Booking a Vacation Entirely with Crypto

When Bitcoin first appeared on the scene in 2009, many individuals thought it would never amount to much. But did you know there are several companies that accept cryptocurrency? Many of which are in the travel industry? We aren’t kidding.

If you’ve ever dreamed of booking a vacation entirely in crypto, we’ve got you. Here’s our step-by-step process so you can book your next vacation in crypto, too.

Step 1: Picking a Location

First and foremost, you have to find a country to vacation to that will accept cryptocurrency while you are there. Surprisingly, most countries make it easy to accept crypto with card and QR code payments, however there are a few notable exceptions.

Countries where you CAN’T pay in crypto (due to it being banned):

·      China

·      Pakistan

·      Saudi Arabia

·      Tunisia

·      Bolivia

·      Russia

If you don’t see a country you want to go to on this list, then you can probably pay in Bitcoin there, though some more research might be needed for some of the less developed countries.  If you want to go somewhere where crypto is for sure accepted, we recommend the following countries that have gone all in on crypto:

·      El Salvador

·      Canada

·      Germany

·      United States

·      Estonia

·      Switzerland

·      Australia

·      India

·      Japan

·      Mexico

·      Portugal

·      Singapore

·      Slovenia

·      The Netherlands

·      The United Kingdom

·      Malta

·      Ukraine

In any of these countries, you should have no problem paying at a variety of vendors in crypto. At the least, all vendors should accept cards, at which time you can pay with a crypto debit or credit card. Of course, do your research in advance and don’t just show up expecting to pay in crypto, as not all vendors have the capability to accept the currency.

Step 2: Buying a Flight

There are several travel websites that allow you to pay in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Of course, Bitcoin transactions can often take some time so we recommend looking for a flight well in advance of your vacation to ensure you can go to the location you want.

Here are the biggest websites that let you purchase in crypto:

·      Alternative Airlines

·      Air Baltic

·      Delta Airlines

·      Hopper

·      Travala

·      BitPay Travel

·      Crypto Air Tickets

·      Cheap Air

It’s worth noting that PayPal is a platform that always lets you pay with crypto anywhere where PayPal is accepted. While not all airlines allow PayPal, this will offer you some expanded options that aren’t on this list, broadening your options!

Step 3: Find a Place to Stay

After booking your flight, you’ll need somewhere to stay. Lucky for you, there are many large hotel booking platforms that accept cryptocurrency. Similar to the flights, you’ll want to investigate this in advance to ensure you have your choice of places to stay and can pay in the crypto of your choice.

·      Airbnb

·      Travala

·      Hotels.com

If you would like to pay the hotel in crypto directly, check out the following properties:

·      The D Hotel (Las Vegas)

·      The Grand Bohemian Hotel (Locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina)

·      Beaver Creek Lodge (Colorado)

·      Elliot Park Hotel (Minnesota)

·      JW Marriott (Some locations, but not all)

Step 4: Getting Around

Of course, when you arrive at your vacation location, you’ll probably need to get around. The good news for crypto enthusiasts is that Uber takes Bitcoin on its app. As such, as long as you are in a location that has Ubers, you’ll be able to get around.

Unfortunately, not all countries allow Uber, which may mean you need local cash for this step. In places where you can pay with a card for taxis or public transport, you can use a crypto debit or credit card to continue paying in crypto. Additionally, in some countries like El Salvador, you can use a Bitcoin ATM to turn your BTC into local cash for paying for transport.

Step 5: Booking Activities

While on vacation, you’ll likely want to explore the local museums and nature. The cool thing is that Airbnb accepts crypto, not just for bookings but also for Airbnb experiences, which is a second capability of the app that allows you to book things to do when you arrive on your vacation.

In some countries like El Salvador, where Bitcoin is legal tender, you might be able to book other tours with the currency. However, this isn’t always the case, so you may want to get a crypto debit card to book tours that aren’t available through the Airbnb platform.

Related: Bitcoin Adoption Expands in South America

Step 6: Eating

Obviously, it wouldn’t be a vacation if you didn’t visit some awesome restaurants! Sadly, food is the item that is hardest to pay for in crypto. While many of the hotels in the above section accept crypto at their restaurant, you’ll likely find several other restaurants that don’t. Unless you are in a country like El Salvador, where Bitcoin has to be accepted by all vendors.

Of course, there are some chain restaurants, like Bahama Breeze and Buffalo Wild Wings, in America that take crypto, but you likely won’t want to eat there for every meal. This is why, if you haven’t already, you should consider getting a crypto debit or credit card or a PayPal or Bitpay card, both of which will allow you to pay with crypto anywhere where cards are accepted. Just ensure whatever card you get is backed by Visa or Mastercard, both of which are widely accepted at locations around the world.

Related: The 7 Best Cryptocurrency Debit and Credit Cards

Overall, if you want to pay for a vacation in crypto, we are now in an era where you can absolutely do so! Just follow the steps on this list as you book, and ensure you sign up for some form of crypto card in those instances where you can’t pay in your desired crypto. Also, check your location before you go and find a Bitcoin ATM that you can visit in an emergency. Happy travels!

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