How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards for Travel Perks (Without Selling a Kidney)
Listen Up, Points Hoarders You know what’s better than a tropical vacation? A tropical vacation you didn’t pay full price for. Or better yet — one you scored completely free by maxing out those juicy credit card rewards and stacking travel perks like a boss. Today, I’m breaking down how to stop leaving free trips on the table and start traveling like you’ve got a rich aunt footing the bill.
Melissa Ridge
5/19/20252 min read


Affiliate Disclosure: Heads up — this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a little something-something at no extra cost to you. Gotta fund my travel habit and bottomless brunches somehow!
Listen Up, Points Hoarders
You know what’s better than a tropical vacation? A tropical vacation you didn’t pay full price for. Or better yet — one you scored completely free by maxing out those juicy credit card rewards and stacking travel perks like a boss.
Today, I’m breaking down how to stop leaving free trips on the table and start traveling like you’ve got a rich aunt footing the bill.
Top Tips for Maxing Out Those Travel Rewards
1. Pick the Right Travel-Friendly Credit Card
Not all cards are created equal, boo. Look for cards with:
Big sign-up bonuses
2x-5x points on travel, dining, and entertainment
No foreign transaction fees (because paying extra overseas is tragic)
Pair that with travel booking deals like:
WayAway for cashback on flights and hotels
Aviasales for cheap flight finds
Hotellook to snag hotel deals your credit card points can stretch even further
2. Double Dip with Travel Loyalty Programs
Book your travel through services that also offer loyalty perks — hello, double the rewards!
EconomyBookings lets you rent a car, rack up credit card points AND loyalty rewards
Radical Storage for stashing your bags while your rewards points rack up in peace
BikesBooking for scooter and bike rentals — because Europe’s cobblestone streets were not made for heels
3. Use Travel Credit Cards for More Than Just Flights
Booking tickets to a show? Car rental? Travel insurance? Put it on that rewards card, babe.
Tiqets for tours and tickets
VisitorsCoverage for insurance (trust me, you’ll thank yourself when your suitcase takes a detour to Helsinki)
GetTransfer for private airport rides, because you deserve it
4. Snag eSIMs and Data Packages with Points Earners
Use cards for digital essentials while abroad:
5. Don’t Forget About Experiences and Boat Rentals
Because “I went sailing on a yacht in Croatia” sounds way better than “I stayed in my hotel room.”
SeaRadar for yacht rentals
WeGoTrip for city guides and experiences that your credit card perks can cover
Travel Backlinks You’ll Thank Me For
Snag loyalty programs for free travel here: Loyalty Programs to Join
Avoid travel regrets and rookie mistakes here: My Travel Regrets
Join the Email Club, Baby
Sign up for insider travel hacks, loyalty tips, and all my shameless money-saving confessions. Zero spam, 100% sass.
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Final Sassy Thought
Stop letting those points and perks collect dust. Every flight, show ticket, car rental, and scooter ride should be earning you a future freebie. Travel’s too expensive not to play the rewards game — and now you’ve got no excuse.
Book smarter. Travel better. Look fabulous doing it.
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