How to Take Your Next Vacation For (Almost) Free

The Power of Miles

Miles are a great way to save money on flights, especially if you travel frequently.

What are miles? They’re a type of loyalty program reward that can be earned and redeemed for travel expenses. The value of traveler miles varies, but they can be a great way to save money on travel, especially if you travel frequently. You can earn miles by flying with airlines, using credit cards that offer travel rewards, and staying at hotels that are part of a loyalty program. Once you've accumulated enough miles, you can redeem them for free flights or other travel rewards.

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There are a number of different frequent flyer programs to choose from, so it's important to research which one is right for you. Consider the airlines you fly most often and the destinations you're most interested in visiting. You may also want to consider factors such as the program's blackout dates and mileage expiration policy.

Here are just some examples of how to earn miles:

• Delta
• United
• American Airlines
• Southwest

Credit Card Points for Travel

Credit card points are another way to earn rewards for travel. Many credit cards offer points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel expenses. Some credit cards even offer bonus points on when you spend money on travel.

To earn credit card points, simply use your credit card. Most credit cards will give you 1 point per every $1 you spend, and each point is worth roughly 1 cent. That means, to get a round trip flight (about $500), you’ll have to rack up around 50,000 points. That sounds like a lot of points!

But have no fear, different types of purchases can actually get you more than 1 point, some even offer up to 10x points for certain purchases! Plus, many credit cards offer a massive sign-up bonus, anywhere from 50,000-100,000 if you join and spend a certain amount.

But be careful, this is an easy way to fall into a trap of overspending, so make sure not to sign up if the required spend amount is outside of your budget. Check out some of the best travel credit cards here.

How to Redeem the Points or Miles

Both your airline websites and the credit card websites will have travel portals that allow you to book flights using miles. You can compare different flight times and locations, and see how to get the best bang for your buck.

What do you do if you have miles sitting over on American Airlines website and points sitting in your Chase account? Well, you can actually combine those points and miles through a transfer. Credit card companies often work with the airlines to allow you to transfer your points directly to the airline account, allowing you to pool your points from different sources.

The best part is, you can often you can get much better prices if you book directly on the airline’s website.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Miles?

If you don't have enough miles to cover the cost of your flight, there are still ways to find cheap flights. Here are a few tips:

• Be flexible with your travel dates. Flying on weekdays or during the off-season is often cheaper than flying on weekends or during peak season.
• Consider flying into or out of smaller airports. Smaller airports often have lower landing fees, which can translate into lower fares for passengers.
• Sign up for email alerts from your favorite airlines and travel websites. This way, you'll be notified when there are sales or special promotions.

More Flight Hacks

• Book your flight in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a good deal.
• Book your flight on a Tuesday. Flights booked on Tuesdays are typically cheaper than flights booked on other days of the week.
• Consider flying red-eye. Red-eye flights are often cheaper than flights during the day.
• Use a credit card that offers travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect you from unexpected events such as flight cancellations and lost luggage!

• Use fare comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak. They allow you to compare fares across multiple airlines and booking platforms and can help you identify the cheapest options available for your destination and travel dates.
• The 24- Hour Rule. In the United States, airlines are required to allow travelers to cancel or change their flights within 24 hours of booking without any penalty. This means you can reserve a fare when you see a great deal and still have a day to think it over.
• A controversial strategy, hidden-city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover in your intended destination but disembarking at the layover city. It can save you money but comes with risks and ethical considerations.

The Bottom Line

Miles, cheap flights, and flight hacks open up a world of possibilities for travelers looking to explore the globe without breaking the bank. By taking advantage of frequent flyer programs, being flexible in your travel plans, and employing savvy hacks, you can embark on exciting journeys while keeping your budget intact. Remember that while these strategies can save you money, they require research, planning, and sometimes, a bit of creativity. So, go ahead, master the skies, and turn your travel dreams into reality. To upgrade your money mindset and earn-cash back rewards while doing it, check out Debbie!

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