How I Travel
For Free

Here's the honest math: yes, the Amex Platinum has a $695 annual fee — but hear me out. Hit the spending requirement and you unlock 175,000 bonus points, which translates to roughly $2,000+ in flights. That means the card pays for itself and then some, before you've even touched the other perks. I use this card for every purchase I'd make anyway and my flights are essentially covered for the year. The fee stops feeling like a fee real fast.

Chase Sapphire is the other card I recommend to every traveler. The Reserve gives you 125,000 bonus points — enough for multiple international flights — plus a $300 travel credit that offsets most of the annual fee automatically. The Preferred is the lighter version at 75,000 points, great if you're just getting started with travel hacking. Both cards transfer points to major airlines and hotels — that's where the real value is.

This is one of the most underrated travel hacks out there. Homeowners need someone to look after their pets while they travel — you stay in their home completely free in exchange. Listings exist in London, Bali, New York, Costa Rica — everywhere. You pay a small annual membership and after that every stay is free. If you're flexible with dates this unlocks accommodation in places that would otherwise cost you hundreds a night.

Worldpackers connects travelers with hostels, eco-farms, NGOs and guesthouses worldwide. Work 4–5 hours a day doing things like social media, reception, teaching English, or helping on farms — and in exchange you get a free bed, often free meals, and sometimes tours. I've met people who traveled for months this way spending almost nothing on accommodation. It's also the best way to actually connect with locals instead of just passing through.

One of the ways I keep travel costs low is by partnering directly with hotels, resorts, and hostels. In exchange for a stay I create short-form reels, photos, and social content that you can use across your own platforms. You get professional travel content made by a real creator with an engaged audience — I get a place to stay. It's a genuine exchange of value, not just a freebie ask.

My Pitch

Hi, I'm Kaleb — a travel content creator specialising in adventure, budget travel, and short-form video. My content reaches tens of thousands of travelers actively looking for their next destination. I produce high-quality reels, photos, and stories that showcase properties in an authentic, engaging way that converts viewers into guests. Every piece of content I create is designed to stop the scroll and inspire action.

What I offer per stay:

• 2–3 short-form reels (TikTok / Instagram Reels ready)
• 10–15 edited photos for your use
• Stories coverage during my stay
• Full usage rights to all content

I keep collabs limited so every property gets genuine, focused attention — not a rushed post between ten other sponsorships. If you're interested in working together, reach out directly.

Example work can be found on my UGC page.