Use points for booking flights where you can. It's crucial to stay flexible with your travel dates, leading to better deals. Book in advance, especially for flights and hotels. Check the location of your accommodations; a cheaper hotel might seem like a good deal but could be far from centre, leading to higher transport costs. Look for opportunities to stack promotions with points, such as using a hotel promo code & paying with points. Make the most of credit card travel benefits, like free luggage or lounge access, to save more. Traveling during off-peak times can also reduce costs. Join loyalty programs for additional discounts and potential upgrades, and keep an eye out for new deals and promotions that can be combined with your points.

As a travel advisor that offers package travel, rewards programs and loyalty redemption are typically meant to be used by the consumer directly. For instance, because of this there are times that I may need to remove the airfare from a package because the client has a reward program to leverage. Which is excellent for the client. How I offer benefit, is when a client wants to ADD to these programs. I can add their reward number and they can build those accounts.

Choosing the Right Rewards Program: Travel Style: Consider your travel habits. Do you fly frequently to specific destinations? Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget accommodations? Rewards programs with strong partnerships in your preferred categories will offer the most value. Flexibility vs. Specificity: Some programs offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to redeem points for various travel options. Others offer better redemption rates for specific airlines or hotels. Credit Card Integration: Many travel rewards programs are linked to credit cards that offer bonus points for travel spending. Look for cards with high points multipliers on travel purchases and annual travel credits that can offset travel costs.

When planning travel, I like to lean on my credit card points. Oftentimes, credit cards offer an additional bonus when transferring points to specific places. For example, Chase Rewards is currently offering a bonus of 25% when transferring your points to Flying Blue. Flying Blue includes KLM and Air France, so it is a great time to get extra deals on flights to Europe!

Here are some ways to combine travel rewards with other discounts and promotions to save even more on your trips: Credit Card Rewards: Strategic Spending: Use credit cards that offer bonus points or miles in travel categories like flights, hotels, or car rentals. Maximize your points by using these cards for everyday purchases. Points Transfer: Some credit card programs allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs, potentially increasing your redemption value. Cardholder Offers: Many travel reward cards offer exclusive discounts or statement credits with specific travel providers. Look for deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, or activities that stack with your points or miles.

Creative Stacking: Combine Points with Cash: Don't be afraid to combine points redemption with some cash payment. This can be especially useful if you only need a top-up to cover the total cost. Rewards Credit Card Perks: Many travel rewards credit cards offer perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, or statement credits. Utilize these perks to save on additional travel expenses. Discount Hotel Booking Platforms: Look for discounted hotel rates through platforms like HotelTonight or Priceline, and then see if you can still redeem points

Traveling on the shoulder season can represent a great way to save on travel. Demand is less for rewards travel and the cost of those rewards is usually lower. September in the Mediterranean is our favorite shoulder season, there are fewer people and the water is the warmest it gets all season after being warmed all summer.

Tracking and Managing Rewards: Consolidate Your Programs: Sign up for rewards programs offered by airlines, hotels, credit cards, and travel websites you use frequently. Consider loyalty programs with transfer partners to broaden your redemption options. Track Everything: Use a spreadsheet, dedicated app, or online tool to track your points, miles, and credits across all programs. Note expiry dates, minimum redemption requirements, and blackout periods. Set Goals: Determine your travel aspirations and calculate the points/miles needed. This helps you focus your earning and redemption strategies.

Booking Strategies: Early Bird Deals: Airlines and hotels often offer discounts for booking flights and accommodations in advance, particularly for non-refundable rates. Take advantage of these deals if your travel plans are firm, but be mindful of cancellation policies. Flash Sales: Many travel companies and airlines run flash sales for a limited time. Subscribe to their newsletters or social media pages to stay updated and snag these deals when they appear. Price Monitoring Tools: Use online price monitoring tools that track flight and hotel prices. Set alerts to be notified when prices drop, allowing you to book when it's most economical.

Enjoying Your Travel: Prioritize Experiences: While saving money is important, don't compromise on experiences that make your trip special. Allocate a budget for activities, excursions, or local dining that enhance your travel enjoyment. Free Activities: Research free things to do in your destination. Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with free admission days, or cultural events. Travel Hacking Balance: While travel hacking can save money, don't let it dictate your entire trip. Focus on creating a memorable and enjoyable travel experience that aligns with your interests.

Don't get so wrapped up in trying to get the absolute most you can from each and every point or mile that you miss out on some amazing travel opportunities. If something is a little "expensive" as far as points or miles go but it's still low or no real cost, just book it!!