Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skip out on perks. With the right tools and planning, you can earn cashback, points, and discounts every step of your journey—from the airport to your dinner table. Whether you’re flying across the country or exploring your own city, these strategies help make your money work harder while you enjoy the ride.

Book smarter using rewards-friendly platforms

Start your travel planning with fare aggregators like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak. These tools show pricing trends and options across airlines and booking sites. Once you find a good deal, try to book directly through the airline to preserve eligibility for loyalty points and flexible cancellation.

Then layer in a cashback angle: platforms like Rakuten and Ibotta often provide cashback or bonus offers on booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Priceline. These may only apply when you click through their portal, so be sure to activate before checking out.

Use gift cards to lock in savings and earn cashback

Instead of paying for travel or dining with your regular card, consider buying digital gift cards first—especially if they come with instant cashback. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with a Delta Air Lines gift card, save money with a Marriott gift card, or get rewards with an Uber Eats gift card before checking out.

This strategy lets you pay full price and still come out ahead thanks to the cashback on the gift card. If you’re already planning to spend $100 on accommodations or food, why not get a portion of that back instantly?

Maximize credit card points at every step

Pair your cashback gift card purchases with a travel rewards credit card like the Capital One Venture. These cards reward purchases in travel and dining categories, so you can double up by using them to buy gift cards on platforms like Fluz.

This method is often referred to as “stacking rewards,” and it’s one of the most effective ways to boost your returns on everyday spending while traveling.

Earn rewards while dining out

Local dining is one of the most enjoyable parts of travel—but it doesn’t have to break your budget. Cashback platforms like Ibotta offer deals at national chains and grocery stores, while Fluz lets you earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card or get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card, depending on your dining choices.

Additionally, apps like Seated offer restaurant credits when you book tables through their platform, and some credit cards offer rotating restaurant bonuses—be sure to activate them before your trip.

Stacking: the ultimate savings formula

Here’s an example of stacking in action:

• Book a hotel on a platform like Hotels.com via Rakuten to get cashback

• Pay using a Hotels.com gift card with cashback purchased through Fluz

• Buy that gift card using a travel rewards credit card to earn points

• Log into your Hotels.com Rewards account to earn a free night for every 10 stays

One transaction, four layers of rewards.

Don’t forget local transit and fuel savings

Transportation costs can add up fast, especially on longer trips. Instead of paying full price for rideshares or gas, consider using gift cards and cashback portals. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with an Uber gift card or get cashback at Shell with a gift card, both of which help keep your trip under budget.

Final tip: set reminders and automate where possible

Cashback portals, card offers, and gift card rates change often. Set reminders to check platforms like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta before major purchases, or use browser extensions that automatically activate deals. That way, you’ll never miss an opportunity to earn rewards while traveling.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean going without—it means making every dollar stretch further. By using these strategies, you can turn even small purchases into meaningful savings and long-term rewards.