So I introduced the blog as one about personal finance, personal development and travel but haven’t really talked about travel. I LOVE TRAVEL! The bug hit me early, as I all but grew up on my dad’s ship. His first career was that of a merchant navy sea captain. My first voyage was when I was 6 months old and I celebrated my first birthday in Australia! This also drove my love for the water and the need to always live near the beach.

Unfortunately we haven’t been able to travel as much, as I had a full time job till December. But now that I am free at 41, it’s time to make up for lost time and burn those miles. In April, we are going to Hawaii for a week! Aloha Maui, here we come!

But now that we make less than the average household in America, how do you fund travel?

And the answer is travel hacking! Free money from credit card offers.

I’ve opened 3 credit cards since November. The first Chase Sapphire which offers 50,000 Ultimate rewards if you spend $4000 in 3 months. 50,000 points is equivalent to $625 if you buy your ticket from their travel site. No annual fee for the first year. Chachang!! $$$$

The second was a Capital One Savor card which gives you $500 if you spend $3000 in 3 months. No annual fee for the first year. Chachang!! $$$

And the third is a Chase Southwest card which had an offer till February to get the companion pass when you spend $4000 in 3 months. I am still working on achieving this milestone.

Lastly I have had the Costco credit card for the last year which gave me a nice hefty $556 in rewards last week.

So in total, I have $1681 in free money. Using that, I have booked hotel and flights with only $197 out of my pocket.

And since we have a suite with a full kitchen, I intend to keep our restaurant bills low. Though we may need to hire a car.

Now I am sure you are wondering if my credit score is affected and I am keeping a close watch on this and my score is still “exceptional”. I always pay my credit card in full and would only recommend you open credit cards for rewards if you can do the same.

I am still trying to plan a trip to Costa Rica for June. If you have tips on how to save on travel, Hawaii or Costa Rice, please share.

My goal with each of these articles is to offer you some practical tips to living a fuller, less expensive, more fulfilling life. I would love to hear your feedback so please feel free to email me. I read each and every one of them.