Travel Hacking 101: How to Travel with Kids Nearly Free

Travel Hacking 101: How to Travel with Kids Nearly Free

Traveling with kids can be a magical experience, but it’s also expensive. Between flights, accommodations, meals, and activities, the costs can add up quickly. However, with a little bit of know-how and a few clever tricks, you can make travel more affordable—and in many cases, nearly free! Welcome to Travel Hacking 101, where we’ll teach you how to use credit card points, miles, and travel hacks to explore the world with your kids without breaking the bank.

What is Travel Hacking?

Travel hacking is the art of using credit card points, miles, and other travel rewards programs to significantly reduce the cost of your travel or even travel for free. By strategically signing up for the right credit cards, earning rewards through daily spending, and taking advantage of bonus offers, you can accumulate points that cover everything from flights and hotel stays to car rentals and activities.

Step 1: Choose the Right Credit Cards

To get started with travel hacking, you’ll need to sign up for credit cards that offer strong sign-up bonuses and rewards that align with your travel goals. Here are some of the best cards for families:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Known for its generous sign-up bonus and flexible point redemption options, this card is a great starting point for travel hackers. Points can be used with a variety of airlines and hotels, or transferred to partners for even more value.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – With 2x miles on every purchase, this card is excellent for earning points quickly on everyday spending. Plus, you can redeem miles to cover travel expenses like flights, hotel stays, and even car rentals.

• American Express Gold Card – Perfect for food-loving families, this card offers 4x points on dining, including takeout and delivery, so you can rack up points quickly while enjoying meals at home or on the go.

Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, and be sure to factor in annual fees and interest rates. For families, choosing cards with flexible redemption options and partnerships with airlines or hotels you like can save you money in the long run.

Step 2: Maximize Your Points and Miles

Once you’ve got the right cards, it’s time to start earning. Here’s how to make the most of your points and miles:

• Sign-Up Bonuses – Many cards offer large sign-up bonuses after you meet a spending requirement. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card typically offers 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months. These points alone can get you one or more flights or a few nights at a hotel.

• Earn Points on Everyday Purchases – Use your travel rewards cards for all your everyday spending. With kids, you’re likely spending on groceries, clothing, and family entertainment. Every purchase counts toward earning valuable points that can add up quickly.

• Take Advantage of Bonus Categories – Many credit cards offer higher point rates for specific categories like dining, travel, and groceries. For example, the American Express Gold Card gives you 4x points at restaurants, which is perfect for families who eat out or order in often. These bonus categories are a great way to accelerate your points accumulation.

• Use Shopping Portals – Many airlines and hotel chains have online shopping portals that allow you to earn extra miles or points for purchases made through their websites. Before making an online purchase, check if the retailer is part of your card’s shopping portal to earn additional rewards.

Step 3: Leverage Airline and Hotel Partnerships

One of the most powerful aspects of travel hacking is the ability to transfer points between loyalty programs. For example, if you have points with Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you can transfer them to partner airlines like United, Southwest, or British Airways at a 1:1 ratio. This opens up a world of possibilities for booking flights with points, making it easier to find affordable tickets for your family.

Similarly, many credit cards partner with hotel chains like Hyatt, Marriott, or Hilton, allowing you to use your points for free hotel nights. Family-friendly hotels often offer free breakfast, pools, and larger rooms, which are perfect for families traveling on a budget.

Step 4: Find Family-Friendly Deals

Look for deals specifically targeted at families traveling with kids. Many hotels and airlines offer family perks like:

• Kids Fly Free – Some airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, often run promotions where kids can fly for free, making a big dent in your travel costs.

• Family Discounts – Look for hotels offering family discounts or packages that include activities for kids, like swimming, childcare services, or kids’ clubs.

• Free Hotel Stays for Kids – Hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton often offer discounts or free stays for kids under a certain age, so check for those offers when booking your accommodation.

Additionally, consider using your points for family activities, like theme park tickets or guided tours, to save even more.

Step 5: Plan Your Travel Wisely

When traveling with kids, flexibility can help save money. Here are a few tips for making the most of your trip:

• Book Early – Flights and hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. By booking early, you can secure the best deals and ensure availability for family-friendly accommodations.

• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons – Traveling during off-peak times can help you save significantly on flights and hotel stays. If you're a homeschooling family, you have the flexibility to travel outside traditional school holidays, such as late fall or early spring. These quieter periods often mean cheaper flights, more availability, and fewer crowds at major attractions.

  Even if your kids are in school, consider traveling to destinations like Europe during times when there is no school break. For example, Thanksgiving or Spring Break can be considered off-peak seasons in Europe, where local schools are still in session, and fewer tourists are visiting. These travel windows can offer great deals, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed experience.

• Use Reward Points for Extras – Don’t forget that you can use your credit card points for more than just flights and hotels. Many rewards programs allow you to redeem points for things like rental cars, activities, and even food. Consider using your points for entertainment options like tickets to local attractions, tours, or dining at kid-friendly restaurants.

Step 6: Stay Organized

Keeping track of your points, spending, and 5/24 status (for Chase cards) is key to successful travel hacking. Use apps like Travel Freely to monitor your points, card status, and bonus categories to ensure you’re getting the most out of your rewards. Stay organized to avoid missing out on valuable bonuses and deadlines.

Final Thoughts: Travel Hack Your Way to Family Adventures

Travel hacking is a game-changer for families who want to explore the world without draining their savings. By choosing the right cards, maximizing your points, and taking advantage of family-friendly deals, you can make your dream vacations a reality—all while keeping costs low. The best part? With a little planning and strategy, your family can travel nearly for free!

So, start earning those points today, book your next family vacation with rewards, and enjoy stress-free, affordable travel with your kids.

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