5 Common Myths About Travel Hacking You Need to Stop Believing

Many of us dream of traveling more often but feel held back by the costs involved in planning a great trip. What if there was a way to overcome these financial hurdles? The good news is, there actually is!

A few years ago, I stumbled upon a system that allows you to rack up credit card reward points and redeem them for travel discounts or even free trips. It might sound too good to be true, but if done correctly, it really does work.

This strategy, often called travel hacking, has helped me score free flights, save big on hotel stays, and even enjoy a memorable honeymoon in Jamaica for just $400. That price included flights, accommodations, meals, drinks, and activities—everything was taken care of.

While travel hacking is undeniably effective, there are a lot of misconceptions about it that might keep people from giving it a shot. Let’s clear up five common myths about travel hacking that you should ignore.

**1. Travel Hacking is Dishonest or Illegal**
The term “travel hacking” might sound shady, but it’s completely legal. While airlines and hotels might not love it, they’re the ones who created these reward systems in the first place. Some people open credit cards just to snag the sign-up bonuses and then close the accounts after earning the points. While this tactic can impact your credit score and should be used carefully, there’s nothing illegal about it. Some credit cards even allow you to reapply after two years to earn the same rewards again, so it’s fair game. These companies benefit by gaining new customers, and you benefit by scoring affordable travel—it’s a win-win.

**2. You Have to Travel First to Earn Points**
There’s a common misconception that you need to travel frequently to accumulate travel reward points, but that’s not how it works. In most cases, you can collect a significant number of points simply by using your card for everyday purchases, like groceries or bills. While you can certainly earn points by booking travel-related reservations, the real gold often lies in the sign-up bonuses many cards offer.

**3. Travel Hacking is Effortless**
While travel hacking can save you a ton of money, it’s not something you can do without putting in some effort. It requires a bit of planning, research, and a strategy to make the most of it. You also need to carefully track your spending to avoid falling into debt.

**4. You Need to Spend a Lot**
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by credit card sign-up bonuses that require you to hit a high spending threshold in a short time. But you don’t need to overspend just to earn points. If a sign-up bonus feels out of reach financially, it’s better to skip it. The safest approach is to use your card for regular, everyday purchases you already have in your budget—don’t buy things you wouldn’t otherwise need just for the points.

**5. Travel Hacking Works for Everyone**
It’s a nice idea, but not everyone is suited for travel hacking. First, you need a good credit score to qualify for the best cards with generous rewards. Second, if you struggle with managing your spending, travel hacking could do more harm than good. Lastly, if you’re already dealing with significant debt, adding a credit card into the mix isn’t a wise move.

That said, if you’re ready to follow the rules of responsible spending and have a desire to travel, travel hacking can open up amazing possibilities.

So, did you know about these travel hacking myths? If you’re ready to take advantage of the opportunities out there, this strategy might just help make those dream trips a reality.