Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. The good news is that there are often untapped funds available to help make your trips more affordable. From loyalty programs to overlooked travel credits, many travelers are missing out on extra funds that could make their journeys even more memorable. Here’s how you can track down these hidden travel funds today and make the most of every dollar with the help of the CoastLife Program by Coastal Advantage.
Check Your Credit Card Rewards
Many credit cards offer travel-related perks, like airline miles, hotel points, or cashback on travel purchases. If you’re not actively monitoring your credit card rewards, you could be leaving valuable travel funds on the table. Whether you’ve been accumulating points for years or have recent spending bonuses, these rewards can often be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, or even experiences at your travel destination.
Tap Into Loyalty Programs
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve probably signed up for various airline or hotel loyalty programs. However, many travelers don’t take full advantage of these programs and miss out on opportunities to earn and redeem points. Loyalty programs often have perks beyond free nights or flights, such as upgrades, early check-ins, or complimentary amenities—all of which can save you money during your trip.
Redeem Unused Gift Cards
It’s easy to forget about those travel-related gift cards sitting in a drawer. Whether it’s for a hotel chain, an airline, or even a general-purpose travel agency, these gift cards are essentially money you’ve already set aside for travel. Redeeming them for flights, accommodations, or travel experiences is a simple way to offset the cost of your trip.
Look for Airline Vouchers and Credits
Have you canceled a flight or experienced a delay in the past? Airlines often issue vouchers or credits as compensation, which can be used on future flights. However, these credits can be easy to overlook, especially if you don’t fly frequently. If you have canceled flights in the past year, it’s worth checking with the airline to see if you have any unused vouchers waiting for you.
Explore Travel Rebates and Refunds
Many travel companies and apps offer rebates or cashback on certain purchases. You might be eligible for refunds on past bookings due to price drops, loyalty status changes, or unused services. For example, some hotel chains have policies that refund the difference if you find a cheaper rate after booking. By staying on top of these offers, you can recover extra travel funds that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Search State and Federal Databases
Unclaimed funds are often held by government agencies until they’re claimed by their rightful owners. Most states have online databases where you can search for unclaimed property under your name. Federal resources, like the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) and websites like MissingMoney.com, offer centralized searches across multiple states.
It’s easy to use these sites—simply enter your name, and the databases will show any funds that may be owed to you. If you’ve lived in multiple states or have moved frequently, make sure to check each location, as unclaimed funds can accumulate from various sources over time.
By tracking down unclaimed funds and taking advantage of travel-related resources, you can give yourself a financial boost and make your travel goals more achievable. With a little detective work, you might find the extra cash or rewards that could transform your next trip into an unforgettable adventure. Start searching today, and see what hidden funds you can uncover!