Travel Sports: The Wallet's Worst Nightmare

Courtney Hansen
Aug 25, 2025
3 min read

So, your kid has decided they want to become the next sports superstar. Great! But hold onto your wallet because travel sports are about to take you on a financial rollercoaster that no one signed up for. It’s like signing up for a gym membership that you never use, but instead of just wasting money, you’re actively spending it on hotel rooms, gas, and overpriced concession stands.

The Costs of Travel Sports: A Breakdown

1. Registration Fees: You thought you were just signing up for a team, but surprise! You’ve just donated to the "Our Kids Need New Jerseys Fund."

2. Travel Expenses: Gas prices are soaring, and suddenly your family car feels like a gas-guzzling monster. You might as well be driving a tour bus with how much you’ll be spending on road trips.

3. Food Costs: Nothing says “I love you, kid” like a $10 hot dog and a $5 bottle of water at the tournament. You could buy a small island for what you spend on snacks.

4. Lodging: Hotels that used to cost $100 a night now charge you an arm and a leg because they know you’re desperate for a place to crash before the big game.

5. Equipment: Don’t even get me started on the gear. You need to outfit your child like they’re going to the Olympics, and suddenly you’re purchasing shoes that cost more than your first car.

Tips to Use Credit Card Points for Youth Sports Travel

Now that you’ve accepted your fate as a travel sports parent, let’s talk about how to soften the financial blow with some savvy credit card point strategies:

1. Choose the Right Card: Look for credit cards that offer bonus points for travel-related purchases. Some cards give you extra points for gas stations, hotels, and even restaurants.

2. Sign-Up Bonuses: Take advantage of sign-up bonuses. Many cards offer substantial points if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. Use this for all your travel sports expenses, and watch those points pile up!

3. Everyday Spending: Use your credit card for everyday purchases—groceries, bills, and yes, even those overpriced sports snacks. Just make sure to pay it off each month to avoid interest!

4. Book Travel with Points: Use your accumulated points to book hotels and flights for travel tournaments. It’s like finding a hidden stash of cash in your couch cushions!

5. Partner Promotions: Some credit cards have partnerships with airlines and hotels. Keep an eye out for promotions that can double your points when booking travel for sports events.

6. Cash Back for Gear: Consider cash back cards for buying sports equipment. Use that cash back to offset the costs of travel!

7. Family Pooling: If you have multiple kids in sports, pool your points together. One family vacation can turn into a free trip if everyone contributes!

Conclusion: The Real MVP

At the end of the day, while travel sports can drain your bank account faster than your kid can score a goal, using credit card points can help ease the pain.

Remember, you’re not just investing in your child’s future; you’re also becoming a master of financial gymnastics. So, lace up those sneakers, grab your credit card, and hit the road—just don’t forget to pack the snacks!