Travel Smart: How I’m Turning Vacay Spending into Cash Back Wins

  You already know I’m all about living my best life without blowing my budget, right? That doesn’t stop when it’s time to plan a trip. I’m spinning the block back to NOLA for great food, relaxation, and fun next spring, and my secret weapon for keeping costs low is Rakuten!    Rakuten is my […]

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Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche
Financial educator, NYT bestselling author

November 25, 2024

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5 min read
The Budgetnista wearing a yellow floral dress in New Orleans, sharing Rakuten cash back tips with St. Louis Cathedral backdrop.

In this article

In this article

The Budgetnista wearing a yellow floral dress in New Orleans, sharing Rakuten cash back tips with St. Louis Cathedral backdrop.

 

You already know I’m all about living my best life without blowing my budget, right? That doesn’t stop when it’s time to plan a trip. I’m spinning the block back to NOLA for great food, relaxation, and fun next spring, and my secret weapon for keeping costs low is Rakuten

 

Rakuten cash back logo with partner brands like Amazon, Nike, and Macy's on purple background.

Rakuten is my favorite way to earn cash back on everything from hotels to travel gear. Wanna know how I’m making it happen? Let’s get into it.


Why Rakuten Is the Real MVP

 

Here’s the deal: Rakuten is the largest Cash Back site, partnering with over 3,500 top brands to help you save. Think Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walmart, Sephora, and more—basically, ALL your faves.

 

Rakuten cash back promotional banner showing up to 30% savings, shopper with mobile app, and cash back rewards from stores like Bloomingdale's and Walmart.

 

It’s super simple: just click through Rakuten links to shop your go-to stores like normal or let the browser extension do the work for you. Either way, you’re earning cash back, stacking coupons, and snagging promo codes—all for free.

Rakuten is saving me money on everything from travel to walking shoes… and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

How I’m Saving Big on My NOLA Trip!

 

The Budgetnista enjoying a second line parade on Bourbon Street, using Rakuten cash back savings for authentic New Orleans experiences.

New Orleans second line band in French Quarter - experience local culture with Rakuten travel rewards.

 

Step 1: Snagging a Hotel Deal

First up: locking down my stay. I headed to Rakuten, and guess what? They’ve got up to 10% cash back + exclusive deals on Hotels.com right now. Plus, get a $10 Welcome Bonus when you sign up!

Rakuten cash back offer: Up to 10% back on Hotels.com bookings plus $10 welcome bonus.

I booked my $990 hotel room through Rakuten, and just like that, I’m earning $49 back. That’s money I can use for something fun on my trip—or another round of beignets.


Step 2: Renting the Wheels

 

I love exploring beyond the touristy spots, which means I need wheels. Thanks to Rakuten, I scored 5% cash back on my $230 car rental with Priceline. That’s $11 back in my pocket—gas money for the adventures ahead!

Rakuten cash back rates for Priceline: up to 5% on hotels, 4% on rentals, 2% on cruises, and $2 on flights.

Step 3: Upgrading My Travel Gear

 

After countless trips and baggage check-ins over the years, a suitcase upgrade was overdue! I found the perfect one from Samsonite, earned 2.5% cash back, and scored $5 on my $200 investment. Now I’m gliding through airports like a boss—stylish and cash-back savvy!

Rakuten cash back offer: 2.5% activated on Samsonite luggage purchases.


Step 4: Comfy Shoes = Happy Feet!

 

Rakuten cash back offer: 10% activated on Nike purchases.

Sightseeing is my jam, but walking for hours? The shoes gotta be on point. Rakuten hooked me up with 10% cash back at Nike. My $120 new kicks earned me $12 back, and now my feet are like, “Let’s do this!”

 

Step 5: Food and Fun Are Non-Negotiable

 

Trips are all about experiences, so I booked a food tour through one of Rakuten’s partners, Giftory. The best part? I earned 5% cash back on the $100 ticket for two of us—that’s $5 back to savor the city one bite at a time!

Save on New Orleans French Quarter culinary tours with Rakuten cash back: seafood paella, fried oysters, BBQ shrimp, chargrilled oysters, and gumbo.

Rakuten cash back offer: 5% activated on Giftory experiences.


Cash Back Adds Up! Let’s Review The Receipts:

 

Here’s what I earned on this trip:

  • Hotel Booking: $49 back
  • Rental Car: $11 back
  • New Suitcase: $5 back
  • Walking Shoes: $12 back
  • Food Tour: $5 back

Total Earned: $82 

That’s almost $85 earned just for clicking through Rakuten before shopping. It’s literally like FREE money!


Want in on These Savings?

 

Rakuten keeps it simple—sign up for free, shop through their site, and let the cash-back magic happen.

And remember: The savings deals change frequently, and sometimes you can get double or triple cash back on your everyday purchases.

Here’s How:

  1. Head over to this link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/THEBUD.
  2. Click the JOIN NOW button at the top of the page.
  3. Boom, you’re in! Sign up now as a Dream Catcher and start earning FREE cash back with me and Rakuten!

Join Rakuten cash back with The Budgetnista's invitation: Get $40 bonus on your first $40 purchase.

 

Add the Rakuten Browser Extension

 

Wanna make saving even easier? Download the Rakuten Cash Back Button for your browser! This handy tool automatically prompts you to activate cash back whenever you shop at a Rakuten partner store. Plus, it finds coupons and promo codes for you at checkout—no extra work. 

Rakuten cash back browser extension: Earn rewards and coupons with one click at 3,500+ stores, rated 5 stars by 3M+ users.

Let’s Save and Travel!

Where are you planning to go next? Drop your travel plans in the comments and tell me how much cash back you score with Rakuten. Let’s save money and make memories together!


My Lisa Rule: I have 4 sisters and Lisa is the baby (well she’s not a baby anymore). Of all of my sisters, I’m the most protective over her. Before I share any product or service with you, it must pass my Lisa Rule.
What’s the Lisa Rule?
If I would not advise Lisa to use a product or service, I won’t advise you to. YOU are my Lisa. I feel protective over you and your financial journey. Rakuten passes my Lisa Rule. Yes, I am an affiliate of Rakuten, and I earn a commission off of referrals, but I would not recommend a product or service that I didn’t believe was helpful and useful. 

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