We love traveling and exploring new places. But we’re smart enough to know that given our finances, big trips needed to be somewhat limited. So, each year, we’ve typically taken one big family trip — for which I’d done a pretty good job of keeping costs down — and another trip to my in-laws’ place in Florida, where our only real expense was airfare. Regardless, in terms of dollars spent, travel generally cost us between $3,000–$5,000/year.
What a card
Then I discovered FIRE, which introduced me to travel hacking. If ever there was something tailored for my miserly frugal self, it was travel hacking. In the 2+ years we’ve been travel hacking, we have saved (and/or at least not spent) a lot. Our coup de grâce to date was getting four free round-trip flights and a seven-night stay (and many free meals) in Lower Manhattan for an aggregate cost of about $100. This particular achievement was as significant as I consider it not just because of the free stuff — which was good enough as it was — but because the trip took the place of an event I otherwise would have unwillingly, but likely, put on that would have cost in the range of $15,000–$20,000.
As many others have said better than I ever could, travel hacking is not for everyone. If you have problems paying your statements in full, forget it. And even if you don’t have this problem, you shoul do your research before taking the plunge. But if you think it might be right for you, definitely explore your options.
The story on the trip and would-have-been event — a story worth telling — will be revealed in an upcoming blog post. Wait, wait! Dear Reader, don’t go! It’s a good yarn! I promise!
One thing I’ve not been able to get via travel hacking is a benefit allowing me to visit the cockpit. Dare to dream.
