This is a brief intermission from the “Faith in the 21st Century” series we’ve been working through. We’ll be back in the deep end soon, but for now, it’s time to travel!

Back in 2012 some friends invited me on an epic trip to Peru. I wanted to go so badly, BUT the $1300 plane ticket (plus everything else) was just too much for my starting salary. With a stack of loans taller than the Andes, I was so sad that I wouldn’t be able to make the trip. Except…

I went anyways.

The key was not “YOLOing” my way into debt, but rather in stumbling upon a strategy that enabled me to be “young, wild, and free” without going broke.

Mystery booth

Before a work flight, I noticed a credit card booth at the airport with a sign that read: "Earn 50,000 bonus miles upon signup". At the time, I ignored it (sounded too scammy).

It was only when faced with my Peru FOMO that I remembered that booth. After a simple search on the airline's website, I learned that 50,000 miles was enough for a round-trip to Cusco, Peru on those exact dates. So… I signed up for the card.

The crazy idea worked. I scaled the Andes, volunteered with a non-profit, and even rode a scooter through the Amazon. I deepened friendships and gained perspective on big decisions (I was married a year after the trip, for one).

Best of all, I did the three week trip to Peru for very little money, with no negative consequences on my finances.

Rinse and Repeat

Emboldened by my South American experience, I repeated the process. Over the last ten years, I've gone everywhere from India to Alaska. In a few months, we’ll be in France.

The thing is… I still haven't bought a plane ticket (with money).

What does this mean for you?

I’m not sure if your hobby is golf, poker, or underwater basket-weaving - but let me share another game with you. This game has rules, details, and strategy too - but it rewards you with free travel for life.

Here’s how you play.

How to Travel For Free

o. Cue: Big Upcoming Purchase

In the free travel game, you get huge miles when you spend a certain amount on a new card (e.g. $2000 in 3 months). Therefore, the process kicks off when you know you’re about to spend a big chunk of money. Rather than putting that new Peloton (or medical bill or whatever) on your standard old 1% back card, you instead get a new card(s) with a juicy signup bonus and put the big purchase on that.

For example, my big purchase last year was finishing my basement. By putting Home Depot purchases (and even my drywaller) on new cards, I realized that I could probably do a pretty big trip.

1.Pick a Destination

When you know you’ve got a purchase coming, you should pick a destination, preferably one that makes your heart beat a little faster :)

For my example, I recognized that with the size of my big purchase I could get ambitious. I asked myself: could I get my whole family to the French Riviera?

2. Create a Card Plan

Now that you’ve identified a purchase and picked a destination, we need to map a “credit card route” to get there.

Figure out your Airline Options

First, we’ll figure out how many “miles” it will take to get to your destination. Just go to a few airline sites, check “book with points”, and write down what you find. For example, here’s a 17,500 mile trip to Los Angeles.

*This is Delta. Feel free to check out American, United, or any other airline that goes to your destination.*

Card Options

Second, let’s brainstorm some card possibilities to earn those miles (if you’re confused, the next picture should make it clear.) To find the best card bonuses, search Google, check out my credit card page or play with the Mad Fientist’s tool.

You should now have airline options and corresponding credit card options. Now let’s play the matching game.

Here is a real-number example for an LA trip (with a box around the combo I would choose):

Lots of options, but I’d go United - and bring two friends! (50k covers 3 United tix!)

Black-Belt Example: Five to the South of France

For our upcoming France trip, the best airline option was Air France at a steep 300,000 Air France miles.

Thankfully, Chase and American Express were foaming at the mouth for new customers in early 2021 - and their points transfer to Air France. We obtained the needed miles with just three cards.

*Me: Chase Sapphire (100k), My wife: Chase Sapphire (100k) and Amex Platinum (125k)*

3. Apply, Spend, and Book

Ok, by now you’ve got a purchase, a destination, an airline to get you there, and a credit card (or five) to get you the needed airline points. Congrats! You’ve done the hard work. Now, it’s simply time to execute the plan.

Go ahead and apply for the cards. Don’t be nervous - we'll talk about credit scores and all that in the FAQ. You’ll be accepted on the spot or you can call them if you need to.

When the card arrives, activate it and make your big purchase! (Sign up for autopay too so you don’t forget.)

Once you’ve spent the $, your bonus should show up in your account in a few weeks.

Now go ahead and book your trip with the miles!

Oh yeah, and last step: Go!!!

Conclusion

Travel can be fun, restful, or even life-changing.

In the past, world travel required significant costs, and therefore trade-offs, with other financial goals. Today, that’s different.

Eager credit card companies have made a way for organized middle-class Americans to see the world.

If you are new to free travel, I know you've got questions. Click on the left for some answers. Click on the right to try it out (and support the blog at the same time)!

Where are you headed next?!

You Can Travel for Free