Millennials do love their travels – on average, they hit the road 35 days a year. Another thing this generation favors is cryptocurrency. They believe that digital money is destined to become a mainstream payment method in the future. Bearing this in mind, it is only fair to assume that Gen Y would be more than happy to pay for their travels with Bitcoin. The question is – can they already do that?
Millennial or not, if you can’t wait to spend your digital assets on your next holiday, we’ve got great news for you. Each year the number of merchants accepting cryptocurrency grows larger, and the travel industry is keeping up.
Thinking of visiting Istanbul Blockchain week? Would you rather pay for the whole trip only in Bitcoin? It is a lot easier than you think!
So if you’re brave enough to leave your credit card at home, pack your bags, get your crypto wallet ready, and let us give you some ideas.
Universal Tips on Traveling With Crypto
#1: Take care of your mnemonic
If your phone gets lost or stolen, you’ll be able to access your account from another device via mnemonic. In this case, Lumi Wallet can come in handy. If something happens to your mobile, you can always use the web version and vice versa.
Write down your mnemonic on several pieces of paper and keep them separately. Do not save it on your phone, via Google Docs, or anywhere in the cloud!
#2: Keep your VPN on
VPNs are a must, especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi, which is always best to avoid if you can. It will also come in handy when traveling in countries with a high level of cyber crimes.
#3: Use Coinmap.org
So far, Coinmap is the best source of finding merchants that accept crypto. And if there aren’t any merchants of your liking, you’ll be able to find a Bitcoin ATM and withdraw cash instead.
#4: Always ask
The crypto community is getting larger and you’ll never know until you ask. There is always a chance that you can pay for that taxi ride or street food experience in crypto. Mind the fees, though. Worst case scenario, you’ll be rejected. And no matter what happens you’ll have a fun travel story to tell.
Book Your Tickets and Accommodation With Crypto
These days there is no lack of online travel services that accept cryptocurrency payments. The most desirable coin is, obviously, Bitcoin but there are services that are also altcoin-friendly.
Travala
- Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, AVA, and more
Whether you’re thinking of treating yourself to a fancy spa-resort or prefer to stay on a budget, Travala has it all. The blockchain-based travel booking platform supports a variety of cryptos such as BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, EOS, their own token AVA, and many more.
Quick tip: using AVA token for payments will bring you a few benefits in the form of loyalty rewards.
The platform offers more than 2,000,000 accommodations in 90,124 destinations in 230 countries, often with a discount. Some properties are 40% cheaper if you book it via Travala.
They’ve also got an app so you can stay flexible and adventurous and book on the go.
Cheap Air
- Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash and Dash
Cheap Air is the first online travel agency that started accepting Bitcoin payments. In 2018, in addition to Bitcoin, the platform integrated Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Dash payment options for flight and hotel bookings around the world.
LockTrip
- Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, USD Coin, Litecoin
With more than 521,000 accommodation options around the world, LockTrip can get you the deal that you’ve been searching for. Another perk is that the LockTrip members can enjoy genuine discounted deals from 20% to 60% if you’re lucky.
TravelbyBit
- Bitcoin, Binance Coin, Litecoin, and Tether
TravelbyBit is an Australian blockchain-inspired booking agency that helps their clients explore the world with crypto. It is building a network of retail, dining, and activity service providers which accept digital currencies as a form of payment. The platform also offers Bitcoin reward programs for their regular customers.
They also offer travel packages. Let’s say you’re thinking of attending one of the most anticipated blockchain events of the year, Istanbul Blockchain Week 2020. TravelbyBit can tailor you a special package.
Apart from the platforms mentioned above, there are a few airlines like AirBaltic or LOT that accept Bitcoin.
Transportation
Bus Tickets
If you’re planning to do a Euro tour, don’t neglect the deals on buses. One of the biggest bus services in Europe, Flixbus, has a lot of budget offers. You can buy a Flixbus gift card on platforms like Bitrefill with crypto and redeem it for your bus tickets in Germany, Italy and Spain afterward.
Quick tip: gift cards services can come in rather handy in your crypto travel, check what Gyft and eGifter have to offer.
And if you’ll be touring Latin America, keep in mind that in Argentina you can always top up your bus card with Bitcoin. And by the way, the country has a rising number of BTC ATMs, which makes it a rather crypto-friendly travel destination.
Taxi Services
itTaxi is an Italian taxi service that accepts Bitcoin payments. So if you’re planning to experience a bit of a crypto-funded dolce vita in Rome, Milan, or Naples, make sure to download their app in advance.
When in London, use HexCars to pay with Bitcoin for your taxi ride. For more info on car rentals, check this list.
Crypto Travel Loans
Traveling can be pretty costly, but there’s a big chance that you will never regret spending your money on it. We become a better version of ourselves when exploring the world so you might want to invest a little more in this.
If your budget doesn’t allow for your dream journey, consider getting a travel loan. BlockFi suggests financing your holiday by leveraging your crypto for a loan. Then you can hit the road with some cash in your wallet.
You can use your Bitcoin, Ether, or Litecoin as collateral and get your digital assets back when you pay off the loan. Keep in mind that you’re going to need to pay the interest on your monthly payments, and an amortized loan on $5,000 will cost around $440 monthly.
Crypto Tour Ideas
Whether you’re dreaming of cycling through the streets of Amsterdam, walking on the Golden Gate Bridge, or taking a tango class in Argentina, you can do it fiat-free. Start by booking flights and hotels on one of the travel services listed above and explore the city with your Bitcoin wallet.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Use your crypto to pay for daily necessities at one of 74 merchants
- Rent a bike with Bitcoin at Star Bikes Rental
- Withdraw euro from the Amsterdam’s one and only Bitcoin ATM
San Francisco, USA
- Walk the most impressive bridge in the world (it’s free)
- Grab lunch at the Far Out Market
- Explore the city and discover some of the 177 places that accept Bitcoin
- Pay a visit to one of the 29 bitcoin ATMs
London, UK
- Get a lift by HexCars
- Go on a shopping spree and visit some 88 merchants who accept crypto
- If you need quick cash and all you’ve got is some crypto in your wallet, London is the place to be as it accommodates 74 Bitcoin ATMs
- Go on a free Jack the Ripper walking tour and tip the tour guide in crypto
- Visit one of the world’s largest Bitcoin Meetups
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Take a bus using a SUBE card and top it up with crypto
- Join the locals at the free Milonga at La Glorieta and donate Bitcoin if you love the experience
- Withdraw cash from one of three BTC ATMs in the city
- Be spontaneous, check the list of 130 merchants that accept Bitcoin, and get inspired
The Bottom Line
These days, traveling with crypto is no longer a risky adventure. You can easily book flights and hotels and even get a better deal than if you were paying with fiat.
A rising number of vendors from car rentals to spas, cafés, and restaurants are more than happy to accept cryptocurrency payments. And you can always get some cash via Bitcoin ATMs.
Remember basic security rules, get a reliable crypto wallet, and let the adventures begin!
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On Holiday with Bitcoin: Survival Guide for Travelers with Crypto - Lumi Wallet Blog.
