Mastering the Game: Travel Hacking for Youth Sports Tournaments

Embarking on the thrilling journey of supporting our young athletes at youth sports tournaments is a joyous yet logistically demanding endeavor. Last spring, we headed to the courts of a travel volleyball tournament with our daughter, and amidst the cheers and excitement, one strategic play stood out – the artful use of credit card points, transforming daunting hotel costs into a manageable expense.

The reality is, expenses tied to youth sports travel, be it for volleyball, soccer, basketball, or baseball, can swiftly escalate, particularly when hotel stays approach the formidable $200 or more/night mark. The game-changing solution? Travel hacking, a savvy playbook offering ingenious solutions to make these adventures not only affordable but enjoyable.

Unveiling the MVP – Value in Accommodations:

When scouting for the ideal hotels catering to out-of-town youth sports events, value becomes the MVP. Why settle for a pricey hotel when the majority of your time is spent at the tournament venue? Seek accommodations that seamlessly blend practical amenities, comfort, and, of course, budget-friendly pricing.

Strategic Play: Navigating "Stay to Play" Events:

One standout travel hack in the playbook of youth sports travel involves deftly navigating "stay to play" events. These events often dictate participants must lodge at specific hotels listed by team travel sources. While this rule aims to streamline logistics, the designated hotels might not consistently offer the best value for your money. Enter travel hacking to save the day.

Free Stay Exemptions: If you have enough points to redeem them for an entirely FREE stay, you are allowed to do so. Book the room through the hotel directly and upload a copy of your reservation showing that points were used to book your entire stay. Make sure to list the athlete's name on your email so they are an approved exemption. Please note that just ‘receiving points’ for staying at a hotel does not qualify for an exemption. You must be redeeming for an entire free stay.

Chicago Chronicles – A Winning Move with Hyatt Points:

For our recent trip to Chicago, we were presented with several choices. Opting for flexibility, we utilized Hyatt points to stay at the Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport, a move that saved us from a $186/night expense (plus taxes and fees) for our two-night stay. The 8,000/night Hyatt points earned through my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card made this play all the more rewarding.

As you gear up for the next youth sports tournament, consider the transformative potential of travel hacking. From cost-effective hotel stays to skillful navigation of event requirements, these hacks can elevate your journey into a triumphant experience for both your young athlete and the spirited cheering squad in the stands. Because, ultimately, witnessing your child's success on the field becomes even sweeter when you've optimized every aspect of your travel adventure with a strategic game plan.