Millions of dollars in travel rewards go unclaimed each year. Busy travelers often regard these programs as junk mail, refusing to sign-up, remain active, and factor earned rewards into their budgets. In a recent survey, flyers admitted to traveling last minute instead of carefully mapping out a clear goal. Goals are often seen as time-wasters. Downers. Thrill-smashers. Travelers typically search for cheap deals on third-party websites, paying heavily in extra fees and incurring a restriction in baggage weight. But there is a better way. Here are three sure-fire tips to help you respect rewards programs and save mightily!
Think Like A Tax Accountant
When it comes to saving money, nobody does it better than a tax consultant. These folks know the value of being strategic, of saving receipts for everything from gasoline to gummy bears to goji berries. And they know a thing or two about maximizing benefits, of stretching the pockets of per diem from Roanoke to Rome, of investigating ways to cut costs. Yes. And with a pinch of planning, so can you. Make a list of the cities you fly most and contact the leader—the leading airline carrier, the leading hotel establishment, the leading rental car company. Leading companies often have the best package deals for repeat customers and boast a powerful network of affiliates. Ka-Ching!
Treat Your Points Like A Wallet
In every major industry, service providers thank customers like you through a rich assortment of rewards programs. Airlines, hotels, and transportation companies are at the forefront, making a difference for your bottom line. Whether you’re on a whisked weekend to Vegas or a business trip to Tokyo, you’ll want to treat your earned travel points like a wallet. You’ll want to think strategically about what goes in and what comes out—about deposits and withdrawals. To keep more of your money, you’ll make smarter choices. You’ll learn to see points as a form of coupon clipping, of rebates mailing, of bartering. You’ll read company blogs to stay abreast of the latest perks, take advantage of promotional offers, even inquire about ways to earn a free flight for a fellow traveler.
Patronize The Loyal Partners
When you’re not in the air, ponder key ways to cash-in on rewards points. Some airline service providers such as gas stations and restaurants and clothing retailers partner with these power players to extend even more bang to your rewards bucks. A win-win situation for everyone at the table. You’ll rack up when on the road—rounding rest stops or window shopping or escaping for private excursion. You’ll call around. Inquire. Confirm vendors who reward frequent flyers. You’ll plan your meals ahead, patronizing only those businesses that help keep money in your wallet.
Vision matters. Be strategic and you’ll go from leaky wallet to robust savings. You’ll become a savvy steward of your rewards, reaping the benefits month after month. You’ll smile, recline, count endless points as cash.
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