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  1. Authors
  2. Stephanie Zito

Stephanie Zito

Contributor, Personal Finance
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Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Credit cards
  • Personal finance
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Arts, Samford University

Your possibility for seeing the world is not contingent on having a lot of money, and you can experience luxury beyond your means without breaking your budget or going into debt.

— Stephanie Zito

 

Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, self-employed humanitarian consultant and collector of credit card points. She shares savvy travel tips that she’s learned firsthand circling the globe for more than 25 years. She’s a backpacker, expert and premium traveler who’s visited more than 130 countries and all seven continents. Her life motto is “See the world, change the world, have fun doing it!” and her mission is to inspire others along the journey.

Zito loves teaching aspirational travelers how to access the world. And she shares her tips in her two books: “Upgrade Unlocked: The Unconventional Guide to Luxury Travel on a Budget” and "The Honeymoon Hack.” She’s also presented at many events, including Women’s Travel Fest, The World Domination Summit, Frequent Traveler University, Econome and Creative Live.

Zito's favorite travel hack is a hotel upgrade that lands her in a soaking tub with a view of the ocean. When she isn’t working from an airport lounge or an over-the-water bungalow somewhere exotic, she can be found hiking and camping in Portland, Oregon. Zito studied journalism at Samford University where she also discovered her love for international travel while completing studying abroad programs in London and China.

Your possibility for seeing the world is not contingent on having a lot of money, and you can experience luxury beyond your means without breaking your budget or going into debt.

— Stephanie Zito

Stephanie's latest articles

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    How to rent a car with points and miles

    Booking car rentals with rewards points can offer some value to travelers.

    4 min read Jul 23, 2025
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    Best hotel perks you can get with a credit card

    Hotel rewards credit card holders can get access to room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast, lounge access and free nights among other perks.

    4 min read Jan 06, 2025
  • design element of a women holding multiple credit cards and looking to the side

    Guide to green travel: Planning and financing a sustainable vacation

    Sustainable and responsible travel has reached the mainstream market.

    8 min read Jun 13, 2023
  • A Mature Couple Take A Selfie Together In Front Of Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

    Should I book 2023 travel now?

    Travel is open again but getting expensive. Here’s how to plan for it.

    5 min read Nov 16, 2022
  • QA woman

    Are travel cards still useful even if you don’t travel much?

    Savvy spenders can stack up points on their travel cards for later in the year.

    4 min read Aug 31, 2022
  • QA woman

    Do I need a vaccine passport to book a flight?

    Dear Cashing In: I really want to use my rewards points to travel internationally soon. Is it true that I’ll need to have a vaccine passport in order to book my flights?—Kellee Dear Kellee, It’s [...]

    4 min read Apr 06, 2021
  • Best Metal Credit Cards of October 2025

    Learn which metal credit cards offer the best benefits and perks. Read our comprehensive breakdown to find which metal card is right for you.

    9 min read Oct 29, 2025
  • Best Airline Credit Cards of October 2025

    The best airline credit cards offer generous rewards and travel-related perks. Bankrate highlights the airline cards that can really help your travel experience take off.

    13 min read Oct 29, 2025
  • Bank of America Credit Cards - Offers of October 2025

    Compare Bank of America credit card offers available online at Bankrate.com. Read reviews from our personal finance experts and find the card that's right for you.

    1 min read Oct 29, 2025
  • Best Chase Credit Cards for October 2025

    These are Bankrate's top picks for Chase credit cards you should consider adding to your wallet in 2025. Read our expert advice and compare the latest offers from Chase.

    14 min read Oct 28, 2025
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    These are Bankrate's top picks for Citi credit cards to consider. Read our expert advice and compare the latest offers from Citi.

    15 min read Oct 24, 2025
  • Best Travel Credit Cards of October 2025

    The best travel credit cards offer outstanding rewards, big sign-up bonuses and low fees. Read our recommendations for the best travel rewards cards.

    11 min read Oct 24, 2025
  • The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Review

    One of the better branded hotel cards with diverse reward earning opportunities and redemption choices, along with valuable benefits for Hilton loyalists.

    11 min read Oct 01, 2025
  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card Review

    If you’re a foodie and have a passion for everything from fine-dining to drive-throughs, this card is for you.

    12 min read Sep 26, 2025
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