5 common mistakes to avoid when using points and miles for family travel

Family travel can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it can also be quite expensive. The cost of flights, hotels, and other expenses, can quickly add up. However, there is a way to save money and make your travels more affordable – by using points and miles. Earning and redeeming points and miles is a great way to pay for your travel expenses without dipping into your savings.

However, using points and miles is not always straightforward. In this post, we will highlight 5 common mistakes people make when using points and miles for family travel and provide tips on avoiding them. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a beginner, this guide will help you get the most out of your points and miles and ensure that your travels are a success!

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Points vs. cashback: which credit card rewards program is right for you?

Credit card rewards programs have become a popular way to save money and earn incentives while making everyday purchases. Two of the most common types of those reward programs are points and cashback programs. Choosing the right program can be daunting because each program has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.

In this post, we will delve into the details of both points and cashback programs to help you decide which one is right for you. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or simply looking to save money on everyday purchases, understanding the pros and cons of each type of rewards program is crucial to making an informed decision. So, buckle up and join us as we explore the world of credit card rewards programs!

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Best strategies for earning points and miles through non-traditional methods

Are you looking for new and creative ways to earn points and miles? While many travelers are familiar with traditional methods of earning rewards, such as through credit card sign-up bonuses and airline or hotel loyalty programs, there are many non-traditional ways that can help you earn points and miles with little effort. Let’s take a look at some of those strategies for earning points and miles through alternative methods.

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Which hotel status is right for you: Hyatt Globalist vs Hilton Diamond

If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how important it is to have elite status with a hotel loyalty program. It gives you access to exclusive benefits and perks and can also make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable.

Two of the top-tier elite status levels offered by hotel loyalty programs are Hilton Diamond and Hyatt Globalist. Both come with a wide range of benefits and perks, such as room upgrades, late check-out, and free nights. However, there are also some key differences between the two that may make one program more appealing to you than the other.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Hilton Diamond and Hyatt Globalist and compare the benefits they offer. We’ll also discuss the requirements for achieving elite status, as well as the earning and redemption options available. By the end of this post, you’ll have a good understanding of what each program has to offer and be able to make an informed decision on which one is right for you.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card review

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

Are you looking for a credit card that rewards you for everyday purchases and travel expenses? Look no further than the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. This top-rated rewards credit card offers a range of valuable benefits for frequent travelers, everyday spenders, and anyone looking to maximize their credit card rewards.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world, this card has something to offer you. With its generous sign-up bonus, earning rate, and an extensive list of perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a smart choice for anyone looking to save money on travel expenses or simply earn rewards on their everyday purchases.

With a reasonable annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a cost-effective choice for everyone.

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How to find award availability with the World of Hyatt program

The World of Hyatt Loyalty Program is a free loyalty program that offers rewards and benefits for guests who stay at Hyatt hotels. As a member, you’ll earn points on your eligible stays, which can then be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, dining, and more. Plus, you’ll enjoy perks such as complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and more at participating hotels.

If you have been a member of the World of Hyatt program for a while, then you know that one of the keys to maximizing your rewards is finding award availability for your desired hotels and dates. Here are some tips for finding award availability with the World of Hyatt program:

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Maximizing credit card rewards: cashback vs transferring to travel partners

Redeeming credit card points for cashback or transferring them to travel partners are both popular options for using your credit card rewards. Which is the better choice for you?

In this blog post, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which method is right for your spending habits and travel goals. Redeeming points for cashback is a simple and flexible way to use your rewards, but transferring them to travel partners can often offer higher value.

We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option in detail to help you make an informed decision.

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How to get an American Airlines status without flying?

An American Airlines plane flying over San Juan, Puerto Rico.

American Airlines is one of the biggest airlines in the world, and it flies to more than 235 destinations on six continents, including Europe, Asia, and South America. This airline is also top-rated in North America to get to the Caribbean or the Pacific destinations.

Like all airlines, American Airlines has a frequent flyer program. The American Airlines Frequent Flyer Program is called “AAdvantage,” and it is the most popular frequent flyer program in the US! It is important to mention that It is linked to the Oneworld Alliance loyalty program.

In 2022, American Airlines completely revamped the method of qualifying for an AAdvantage status. Before the update, you were required to keep track of three status metrics: EQM (Elite Qualifying Miles), EQS (Elite Qualifying Segments), and EQD (Elite Qualifying Dollars).

In the update, the carrier has changed how its status is calculated. And now, instead of the three status metrics, it uses one: Loyalty Points.

This update made earning an AAdvantage status much easier for people who aren’t frequent fliers. So, let’s dive into a few methods that can help you fast-track your status with American Airlines and get an American Airlines status without flying.

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American Express Hilton Honors Aspire credit card review

The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card is a credit card that offers a lot of benefits to frequent travelers who stay at Hilton properties often.

American Express has four flavors of the Hilton Honors credit card:

  • Hilton Honors (No annual fee)
  • Hilton Honors Surpass
  • Hilton Honors Aspire
  • Hilton Honors Business

If you are looking for a hotel rewards card, the American Express Hilton Honors Hilton Aspire card is one of the best available. With it, you can earn 14x points on Hilton purchases, 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, 7x points for dining out and car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and 3x points on other eligible purchases. You’ll also get the highest Diamond status with Hilton, which comes with perks such as free breakfast (or a breakfast credit), late checkout, and complimentary room upgrades.

There’s a $550 annual fee, which is offset by a $400 annual ($200 semi-annually) Hilton resort statement credit and a $200 yearly airline fee credit. Moreover, you get a Free Night Reward annually that can be redeemed at one of the numerous Hilton hotels and resorts.

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Chase World of Hyatt credit card review

Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card is great for people who stay at Hyatt hotels often. We consider it to be a keeper card as it offers a decent earning rate in general categories such as dining, and airfare (and a great rate at Hyatt hotels), coupled with a modest annual fee that can be easily outweighed by an annual Free Night Award Certificate that can be redeemed at Category 1-4 Hyatt hotels worldwide (read our post to learn more about Hyatt hotel categories), and other benefits.

This card is a must-have for everyone who wants to earn or keep the Explorist status (requires 30 qualifying nights) or the Globalist status (requires 60 qualifying nights) with Hyatt since it offers a kickstart of 5 nights annually. You can earn two more nights with every $5,000 spent towards the status.

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