Maybe it is just me, but I feel like every time I’ve logon to the InstaSnapBook, everyone is out here living large on somebody’s private island. Legit, either everyone recently got a pay increase or they are executing the #LilBowWowChallenge like a bunch of champs. For those of you who know me, I recognize this may come off a bit hypocritical—even slightly judgemental—considering that I fall into this category (not the bow wow part. I am a boss, and don’t you forget it. And don’t you sit there judging me with your eyes). Yes, I am well aware that it might appear like I travel a lot. That is simply because… I do. *Wink*

For those of you who do not know me: Hi. My name is Jess the Profesh, and I am addicted to SkyMiles. (Delta, if you would like to endorse this blog, please allow me to extend you the pleasure of doing so). In fact, as I type this I am 30K miles in the air sipping a margarita in Economy Comfort and headed back to Atlanta from none-of-your-business, USA. But my whereabouts are neither here nor there. The question is: When did everyone get bit by the travel bug, and most importantly, how is everyone affording it?

Well, gather ‘round kiddos because summer just popped off and I am about to help you take a break from Netflixing and/or Chilling and get out here in these airport streets.

Here are a couple of ways you can stop thinking about a vacation, baecation, vacationship or whatever it is people are calling it these days and be about your trips.

A.   Hospitality/Travel Loyalty Programs: If you’re like me and travel a lot for work, then this should be easy. By trip number 3, you should have realized that you have a pattern and preference of airline, hotel, and car rental. If you have yet to do so, then you are behind the curve and need to get your life together.  Once you have identified the go-to vendors, it is time to make your relationships official and sign up for their rewards programs.

In some cases, your employer would have made this decision for you, and you are therefore are stuck accruing points and miles with the vendor of their choosing. Relax, it’s no big deal; their choosing is still your own personal vacation gain.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few of my favorite loyalty programs:

Hilton Honors: https://secure3.hilton.com/en/hh/customer/join/joinHHonors.htm

Starwood Preferred Guest: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/enroll/index.html

Marriott Rewards:https://www.marriott.com/rewards/createAccount/createAccountPage1.mi?segmentId=elite.nonrewards

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/member/enrollment

National Emerald Club: https://www.nationalcar.com/en_US/car-rental/loyalty/enrollment/welcome.html

Delta Sky Miles: https://www.delta.com/profile/enrolllanding.action

Quick Tip 1:  If you have the option to choose, pick an airline that has hubs in a major city and has a variety of international partners. This is important when you wake up and realize you are in the midst of a quarter-life crisis and you need to get the heck out of dodge. (Not talking about anyone in particular *Cough*)

Quick Tip 2: Commit to a brand or chain. It is hard to build up enough points to travel for minimal cost if you are accruing all over the place. The key word here is LOYALTY, you can’t treat chains like Chris Brown claims h*es treat broke men.

B. Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses. Disclaimer: use with caution and only if you are fiscally responsible. (Fiscally responsible in the sense that you are not always fighting the urge to “treat yourself” because you know you can not afford it.” Credit cards come with great perks AND responsibility. If you are someone who pays their bills on time and refuses to carry over balances, then a loyalty card is a sure-fire way to experience the world based off your everyday purchases. In fact, I am a firm believer that if you do not have a rewards card you are leaving free money on the table.

Most rewards cards have a minimum-spend requirements within a specific amount of time to gain access to their point offering. So if you pay large lump sums (i.e rent, car notes, and other large expenditures), make the same payment on your rewards credit card and then use the cash allotted to pay off your credit card IMMEDIATELY. Do not—I repeat, DO NOT—sit on your cash as opposed to paying your bills.  The objective is to not accrue interest on those everyday purchases, just points/miles.

Looking for some cards to consider, the following articles highlight some of the benefits of 2017 reward cards:

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/05/top-card-offers-may-2017/

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/top-credit-cards/best-credit-card-offers/

C.   Follow travel blogs. There are a lot of websites out there that track flight deals and airline price glitches. Follow their pages and stay in-the-know for low cost tickets abroad. I know people who are literally traveling monthly via sales and price glitches that have been broadcasted via these sites.

Another way is to follow social media travel communities. These communities often share tips, reviews, and deals galore all for the love of travel.
A few online travel communities that I love are:

Nomadness Travel Tribe – http://www.nomadnesstv.com/

Travel Noir – https://travelnoire.com/

Black  & Abroad – http://www.nomadnesstv.com/

Discount airfare is what you are aiming for. Check out these websites for ideas on how  to up to date on airfare deal and steals.

http://www.flyglitch.com/

http://www.worldofawanderer.com/glitch-fare/

Disclaimer, these are often act-fast situations so when you see it don’t hesitate and worry about the PTO after the airline confirms your trip. Airlines reserve the right to cancel glitch tickets so there is a 50% chance that your glitch purchase will actually happen.

D.  Social Discount/Coupon sites. There is nothing more satisfying than a good old fashioned Groupon. Sites like LivingSocial, Half Off Depot, etc. offer great full vacation trips (airfare and accommodations) for discounted rates.

These are just a few ideas of how you can get out here and get going this summer. Being fiscally responsible doesn’t mean you have to vacation in Boresville, USA. Try these tips out and go live your best life (yes, I have been listening to the Making Oprah podcast, and yes, she has me getting my zen on. It’s a good podcast; go check it out.) Comment, share, and let me know where you’re off to this summer!

#GetToPacking