This is the comment we hear most often when we mention our next trip. And usually I launch into an explanation of how we are doing it. We are fortunate to have jobs that we can mostly do from anywhere, which means the main challenge is affordability. Without a combination of points, miles, and home exchanges, our travel dreams would be almost impossible. Luckily, there are so many ways to earn enough points and miles to follow your travel dreams!
Credit Cards and Sign-Up Bonuses
Credit Cards are one one of the easiest ways to earn points and miles. If traveling is your goal, you should never spend a dollar without gaining points/miles! A quick disclaimer – I am not recommending that you get into credit card debt. I am suggesting that you use your credit cards for all the things you already spend money on each month, and then pay the balance each month to earn your points/miles.
Credit Cards routinely offer a sign-up bonus if you spend a certain amount in the first several months after opening the card. This is especially helpful when you know you have a large expense coming up. If you know you need to buy a new refrigerator, for example, it takes a little of the sting out of the purchase price when you know you are receiving 100,00 points/miles at the same time. Even with regular monthly spending, if you shift all your expenses to the new card you can often meet the spending requirement.
How does this look in real life…
Last year I signed up for the United Explorer Card which was offering me 80,000 miles if I spent $3,000 in the first three months as well as 5,000 miles by adding my husband as an authorized user. Once I had met the spending requirements and added my husband, I had the 85,000 miles plus the miles I earned through my spending. Using my newly acquired miles, I was able to book two one-way tickets to Florence, Italy. Plus, with the United Card I got the tickets with a 10% savings on award tickets and each of our first bags free.
Current Sign-Up Bonuses (Bonus amounts are personalized to each person’s finances)
American Express Platinum – Up to 175,000 points
If you’re interested in an American Express Platinum Card, send me a message and I’m happy to share my current referral offer.