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The notion of an extended family holiday across multiple cities typically conjures images of sky-high bills and complex planning. But Chartered Accountant Mehul Shah turned conventional travel wisdom on its head, accomplishing a 22-day journey spanning eight cities and 3,000 miles with just a single credit card bill, sharing his hacks for smart and cost-effective travel that merges luxury and thrift.
Key Highlights: The Magic Behind the Money-Smart Travel Strategy
Shah’s travel route covered California’s scenic Pacific Highway, sun-drenched LA, dazzling Vegas, the tranquil trails of Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, and a strategic detour through Hong Kong.
The journey included premium experiences — Tesla road trips, iconic Hilton stays, city explorations — all unlocked through cleverly accumulated credit card rewards and loyalty points.
Essential travel costs were paid for or minimized by hacking flight options, leveraging points for hotels, and securing discounts on transportation.
The Hacks: How He Made It Work
Planning for Maximum Value Before Departure
Shah deliberately booked a $250 cheaper flight with a 12-hour layover in Hong Kong, converting idle airport time into a mini-tour — a visit to Disneyland and meals at the Amex Centurion Lounge for free.
Road Tripping in Style — With Maximum Savings
Upon landing in San Francisco, Shah capitalized on Hertz Gold and Amex Platinum benefits to rent a Tesla at a 20% discount, blending comfort, tech entertainment for kids, and eco-friendliness.
Routine stops incorporated smart expenses, such as using supermarket visits (Target, for charging the Tesla) to meet minimum spend requirements or maximize reward points.
Hotel Stays on Loyalty Points
Nights were spent at Hilton hotels using points and credits, often resulting in free stays or significant discounts. This strategy extended savings over nearly three weeks, transforming luxury accommodations into cost-effective lodging.
Unconventional City Navigation
In LA, instead of an expensive taxi or Uber, Shah opted for the $1.75 LA Metro (max $5/day), defying even local expectations and slashing commute costs.
Universal Studios was tackled with buy-one-get-one-free deals — with the only splurge being Harry Potter wands for his kids.
Rail to Relaxation
After hectic city driving, the family switched to Amtrak for the move to San Diego: a comfortable, stress-free train ride that punctuated their road adventure.
Maximizing Entertainment and Attractions
Theme parks like Disneyland and Universal, as well as scenic drives and outdoor trails, were added strategically during layovers or with discounted entry.
Lessons for Travelers: Smart Tools and Mindset
The secret was neither luck nor stinginess—frugality meant deliberate, informed choices.
Maximizing credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and hotel loyalty programs reduced nearly all cash outflows.
Using cards like Axis Bank Atlas, MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank, or Yatra SBI Credit Card enabled perks such as lounge access, hotel room upgrades, flight discounts, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Careful planning also mitigated risks: monitoring credit card statements, reviewing due dates, and selecting cards with global acceptance meant zero debt accumulation or interest charges.
Reflections and Broader Impact
Shah’s approach demonstrates that dream vacations can be upgraded, extended, or made more memorable with the right mix of intention and smart financial know-how.
Indian travelers are increasingly turning to dedicated travel cards for perks, highlighting a positive shift in travel planning and financial literacy.
Conclusion
From San Francisco to Hong Kong, Mehul Shah turned travel hacking into an art form. His 22-day, 3,000-mile adventure is proof that thoughtful planning, loyalty rewards, and credit card perks can make luxury travel accessible to families — without breaking the bank or accruing burdensome debt. Shah’s method is a blueprint for anyone dreaming of exploring the world, showing that the smartest way to travel is often hidden in the fine print of your wallet.
Sources: Economic Times, Business Today
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