What’s your passion?  I pass a sign a few times a week on the way to lunch that asks this question?  My answer to the question depends on the day – the quick answer is travel and loyalty points, however, on stressful days my answer is simply finding the perfect chocolate chip cookie.  Obviously there are vast differences between travel and a cookie, however, the pathway to both can be through loyalty programs. So for my PhilaTravelGirl First Post, it’s about the points!

I am sure that many of you have a loyalty card or ten in your wallet or on your key chain, I know that I do.   A few years ago after my first international business class trip for work, I decided to elevate my travel aspirations and stop saying “I can’t afford to go there” and figure out how to travel for less.   A financial review was in order – I realized that while paying all of my bills in full each month, the restaurant gift cards rewards and store program points were no longer of value to me – my goal was now to travel!  So I made simple credit card and budget changes began dreaming of travel destinations, dreaming of points….

Daily life became a points game -How could I maximize the value of every purchase/obligation?  How quickly would I earn a reward?   So while the points game may seem complicated to many, it is just simple math to calculate the best return and see if it fits your goals.

My travels since I started focusing on points have taken me to Australia, New Zealand, Venice, Paris, New York, Toronto, Istanbul, Greece, Amsterdam, Chile, Peru, Easter Island, Botswana, South Africa.  Most of the long haul international flights have been in business class with lounge access, amenity kits and flat beds which I will admit has spoiled me.

As for other loyalty points, I’ve had free lunches, movies, gift cards, cookies and of course, free shoes!  What girl doesn’t like free shoes?  The travel point community (yes, there is a community for travelers like me) would chide me for the free shoes – its like telling them I used cash for a purchase and left points on the table.  My points portfolio is diversified but never overweight in any one plan to keep my options open for at least one trip a year.

Starting this blog is a 2012 resolution (I know, just getting in under the wire) – I’d like to focus on living in Philly, earning points and traveling the world. So basically, everything is a possibility for me to blog about. My stories and photos will be the result of this crazy points hobby that fuels my passion for travel (and cookies).  It’s always an adventure when I try anything new so join me as I fly by the seat of my points…..