Starting Small
In the early days, our journey began with regular domestic trips to and from Northern California and Idaho, where we cherished the opportunity to frequently visit our family. These trips allowed us to stay connected and nurture our relationships, laying the foundation for our future adventures. As time passed, we expanded our horizons, embracing the allure of local destinations just a few hours away. From the picturesque coastal wonders of San Diego to the tranquil beauty of Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe and Lake Havasu and the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, each expedition brought new experiences and treasured memories. Our passion for exploration and discovery ignited during these more local escapes, shaping the essence of our travel philosophy. Whether embarking on a spontaneous road trip or meticulously planned excursion, these ventures instilled in us a profound appreciation for the diverse landscapes and cultures within arm’s reach.
Brand Loyalty
I guess you could say the beginning days of our travel hacking were developed through brand loyalty. We didn’t have premium travel credit cards and had absolutely no idea how to even “travel-hack”. We prioritized staying in budget accommodations and gradually transitioned to mid-level stays, almost always remaining loyal to Southwest Airlines Destinations and The Westin hotel brands. Our commitment to these brands allowed us to earn free room upgrades and accumulate miles and companion passes through Southwest, enabling us to reach our destinations more affordably and comfortably. This can be a great way to start. If you do have to pay cash for a flight or hotel room (which we do not recommend using your debit/cash), create a loyalty account with the airline or hotel brand you frequent to begin building your rewards and maintain that loyal customer relationship.
Learning from our Mistakes
When we were building our life together as a couple, we used to rely on our debit and non-rewards credit cards for travel. It was a time of adventure and exploration, and we made the most of every opportunity to see the world. While we may have started with simple means, it was these experiences that enriched us as individuals and strengthened our bond. But trust us when we say, MISTAKES WERE MADE! How does that saying go? “We wish we knew then what we know now”. In hindsight, through those trials and errors, we still knew we wanted to see more of the world together. Some of our biggest mistakes were not getting a travel rewards credit card or upgrading our credit cards sooner. We really missed out on the many perks some of these credit cards offer, like; purchase protection; trip interruption coverage; luggage coverage; rental car coverage and the list goes on.
Learning from Others
We utilized the power of social media and the internet to connect with fellow travelers, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences. By actively engaging with travel communities and forums, we gained invaluable insights, insider tips, and recommendations, enhancing our travel planning process. Furthermore, we diligently researched travel deals and sought out expert advice online, enabling us to make informed decisions and uncover hidden gems. Embracing the digital age has truly enriched our travel experiences, allowing us to leverage collective wisdom and discover new opportunities to explore the world.
Unfiltered Travelers 
Leave a comment