How to Get Cheap Flights and Free Stays
Do you often scroll through Instagram or travel blogs and wonder how people manage to jet off to stunning destinations multiple times a year? Most of them aren’t ultra-rich or scoring travel through work—they’re just smart. They’re travel hackers, and you can be one too.
Travel hacking is the art and science of getting the most out of travel-related loyalty programs, credit card points, and clever booking strategies to drastically reduce your travel costs. If you’ve always wanted to explore the world but thought you How to Get Cheap Flights and Free Stays couldn’t afford it—this guide is your golden ticket.
🧳 What is Travel Hacking, Really?
Travel hacking involves using credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, hotel loyalty points, and travel tricks to travel for less—sometimes even for free. It’s legal, safe, and totally doable for anyone who’s willing to do a bit of planning.
The core of travel hacking comes down to earning and redeeming points wisely, staying informed about deals, and knowing how to book smarter. It’s like a game, and once you get the hang of it, it’s addictive in the best way.
🛫 Part 1: Getting Cheap Flights
1.1 Sign Up for Frequent Flyer Programs
Whether you’re flying tomorrow or next year, make it a habit to sign up for airline loyalty programs. They’re free, and every mile counts. If you fly occasionally, you can still build points over time, especially when paired with partner airlines.
1.2 Credit Card Points Are Game Changers
This is where travel hacking really kicks into high gear. Many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses worth 50,000–100,000 points after meeting a minimum spend in the first few months. These points can often be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or even transferred to airline partners for more value.
Some of the best travel credit cards include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve
- American Express Gold/Platinum
- Capital One Venture X
- Citi Premier
Always pay off the balance to avoid interest charges, which can eat up your savings.
1.3 Look Beyond Flying to Earn Miles
Did you know you can earn miles even when you’re not flying?
- Shop via airline shopping portals
- Use dining rewards programs
- Book hotels, car rentals, or experiences through airline partner platforms
- Even streaming services and Uber Eats sometimes offer mileage deals!
1.4 Use the Right Flight Search Engines
The booking platform you use can significantly affect prices. Here are top tools:
- Google Flights: Quick comparisons and date grid view
- Skyscanner: Great for finding budget carriers
- Hopper: Predicts when prices will rise or drop
- Momondo: Digs up lesser-known booking sites
Tip: Search in incognito mode or clear your cookies. Flight prices may increase based on your search history.
1.5 Be Flexible
Flexibility is the #1 way to score cheaper flights. Try:
- Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays (least expensive days)
- Using nearby airports
- Adjusting your travel dates by a day or two
- Taking overnight flights (often cheaper)
1.6 Watch for Error Fares and Flash Sales
Sometimes airlines make mistakes or offer limited-time deals. Sign up for alerts from:
- Secret Flying
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)
- The Flight Deal
Act quickly—error fares don’t last long.
🏨 Part 2: Free or Discounted Hotel Stays
2.1 Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Chains like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG offer reward programs that let you earn points with every stay. These points can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, and other perks like late checkout or free breakfast.
Some hotel programs even offer a free night after staying just a few times, especially during promotions.
2.2 Get Hotel Credit Cards
Just like airline cards, hotel-branded credit cards can be goldmines. They often come with:
- A big welcome bonus (often enough for 2-3 nights)
- Free annual night stays
- Automatic elite status (which comes with free breakfast, room upgrades, etc.)
Example cards:
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass
- World of Hyatt Credit Card
2.3 Use Online Booking Rewards
Sites like Hotels.com and Expedia have loyalty programs where you can earn free nights after a certain number of bookings. While these platforms may not always offer elite status perks like direct hotel booking, the savings can be worth it.
💡 Part 3: Smart Travel Hacks You Shouldn’t Miss
3.1 Stack Offers
Combine multiple deals to save even more:
- Use a cashback portal (like Rakuten or TopCashback)
- Book through a points-earning portal
- Apply a promo code or coupon
- Pay with a travel credit card to earn additional points
3.2 Refer Friends
Many travel credit cards offer referral bonuses when you get a friend to sign up using your link. This is an easy way to add to your points stash.
3.3 Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Avoid peak travel months (June–August, December) and go during shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October). Fewer crowds, lower rates, and better availability of reward nights and flights.
3.4 Use Stopovers Strategically
Some airlines (like Icelandair and Turkish Airlines) offer free stopovers in their hub city. You can essentially visit two destinations for the price of one.
3.5 Book One-Way Tickets Separately
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines ends up being cheaper than a round-trip with one. Always compare both options before confirming.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a globetrotter or spend thousands to take advantage of travel hacking. Start by:
- Picking one or two loyalty programs and sticking to them
- Signing up for a travel credit card that aligns with your spending
- Tracking your points and planning trips in advance
With a bit of research and consistency, you could be sipping espresso in Rome, hiking in Bali, or relaxing in a luxury suite—without draining your bank account.
Remember, every flight, hotel stay, and purchase is an opportunity