The Best Ways to Earn Travel Rewards Without Credit Cards
The Best Ways to Earn Travel Rewards Without Credit Cards
We.Bond.Creations/Shutterstock
https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/how-to-earn-travel-rewards-without-credit-cards
If avoiding credit card debt is your goal but you still want to earn travel rewards, consider loyalty programs, cashback apps, and activity-based rewards to diversify your options and meet your travel goals.
It seems like anytime you open a social media app, someone is posting about a trip. And without fail, an inquiring viewer posts the question most people are thinking: “How do you afford to travel so much?” The answer for frequent travelers probably isn’t going to shock you: credit card debt. In a survey conducted by Bankrate, 29% to 36% of active travelers are willing to go into debt to fund their vacations. However, if you just want to shy away from credit cards, there are still plenty of ways you can earn travel rewards, points, and miles from everyday purchases and activities.
PHOTO: ARTIT WONGPRADU/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Don’t Be Afraid to Complain
Booking a hotel, airline, or similar service usually sets an expectation for quality and a good experience. If those standards aren’t met, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns, but use discretion. For example, if your pre-ordered meal is handed to someone else, or if you’re the only passenger on a fully booked 12-hour flight with no working seatback screens or power outlets (which I’ve experienced), it’s reasonable to raise a complaint. The airline typically credits customer retention or satisfaction miles directly to your account. I’ve received between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, which can honestly be enough for an upgrade on your next flight!
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Don’t Skip the One Key
While I have been vehemently against third-party booking services, especially during peak travel seasons, Expedia has officially won me over. One of the things I do like about the platform is its One Key rewards program, which brings together all the brands in its ecosystem (Expedia, Vrbo, and Hotels.com). Every dollar spent on any element (hotel, car rental, flight, vacation home, or cruise) earns $1 in One Key Cash. This allows the discounts to accumulate rapidly for your next trip!
PHOTO: COURTESY OF HYATT
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Your Workouts Can Pay Off
If you enjoy your morning or evening Peloton workouts, consider staying at a Hyatt on your next trip. World of Hyatt members can link their accounts to earn 100 bonus points for each workout lasting at least 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 1,000 points per month. Over 800 Hyatt locations worldwide participate in this offer.
PHOTO: PEOPLE IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Take the Bonus Offer at Check-In
Hotel perks are great, especially if you have elite status. Guests can choose between status-based benefits such as a complimentary breakfast, a free drink at the bar, a snack, or bonus points added to their account. My recommendation is to always opt for the bonus points offer. The points are typically added after check-out and are in addition to any points accrued for the stay itself.
PHOTO: SONG ABOUT SUMMER/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Always Check the Promotional Offers Before Booking
A favorite way I earn extra points is by looking for promotional offers. Hotels often give bonus points for staying a certain number of nights, during special events, or when booking with their partners. Before making your next reservation, be sure to check for current promotions.
PHOTO: OZAN SEYHAN/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Skip the Daily Housekeeping Service
Many hotel chains promote eco-friendly travel and ease staff workload by offering bonus points for skipping housekeeping. While the details are somewhat unclear and vary by hotel and brand, travel blogger Matthew Klint shared that he received a $10 food-and-beverage credit or 500 World of Hyatt Points for skipping housekeeping at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in New Mexico. Additionally, Reddit users have reported that they are still earning bonus points at various Marriott locations, despite the official program being suspended. It’s best to ask at check-in or look for signs and notices in your room to confirm.
PHOTO: ZORAN ZEREMSKI/ISTOCK
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Timeshare Presentations Are Still a Thing
While it might seem like an outdated practice from the ‘80s and ‘90s, timeshare presentations remain common today, often offered through vacation clubs such as Wyndham, IHG, Hilton, and Hyatt. Travelers can secure a great deal, such as $199 for a 3-day/2-night stay, in return for attending a 60- to 120-minute sales pitch. Some eligibility rules, including income restrictions, may apply. The key point is that attendance is mandatory; if you skip it, the retail value of your stay will be charged to the card you provide. Brands can also reward guests with bonus points (up to 10,000 points) for attending presentations.
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Your Morning Coffee Can Earn Double the Rewards
Speaking of double dipping, you may want to download the Lyft app before your next out-of-town adventure. Lyft and Hilton Honors have a great partnership, allowing you to earn 3x Hilton Honors points on economy, luxury, and extra seats within the U.S. and Canada. You can use these points for hotel stays or other perks, such as concerts and shopping. Make sure your accounts are linked before your next ride. Similarly, Uber partnered with Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy for their loyalty partner program. When you ride with Uber, you earn 3 Delta SkyMiles per dollar on all Uber Reserve trips, and 1-2 SkyMiles for eligible premium or airport rides. Additionally, you receive 3 Marriott Bonvoy points for Uber XL, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black rides. For take-out orders over $40 delivered to select Marriott properties like Residence Inn, you can earn double Marriott Bonvoy points through Uber Eats.
PHOTO: HANANEKO STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Snag Points and Miles From Loved Ones
If you have friends and family members who travel infrequently, consider asking them to transfer their hotel and airline points and miles to your accounts. Alternatively, you can join point pools, such as MileagePlus by United Airlines, which can be used to cover family vacation expenses.
One of Our Favorite Luxury Hawaii Resorts Is Just $399 a Night
Courtesy Fairmont Orchid
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/hawaii/experiences/news/one-of-our-favorite-luxury-hawaii-resorts-is-just-399-a-night
Lock in a luxury Big Island escape at the top-rated Fairmont Orchid for just $399 a night—saving you hundreds of dollars while stacking up incredible perks.
There is something undeniably magical about Hawaii’s Big Island, and that magic is usually accompanied by a sky-high price tag. But right now, travelers can lock in a jaw-dropping rate at a true five-star oasis. Via Travelzoo, you can book a luxurious stay at the prestigious Fairmont Orchid for just $399 a night—a steep discount from the regular $647 rate. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience a premium, award-winning Hawaiian resort at a fraction of the normal cost.
A Top-Rated Fodor’s Choice Escape
The Fairmont Orchid isn’t just a standard hotel; it is a coveted Fodor’s Choice property. To understand why this deal is such a standout, just look at what our own Fodor’s review has to say about the resort: “This first-rate resort overflows with tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, a sandy beach cove, a meandering pool, a lagoon for the kids, and all the luxury amenities. All guest rooms have private lanai, and many have partial or full ocean views. Excellent on-site restaurants include the flagship Brown’s Beach House, The Orchid Court, Hale Kai, Brown’s Deli, and the outstanding Binchotan Bar and Grill. Guests enjoy the tennis center, the Spa Without Walls with private massage hales (houses) set amid waterfalls or on the oceanfront, and the largest and most impressive swimming pool among the resorts. The lavish Hawaii Loa luau is followed by a show that combines modern and Polynesian dance. There’s lots of beach equipment to rent, plus rental bikes if you want to pedal to the nearby Shops at Mauna Lani. The beach has a protected cove ideal for swimming and wading, and the fitness center comes fully equipped.”
The Deal: Room Options and Pricing
So, what exactly does this deal get you? For $399 a night (or $1,995 for five nights), you will stay in a recently updated king or two-queen Garden View Room, outfitted with marble bathrooms and a private lanai perfect for sipping morning coffee.
If you want to wake up to the Pacific Ocean, upgrade to a recently updated Angled Ocean View Room for $499 a night (or $2,495 for five nights), offering the exact same luxurious amenities plus gorgeous water views from your private lanai. You can even purchase multiple vouchers to customize the exact length of your stay.
Courtesy Fairmont Orchid
Exclusive Perks and Dining Credits
The sheer value of this offer really shines when factoring in the additional member perks. Travelzoo is waiving the daily resort fee (regularly $50 plus tax per night). That waived fee still grants you full access to all the fantastic complimentary amenities, including a traditional lei greeting upon arrival, two branded water bottles, and one hour of daily snorkel equipment rental so you can easily explore that protected beach cove.
If you decide to stretch your getaway to five nights or more, the deal gets even sweeter. You will receive complimentary self-parking (which usually costs $40 per night) and a massive $250 food-and-beverage credit per stay. That credit is the perfect excuse to enjoy an unforgettable dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant. As our Fodor’s review of Brown’s Beach House notes: “Sitting right on the resort’s sandy Pauoa Bay, the Fairmont’s signature restaurant Brown’s Beach House offers beautiful sunset dining and innovative cuisine. Attention to detail is evident in the sophisticated menu, which may include crab-crusted Kona kampachi or other dishes with fresh fish, roasted duck breast, or Kona coffee–crusted venison, as well as local produce and ingredients. The live Hawaiian music soloists are perfect for the open-air setting under the stars.”
Courtesy Fairmont Orchid
The Fine Print: Dates, Caveats, and How to Book
Here are the important details you need to know before you book. This offer is valid for travel dates from August 22 through December 26, making it perfect for a late summer escape or a pre-holiday tropical retreat. To purchase this deal, you must be a Travelzoo member; however, if you aren’t one already, membership is $50 annually or just $1 for a 30-day trial. Please note: Travelzoo has not provided a specific expiration date or booking window deadline for this deal in their materials, so these vouchers could sell out or be pulled at any moment.
As with all major travel offers, this deal is subject to availability and standard blackout dates may apply. Prices and terms are subject to change, and standard taxes and fees (if applicable) will still apply upon checkout. Because there is no stated expiration date for this offer, this incredible pricing could vanish quickly.
Some or all of this article was crafted with help from AI. All deal content comes from Travelzoo, and all destination content comes from Fodor’s Travel. An editor reviewed and vetted this article before publishing.
Think Twice Before Taking This Popular Vacation Photo in Alaska
Lana2011/iStock
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/alaska/experiences/news/alaska-tribes-ask-tourists-to-stop-disrespecting-totem-poles-for-social-media
Alaska Native leaders are urging visitors to stop using totem poles as social media props after a viral trend sparked a rise in disrespectful behavior.
Several communities and tribal groups in southeast Alaska have issued requests for visitors to be more mindful of how they interact with totem poles, after a viral social media trend has driven an increase in disrespectful behavior.
The trend typically involves dancing around totem poles to the song “Get Low” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, similar to a scene from the 2009 film The Proposal. In the film, which is set in Sitka, Alaska, but was filmed in Maine, Sandra Bullock’s character dances to the song around a campfire. Some visitors have taken to doing their own versions of the dance involving totem poles.
Totem poles are monumental carvings by the Indigenous peoples of the northern Pacific coast, stretching from Alaska through Canada and to the U.S. northwest, including Haida, Tlingít, and Tsimshian communities in Alaska and British Columbia, Kwakwaka’wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth communities in British Columbia, and Coast Salish communities in British Columbia and Washington.
Totem poles are common throughout the region—both historical poles raised long ago, and contemporary ones raised more recently by the tribes that still inhabit the communities. The poles have traditionally been used to illustrate legends, record clan lineage, memorialize the deceased, welcome visitors, or shame offenders. Others call attention to contemporary social issues like the role of first responders or Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
The Alaska Native Heritage Center, Ketchikan Indian Community, and Tlingit and Haida tribes of Alaska released a joint statement condemning acts of disrespect against Alaska Native totem poles and cultural symbols, calling the acts “deeply disappointing and unacceptable.”
“Totem poles are not tourist props, social media backdrops, or objects to be mocked for entertainment. They carry our histories, clan stories, ancestors, and cultural teachings. While some may intend this trend to be fun or good-natured, the unintended consequence is that it diminishes and trivializes living Indigenous cultures,” said Richard J. Peterson, president of the Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, as part of the joint statement. “We welcome visitors to our homelands and encourage people to learn about our cultures with respect. We ask that those who visit Southeast Alaska honor our totem poles and cultural treasures with the same care they would expect for the places, histories, and traditions sacred to them.”
Other tribal leaders pointed out that totem poles are not historical relics—they continue to be constructed and hold places of significance for tribal communities.
“Totem poles are not tourist attractions created for public amusement,” said Emily Edenshaw, CEO and Tribal Administrator of Ketchikan Indian Community, as part of the joint statement. “They are expressions of identity, history, and responsibility that have been carried forward by Indigenous peoples for generations. When visitors mock these cultural treasures, they are not simply making a joke. They are showing disregard for the communities, ancestors, and living traditions those poles represent.”
The Central Council of the Tlingít and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska is the largest federally recognized tribe in Alaska, with more than 38,000 Tribal Citizens. The Tribe’s Facebook also posted a link using the tag “Our Culture Is Not A Prop,” along with a link to an album highlighting the raising of totem poles in communities throughout Alaska.
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska, which represents more than 4,800 Tribal Citizens in and around the city of Sitka (Sheet’ká), issued its own statement on social media, requesting the visitor industry do more to educate visitors about respect for totem poles, which the tribe describes using the Tlingít word kootéeyaa. “Dancing around kootéeyaa is disrespectful, and we ask the visitor industry to strongly discourage this misguided behavior.”
Rob Allen, interim general manager for the tribe, told Sitka’s Raven Radio that incidents with the city’s totem poles aren’t new, but have increased this summer.
Visit Sitka, the tourism promoter for the city, issued its own social media post with guidelines for interacting with totem poles.
“Taking photos can be a meaningful way to remember your time here, but please do so with respect. Do not climb on, touch, imitate, or interact with totem poles in ways that diminish their cultural significance or the people and communities they represent.”
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