Introduction
Are you someone who’s always dreamt of globetrotting but felt the pinch of travel costs?
Maybe you’ve got a special bucket list item you’re itching to check off.
Or perhaps you’ve faced the unexpected need for emergency travel.
Well, guess what?
There’s a smart way to make those trips happen without draining your wallet – it’s all about nailing that points and miles strategy.
Need more inspiration?
Here are 5 unique experiences points and miles can offer you — beyond traditional family vacations
- Witnessing a FIFA World Cup Finals
Picture this: You’re a die-hard fan of the German football team, and your lifelong dream is to watch them play in the FIFA World Cup final. To make this happen, you’ve been diligently accumulating miles through rewards travel credit cards affiliated with major airlines.
When the World Cup tickets become available, you can strategically use your 500,000 accumulated miles to secure a round-trip ticket to the match. You also use some of your hotel points to book a centrally located accommodation near the stadium, ensuring a memorable soccer experience.
Some cards — particularly premium travel rewards cards — will even offer exclusive VIP access for select cardholders at sporting events!
2. Flying Lufthansa’s First Class
Lufthansa’s first-class experience is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best, and for good reason. Book a first-class flight out of Frankfurt, Germany, and get ready for an extraordinary journey, that will be truly out of this world.
We know it’s extraordinary because we did this last year.
And when you’re a First Class passenger, you get to go to the exclusive First Class terminal in Frankfurt — where you will be led through security by your own personal assistant.
The terminal includes high-class dining, a cigar lounge, a bar with over 130 kinds of whiskey, private offices, quiet rooms with day beds, showers, and even full bathtubs.
You’ll also have the chance to select a collectible rubber ducky – a cherished tradition.
And the best part?
We were transferred from the terminal to the aircraft via a Porsche ride!
You’ll need close to or over 100,000 miles depending on how you book this award flight, but that price still pales in comparison to how much you’d have to fork over.
All in all, an experience worth experiencing!
3. Emergency Travel Situations
Life can be unpredictable, and you receive news of a family emergency that requires you to travel immediately.
Accumulating points through your travel credit card and loyalty programs comes in handy for such situations.
Booking a last-minute flight within hours could put a dent in your wallets.
But, if you have enough points, you will be able to cover your airfare comfortably for an immediate departure.
4. Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” Concert
So, you’ve snagged those coveted tickets to the concert in Florida. Sure, the tickets would have cost you atleast two weeks worth of groceries. But hey, who cares about sustenance when you can feast on music magic?
While the concert tickets may have left your wallet feeling lighter than air, the good news is that you can offset some of those expenses for your travel.
If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Miami, points and miles can keep your budget in check.
Not only can you get direct award flights on Delta and American Airlines, many travel credit cards also come with added perks, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, or airport lounge access. Some offer complimentary insurance coverage too for things like trip cancellation, interruption, or delays, giving you peace of mind.
You can now travel without feeling like you’ve compromised your finances.
5. Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World
That’s right. You can visit all 7 wonders of the world using just your points and miles.
From the majestic Great Wall of China to the iconic Machu Picchu in Peru, these world-renowned landmarks are easily accessible when you leverage your travel rewards — making your journey to these wonders both affordable and unforgettable.
Here’s a sample to visit the Colosseum in Rome, Italy:
Los Angeles to Rome for 18,000 points, one-way on Air France!
Final Thoughts
Points and miles are not just rewards; they are tools that can transform your travel dreams into reality. They provide you with the freedom to explore the world, satisfy your wanderlust, and seize opportunities when they arise.
So, strategize –> accumulate -> travel
If you enjoyed this post, you would enjoy The Hub ‘N Wifi Newsletter — a Friday newsletter, aimed at making you a 1% smarter traveler.