Travel tips for the savvy traveler

For experienced travelers, making the most of a trip doesn’t only happen upon arrival — it also comes with earning and enjoying perks and rewards before, during, and after your stay.

By Shayla Martin | November 25, 2025

Choose a hotel that pays off in rewards for future travel

Whether you’re planning a quick city escape, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, make the most of your next getaway by securing deals that fit your travel style and your budget. Explore these insider tips to help you travel smarter, save more, and maximize your Points and rewards before, during, and after every stay.

Tailor your trip

You can always use one more day of toes in the sand, poolside lounging, and city exploring, so why not book a stay that helps you save more on longer trips? One of the best ways to find a deal is to skip third-party sites and head straight to the hotel’s website. Before booking, check out the hotel offers page — you might be surprised by the exclusive deals waiting there. For example, at Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, the Stay Longer in Paradise package rewards extended getaways with extra savings, while the Early Booking Offer helps planners save up to 40% when trips are booked in advance. Looking for a sophisticated cityscape? Hotel Astoria Vienna, Curio Collection by Hilton celebrated its grand opening with perks that rewarded guests with Free Bonus Points and Breakfast Included packages. While offers vary by destination and season, they’re always designed to add value and make your travels seamless.

Make every stay count

Savvy travelers know that loyalty hotel programs are key to making travel more rewarding and securing the best experiences. Joining Hilton Honors for free unlocks instant benefits that enhance every stay, whether you’re on a business trip or a long-awaited spring break vacation. Members enjoy everything from exclusive discounted rates, free Wi-Fi, and the ability to choose hotel rooms before arrival. Added bonus: The Hilton Honors app simplifies every aspect of your stay, with a Digital Key, digital check-in and check-out, hotel floor plans, and hotel messaging capabilities. The real game changer? Earning Hilton Honors Points with every stay, which can be redeemed for free nights, provides room upgrades, or even experiences like concerts with your favorite artists and Formula 1 races through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform.

Earn more with credit card rewards

Fast forward to your next tropical escape, mountain retreat, or urban getaway when you use a credit card that rewards everyday expenses with Points and perks that can go toward your next adventure. With the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Members earn Points on every purchase, not just on Hilton bookings, and enjoy automatic Hilton Honors status the moment you join. And don’t forget the signup bonuses! Choose a card that allows Points to be redeemed for complimentary nights, upgrades, rental car bookings, and even among various airline partners. Loyalty programs are truly rewarding when you’re able to rack up the Points without even thinking about it, helping you get to your next dream getaway faster and easier.

Get instant perks

Get instant perks the moment you join Hilton Honors, from earning Points and getting Member-only rates to unlocking your room with just your phone. In this episode of Hilton Honors: How-to, we walk you through the easiest ways to start earning value right away. Whether you're traveling for work or play, Hilton Honors gives you exclusive benefits that make every stay smoother, smarter, and more rewarding.

Shayla Martin

Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. Find her work in outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Hemispheres, Veranda Magazine, and many more. She specializes in content about Black history and culture, luxury travel, historic preservation, wellness, interior design, and personal narrative topics. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a bi-weekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.

Headshot of author and content creator Shayla Martin

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