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GET STARTED

Now onto getting started! With so many different ways to earn points and redeem there, here is a quick guide to get you going.

 Sign up for airline/hotel loyalty programs - start with the airlines and hotels that you frequent the most.  If you travel for work, then sign up for those programs and start earning points.  If you are clueless about this or have never really traveled, no worries! Start out with the airlines like United or Southwest and hotels like Marriott , SPG, and Hilton.  Loyalty programs like these are free to join and often have great signup promos and benefits for just being a member.

 Dream of where you want to go - just like you do with anything in life, figure out what's next.  Where do you want to go? When is that going to be? Having a destination in mind will help you define how many points you need to earn to make your dream a reality.

Get a travel rewards credit card - start small, you don't need to go for a home run first time you go to bat.  Start with 1 or 2 cards then build up from there (Trust me, you don't need to go crazy and open up 30 different credit cards).  This is a long game where slow and steady wins the race!

Take advantage of signup bonuses - Many credit cards offer signup bonuses if you spend a certain amount within 1-4 months of opening the account.  Take those into consideration because those bonuses are extremely helpful in racking up points.

Everyday spending on travel rewards cards - maximize the amount of points you earn by shifting everyday spending onto travel rewards cards.  Normal purchases like groceries, clothes, restaurants, and any monthly recurring charges (Netflix, Audible, phone bills, etc.) can help you earn points without any effort!

Redeem your points - when you earn enough to go on your trip, redeem them and enjoy! This is the best part! By investing some time into establishing a points earning system will get you on your way before you know it!

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