How This Solo Traveler Uses Points to Travel for Free

Traveling alone is so empowering and freeing, but if you are not careful, it can be wildly expensive. That’s why I’m excited to share my ultimate goal in life – traveling with points to earn free travel. 

It’s not just a dream; it’s a reality that I’ve been living and loving! Since I created this site to help all of you aspiring solo travelers out there, I wanted to share my travel credit cards. 

I put a calendar invite on my phone so I don’t forget. Once you get into the habit, it gets easier and easier.

Now, you must remember that you must be very disciplined to use credit cards to your advantage. I have a system where I pay my card weekly to avoid getting out of hand.

There is a world of credit cards offering points and rewards, and it can be overwhelming to know which ones are worth it. I am here to break all that down.

In this post, I’ll break down the magic of three credit cards that have been my wings to the world: 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Your Ticket to Unlimited Adventures

Alright, adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts, let me introduce you to a card that’s like having a magic wand for travel:

This card isn’t just good; it’s a traveler’s best friend, especially if you’re all about tours and activities.

Imagine earning unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase. Yes, every single one. Whether you’re booking a cozy Airbnb, grabbing a latte at your favorite café, or even just filling up your tank, you’re stacking up miles like a pro. 

And the best part? You can redeem these miles for any travel-related expense. Flights, hotels, car rentals – you name it. It’s like having a ‘travel on us’ card in your wallet.

Now, let’s talk about a little cherry on top: The Cultivist membership. For six months, you get complimentary access to this elite platform, which usually costs $40 per month. What does this mean for you? 

Free admission to over 60 world-class museums, including the New York Met, the Paris Louvre, and The Art Institute of Chicago. And guess what? You can bring up to three guests for free. This card isn’t just a credit card; it’s your passport to cultural exploration.

is the epitome of simplicity and efficiency in the world of travel rewards. Its straightforward rewards structure and hassle-free redemption process make it a no-brainer for those who want to save big on their next tour or activity.

Welcome Bonus:

Get ready to jet-set with 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. That’s a lot of miles waiting to take you places.

Rewards:

Rack up 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and enjoy 2X miles on everything else. Simple, easy, and oh-so-rewarding.

Travel Benefits:

Up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (because who likes long lines?), Hertz Five Star status for that VIP feel, rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, and exclusive access to Capital One Dining. It’s like a travel toolkit in card form.

Credit Score & Fees:

You’ll need a good to excellent credit score to snag this card. The annual fee is a modest $95, which, considering the benefits, is pretty sweet. (see rates & fees)

Pros and Cons:

The $120 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years is a major win. The lounge benefits are generous for a card with a $95 annual fee, and the rewards structure is as easy as it gets. The only downside? The lounge network isn’t as extensive as some other cards. But hey, nobody’s perfect!

Disclosures

Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.