Travel Hacks Abound; Some Lead You Astray

Think before you try these social-media shortcuts at airports, hotels

- DAWN GILBERTSON

Hoping to travel more glamorously, save money on trips and pack smartly in 2025?

Social media has all the answers, it seems. TikTok's #travelhacks tag surged more than 90% last year through November, according to the company; #traveltips, nearly 60%. Influencers' Instagram reels are full of travel advice, and the TravelHacks Subreddit has 5.3 million members.

The trick is separating solid advice from the hype. As a veteran travel journalist who lives on social media for my job, I cringe at some of the posts I see, mainly because they give travelers false hope. (Like all those posts on putting your foot under your bag when the airline is weighing it at check-in. It probably won't work and you'll have to take stuff out of your bag or pay a hefty fee!)

Here's my New Year's gift to you: Five travel hacks you should think twice about, and five to try ahead of your next trip.

Let's start with the reality check.

Tips to avoid

Good luck nabbing those cushy lie-flat seats with credit card points for your next trip to Europe. It's nowhere near as simple as influencers make it look. Unless you own a business and rack up endless charges, amassing enough points takes time, money and a flexible travel schedule. Yes, you can juice your balances with credit card sign-up bonuses and transfer bonuses to airline programs. But even the best offers likely won't get a family of four to Europe for free in the summer-in economy. (Keep in mind that influencers pitching premium credit cards generally get a commission if you sign up.) Play the game if you have solid credit and time to learn key strategies. Otherwise, buy the tickets you want and move on.