28-07-2025
Ultimate travel hacks from credit card benefits to weekday travel, survey shows
A SURVEY has revealed the common hacks Brits love to make the most out of their holidays.
Four in 10 consider themselves a 'travel hacker' – using tips and tricks to maximise their holidays.
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Booking flights to leave on weekdays, packaging hotels and journeys together and using loyalty points for upgrades were some of the top tips according to the 2,000 holidayers polled.
While utilising credit card travel benefits, buying at certain times of day for better deals and using incognito mode for flight searches were other hacks frequently used when planning ahead.
And when heading away, rolling up clothes to save space, bringing snacks to the airport to avoid overpriced food and carrying a portable charger were tricks respondents had up their sleeve.
The research was commissioned by Virgin Red, which has teamed up with Alfie Watts to reveal travel tips, while sending him off on a trip around the globe armed with the brand's reward points.
Alfie, who visited three continents in 72 hours using them, said: 'Travel doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you are using travel hacks and this trip proves it.
'I flew 9,000 miles across three continents in just 72 hours and stayed in incredible places using points that can be earned through everyday spending like shopping, commuting, and booking holidays.
'But it's not just about the flights – it's the little hacks that make a big difference.
'I normally pack light to avoid pricey hold luggage fees and I also use an eSIM to stay connected without needing to switch out my physical SIM.
'I learned from previous experience that sometimes a long-haul flight pays off when the cost of living at your destination is super low, which help to balance out costs.
'Hiring a car and asking locals for recommendations also allows me the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
The five-star hotel in Turkey where waitresses in rollerblades serve ice-cold beer
'These are the ultimate travel hacks that lots of people can use when planning a trip or already abroad.
'The beauty is, they are open to anyone."
According to the research, travellers utilise an average of three hacks on a typical holiday, with 57 per cent getting tips from friends and family.
While 14 per cent look to social media for guidance on ways they could benefit when heading away.
Family holidays, relaxing escapes and weekend breaks were the most common trips taken according to the data.
Nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) also collect loyalty points, with hotel stays, flight upgrades and shopping vouchers the top things they'd be used for by respondents.
While 42 per cent of respondents feel they have definitely missed out by not collecting points from previous trips.
It also emerged 26 per cent of all respondents said certain hacks have influenced their decision on where to travel.
Of these, 61 per cent said they helped them find more affordable travel options, with 51 per cent admitting they discovered new, lesser-known destinations.
More than eight in 10 (83 per cent) of younger travellers aged between 24 and 44 were found to trust travel advice from people who are 'in the know', compared with only 58 per cent of those aged 65 and above.
Of those to utilise travel hacks, 20 per cent like to keep them to themselves so others don't benefit, but 33 per cent like to share the love.
Interestingly, 26 per cent of all respondents said certain hacks have influenced their decision on where to travel.
Finding more affordable options, discovering lesser-known destinations and choosing somewhere with lesser visa requirements were some of the influences.
Vicki Simpson from Virgin Red added: "The research has shown that travellers are always keen to utilise hacks where possible.
'Alfie's trip shows how far loyalty points can get you.
'Reward points give travellers the chance to fast track their travels while slowing their spending.
'Whether it's a short weekend away or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, these smarter ways to travel can undoubtedly make a difference."
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