"Unlocking New York: How I Travel-Hack My Annual NYC Getaway

My Annual Travel Hacked Free Trip to NYC

Every traveler dreams of embarking on a journey to their favorite destination without breaking the bank. For me, that dream became a delightful reality through the art of travel hacking. Each year, I orchestrate an exhilarating excursion to the vibrant streets of New York City without spending a dime. Join me as I unravel the secrets behind this annual adventure and unveil the magic of travel hacking.

New York City- My Hometown

Allow me to begin by stating that I am a native New Yorker, born and raised amidst the vibrant energy of this city. My affection for NYC runs deep, and some of my fondest memories involve taking train trips to Manhattan with my mom, soaking in the excitement and beauty of the urban landscape. Although we do not live in Manhattan, I've made it a priority to ensure my children experience the city's wonders regularly. While we often embark on day trips to Manhattan, we've discovered that staying overnight in a hotel enhances our experience exponentially. Freed from the constraints of commuting back home, we immerse ourselves fully in exploration and delight, making the most of our time in the City.

Our Stay- Conrad New York Midtown 

We love the Conrad New York Midtown, especially during the holiday season. We usually stay the week between Christmas and New Year's. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this hotel. The hotel is within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, and Fifth Avenue, and Central Park. Guests are perfectly positioned to explore the vibrant pulse of New York City. 

The suites were spacious, clean, and roomy. Each room boasts modern amenities, and the Manhattan skyline, providing a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle and bustle. I particularly enjoyed the Nespresso espresso machine in each room. The service is impeccable, with friendly staff seamlessly holding our bags when we arrived before check-in.

As a Hilton Diamond member, we received a $25 credit for up to 2 adults per day, which we used to order room service for breakfast. To learn more about Hilton member categories check out our post here. 

A $1,784 Hotel for Free

A 2-night stay at the Conrad New York Midtown during December costs $1,784! We stay every year for free using 2 Hilton Free Night Certificates. That’s a saving of $1,784!! These types of redemptions show how high fee credit cards can be worth the cost. To learn more about travel reward cards with high fees and if they are worth the cost check out "Are High-Fee Travel Reward Credit Cards Worth the Price?". I earn 2 Hilton Free Night Certificates every year. My go-to credit card when I am not working toward a sign-up bonus is the American Express Hilton Surpass. I have a surpass card and my husband has a separate Surpass card (not an authorized user on my account). To learn more about pairing up with a partner or spouse check out "Using a Partner (Person 2) for Your Credit Card Travel Hacking Strategy". Since we have 2 separate Hilton Surpass cards, we each earn a Hilton Free Night Certificate. To learn more about how to take advantage of the Hilton Free Night Certificates check out our post “Maximizing your Hilton Free Night Certificates: Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Rewards”

The Power of Points and Miles:

At the heart of my free NYC escapade lies the strategic accumulation and utilization of points and miles. Through dedicated credit card churning, strategic spending, and taking advantage of lucrative sign-up bonuses, I've amassed a substantial arsenal of travel rewards. These points and miles serve as my golden ticket to explore the Big Apple without draining my bank account. To learn more about travel reward credit card strategies check out "Unleashing the Power of Credit Card Points Overview- How to Use Credit Card Points for Your Next Vacation".  To learn more about strategically using your various cards check out "Maximizing Travel Rewards: A Strategic Approach to Which Credit Card to Use". 

Crafting the Perfect Itinerary:

With my travel expenses covered, I have the freedom to curate an itinerary that embodies the essence of New York City. We spent the evening checking out the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the light show at Saks 5th Avenue. We usually walk up 5th Avenue to Central Park, checking out the store windows all detected out for the holidays along the way. My daughter loves Ellen's Stardust Diner which can get crowded, so staying for 2 nights allows us to go off hours to avoid waiting in line. Some other favorites of ours include The Sloomoo Institute, The Museum of Ice Cream, M&M Store, and Madame Tussauds New York. We often like to check out a Broadway show as well. 

The Joy of Frugal Exploration:

While my trip to NYC may be free in terms of out-of-pocket expenses, the value of the experiences and memories forged along the way is immeasurable. As I reflect on my annual travel hacked-free trip to NYC, I'm reminded of the transformative power of resourcefulness, creativity, and strategic planning. Through the careful orchestration of points, I've unlocked the gateway to unforgettable adventures without the burden of financial constraints. Join me in embracing the magic of travel hacking and discovering a world where the journey truly becomes the destination.