Clarify your travel “why”
At the risk of taking things to the metaphysical, I think it’s critical for you to determine your “why” for entering into the points and miles journey before you dive too deep into accumulating and redeeming points, because I don’t think “traveling for cheap” is enough.
Why do I say that? To be honest, it’s because I don’t think it holds enough meaning. I have seen it with my own eyes, and it’s been a big temptation of mine – when the goal is simply “to travel for cheap” and “game the system” it ends up becoming about the game, finding the next high of a deal found or miles accumulated, rather than why I got into it in the first place, to be able to:
Grow my perspective and understanding of the world.
To reinforce the reality that not everyone is like me. I can learn from the differences of others.
Contribute to the world, through service and education
Deepen relationships with those with whom I travel
Meet new people
All on a middle-of-the-road salary.
Having a clear picture of your “why” for wanting to travel for as close to free as possible will serve as a guiding light to inform how much time you spend on this, what trips you prioritize and when “enough is enough”. For your own good, spend a moment reflecting before you dive too deep into this game.
Whether it’s visiting your grandparent’s birth country, learning about new cultures, revisiting a place you fell in love with in your 20’s, or to simply get away from it all, take a moment to brainstorm (or remind yourself) what motivates you to travel. And let any future travel hacking flow from that!
