A great way to travel inexpensively is Loyalty programs. These Programs are created to reward frequent customers. It also helps promote the repeat buisiness concept for the vendor. Maybe I should preface that I have worked with some of the largest branded hotel companies such as Starwood and Marriott Hotels for many years of my career, and maybe it does give me a slight edge and insight on how to capture the best offers of these type of programs. That being said some of the most successful account users I have talked to were all non industry people . They’ve figured how to maximize best on their chosen loyalty programs.
Know when you are able to beat the system. The more flexible you are ,the better. I have in the past inquired about "the specials" and found myself booking based on where "the specails" were. In fact I recall a few years back I called American Airlines and checked where in the world would 30,000 miles take me , I ended up on a unforgettable trip to Rio de Janeiro. They were running a special bacause it was the off-season ,which did not bother me. I followed up and purchased a cheap domestic flight to go see Iguazu Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders). That's how Brazil got knocked off my bucket list . I wasn't planing that year to go to South America ,but when I realized "the special" being offered I took advantage . Flexibility in your plans can pay off.
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