Summer Travel Series: Travel Hacking with Lee Huffman, Ep #197

Published: June 21, 2021, 8 a.m.

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We\\u2019ve all been sitting at home for the past year and now everyone is getting the travel bug. That\\u2019s why today we\\u2019re kicking off the Summer Travel Series with an interview with Lee Huffman. Lee hosts a podcast called\\xa0We Travel There\\xa0and he writes a frugal travel blog at\\xa0BaldThoughts.com. I\\u2019ve been curious about the world of travel hacking, so I have plenty of questions for Lee about using travel points, how to find the best travel resources, and, of course, where to travel. Check out this interview to help you plan your summer vacation.\\xa0

Outline of This Episode

  • [1:32] Where should we get started?
  • [5:45] What should one look for in travel points?
  • [11:02] How saving miles and points are like saving for retirement
  • [13:00] The go-to resources to use
  • [17:53] Places to check out\\xa0

How should we all get started traveling again?

The pandemic has left many of us homebound for over a year, so now that many people are fully vaccinated, everyone is ready to get on the road again. The big question is: how should we get started?\\xa0

Lee recommends using the travel credits that you may have accrued from canceled vacations over the pandemic. Those credits and vouchers may have expiration dates, so be sure to check the fine print to ensure that you don\\u2019t lose out.\\xa0

He also suggests getting your summer trips booked ASAP. The sooner you book, the sooner you\\u2019ll be able to find reward availability and lower prices. The more people begin traveling the higher the prices will rise.\\xa0

What about international travel?

Travel within the U.S. is on the rise, but people are also itching to travel internationally. Since the vaccine rollout has been different in each country, it is important to carefully investigate the specific travel rules for the country you wish to go to. Each country has its own pandemic rules and regulations. Some countries require negative Covid tests upon arrival and others may require you to be fully vaccinated. It is also important to remember that if you travel internationally, you will need a negative Covid test to enter the U.S. again, regardless of your vaccination status. Listen in to hear how many hotels in Mexico are helping travelers with this requirement.

What are the best ways to earn points?

You can earn travel points and rewards even when you are not traveling by using a credit card. Lee recommends the Capital One Venture Rewards card to get started. You can get cash back or earn extra miles with each purchase that you make. Listen in to hear how you can get started with the Capital One Venture rewards program to start traveling this summer.\\xa0

Lee compares saving miles and points with saving for retirement. He states that the two best days to start saving your miles are 10 years ago and today. He also mentions the importance of using your miles periodically. You don\\u2019t want them to become devalued over the years.\\xa0

How to use your travel miles

There are more ways you can earn travel miles than just making purchases. There are apps that you can use like Dosh to help you earn extra miles on each transaction.\\xa0

If you have had a travel rewards card for years but find it difficult to use, you won\\u2019t want to miss this interview with Lee Huffman as he explains how you can best use your hard-earned miles. He not only mentions how to use your miles, but he also includes fantastic resources that you can check out to help you find availability so that you can actually use the points that you have accrued.\\xa0

Make sure to check out Lee\\u2019s podcast, We Travel There, to get inspiration for your next travel destination. He interviews locals to help his listeners understand how to get there, where to go, what to do, how to get around, and where to stay.\\xa0

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Lee Huffman

Connect with Benjamin Brandt

Subscribe to Retirement Starts Today on

Apple Podcasts,\\xa0Stitcher,\\xa0TuneIn,\\xa0Podbean,\\xa0Player FM,\\xa0iHeart, or\\xa0Spotify

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