21 Travel Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know (and You Should Too)

2. Mix and Match Travel Currencies

While standard airline miles and loyalty points remain valuable, newer forms of “travel currency” can amplify your savings. Platforms like PayPal’s Honey extension or certain fintech apps reward you with cashback on purchases—funds you can directly funnel into travel expenses. Meanwhile, alternative loyalty programs (think hotels or restaurants) let you convert points into gift cards usable for flights or vacation packages. Even cryptocurrencies can occasionally unlock flight discounts when certain airlines or booking sites run promos. The key is to stay open-minded. For instance, combining an airline’s co-branded credit card points with a third-party platform’s dining rewards might free up funds to cover airport transport or resort fees. By layering multiple types of “currency,” you effectively create a diversified travel budget. This approach broadens your redemption scope—so you’re never stuck with points you can’t use—and keeps your wallet happy by accumulating small wins across various platforms.