Jill - Could you share with the group some of your best tips / advice on how you accomplish this?
I, for one, would be extremely appreciative!
If you have enough information to share, maybe you could start a new thread.
Thanks!
I'd be happy to. In fact, I've considered making it the topic of my Beer & Pancakes presentation, if we are compelled to give one, even tho it isn't a business idea per se!
It would be hard to share with you all my tricks in one little message box, especially since everyone in the audience has different travel patterns.
In a nutshell, earn as many points and miles as you possibly can using
promotions , many of which are not publicized. When you see me at Beer & Pancakes, ask me how I once got 600K airline points in one month.
. . . and
credit cards. You can put almost every expense in your life on credit cards. I've purchased a car with a credit card, purchased business inventory, paid taxes, etc all using a credit card.
Gain "
status" on at least one airline and one hotel property company, for free upgrades and gifts. This can be harder if you don't travel for business like my husband and I do. But it is possible. You have to keep your eyes open for promotions and take advantage of them. Typically easiest to get status on Priority Club, because it has the lowest spend threshold for a points-based qualification, without any required nights or stays. But Starwood properties has a pretty good promotion going right now (until the end of the year) that could yield top-tier status.
Try to travel in "
shoulder seasons" for the best rates.
Finally,
just ask. You never know what kind of upgrades, extras, discounts and freebies you can get by just asking.
I have pages of ideas, pointers and great vignettes in my head to further elaborate. But it would totally hijack the thread even more than it already has!
(Moderators, feel free to move this to its own thread if you wish.)