Imagine sipping cocktails on a beach in Bali, exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, or hiking the majestic Machu Picchu – all without breaking the bank. Sounds like a dream? It’s not! With travel rewards programs, you can turn that dream into reality. This is your comprehensive guide on How To Travel On Points and unlock a world of nearly free travel.
What Does Traveling on Points Mean?
“Traveling on points” simply means using points or miles earned through travel rewards programs to pay for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Think of it as a frequent flyer program on steroids.
Imagine this: You’re standing in line at a coffee shop, about to spend $5 on your daily caffeine fix. But wait! Instead, you whip out your credit card, one you strategically chose for its travel rewards. Suddenly, that $5 isn’t just buying you coffee, it’s also inching you closer to a free flight to Paris! That’s the magic of travel hacking.
Why You Should Care About Travel Rewards
- Free or Heavily Discounted Travel: This is the big one! Use points for flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and even cruises.
- Upgrade Your Experience: Score those coveted first-class seats or enjoy a luxurious suite instead of a standard room.
- Travel More Often: When you’re not shelling out big bucks for every trip, you can afford to travel more frequently.
free-flight-to-paris|Free flight to Paris|A woman smiling while holding her boarding pass, a plane flying in the background.
How to Earn Travel Points: A Multi-Pronged Approach
1. Credit Cards: The most lucrative way to rack up points is through credit card sign-up bonuses and everyday spending.
Pro Tip: Look for cards with large welcome bonuses and bonus categories that align with your spending habits.
2. Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs: Sign up for free programs offered by your favorite airlines and hotels to earn points on every stay or flight.
3. Dining Programs: Did you know you can earn extra points just by dining out? Programs like Chase Dining and American Airlines Dining let you earn bonus points at participating restaurants.
4. Shopping Portals: Before you click “purchase” for your next online shopping spree, make sure you’re going through a travel rewards portal like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Rakuten to earn bonus points on your purchases.
travel-rewards-portal|Travel rewards portal|A person using a laptop and a smartphone to book a flight and a hotel.
