If Your New Year’s Resolution Is to Travel More but Your Bank Account Says “Be Serious,” Read This
All I wanted was to travel once a year without stressing about money for months before and after the trip.
In early 2022, my son gave me about ten days’ notice that he was moving out of state for college. Ten days. In the middle of a pandemic. We needed a hotel in downtown St. Louis, fast.
The week before we left, I booked four nights at the Sheraton downtown St. Louis entirely with points.
That was my first real points-and-miles redemption. And yes, I booked it through the portal. No judgment allowed.
I remember walking into that hotel thinking:
Will they know this was booked with points?
Will they treat us differently?
They didn’t. Not even a little.
I walked away with an important realization. It changed everything: If I could do this once, I could do it again.
That moment sent me down the rabbit hole of points and miles. And I’ve never looked back.
Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Cheap to Be Affordable
If you’re here, you’re probably looking for that same rabbit hole.
Flights, hotels, gas, food, souvenirs. Whether you travel solo, as a couple, or with a family, travel adds up fast. I know this because I lived it for decades.
I budgeted hard in my 20s and 30s.
Cheap motels.
Packed snacks.
One souvenir per kid.
Eating wherever was cheapest.
I’m not ashamed of that. It was more than I had growing up, and it worked at the time. But I didn’t know there was another way.
There is.
Points and miles don’t make travel “free,” but they can drastically reduce the biggest costs: flights and hotels. That means your travel budget can go toward experiences, not just getting there.
This Isn’t About Spending More. It’s About Spending Smarter.
Here’s the part people often misunderstand.
You’re already spending money.
Groceries.
Gas.
Dining out.
Online shopping.
Points and miles allows you to earn rewards on the spending you’re already doing.
As you learn more, you’ll understand how to earn 3x, 5x, or more on everyday purchases. Over time, those points turn into flights and hotel stays that would have cost thousands of dollars in cash.
But let me be crystal clear.
This is a credit card game.
If you can’t pay your cards off in full every single month, this hobby is not for you. Paying interest wipes out the value. The goal is to make the banks work for you, not the other way around.
No exceptions. Always pay your balance in full.
About Sign-Up Bonuses (and What Not to Do)
Sometimes you’ll open a new travel credit card because of a strong sign-up bonus. That’s when a card gives you a large chunk of points. This happens if you meet a spending requirement in a set time frame.
What you should not do:
- Buy things you don’t need
- Stretch your budget
- Go into debt chasing points
The question should always be:
“What am I already spending over the next three months?”
This hobby is about redirecting spend, not creating it.
I made plenty of decisions early on that I wouldn’t make today. Booking related, not financial related. I don’t see them as mistakes. They were part of the learning curve. You don’t need to be perfect to start. You just need to be responsible.
How Points and Miles Changed Our Travel Life
For me, before points and miles, every trip came with stress.
Stress before the trip.
Stress during the trip.
Stress after the trip while catching up financially.
Now?
“Mom, are you coming for the engagement?” Yes. Booked.
“Mom, opening weekend?” Already handled.
“Can we go to Japan?” Let me plan the strategy.
I’ve traveled 5-10 times a year since starting this hobby. That was never possible for us before. Never! And it didn’t require a massive income. It required strategy.
This Hobby Has to Work for You
Points and miles isn’t about copying someone else’s travel style.
They aren’t about chasing every shiny bonus.
They aren’t about doing what social media says you “have to do.”
Some people want one trip a year.
Some want domestic road trips with free hotels.
Some want business class flights and luxury stays.
Some just want to visit family without breaking the bank.
All of that is valid.
I love systems and structure, but once you learn the basics, you get to pick what fits your life. This hobby is personal.
How to Start Without Being Overwhelmed
If you’re new, start simple.
I usually suggest beginning with a transferable currency card. These allow you to move points to airlines and hotels when you’re ready. Cards like:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Citi Strata Premier
If you have a partner, consider having them open a supporting card so you can work together.
Then plan one trip. Even a short drive. Learn by doing. One trip at a time.
Final Thoughts
If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, money might feel like the roadblock. This hobby could be the bridge.
I waited a full year before opening my first travel credit card. After that first redemption, I knew this was something I could repeat. And improve. And adapt.
You don’t need to be obsessed like me. I’m quite obsessed with this world because of all that it has given to me. YOU just need to be curious.
If you want help getting started, I’ve created a beginner guide on the blog. I’m building resources for beginners, intermediates, and advanced travelers because this hobby truly can change how you experience the world.
And if you have questions, my DMs are always open. I’d love to hear where your points and miles take you next.
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👉 Check out all my points and miles posts [here] for more tips on maximizing your travel rewards.
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