I am a freelance writer and blogger based in Brooklyn, NY. I write about travel and personal finance and I’m particularly passionate about things that help me to go places whenever I have a chance. Oh yes, I am an avid traveler.
This unforgiving passion led me to discover (almost by accident) travel and credit card rewards programs. I was floored when I realized that loyalty programs in combination with good credit habits work wonders not only for business travelers, but also for infrequent travelers and the “disloyal,” as well.
Before I found this “magical” system, I still trotted the globe on the cheap, although using less effective ways to save money. I drove rental cars along the East Coast, used air-ticket consolidators, and flew overseas as an air courier. And no, that’s not the full list. Not even close.
Many of those tricks are no longer available, and that is a good thing. No consolidator would give you a ticket for free. No air-courier company would put you in a Business Class seat to deliver a manila envelope to somewhere across the world. But your good credit can do these and many other wonders! Since I discovered that a combination of good credit and travel loyalty programs held the key to near-free travel around the world, nothing else mattered anymore.
Not everything about this hobby is peachy. You must have a good-to-excellent credit score. You must pay your credit card bills in full every month. You must maintain just the right balance between your travels and real life because traveling the world still costs money even if your flights and accommodations are taken care of.
I have been doing this for the last 20 years, and I personally use the methods I blog about, with over two million miles and points in my family accounts. And my FICO credit score is stronger than ever, as well.
Wondering how you can leverage your good credit score to get free travel? It’s easier than you think. You apply for the right credit card or two, get a huge welcome bonus, then book your flight and/or hotel. Of course, you must be flexible in order to get the best deal, but that is true about anything in life.
I always practice what I preach and I’m having a lot of fun doing it. And so can you. Welcome!
