How I Travel for Free and How you Can Too
As far as I can remember I’ve always enjoyed traveling. I did not travel much as a kid, but through the countless books I read, I knew I wanted to explore the world! I would often tell my parents once I got a job I would travel the world and I’ve been doing just that. I grew up in a very small town where exposure was very limited. I was fortunate enough to have a family that exposed my sister and I to more than just our neighborhood. With that being said, many people believe traveling is too expensive, and at one point I thought the same thing, until I was educated in traveling. Now, I believe it is too expensive not to travel. Traveling expands your mind and challenges your comfort zone. There is nothing like being lost in a country and finding your way around even when language barriers exists. It forces you to meet people and try new things. I want everyone to be able to experience having the world as their backyard as I have, so I am giving a few traveling tips.
- Southwest is my airline of choice when flying domestically. I applied for a Southwest credit card and when I was approved I automatically received 20,000 points (which at the time equated to one roundtrip flight). What I like so much about my Southwest credit card is my ability to earn points on everyday expenses (cable bill, insurance, cellphone bill, groceries, etc.). I already have these expenses so why not make them work in my favor, plus the points add up very quick. I would love to tell you how many free trips I have received over the years, but I didn’t think to keep up with it until now. I do believe I have had at least ten free roundtrip flights. Through Southwest your points can be redeemed for rental cars, hotels, and gift cards. You can also transfer the points to someone else. The only downside to this card is an annual fee of $99, however every anniversary you receive 6,000 points which is a one-way flight, depending on your destination.
- Along with my Southwest credit card I have a Bank of America travel rewards card. Please don’t stop reading this after seeing that I have two credit cards that I use for traveling! I know that many people steer away from credit cards, but the way that I use them they work in my favor. Okay, back to my Bank of America card, one might asks why I need this card when I have a Southwest card. The answer is with my Bank of America card, I can travel with any airline as well as book any hotel, rental car, cruise, etc (anything dealing with traveling) and I will get reimbursed. The great thing about this is, if you bank with them they will deposit the money directly into your account. I use my Southwest card more frequently than my Bank of America card, just because I love Southwest! I save my Bank of America card for large purchases. This past July my husband and I stayed at a four star hotel for FREE, yes absolutely FREE because I redeemed some of my points for a hotel stay. The hotel stay was free, as well as breakfast and valet parking.
With the holidays approaching most people spend extra money, if possible apply for a credit card and purchase your gifts with your card so your money can work for you. *Disclaimer: this is only if you are responsible and will pay the balance off at the end of the month.* I am very disciplined when it comes to paying my bills on time. Remember the credit card is not to purchase extra items to pay off later. Use it for the items you would already be purchasing!
If you aren’t able to go on a vacation and leave your city go on a staycation in a town nearby, whatever you do, just travel your mind will thank you! Here are some great articles with traveling tips:
https://www.oyster.com/articles/46769-the-20-most-important-travel-hacks-you-should-know/
