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Deciding where to travel next can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many destinations to choose from and limited time and resources, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. As someone who frequently travels using miles and points, I often get asked about how I choose my travel destinations. In this article, I’ll share my approach to planning travel and offer some tips on how to prioritize your trips.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, global travel came to a halt, giving me the opportunity to reflect on my future travel plans. It also allowed me to prioritize my trips and focus on where I really wanted to go. One destination that has always been on my bucket list is Venice, and in February 2016, I was finally able to tick it off.
When it comes to travel rewards, it’s important not to let the deals and promotions dictate your travel plans. In the miles and points community, there’s often a tendency to chase after the latest offers and bonuses. While it’s great to take advantage of these deals, it’s essential to remember that the ultimate goal is to travel to places that you genuinely want to visit.
To ensure that my travel plans align with my desires, I follow a clear order of steps. First, I determine where I want to travel to next. This could be a dream destination or a place I’ve been longing to visit. Once I have a destination in mind, I figure out which miles and points I need to make the trip possible. This could involve transferring points from credit card rewards programs or earning points through specific airline or hotel loyalty programs. Finally, I identify the credit cards I need to apply for in order to earn the required points or miles.
While it’s tempting to focus on the value of your miles or points in terms of cents per mile or point (CPM or CPP), it should not be the driving factor in selecting your next travel destination. For example, let’s say I have the opportunity to book an amazing deal on a business class flight from Dubai to San Francisco using miles. However, because I’ve been to San Francisco multiple times, I might decide to save my miles for a trip to a different part of the US or explore another city in North America that I haven’t been to before.
Conversely, I may choose to use my points for a trip that may not offer the best value in terms of CPM or CPP. For instance, I recently used a significant amount of Amex Membership Rewards points to stay at an iconic palace built in the 18th century. While it may not have been the most cost-effective use of my points, it allowed me to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip and fulfill a long-time dream.
In conclusion, deciding on a travel destination requires careful consideration and planning. By following a clear order of steps and prioritizing your desires over the value of your miles or points, you can ensure that your travel plans align with your goals. Remember, it’s not just about the destination, but the experiences and memories that you’ll create along the way.