Vacationing for free is not really a big secret, thousands (if not millions) do it every year. Maybe more do not do it because they think it is out of their reach or they just haven't put the two and two together. Yet, by using travel industry loyalty programs one could have very nice vacations to top locations worldwide.
Loyalty programs are set up by the travel industry companies rewarding customers' points (miles for airlines) for using the company. Reach enough points and rewards are awarded, including free flights, free stay, or free car rental. The idea is that to collect enough points the customer must stay loyal to the brand (and their partners).
Reaching free travel status level can be easy for the road warrior, those who travel for a living. It is harder for those who stay close to home. Yet, with a decent strategy, traveling for free can be possible.
Step one is deciding where you want to go. If you are in the continental United States and want to travel to Las Vegas or Orlando, that is more than possible. However, a trip to Tokyo is also possible but will take a longer. Therefore, deciding where upfront will help your developing good strategies. Being open to when will help make the trip happen quicker.
Two, decide on the companies and programs that serve your location. Southwest Airlines may be a good choice for well the Southwest United States, but United Airlines may be a good choice for Hawaii. Looking at Las Vegas? Know Hilton is one of the few large chain hotels to have a hotel and casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Check where you want to go and where you would like to stay, and then find a company that has a hotel there. Speaking of hotels, also know that most major hotel chains have differing tiers of hotels, and it may be good to find a lower tier in the hotel family that has a facility in your planned location. It will be easier to get rewards for a lesser hotel, but just because it is lesser doesn't mean it won't be a nice stay. The brands keep quality controls strict on all their properties.
Loyalty programs are set up by the travel industry companies rewarding customers' points (miles for airlines) for using the company. Reach enough points and rewards are awarded, including free flights, free stay, or free car rental. The idea is that to collect enough points the customer must stay loyal to the brand (and their partners).
Reaching free travel status level can be easy for the road warrior, those who travel for a living. It is harder for those who stay close to home. Yet, with a decent strategy, traveling for free can be possible.
Step one is deciding where you want to go. If you are in the continental United States and want to travel to Las Vegas or Orlando, that is more than possible. However, a trip to Tokyo is also possible but will take a longer. Therefore, deciding where upfront will help your developing good strategies. Being open to when will help make the trip happen quicker.
Two, decide on the companies and programs that serve your location. Southwest Airlines may be a good choice for well the Southwest United States, but United Airlines may be a good choice for Hawaii. Looking at Las Vegas? Know Hilton is one of the few large chain hotels to have a hotel and casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Check where you want to go and where you would like to stay, and then find a company that has a hotel there. Speaking of hotels, also know that most major hotel chains have differing tiers of hotels, and it may be good to find a lower tier in the hotel family that has a facility in your planned location. It will be easier to get rewards for a lesser hotel, but just because it is lesser doesn't mean it won't be a nice stay. The brands keep quality controls strict on all their properties.
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