Travel More, Spend Less: Getting Started with Points & Miles
Imagine booking flights or hotel stays for free (or nearly free!) just by using rewards points. That’s the power of points and miles, and if you’re not using them yet, you’re missing out on huge savings for family travel!
If it all sounds complicated, don’t worry—I’m breaking it down into simple, beginner-friendly steps so you can start earning and using points for your next trip.
What Are Points & Miles?
In simple terms, points and miles are travel rewards you earn through credit cards, airlines, and hotel loyalty programs. These rewards can be used to book flights, hotels, and sometimes even excursions—cutting down your travel costs significantly.
Different programs work in different ways, but the key to getting the most value is earning strategically and redeeming wisely.
We’ve redeemed points and miles for over $70,000 worth of travel since 2022. We’ve traveled as far as Italy and as close as stay-cation right near our house. Both have been possible thanks to utilizing points for primarily flights and hotel stays.
How to Earn Points & Miles
✅ Welcome Bonuses – Travel credit cards often offer massive sign-up bonuses after meeting a minimum spending requirement.
✅ Everyday Spending – Earn points on groceries, gas, dining, and bills by using the right credit card.
✅ Flying & Hotel Stays – Joining airline and hotel loyalty programs lets you earn rewards every time you book.
✅ Shopping Portals & Dining Programs – Some brands give you extra points when you shop through their portals.
Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, you can earn thousands of points just from daily spending!
Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners
If you’re new to the world of travel rewards, start with a flexible points card that lets you transfer points to multiple airlines and hotels. Here are some popular beginner-friendly options:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – Great for earning transferable points with solid travel perks.
- Capital One Venture Rewards – Easy-to-use travel rewards with flexible redemption.
- American Express Gold Card – High points-earning potential on dining and groceries.
Choosing the right card depends on your spending habits and travel goals. And one important note: if you cannot pay your credit card balance in FULL each month, then this is not the hobby for you. We are not advocating for credit card debt at all, but rather using credit cards in lieu of debit card spending.
How to Use Points for Maximum Value
Earning points is only half the battle—redeeming them wisely is where the real savings happen!
✈️ Flights: Transfer points to airlines for nearly free flights.
🏨 Hotels: Use points for free nights at top brands like Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton.
💰 Avoid Bad Redemptions: Gift cards and statement credits give the lowest value—stick to travel redemptions instead!
My favorite redemptions were on my husband’s milestone birthday trip to Italy (the kids stayed with Grandma & Grandpa). We were able to fly business class round trip and stay at some bougie hotels in Italy. My favorite was the Park Hyatt in Milan. Swoon worthy hotel to say the least!
Why You Should Start Today
The sooner you start earning points and miles, the sooner you’ll be booking free travel for your family. You don’t need to be an expert—you just need to start!
Thinking about using points and miles but not sure where to begin? Let’s chat—I’d love to help you get started! I offer a personalized class for those who just want to understand this hobby and see if it’s right for them. Email me at melissa@thesingingsuitcase.com for more information.
Do you already use points & miles for travel? What’s your best redemption story? Share in the comments!
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