July 25, 2023 | View Online | Sign Up
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Bonjour from wine country. I’m in the heart of France this week, enjoying the Loire Valley in the buildup to a friend’s vineyard wedding at the weekend.
I say this to 150% conjure jealousy in you.
If it helps, I couldn’t travel hack much of the trip, so it’s all out of pocket. I hope that grants you some solace as you curse me from your office desk.
Venons-en aux points.
In this week’s cheatsheet:
Step up to the travel-hacking big leagues
The big three hotel loyalty programs
Why I’m blowing $450 on a card
Salut,
Steven
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| CARD OF THE WEEK
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I’m Ditching This Card, But You Should Open It
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Weird way to push a card, right? But it’s true. After telling you for months, I’ve finally closed off my prized travel card. I’ll give you a hint; if it were opposites day, the card would be called The British Slow Lead card.
My annual fee was approaching, and with an eye-watering amount set to leave my account, the time was now. But I am sad about it and still think you should consider opening the card. Here’s why.
💳 Its intro bonus can be as big as 150,000 points
I need to start by saying not everyone is eligible for the potential 150,000-point bonus, even when it is available. You’ll have to use a card match tool like this one to see if you’re eligible. Even if you’re not eligible, however, the card's standard 80,000-point welcome is still sizeable and it's some of the most valuable travel currency out there.
🤩 The perks are amazing
The card comes loaded with perks that, when used well, easily add up to more than the price of the card. From lounge access to varying statement credits, it doesn't skimp on the benefits.
The main reason that doesn’t work for me anymore, is that I’m not in the States, and a lot of the benefits rely on me being there to make the most of them. If you, on the other hand, are Stateside, the world is your oyster.
🏨 It changes your hotel game
Its most valuable perks, in my opinion, are hotel related. While I can’t specify, just know the card will change your hotel experience as long as you have it. Upgrades and freebies become the norm when wielded well. It’s almost worth it for its hotel benefits alone. (It’s also shiny and can be used as a weapon if needed.)
When combined, all those perks add up and more than compensate for the higher annual fee. If you feel like you could use it effectively, take your travel hacking up a level. Learn more here.
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| TRAVEL HACKING NEWS
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Hotel Loyalty Program Breakdown
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I don’t talk about Hotel Programs a whole lot, so I thought I’d break down some of the pros and cons of each, so you can start planning which you’d prefer to focus on. Of course, if you love one brand, that’s a big factor, as you’ll read in the next segment. But otherwise, read on.
✅ Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott is the largest hotel franchise in the world. For sheer availability, there is no better loyalty program. You're never far from one with more than 8,000 properties and almost 1.5 million rooms available. The big pros for Marriott Bonvoy are its 5th night free on award stays and the ability to transfer points from a Bonvoy account to airlines. It’s a good workaround in certain situations, even if the value isn’t great.
Sadly, its redemptions aren’t the best and perks like upgrades can be inconsistent. You can still find some pretty great deals, but it’s not always the best option. The volume argument, however, is a valid one.
🏅 Hilton Honors
Hilton Honors is my personal favorite. Partly due to the ease of earning Honors points and also because of the experience I get as a Diamond member. Redemptions fluctuate heavily, but finding some excellent hotel deals is still possible.
It also boasts a similar 5th night free on award stays which can maximize the value of your points. Perks like upgrades and free breakfasts have always been honored for me, but there are concerns that will change in the future.
🌎 World of Hyatt
Despite having the smallest footprint, Hyatt’s value is incredible. It’s doing an excellent job of expanding its properties, and it's possible to get stays for as little as 5,000 points–almost unheard of with Hilton or Marriott. Even luxury properties can be as little as 35,000, compared to hundreds of thousands with other brands. Its elite status perks are also outstanding, offering upgrades, free breakfasts, waived resort fees, and more.
🤔 So which one should you go for?In truth, it’s worth having accounts with as many hotels as you can. The card I mentioned above offers Gold status with both Hilton and Marriott, and co-branded cards for each brand do similar things. I’ll dig deeper into hotel programs in a few weeks.
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| INVEST IN A NEW KIND OF TRAVEL
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A New Frontier for Travel
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The company has already sold $16MM worth of products
and are backed by Mark Cuban and other prominent investors.Â
The opportunity ends on 8/10, but they’ve already raised $4.4M out of their $5M goal – so become a Virtuix shareholder while you still can.
*Disclosure: This is a paid advertisement for Virtuix’s Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.virtuix.com
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| STEVEN'S TIPS
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Why I Upgraded My Hilton Card Without Getting a Bonus
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I’ve been mulling the prospect of opening a premium hotel card recently. The Hilton-branded product in question costs a hefty $450 a year, and because I opened its less flashy sibling a couple of years ago, I’m not eligible for the points bonus.
But, I opened it anyway and here’s why.
It’s a lot of experiential value
I travel full-time, and before that, I traveled for business. Hilton was my go-to brand, and earning Diamond status and loyalty points was my first little taste of travel hacking. I like the brand, their hotels are everywhere, and my experience as a Diamond member has been exceptional. I’ve never been denied an upgrade, complimentary breakfast, or executive lounge access. I miss that experience, and I want it back.
The value isn’t terrible
It’s $450 a year but it does give me a Priority Pass, something I’m losing now that the card I mentioned above is closed. That saves me a decent chunk every year in airport food alone. That’s also added experiential value.
On top of that, the card grants me a free reward night every year. I can use that at some of Hilton’s highest-rated properties around the world. Those can cost thousands a night, and I’ll get them (if we count the card as the cost) for $450. Would I usually pay for those? Of course not. But it’s a brilliant perk and one I could use if I were in a tight spot for accommodation.
What I’m trying to say is that for all the pragmatism I normally preach, there is room in travel hacking for a little unadulterated fun. I’m basically opening the card because I love the experience I get with it. If you get the same feeling with your airline or hotel loyalty program, go for it.
But only if you can afford it. Don’t be dumb.
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
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*This link is sponsored
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