and 4 nights in Venice, Italy
QUICK TIPS:
- NEVER sign up for a travel rewards credit card without the ability to fulfill its sign up bonus, and fully pay off its balance.
- ALWAYS make sure you have enough money in the bank, or at least the ability, to complete the sign up bonus within the allotted period of time. eg. $3000 in 6 months, etc.
- Having trouble spending enough money to fulfill the sign up bonus? Phone a trusted friend or family member. Maybe there are some costs they could assist you with to fulfill the requirements. Or wait for your next big purchase, and use said purchase to help fulfill your sign up bonus.
- Immediately, pay off your credit card balance, FULLY. It is so important not to let interest and your balance build. This can be detrimental to your financial health. Make a plan to make the bonus, and pay it off, before signing up for your card.
- If you cannot complete the sign up bonus and fully pay off your card. We, generally do not recommend it. Credit card debt should be avoided if at all possible. Start with a general rewards progra, and get a travel credit card when you can afford the sign up bonus.
EXACTLY
HOW WE BOOKED OUR
FREE
TRIP TO OKINAWA!
FLIGHTS
We booked two, one-way flights for 2025, about 6 months ahead of time, with our Alaska Airlines rewards miles.
We booked with our miles directly through the Alaska Airlines website, and through their partner, Japan Airlines’ website.
Prices are for 1 person, including taxes and fees
TOKYO TO OKINAWA
7,500 airline miles plus $15
OKINAWA TO OSAKA
7,500 airline miles plus $15
Round trip tickets cost the same price, at the time we were booking.
HOTEL
Using our points, we booked a dreamy, ocean-view room for a 4 night stay in 2025 at an Okinawa IHG Hotel.
4 NIGHTS
Since we used our IHG card, we booked the first three nights of our stay with our hotel rewards points. Then, received our fourth night free.
HOW MUCH?
98,000 points + $8 TOTAL
Which, comes in at well under the sign up bonus for the IHG card!
Price is for two adults, four nights, and includes taxes and fees.
ANYONE CAN TRAVEL!
We think traveling the world with intention creates a better, less judgmental, more tolerant, open and understanding planet.
But, are well aware that most people don’t travel internationally due to finances.
We were unaware of the ability to travel for next to nothing, until we and our family members began traveling more extensively and learned from others.
We hope this brief guide gives you a bit more insight on how to travel the world for nearly free.
FOR MORE
TRAVEL TIPS,
CHECK OUT
THE CAN’T MISS LIST!
SEARCHING FOR MORE ON JAPAN TRAVEL?
TRY ONE OF THESE:
- 20 TIMELESS SOUVENIRS TO TREASURE, FROM JAPAN
- JAPAN | THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- THE EASY 11 TRAVEL PHRASES, FOR TRAVELERS TO JAPAN
- 4 FREE JAPAN ITINERARIES
- 2025 JAPAN TRAVEL — THE SUICA CARD
Last Updated September 12, 2024
