Episode 168

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Published on:

21st May 2025

Travel Hacks to Upgrade Your Next Vacation (Without Spending More) | E168 Chris Hutchins

I get why some people aren’t into traveling. Long flights crammed in a middle seat, overpriced hotels that smell like smoke, and being miles away from the city center - none of that screams “dream vacation.”

Now, I’m past the days of budget airlines and sketchy motels but I’m also not flying first class with lay-down seats or staying in luxury hotels in the city center that leave chocolates on the pillows.

Financial independence has given me the freedom to enjoy travel with simple comforts, and I’m perfectly happy in that Goldilocks zone.

But what if, once a year, you could take a truly glamorous vacation - without spending anything extra?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Chris Hutchins, host of All the Hacks. He shares practical travel tips to help you take those bucket-list vacations. Chris has earned tens of millions of points, traveled all over the world, and even took a 7-month trip with his wife, spending just $30 a day on average. Chris is a total travel savant and has a hack for just about everything travel-related.

I do have to admit, though, I went into this conversation a little skeptical. I thought it might sound like a part-time job - chasing sign-up bonuses, juggling credit cards, and spending hours hunting for deals. But I was surprised by how simple many of Chris’s tips are and how much money they can save. Some of his hacks don’t even involve points or miles, just smart ways to get upgrades or better deals.

I’m excited to try these out and travel more luxuriously without spending more - and I’m guessing you are too.

So buckle up and enjoy my conversation with Mr. All The Hacks himself…Chris Hutchins. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Which travel hacks might not be worth your time anymore
  • How to use positioning flights to score better deals
  • Easy ways to boost your points and miles with “points side hustles”
  • How to get free gifts and perks from hotels
  • A trick to find the same vacation rental for a lower price
  • How to save money on car rentals
  • Why slow travel can save you money and make the trip more enjoyable


More of Chris:

All The Hacks Podcast: https://www.chrishutchins.com/episodes/

50+ Ways to Earn More Points and Miles Without Spending More: https://www.chrishutchins.com/50-ways-to-earn-more-points-and-miles/


More of FI Minded:

Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.com

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

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About the Podcast

FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Want to achieve Financial Independence (FI) without missing out on life?

FI Minded is the podcast for anyone seeking financial freedom, time freedom, and a work-optional lifestyle — all while enjoying the journey along the way.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your FI journey or already deep into Coast FI or Slow FI, this show gives you practical strategies and insights to reach early retirement and design a life that aligns with your values, purpose, and fulfillment.

Popular topics include:
- FI Optimization Strategies: Actionable advice to reach Financial Independence faster without unnecessary stress.
- Work Optional & Lifestyle Design: How to transition from the corporate grind and build a life of freedom, flexibility, and intentional living.
- Time Freedom & Coast FI: Making the most of your time while still planning for the future, including mini-retirements, travel, and other ways to enjoy your life now.
- Post-FI Identity & Purpose: What to do once you’ve achieved FI, and how to create meaning beyond money.
- Burnout & Balance: Avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization and learn to balance saving for the future with mental health and happiness.

If you want to reach financial independence, design a life that’s purposeful and fun, and avoid burnout along the way, FI Minded is your guide to building a sustainable, fulfilling, and free life.

Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), and many more inspiring voices in the FI space.
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