Maximizing Travel Rewards: How I Redeemed 2.1 Million Hotel Points to Save Over $35,000 on Family Travel in 2022
Maximizing Travel Rewards: How I Redeemed 2.1 Million Hotel Points to Save Over $35,000 on Family Travel in 2022
Issue #8 of a weekly family travel newsletter from The Family Travel Guy featuring a look at credit card points, miles and cash-back
There is no right or wrong way to go about traveling or trying to maximize and optimize your travel value, but there is always a better way. One of the ways I try to maximize and optimize the value we get from traveling is utilizing points and miles to help save on family travel costs and stretch our budget a little further to explore more of the world.
One of the reasons I don't discuss more on how I exactly use points and miles to save on travel costs is because everyone accrues different types of points, miles or may prefer cash-back.
Another big reason why I haven't discussed this topic more is that "Your Mileage May Vary" (YMMV), meaning how I accrue and use points and miles may not be the best way for you to accrue them or use them. Also, all points and miles aren’t created equal, some are a lot more valuable and some are easier to accrue faster. Where I may find great benefit in using points for family hotel stays, you may find better value by using them for flights, getting cash-back, exchanging for gift cards, etc.
In other words, what works for me, may not work for you, or may not be the best way to utilize or maximize points & miles.
In general, credit card points and miles can be a great way to save money on your travel expenses. Here are a few tips for maximizing the value of your credit card rewards:
Use your rewards to pay for travel expenses.
Many credit cards allow you to redeem your points and miles for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses.
This can help you save money on your travel costs and make your trips more affordable.
Look for credit cards that offer bonus rewards for travel.
Many credit cards offer additional points or miles when you use them to book travel, such as flights or hotels or for dining out and groceries. This can help you earn rewards faster and get more value for your spending.
Transfer points and miles to travel partners.
Many credit cards allow you to transfer your points and miles to other loyalty programs, such as airline or hotel loyalty programs.
This can give you access to a wider range of rewards and redemption options, and can help you get more value for your points and miles.
I personally like American Express Membership Rewards Points and Chase Ultimate Rewards Points for transferring to airline and hotel partners.
Take advantage of travel perks and benefits.
Many credit cards offer travel-related perks and benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, access to airport lounges, hotel elite status and more.
These perks can help you save money and make your travel experience more comfortable and convenient.
I plan on writing more about how I use points and miles to maximize our travel going forward here on The Family Travel Bulletin and over on my website, The Family Travel Guy.
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Recent posts from The Family Travel Guy you may have missed
Here are a few other previous posts on Points and Miles:
Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour Review
The Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour is a guided 2.5 hour walking tour through Disneyland and California Adventure where you'll learn about the festive decorations on display throughout the theme park, as well as Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world. You’ll also enjoy reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy Parade, delicious holiday treats, a wonderful wintry ride on “it’s a small world” Holiday and more.
FAMILY TRAVEL NEWS
Round-up of travel tips, insights and news you can use for your next trip
FAMILY TRAVEL OFFERS & INSIGHTS
Featured Special Offers of the Week
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
Book four nights at Stanly Ranch, located in Napa, and enjoy your fourth night free
Purchase $250 or more in Delta Gift Cards and get a $20 Starbucks eGift.
Royal Caribbean - Up to $550 Instant Savings + 30% Off Every Cruise + Kids Sail Free
Right now you can save big, including up to $550 off instantly and 30% off for your whole travel crew. Plus, for a limited time only - kids sail free! Offer valid December 7-11, 2022
From January 3 to February 12, 2023, get 23% off a great selection of the City’s most celebrated hotels.
THE FAMILY TRAVEL GUY
I hope this email helped spark some travel inspiration!
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The Family Travel Bulletin is a once weekly newsletter by Randy Singh featuring a curated summary of family travel news, special offers, travel advisor insights and recent blog posts from The Family Travel Guy to help you travel better, travel smarter and optimize value along the way.
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