The festive season is a time for family reunions, getaways, and exploring new places. Whether you are flying home to celebrate with loved ones or booking a holiday to unwind, travel expenses can add up quickly during this time. But here is the good news: your credit card can help you save while you spend.

With the suitable travel credit card, you can earn cashback, air miles, and exclusive discounts on flight tickets and hotel stays. Instead of paying the full price, you can turn your festive travel into a rewarding experience by making use of your card prudently. Let’s look at how to make your next festive journey more economical and enjoyable through these five easy strategies.

Choose a travel credit card that matches your lifestyle

Before booking your flight or hotel, take a moment to see whether your credit card offers travel-related benefits. Many travel credit cards come with perks like free airport lounge access, discounted hotel stays, and faster reward point accumulation on flight bookings.

If you travel frequently during festive holidays, it makes sense to use a travel card that gives additional cashback or higher reward points on airline and hotel spends. Over time, such rewards can be redeemed for future trips, helping you travel smarter and save more on every journey.

Book flights and hotels through partner platforms

Many credit cards have tie-ups with top travel websites and hotel chains. When you book through such partner platforms, you can earn additional reward points or cashback on your travel spends.

Some cards even offer up to 5% to 10% cashback or 5X reward points when you make bookings via their listed travel partners. It is always prudent to check the offers section of your card before confirming any booking.

During the festive season, such deals can help you save considerably on flights and hotel stays, making your travel more rewarding and cost-effective.

Use cashback offers and vouchers wisely

During the festive season, credit card issuers roll out exclusive promotions where you can earn cashback on reaching a particular spending limit or booking through select travel partners.

For instance, you might earn ₹1,000 cashback for spending ₹20,000 or more on travel expenses. Some travel credit cards also permit you to redeem accumulated reward points for flight vouchers, hotel discounts, or travel gift cards.

Always keep an eye on expiry dates and offer validity so that your cashback and vouchers don’t go unused. Strategic timing and planning can help you get the best out of these festive offers and deals.

Split large expenses with no-cost Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) options

Festive travel can at times strain your budget, particularly when travelling with family. Many credit cards now offer no-cost EMI options on travel bookings, allowing you to spread the cost over several months without paying additional interest.

This feature is particularly useful for premium flight tickets or long hotel stays. Additionally, even when you convert payments into EMIs, you may still earn reward points or cashback on the complete transaction amount. It is a great way to manage festive travel expenses while keeping your finances balanced.

Take advantage of airport and hotel privileges

A major perk of using a travel credit card is access to complimentary airport lounges and partner hotel privileges. During the festive rush, these benefits can make your travel experience more comfortable and relaxing.

Some cards offer free lounge visits, priority check-in, or special discounts on hotel upgrades. These small advantages enhance your journey while also adding value to every trip you take.

Travel smart, earn more

Festive travel does not have to mean overspending. With the correct credit card approach, you can turn every booking into an opportunity to earn cashback, reward points, or travel perks and benefits.

By selecting a travel credit card, booking via partner portals, using cashback offers, and taking advantage of lounge and hotel privileges, you can make your festive journeys enjoyable and rewarding.

So, this season, as you plan your Diwali or Christmas getaway, allow your credit card to be your travel companion, saving you money, rewarding your spending, and making every trip a little brighter.