By: Hannah Scott
When people hear the term “travel hacking,” many raise an eyebrow, suspecting it’s a scam, too difficult, or even dangerous. The word “hacking” often brings to mind illegal activities, leading to misconceptions about the legitimacy and ethics of travel hacking.
These suspicions naturally raise many questions in the ordinary person’s mind. One of them is whether it is truly possible to enjoy luxurious travel experiences for a fraction of the cost without breaking the law or engaging in shady practices.
According to Vanessa Blasic, founder of BestSelf Compass, these fears are unfounded. “People hear ‘travel hacking’ and immediately think it’s something scary or sketchy, but it’s actually quite simple and legitimate once you understand it,” Vanessa explains.
BestSelf Compass, Vanessa’s company, empowers clients to unlock nearly free vacations through savvy travel hacking. Their objective is to simplify the process of earning and redeeming points, making luxury travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
To address these concerns and skeptics, Vanessa is here to debunk some common myths and help clarify what travel hacking truly involves.
Myth 1: Travel Hacking Is a Sneaky Way to Take Advantage of Airlines and Hotels
One widespread belief is that travel hacking is a devious way to exploit airlines and hotels. Some imagine it involves deceitful tactics to get something for nothing.
In reality, airlines and hotels created these reward programs to encourage customer loyalty. Vanessa emphasizes, “These programs are designed by the companies themselves. By understanding and using them effectively, we’re simply taking advantage of what’s being offered, not cheating the system.”
Myth 2: It Takes a Lot of Spending to Earn a Lot of Points
Another common myth is that you need to spend large amounts of money to accumulate significant points. Many believe that travel hacking is only for the wealthy, who can afford to charge thousands of dollars on their credit cards.
Vanessa debunks this, stating, “It’s not about spending more; it’s about spending smarter.”
She explains that everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and utilities can earn points when done strategically. With the right credit cards and a bit of planning, anyone can rack up points without excessive spending.
Myth 3: It’s Too Difficult to Keep Track of All the Points and Loyalty Program Benefits
People often think travel hacking is too complex, involving countless points, miles, and loyalty programs that are impossible to track.
Vanessa acknowledges that it can seem overwhelming initially but assures that it’s manageable with the right tools. “There are apps and systems that simplify this process,” she says. Apps like AwardWallet help keep track of all your rewards, while spreadsheets can help organize and plan redemptions. “Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature,” Vanessa adds.
Myth 4: It’s Not Worth It! Travel Hacking Doesn’t Work
Perhaps the most discouraging myth is the belief that travel hacking isn’t worth the effort and doesn’t deliver real benefits.
Critics argue it’s a waste of time and doesn’t lead to substantial savings. Vanessa counters this with her own experiences.
By mastering travel hacking, she has saved over $110,000 in 2024 alone, booked over 35 vacations using points and miles, and taken over 15 business class flights. Her success is proof that, with the right approach, travel hacking is not only worthwhile but can also transform your travel experiences.
Her clients have also seen significant benefits, saving thousands of dollars on flights and hotel rooms and enjoying luxury experiences like dining at Michelin-star restaurants due to the affordability of travel.
All in all, travel hacking is a legitimate, ethical, and highly rewarding way to enhance your travel experiences. By debunking these myths, Vanessa and BestSelf Compass highlight how accessible and beneficial travel hacking can be. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who takes occasional trips, the strategies offered by BestSelf Compass can help you make the most of every journey.
Travel hacking isn’t a scam or a shortcut; it’s about understanding and maximizing the opportunities provided by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies. With a bit of knowledge and planning, anyone can enjoy luxurious travel experiences without the sky-high costs.
Published by: Khy Talara
