Stack and Save: Booking Strategy for Maximum Travel Value
If you’ve ever booked a hotel, cruise, or flight and thought, “Could I have saved more?”—the answer is probably yes. For years, when I told people that I used points and miles for travel, I would instantly be cut off with, “But we don’t travel for work.” Guess what? We don’t either! In fact, very few of my points and miles come from actual travel. Instead, I don’t make a purchase online without checking my credit card offers and going through a shopping portal if at all possible.
That’s where the “Stack and Save” strategy comes in. It’s my go-to method for layering travel perks, credits, and offers to squeeze every bit of value out of a booking. Whether I’m planning a luxury staycation in Nashville or a Caribbean cruise, stacking lets me travel better for less.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through a link and make a purchase, I get a small commission at no cost to you. (PS: I only recommend things I really use)
Here’s how it works—and how you can use it too.
🤔 New to points and miles? I’ve got answers to your most common questions. Read the FAQ → Frequently Asked Questions
Stack and Save
It’s the thrill of combining multiple travel benefits into one booking. Think of it like a travel sandwich:
One layer of credit card perks - example travel credits like my $300 annual travel credit from Chase Sapphire Reserve
One layer of loyalty rewards - for example, we get a late checkout by being a Discoverist with Hyatt. Thanks to my Chase Hyatt Card.
One layer of cashback or portal bonuses - I love shopping portals like Rakuten
One layer of promo codes or seasonal deals
Put it all together, and you’ve got a booking that costs less, earns more, and feels like a win. Sometimes, I cannot decide if I like the trip or the thrill of using points more. Regardless, it is a win/win situation for me. I see the world, and we have minimal out-of-pocket expenses!
Real-Life Example: Virgin Hotel Staycation
Our upcoming staycation in Nashville
✅ $250 Chase Sapphire Reserve Edit travel credit
✅ 10x points via Chase Travel portal
✅ Dinner reservations at a Chase Dining Restaurant $150 off
✅ Chase offer for $100 off a Chase Travel purchase of $600 or more
Total savings? Over $600. And I earned points toward my next cruise. Read the full breakdown -> Chase Sapphire Reserve Edit
How to Stack Like a Pro
1. Start with Your Credit Card Perks
Travel credits (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum) This is why is is so important you know your credit card benefits.
Hotel elite status (Hilton Aspire, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant)
Amex Offers or Chase Offers (check your app!) Read more about Amex Offers -> Amex Offers Save Big Explained
Example of Amex Offers
2. Add Loyalty Program Benefits
Free breakfast, upgrades, or late checkout - thanks to our Hilton Aspire Card, we receive Hilton Diamond Status. I look for a hotel with executive lounges so we can eat breakfast and sometimes dinner for free. Hilton Aspire Card Benefits
Points earned on the booking - I charge everything to the room when I stay in hotels to maximize the points we earn.
Status match perks (especially for casino or cruise bookings)
3. Use Cashback or Shopping Portals
Rakuten, TopCashback, and Capital One Shopping. Learn more about Rakuten -> Rakuten Amex Points shopping portal
Book through the portal to earn extra cash or points. Learn more about shopping portals -> Online Shopping
As you can see these points can really add up!
Stack and Save Booking Ideas
Cruise booking: Use casino offer + Amex travel portal + onboard credit + referral bonus
Flight booking: Use travel credit + airline sale + portal cashback
Hotel booking: Use elite status + promo code + Amex Offer + loyalty points
Check out all my trips and how I stack and save -> Real Points & Miles Adventures
Final Thoughts
Stacking isn’t just about saving money—it’s about booking smarter. So before you click “book,” ask yourself: What can I stack here?
Because when you stack your offers, you don’t just travel—you travel like a pro.
