How I Earned Hundreds of $$$ from My Holiday

How I Earned Hundreds of $$$ from My Holiday

Let’s be real - holidays can be expensive. Between flights, accommodation, food, and activities, the costs add up fast. But what if I told you that you could actually earn money while booking your trip? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, I did exactly that, and I currently have a balance of $910 in my ShopBack account to prove it!

My Secret to Earning While Booking a Holiday

When I was planning our European adventure for this June, I knew we’d be spending a decent chunk on accommodation. For us it ends up being the biggest cost so I try to save money where I can. I have always used booking.com, I just find it easy and convenient to have all my bookings in one place. I then discovered that they were on ShopBack… so I decided to make every dollar count by booking through ShopBack and getting cashback on my bookings. 

Here’s how it worked: I researched the hotels we wanted to stay at, kept an eye on ShopBack’s offers, and when their super deals popped up (offering 10% cashback on Booking.com), I jumped on them! So simple, and only a few extra clicks.   
And just like that, I was getting real cash back from bookings I would’ve made anyway.

I wish I’d known about ShopBack when booing our flights as you can even earn cashback on those too. ShopBack partners with Flight Centre, Expedia, Qatar Airways, Trip.com, and more, meaning you can get money back on your airfare as well. They also have car rental companies, so if you're hiring a vehicle on your trip, you can save there too.

If you check their website under the travel section, you’ll also find a handy calendar showing when deals are coming up, so you can plan your booking dates accordingly and maximize your cashback! You will also get their emails a few days in advance of the super deals – definitely opt in for these.

What Exactly is ShopBack?

For those unfamiliar, ShopBack is Asia-Pacific’s leading shopping and rewards platform that allows you to earn cashback whenever you shop online. It partners with thousands of brands - think Booking.com, The Iconic, Sephora, Cotton On, Adidas (and loads more) - so you can get a percentage of your money back every time you shop through their platform.

Currently, ShopBack serves over 45 million shoppers across 13 markets, including New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and is now currently expanding globally, including Europe and North America.

How You Can Start Earning with ShopBack

If you want to start making money while you book your next trip (or even just your online shopping), here’s how – and I’ve even got a little kickstarter for you. ShopBack has given me an exclusive $5 bonus code for you.  Use code "JUSTINE5" or THIS LINK when you download the app to get started with $5 in your wallet!

1. Download the ShopBack app on your mobile phone for easy purchases or
   Use ShopBack on your web browser https://app.shopback.com/nzl/partner/JUSTINE5

2. Sign up and log in

3. Click through to your preferred retailer from ShopBack’s platform before making a purchase (e.g., Booking.com, The Iconic, Cotton On, Sephora, etc.).

4. Shop as usual!

5. Your cashback will be tracked within 2 days and confirmed once verified by the partner brand (usually between 45 to 120 days).

6. Once you hit $10 in confirmed cashback, you can withdraw it straight to your PayPal or bank account.

What I’ll Use the Cashback For

The BEST PART!  One of the best things about earning cashback while booking a trip is that it frees up money for extra experiences we might not have been able to justify otherwise. The $910 cash back means we were able to book tickets to Disneyland Paris for a day which Aiden is SO EXCITED about!    Our shopback money covers our day passes AND accommodation (which I will earn more cashback on… are you seeing the pattern here?!). It’s such a great feeling knowing that by being a little savvy, we get to enjoy more special experiences on our trip that I’m sure will be a highlight. 

The Verdict?

Earning cashback is such an easy way to make your holiday budget go further. Whether you’re booking a trip or doing everyday online shopping, why not get paid for it? A few extra steps could mean hundreds of extra dollars in your pocket - just like I did with my European trip!

If you haven’t already, give ShopBack a go and start turning your purchases into actual cash.

Happy saving (and spending)!

Justine x

Five Things To Add to Your Paris Itinerary

Five Things To Add to Your Paris Itinerary

Having visited Paris ten times, I’ve been continuously discovering new places to visit over the years. We all know you have to stand under the Eiffel Tower and see the Arc de Triomphe, but the City of Love is full of hidden gems that are just as memorable & impressive as its famous icons.

Here are five things you need to include in your Paris itinerary this summer, it also happens to make up the perfect day.

1.     Wander the streets of Le Marais

This is my favourite area of Paris, and it also happens to be the oldest. It is home to hidden alleyways, beautiful architecture, secluded gardens, amazing street art, the Jewish quarter & Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris.  You will also find Paris’ oldest covered market, Marché des Enfants Rouge here, which is well worth a visit. Also check out the impressive Sainte-Chapelle Chapel.

2.     Eat Falafel and take in the charm on Rue des Rosiers

Rue des Rosiers

In the heart of le Marais, this mostly cobblestone and pedestrianised medieval street is my favourite in Paris.  Along with it’s beautiful architecture, it houses incredible food with the best falafel in the city at L’as du Falafel, and Jewish bakeries selling mouth wateringly good pastries.  Don’t miss the cozy Le Loir dans La Théière café tucked away at the end of the street selling slices of pie and cake made fresh daily with seasonal produce – and great coffee.
Go earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

3.     Visit Rue Cler: The most Famous market street in Paris

You might not read about Rue Cler in the guide books, but this beloved market street will give you one of the most authentic experiences in Paris.  This is where the locals go for their produce and daily needs. Uncover hidden treasures along this street which is brimming with cafes, boulangeries, specialty shops and every food stall you can imagine. The fruit & vege stalls are a destination all on their own.  
Stop at Amorino for an epic macaron gelato sandwich.

4.     See A Different Side of The Eiffel Tower

If you want to see a different side to the Eiffel Tower, hit up these alternate view points which offer the best views & photo opportunities. Start at Trocadéro and see the tower from across the Seine in all its glory. Then, take a leisurely walk to the Seine and along its banks to Pont de Bir Hakeim bridge for the most romantic views. Continue to the tower to see it up close. Lastly, head to Rue de l'Université for a view of the tower through this charming tree lined residential street.

Rue de l'Université

Trocadéro lower level

5.     Have dinner at Le Cafe de la Régence

This gem can be found on busy Rue Saint-Honoré, a quick 5 min walk from the Louvre. The food is out of this world good, ambiance lovely and staff friendly.  Try French delicacy Foie gras here – it’s the best I’ve had. I can also vouch for the Poulet Rôti (Roast Chicken) and Entrecôte and Frites (steak and chips). Top it off with the classic crème brulee for the perfect end to your perfect Paris day.

WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS?

If you’re visiting Paris, I can highly recommend Hotel Lion Dor Louvre! Amazing location that can’t be beat, great sized rooms, incredible breakfast and staff. Use code JUSTINE15 when booking on their website for 15% off.

The days selection at Le Loir dans La Théière