Jason Steele is a freelance writer who is an expert on travel and personal finance. He contributes to the blog at Smart Balance Transfers and several other top personal finance sites.
As a full time freelance writer, specializing in travel and personal finance, I have done well offering a perspective that combines both of these areas. When my travel writer colleagues wonder what personal finance has to do with travel, I just remind them that most of us do not have an unlimited budget. And when my fellow personal finance bloggers ask what travel has to with personal finance, I remind them that most Americans spend quite a bit of their income on vacations.
At the same time, writers from both groups are enthralled my stories of nearly free travel around the world. In the end, it all boils down to one question, “How do you do it?”
There is no simple answer, but here are the five strategies that you can use to maximize the amount of free travel you earn:
1. Use credit cards wisely. The number one priority of any credit card user should always be to avoid interest by paying their entire statement balance in full and on time, every month. Once you have achieved that, credit card use becomes a means of payment that can result in outrageous amounts of free travel in the form of points and miles. Credit cards offer amazing sign up bonuses and valuable rewards for spending, and most of my miles have come to me courtesy of these offers.
2. Hunt for deals and promotions. While extreme couponers spend hours tracking down a free jar of peanut butter or discounts on toilet paper, reward travel enthusiasts like myself will devote some of their spare time to finding tens of thousands of dollars worth of free travel. In fact, we usually fly in business and first class while staying at luxury hotels. And just as there are numerous blogs that cover deals on groceries or apparel, there is no shortage of Internet content devoted to travel deals using points and miles.
3. Maximize the miles earned from paid travel. These days, the vast majority of my travel comes from redeeming points and miles. But those who travel for business, and those who have yet to master the art of points and miles will still have to travel on paid tickets. And when you do so, you need to get the maximum number of points and miles possible. This can also involve seeking out the best deals and promotions, many of which require free registration.
4. Keep track of everything. The biggest mistake travel newbies make is losing track of all their points and miles. I keep all this information for me and my family in a service called AwardWallet.
5. Spend as wisely as you earn. Just as with dollars, you need to be careful how you spend your points and miles. And just as there are a million tricks for earning points and miles, there are an equal number of ways to get the most travel from the points and miles you have.
Learning how to travel frugally is not simple, but it is fun. And when you finally embark on your dream trip, you will find that the only thing more enjoyable than taking a vacation is doing so at nearly no cost.
Michelle’s pic.
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
I’m getting more crafty about using my credit card to get points on southwest. So far it’s paid for two domestic trips this year and will probably pay for a third one. Not too shabby.
What kinds of things are you doing to get more points?
Michelle, What are your favorite credit cards for travel rewards?
My friend Jason Steele wrote this post, so I will email him and see which card is his favorite. He rocks the travel rewards!
What I think a proper planing for your finance management (that includes holiday visits) is very vital for every individual. Again following certain tips also helps to manage your spending in a foreign land.
During foreign travel you have to keep in minds that what kind of thing you have to do with your hard earned money and keep track of every thing and spend wisely. So it’s a proper planning to manage your personal finance.
I use a cash budget when I travel overseas and it has worked out really well for me. You’re right-it’s always smart to plan your finances before travel.
I think that one of the most important aspects about securing your self financialy is using discipline. Personaly I try to use my credit cards as much as possible, with my credit cards I get free cash and vouchers.
Discipline is definitely key. I am not able to use credit cards (they are like spending heroin to me) but if you’re able to rock it and have a system. Boom!
Nice information about how Use credit cards wisely. Credit cards offer many important perks – beyond travel rewards and cash back – but many people don’t know about them.