Simple Travel Hacks That Save You Money and Add Adventure
Travel hacking might sound like something only seasoned globe-trotters can pull off, but some of the smartest strategies are surprisingly simple. Even a 12-year-old could understand them — and that’s exactly how we’re going to explain them.
These three hacks will help you score cheaper flights, explore multiple cities in one trip, and earn free travel perks — all without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in.
1. Skiplag Your Way to Cheaper Flights
Ever noticed that a longer flight can sometimes be cheaper than a shorter one? That’s the idea behind skiplagging, also known as “hidden city ticketing.” You book a flight where your intended destination is just a stop on the way to another city — and you simply don’t take the last leg of the trip.
Example: Instead of flying from New York to Chicago (which might be pricey), you book a flight from New York to Denver with a layover in Chicago — and get off there.
Important caveats: You can’t check bags (they’ll go to the final city), you shouldn’t use roundtrip tickets (your return flight might get canceled), and don’t overuse this trick (airlines frown upon it).
Want to try it smartly? Use this prompt:
2. Turn Stopovers Into Bonus Adventures
Why just visit one place when you can see two for the price of one? That’s the beauty of the stopover hack. Some airlines — like Icelandair or Emirates — let you add a multi-day stop in their home city without raising your airfare.
Say you’re flying from New York to Paris. Instead of flying straight, you could stop for a few days in Reykjavik. Same price, double the experience.
Combine this with hotel rewards or special stopover programs from airlines (some even offer free hotels or tours), and you’ve got a major win.
Use this prompt to plan your stopover getaway:
3. Travel for Free With Credit Card Churning
Credit card churning is all about playing the rewards game — smartly. By signing up for multiple cards that offer big welcome bonuses, meeting the spending requirements, and canceling the cards before annual fees kick in, savvy travelers can rack up free flights and hotel stays.
It takes some planning, though. You need to keep track of when to apply, how much to spend, and when to cancel. And it only works if you pay your bills in full — no interest allowed!
Want a personalized churning strategy? Start here:
Ready to Hack Your Travel?
Whether you’re a curious newbie or a seasoned explorer looking to save, these prompts will help you unlock powerful travel tools — with a little help from AI. Try them out and plan your next adventure the smart way.