We like to go places. We value the many benefits of travel but it does cost money. It is, however, a misconception that travel is too expensive. Traveling costs as much or as little as you so decide. A coworker recently took a two week long vacation to Italy, totaling roughly $8k, and staying in hotels costing upwards of €200 a night in Rome. In contrast, we took a similar trip a few years back with our costs adding up to roughly $4500. Our accommodations cost €58 a night in the same city. A trip to Italy can cost even less- that is, if you opt out of a week-long painting course in Tuscany.

We pay for our travels through disciplined saving but much of it also comes from picking up little tricks from other travelers that help stretch our travelling dollar. That’s where travel hacking comes in. Travel hacking, combined with points redeemed from our travel reward credit card, increases our ability to travel by greatly reducing our travel costs. I was excited to gain new travel hacking ideas when Steven Zussino graciously offered Urban Departures a copy of his book Travel Hacking for Canadians to review and giveaway 

Penned while travelling the world on paternity leave, Travel Hacking for Canadians presents his insights on how to travel more for less. Steve has saved thousands of dollars in travel by understanding frequent flyer programs and employing smart spending strategies. Wherever it is that you’ve always wanted to go, travel hacking will get you there for cheaper.

What is Travel Hacking?

To most, the term hacking would likely paint a picture of hooded figures in a dimly lit room, hunched over computer monitors glowing with cascading falls of green numbers (a la Matrix). Travel hacking, on the other hand, is a term used endearingly by frequent travelers when they hop from destination to destination on the cheap. Travel hacking is more than just snagging a decent advertised sale; it takes a little leg work to understand the ins-and-outs, but it generally revolves around accumulating miles and points and redeeming them for cheaper travel and additional perks. Travel hacking is the art of affordable travel.

A Review of Travel Hacking for Canadians by Steven Zussino

Travel Hacking for Canadians (THFC) represents the best in tips and tricks that Steven has to offer from his numerous travels abroad. The book is broken into four sections:

1. Air Travel
2. Accommodation
3. Transportation
4. Cruises

As the title implies, the advice is geared specifically towards us Canucks (duh) with a theme of identifying loyalty programs, collecting points and using them effectively.

Air Travel

When it comes to travel, flights generally account for the majority of the costs. THFC provides tips on how to mitigate air travel costs by breaking down all of the frequent flyer programs and travel reward credit cards available to Canadians. THFC goes into specific detail, with case studies and step-by-step instructions, as to how to use reward programs and travel points effectively to get the best bang. You’ll learn to avoid high fuel surcharges when redeeming flights and the art of buying miles.

Accommodations

Once you’ve booked the flight to your destination, you’ll need a place to stay. THFC will take you through a world of Priceline and Hotwire strategies. It lists best price guarantees and summarizes loyalty programs for the largest hotel chains across the country. You’ll learn how points can be collected and how to redeem or transfer points from one program to another.

A noteworthy addition to THFC is the section on hotel alternatives available to travelers. This is our preferred choice of accommodation when we travel (we rarely stay at hotels). THFC provides a comprehensive list of options such as AirBnB, house sitting or working on a farm for room and board.

Transportation & Cruises

The last two sections are focused on alternate modes of travel: by land, by sea. The Transportation chapter will take you through the world of rental car options, and the Cruises section will guide you through the best times to catch a good sailing and the spending traps to avoid. In keeping with the theme, both chapters expand on loyalty programs, points, discounts and benefits.

My Two Cents

Travel Hacking for Canadians does well to present a vast amount of collected information in a concise manner and easy-to-follow progression. THFC’s practical approach focuses on the “how-to’s”. It provides comprehensive tools and resources for readers to cut costs for their next adventure.

There is something for every type of traveler. Rookies will learn how to take their dream vacation. Seasoned travelers will be familiar much of the content, yet may learn a thing or two to make their trips even less expensive- I certainly did. I could have used a trick or two when redeeming Aeroplan points for our recent getaway. The main take away when collecting frequent flyer points is to just do it; they will add up over time, and you will fly for less with these techniques.

The Last Word

Travel Hacking for Canadians is a portal into the world of affordable travel. In essence, you don’t know what you don’t know and this book puts all of the information conveniently at your fingertips. At the cost of $10 for the eBook edition, this resource will pay for itself with the bonus points that you accumulate and the money you save in future travel. It will fill your head with ideas and have you tripping before you know it.

For a chance to win one of the two copies, simply leave a comment below sharing your dream destination and why you want to go there. If you have one, share a travel hack! The winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by the email used to share your story. The giveaway will close in two weeks and I will be contacting winners on December 31, 2014. Get a jump start on that New Year’s resolution and travel more!

Update: This giveaway is now closed.