A pocketful of blockchain for a pleasant journey: The pros and cons of paying for travel with crypto

Paying for travel with cryptocurrency might sound futuristic, but it’s already happening. More airlines, hotels, and travel platforms are accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies. Some people love the idea—no banks, no currency exchange fees, and a level of financial freedom that traditional payment methods don’t offer. Others? Not so much. Between volatility, security risks, and the fact that not every business is on board yet, crypto travel still has its fair share of headaches.

When considering the payment for a next trip with crypto, the first thing to get right is the wallet. The best Bitcoin wallet, for instance, is secure and ensures that funds stay safe and accessible while on the go. The last situation to encounter is being stuck at an airport trying to book a last-minute hotel, only to realize the crypto is locked up in an exchange that won’t allow withdrawal. A good wallet puts the user in control, which is especially important when traveling.

Some travellers are already booking entire trips with digital assets. CheapAir has been accepting Bitcoin for flights and hotels for years, and Travala.com lets users pay with over 90 different cryptocurrencies. Some airlines, like AirBaltic and LOT Polish Airlines, allow Bitcoin payments. Hotels like The Kessler Collection, a luxury hotel group, started accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, making it easier for crypto users to check in without pulling out a credit card. In some places, restaurants, car rentals, and even amusement parks are joining in, especially in cities like Dubai and Bangkok, where crypto-friendly businesses are growing fast.

Of course, none of this means one can ditch their credit card just yet. Even though crypto is gaining traction, it’s still not widely accepted. It is possible to book a flight with Bitcoin, but there might be a struggle to pay for a cab once landing. Major hotel chains, airlines, and most local businesses still operate in the world of Visa, Mastercard, and cash. Crypto ATMs exist, exist, but they often charge high fees, making them an expensive backup plan. Unless thoroughly researched at every stop on the trip, relying entirely on crypto could lead to some frustrating moments.

There’s also the issue of volatility. Crypto prices swing up and down faster than a rollercoaster. The Bitcoin used to book a hotel today might be worth half as much next week—or twice as much, which is great unless it’s already been spent. Unlike traditional currencies, which are relatively stable, crypto’s value can shift dramatically overnight. When using digital assets to fund a long-term trip, keeping an eye on the market or sticking to stablecoins, which hold their value better, becomes imperative.

Security is another factor. Blockchain transactions are generally safe, but once crypto is sent, there’s no undo button. If crypto is accidentally sent to the wrong address or one falls for a scam, that money is gone. Unlike credit cards, which allow chargebacks and fraud protection, crypto transactions are final. That’s why it’s crucial to use a trusted wallet, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid making transactions over sketchy public Wi-Fi. A VPN can help keep things private, but ultimately, the responsibility for security falls on the individual.

Then there’s the legal side of things. In some countries, crypto is welcomed with open arms. El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender, meaning it can be used to buy anything from coffee to a plane ticket. Switzerland, Portugal, and the UAE are also crypto-friendly, allowing businesses to accept Bitcoin without much hassle. But other places aren’t as open-minded. China, Egypt, and Morocco have outright banned crypto transactions, while Russia and Pakistan exist in a gray area where laws are unclear. The last thing one wants is to land in a country where crypto payments are illegal and have no way to pay for anything. Researching local regulations ahead of time is a must.

Despite the current challenges, the future of crypto travel looks promising. Some companies are working on decentralised travel booking platforms that cut out middlemen, offering better prices and more transparency. Blockchain-based loyalty programs could change how travelers earn and use rewards, making them transferable between airlines and hotels. Stablecoins are already helping to solve the volatility problem, providing a more reliable way to pay. Even travel insurance is getting a blockchain upgrade, with smart contracts that can automatically issue payouts for flight delays, lost luggage, or cancellations.

So, should you book your next trip with crypto? That depends. If you love the idea of financial independence, don’t mind the occasional inconvenience, and are comfortable navigating crypto’s quirks, it can be a fun and efficient way to pay. But if you prefer a hassle-free experience where you can swipe a card and not think twice, sticking with traditional payment methods might be the better option. A hybrid approach could be the smartest move. Use crypto where it makes sense, but keep a backup payment option in case things don’t go as planned. As adoption grows, digital currencies may become a mainstream way to pay for travel, but for now, they remain an exciting, yet unpredictable, alternative.

Pronoun fixer completed: So, should one book their next trip with crypto? That depends. Loving the idea of financial independence, not minding the occasional inconvenience, and being comfortable navigating crypto’s quirks can make it a fun and efficient way to pay. However, preferring a hassle-free experience where one can swipe a card and not think twice suggests sticking with traditional payment methods might be the better option. A hybrid approach could be the smartest move. Using crypto where it makes sense, but keeping a backup payment option in case things don’t go as planned is advisable. As adoption grows, digital currencies may become a mainstream way to pay for travel, but for now, they remain an exciting, yet unpredictable, alternative.

The editorial unit