Everyone likes to get something for free, and travel
experiences are among the most coveted. For Greg Davis-Kean, who calls himself
a Miles Master, booking travel, hotels, and activities with airline miles,
points, and reward programs—no dollars!--is a fun challenge that has taken him
all over the world.
“It’s easier and quicker to earn miles in ways other
than flying,” the Michigan resident said when I talked with him recently.
“Although some people think it’s too much trouble, I have found it’s so worth
the effort. I can’t believe everyone isn’t doing it,” Davis-Kean added as he
shared some of his secrets with me.  |
| Take a lovely vacation for free with Miles Master tips. |
Davis-Kean recently returned from a luxurious Caribbean vacation on Necker Island, a 74-acre island entirely owned by Sir Richard Branson, for which he spent seven months accumulating 1.2 million miles. Branson is Chairman of the Virgin Group, and his island in the British Virgin Islands is part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of luxury properties. The whole island operates like a resort where up to 28 people can book individual rooms at certain times of the year.
Davis-Kean’s trip was an award listed on Virgin
Atlantic Limited’s website, and he decided it was worth pursuing. “I just liked
the challenge to do this,” he said of the exclusive excursion. “What I didn’t
expect was that the trip exceeded my expectations.”
What’s
the trick? |
| Credit cards are a great source for accruing points that can be exchanged for travel. |
How did he collect such a massive amount of miles in
a relatively short time? He juggled credit card miles, bonuses, and other miles-earning
schemes (all legal, of course) to rack up more than a million miles.
His first tactic is to apply for credit cards that
offer large sign-up bonuses. “Be sure you’re getting the best offer because
these change frequently,” he said. Check his blog , The Frequent Miler, for up-to-date information and tips on current deals.
“There’s no
downside to signing up,” he explained. He does keep good records on his 30 plus
cards to know when the free first year is up (when the annual fee kicks in), so
he can decide whether to keep or cancel the card or downgrade it to a non-fee
card to preserve credit at the issuing bank.
“Focus on transferable points programs such as those
with Chase bank, American Express, and Citibank,” he said. Flexibility to
transfer points to airline programs makes them more valuable, and you might even
get bonus points at the time of transfer.
Another trick: “Look for credit cards with category
bonuses. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers three times the
usual points for travel and dining expenses. Although there is a hefty charge
for that card, annual credits reduce the effective rate considerably. The
American Express Everyday card is his preferred card for groceries and gas.
 |
| Upgrade your hotel stays with points for free nights. |
Making
it work
What started as a hobby for Davis-Kean has turned
into a full time career. For the last five years he has produced a blog where
he shares tips for readers. Whether
you’re just curious or have gotten hooked and want to take your project to the
next level, read his blog at www.thefrequentmiler.com
“These tips keep my wife in top-tier status,” he said
with a bit of humor. He also keeps up with new offerings and techniques by
reading other blogs that discuss maximizing points and miles. Even if you can’t
spend the time and effort that he does, you can still reap plenty of benefits
by just being aware of and taking advantage of offers that are widely
available.
So what’s next for Davis-Kean? He’s looking at a
safari-based trip to Africa. |
| Greg Davis-Kean, Miles Master |
Photos from free sources
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