Vacation over? Here are the 5 steps to accumulate enough points to avoid paying the next one
Vacations for many are now a distant memory, but as always when you return from a trip you start [...]
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The vacations for many are now a distant memory, but as always when you return from a trip you start thinking about when, where, and what the next one will be like.
On this site we have explained several times how at the base of the reward travel there is the right strategy. With this article we want to summarize in just 5 points how to start this path indifferently whether the goal is travel first class with Emirates, stay in the Maldives in one of the most exclusive locations in the world or don't pay for the hotel at Disneyworld.
Having the credit card right to start collecting points is crucial. The basis of reward travel is just to accumulate points every time you make a purchase, our advice for novices to this game is definitely the American Express Green. There is currently an active promotion giving away the fee for the first year and reset it to zero forever simply by spending 3,000 per year with the card, that is, 250€ per month. Also at this time all new customers will receive an additional €100 cashback If you spend at least €500 in the first 90 days after the card is issued.
The second point of the perfect strategy is to not miss a single one of the many offers that American Express reserves for its holders. Very often these offers allow you to accumulate many bonus points, get discounts on expenses incurred with the card and privileges, for example, free admissions to the cinema or discounts in large retailers. All this translates into lower costs incurred and more points accumulated.
The third point is to diversify the strategy and accumulate as many points as possible, a key tool is the Payback program. The multi-vendor point collection allows you to accumulate points when you shop for groceries, gasoline and at dozens of online portals such as H&M and Adidas.
Payback points can be used in a variety of ways, such as on the American Express travel portal to discount expenses incurred to book a flight or hotel, waiting to learn whether the new Alitalia, AKA ITA, will participate in the program as is currently the case.
When it comes to promotions, we must not forget to enroll in the loyalty programs of various hotel chains, right now there are many offers that allow you to obtain elite statuses, to be translated into free breakfasts and room upgrades, with very few stays. It is in fact possible to become Diamond Hilton with only 9 stays or is it enough five to become Platinum IHG.
The fifth point is perhaps the most boring one, because to win at this game you have to study. You have to understand how find a prize ticket, how they work Membership Rewards points and how not to waste them. It is necessary to identify the type of award you want to obtain and the differences between traveling alone or with family or between going to the Maldives or Rovaniemi or even as a go around the world in business class spending less than 1,000€.
Here is a small summary of the basic steps for getting started in the world of points and miles. As I always tell people who ask me for advice and help, I remember that it is not easy, but When the first prize ticket comes off Then it becomes a drug and you can't stop.
- Automatic enrollment in Membership Rewards Club, the American Express Loyalty Program that allows you to earn points with your spending. 1€ spent = 1 Membership Rewards point.
- Travel inconvenience and accident insurance: you will be protected in case of delayed baggage delivery or flight delay or cancellation
- Purchase Protection: protection for 90 days up to €1,300 on purchases made with Card (excluding certain merchandise categories), in case of theft or damage to the item