TRAVELING FOR FREE USING POINTS AND MILES WITH ERIN BRINTON

TRAVEL FOR FREE USING POINTS AND MILES

Welcome to another episode of the Redefine Business Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to have Erin Brinton, an Esthetician and seasoned traveler, joining us. Traveling for free is a subject I’m super passionate about, and Erin is here to share her insights on how to travel the world affordably using points and miles.

HOW TO START TRAVELING FOR FREE

Erin, an Esthetician by trade, began traveling using points and miles to make frequent travel affordable for her family. Unlike the occasional trip, Erin aims to travel every six to eight weeks, necessitating a cost-effective strategy. Over the past decade, she has honed her skills, turning it into a passion she loves to share with others.

Traveling using points and miles might sound complex, but it essentially involves using points and miles accumulated through various credit cards and loyalty programs to travel for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Erin’s journey started with co-branded cards like Delta and Marriott, but she quickly realized that to truly maximize her travel, she needed a more diverse arsenal of credit cards.

HOW DOES EARNING POINTS AND MILES WORK?

To get the biggest bang for your buck, you need to understand the difference between using co-branded cards (like those specific to an airline or hotel chain) and using more flexible bank credit cards (like American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Citibank) that offer transferable points. With transferable points, you can choose from a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, giving you more flexibility and opportunities to find the best deals.

Erin emphasizes that the key to amassing millions of points lies in the sign-up bonuses offered by credit cards. These bonuses, awarded when you meet a minimum spend within a few months, can significantly boost your points balance. Rather than using the same credit card for years, Erin frequently opens new cards, meets the minimum spend, and then moves on to the next card, effectively “sock drawering” the previous ones.

For instance, a Delta credit card might only allow you to fly Delta, but a card with transferable points can let you choose from multiple airlines. This flexibility opens up a world of possibilities for booking international business class flights or luxurious hotel stays.

WHERE PEOPLE GO WRONG

Many people fail to maximize their travel rewards because they book through the credit card’s travel portal, which often provides a lower value for points. Instead, Erin advises transferring points directly to airline or hotel loyalty programs. For example, 100,000 Chase points might be worth about $1,200 when booked through the portal, but if transferred to an airline or hotel partner, those same points could be worth around $7,000.

Another common mistake is sticking with one credit card for years, expecting to accumulate enough points for significant travel. Without taking advantage of sign-up bonuses and multiple credit cards, it’s challenging to gather enough points for extensive travel. Erin’s strategy involves continuously earning points through sign-up bonuses and smart spending, ensuring she always has a healthy points balance to draw from when planning trips.

Additionally, people often worry that opening multiple credit cards will harm their credit score or lead to debt. However, Erin maintains an excellent credit score by only spending what she can afford and paying off her balances in full each month. By using credit cards responsibly and strategically, it’s possible to reap the benefits of earning points and miles without falling into debt.

WHAT ERIN HAS BOOKED WITH POINTS

One of Erin’s standout trips was a two-week journey through Europe, which she booked almost entirely with points and miles. Here’s a breakdown of her itinerary and how she utilized her amazing skills:

1. Flights

•    Salt Lake City to JFK: Flew on points.
•    JFK to Berlin: Flew Delta One for just 50,000 points per person (a value of around $3,500 per ticket) through Virgin Atlantic, paying only $16 per person in taxes and fees.

2. Accommodation:

•    Berlin: Two nights at the Berlin Marriott using free night certificates from a Marriott credit card.
•    Prague: Stayed at the Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel using points, upgraded to a suite, and also used a Fine Hotels & Resorts credit for an additional night.
•    Venice: Stayed at a Radisson hotel entirely on points.
•    Zurich: Three nights at the Park Hyatt Zurich using points, booking through a friend’s globalist status to get free breakfast.
•    Amsterdam: One night at a hotel on points before flying home.

3. Return Flight:

•   Amsterdam to Salt Lake City: Flew KLM business class for 58,000 points per person, paying $200 each in taxes and fees.

Overall, Erin spent around $950 out of pocket for a trip that would have cost $38,000 if paid in cash. This incredible value showcases the potential to create unforgettable travel experiences without breaking the bank.

CONCLUSION

Traveling for free using points and miles can seem daunting at first, but with the right strategies and knowledge, it opens up a world of affordable travel possibilities. Erin’s experiences demonstrate that by using the right credit cards, understanding airline alliances, and maximizing sign-up bonuses, you can enjoy luxurious travel experiences for a fraction of the cost.

If you’re interested in learning more about traveling for free, Erin offers consultations to help you get started. Visit her Instagram page, Traveling Blonde on Points, and click on the link in her bio to schedule a free 45-minute consultation. Erin will guide you through the process, help you develop a plan based on your travel goals, and ensure you’re on the path to success.

Earning points and miles is all about making your money work for you, turning everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences. Happy travels!