A mother-of-two from Adelaide, Sally Edmonds, has unlocked the secret to traveling for free with her family by accumulating a whopping 2 million loyalty points every two years. Over the past decade, she has embarked on five international trips without spending a single cent, thanks to her savvy points strategy.
Ms. Edmonds, a devoted member of Velocity, Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer program, diligently tracks the latest offers to ensure she maximizes her points earnings on all eligible transactions. It typically takes her about 18 months to amass 2 million points, which she recently utilized for a four-week getaway to Thailand.
For Sally, these points are more than just a travel perk; they are a lifeline. Her two children, aged 16 and 11, both have autism, making travel a challenging endeavor. However, with the help of her accrued points, she can cover not only her family’s flights but also their accommodations, including those of their accompanying friends.
Without the points, Sally estimates that the trip would have set her back around $15,000, a cost she couldn’t feasibly bear, especially considering the specialized accommodations her children require for their sensory needs. This financial relief has enabled the family to make Thailand their preferred biennial destination, where the serene environment and accommodating locals provide a comfortable retreat for her children.
As a seasoned Velocity member for over 25 years, Sally remains vigilant in seeking out new deals and offers to optimize her points accumulation. She strategically aligns her everyday purchases, such as groceries from Coles and home essentials from Bunnings, to capitalize on Flybuys partnerships and earn bonus points.
By leveraging her ANZ Visa card, which also earns Velocity Points, Sally can triple her points earnings, ensuring she maximizes her benefits with each transaction. Her meticulous approach to point collection has not only funded her family’s biennial holidays but also alleviated the financial strain associated with their unique travel requirements.
Meanwhile, another expert points collector, Andy Hutton, based in Sydney, has similarly harnessed the power of loyalty programs to fuel his globetrotting adventures. Having accumulated 600,000 points, including 320,000 with Qantas, Andy boasts a track record of minimal out-of-pocket expenses for flights over the past decade.
Andy’s journey into the world of points began when he relocated from the UK to Australia ten years ago, kickstarting a lifestyle of luxury travel without the luxury price tag. By strategically leveraging credit card sign-up bonuses and loyalty program partnerships, Andy has unlocked a world of complimentary flights and premium experiences.
These tales of points prowess underscore the growing trend of savvy travelers harnessing loyalty programs to unlock cost-free travel opportunities. As individuals like Sally and Andy demonstrate, with diligence and strategic planning, jet-setting around the world can be more accessible and affordable than ever before.
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