How To Get Cheap Or Free Vacations

[scubatim84]

Why I Don't Pay For Airfare (Thanks To Credit Cards)

Here's an article I wrote on how to maximize credit card rewards programs to be able to afford going on nice vacations for virtually no cost. For instance, I went on a honeymoon to Hawaii for a week without paying a cent for the hotel this way. All it takes is using a credit card like a debit card.

[disneysteve]

I agree. Credit card reward programs, used properly, can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. We have a Marriott Visa that earns us free hotel stays throughout the year. We've taken as many as 10 free nights in one year with the credit card rewards.

You just have to have the discipline to not spend money you wouldn't be spending anyway and to always, always, always pay the bill in full every month.

[scubatim84]

I agree. Credit card reward programs, used properly, can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. We have a Marriott Visa that earns us free hotel stays throughout the year. We've taken as many as 10 free nights in one year with the credit card rewards.

You just have to have the discipline to not spend money you wouldn't be spending anyway and to always, always, always pay the bill in full every month.

Right. That's the trick right there is to not spend money that you don't have. I think this is the hard part for most people, but rewards can be a fantastic tool. In fact, staying at the same hotel can be a big benefit too because most hotels have rewards programs for free nights independent from the credit card rewards. This way, you get rewards twice for hotel stays.

[scubatim84]

I don't think there's any credit card rewards programs you have to win? I just applied for the Capital One card with rewards on their web site.