A mother-of-two from Adelaide, Sally Edmonds, has mastered the art of accumulating loyalty points, boasting a staggering 2 million points every two years. Her dedication to collecting points has enabled her family to embark on five international trips over the past decade without spending a single cent.
Ms. Edmonds, a member of Velocity, Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer program, diligently monitors the latest offers to ensure she maximizes her points on all eligible transactions. It typically takes her about 18 months to amass 2 million points, which she recently utilized for an upcoming four-week vacation to Thailand with her family.
Her points cover four economy return flights for her husband and children, as well as accommodation for the entire entourage, including family friends. Ms. Edmonds emphasized that without these points, the trip’s cost, especially considering her children’s specific accommodation needs, would have been prohibitive.
Thailand holds a special place in the family’s travel itinerary, being their preferred destination every two years due to the comfort and understanding they experience, particularly regarding their children’s needs. Ms. Edmonds, a Velocity member for over 25 years, remains vigilant in seeking new deals and offers to optimize her points accumulation, aligning her purchases at Coles and Bunnings to earn additional points through Flybuys partnerships.
Another points-savvy traveler, Andy Hutton, based in Sydney, has also significantly minimized his flight expenses by judiciously leveraging loyalty programs. Having accumulated 600,000 points, with a substantial portion from Qantas, Andy has managed to travel extensively without bearing the brunt of commercial flight costs over the past decade.
Andy’s initiation into the world of points accumulation began when he moved to Australia from the UK, kickstarting his journey towards securing free flights. His strategic credit card choices and loyalty program memberships have paved the way for seamless travel experiences, with his ultimate goal being to continue funding family holidays every two years, covering flights and accommodations.
Moreover, an unidentified individual has amassed a remarkable 25 million points over a quarter-century, ensuring a lifetime of virtually cost-free travel. These anecdotes underscore the growing trend of savvy travelers harnessing loyalty programs and credit card rewards to offset travel expenses, enabling them to explore the world without breaking the bank.
As the travel landscape evolves, individuals like Sally Edmonds and Andy Hutton exemplify the strategic approach needed to navigate the intricate world of loyalty points and rewards, transforming once-costly travel ventures into accessible and enriching experiences for themselves and their families.
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