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Stephanie Zito

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

 

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

  • Best Airline Credit Cards of April 2026

    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.

    10 min read Apr 03, 2026
  • Best Chase Credit Cards for April 2026

    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 Apr 03, 2026
  • Best Hotel Credit Cards for April 2026

    For consumers who travel frequently, a good hotel credit card is a must-have. With generous sign-up bonuses and competitive rewards rates, these are the best hotel rewards cards available from Bankrate's credit card partners.

    13 min read Apr 02, 2026
  • Best Travel Credit Cards of April 2026

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

    8 min read Apr 01, 2026