Celebrating Two Decades of Accumulating Travel Rewards and Miles!
Twenty decades ago, I was just a kid gathering miles from my dad's business trips and teaching myself computer stuff. Fast forward to now, and I'm The Points Guy - one of the OG members of Travelocity, dishing out points and miles advice!
Growing up, I'd help Dad book his travel and I was hooked. Back in '96, Travelocity was a fresh concept. I jumped on board, becoming a dedicated member. Some may say it was my obsession with the internet, but I like to think it was destiny. I even started charging Dad $10 a trip to nab the cheapest flights, best seats, and overall best experience. That's where The Points Guy was born!
One breakthrough trip took us to Grand Cayman, inspired by John Grisham's "The Firm." My parents trusting me to organize this adventure really sealed the deal. I managed to score an exceptional deal on the vacation, veering away from the usual Jersey Shore gathering spots.
I'd book vacation rentals on VRBO before it was cool, and our trip to the Caymans was no exception. We rented a place called Maiden Plum Kai, right by the beach, and our week-long escape was an unforgettable bonding experience for the family. After that, yearly trips to the Caymans became a tradition for us.
Fast forward to today and I'm back in the Caymans, revisiting my roots and reminiscing about my first points and miles trip. Though Maiden Plum Kai is still out of commission following Hurricane Ivan, the journey down memory lane has been a rewarding one.
Reflecting on my points and miles journey, I can't stress enough the importance of maximizing rewards for a better vacation. I still remember flying to Grand Cayman back in '96, and this time around, I used just 4,500 Avios - a fraction of what I spent two decades ago. Prove the naysayers wrong and embrace the adventure!
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[1] https://thepointsguy.com/2014/03/cayman-islands-bay-men-turtle-farm-stingray-city/[2] https://thepointsguy.com/2018/11/my-points-journey-started-with-backpacking-thru-europe-8-memorable-moments/[3] https://thepointsguy.com/2016/03/hotel-etiquette-101/[4] https://thepointsguy.com/2014/12/brian-kelly-in-iflybrian-4-proven-tips-to-make-your-next-business-trip-amazing/
- To optimize your vacation experience, consider the travel guides provided by The Points Guy (TPG) for the best deals and hacks.
- TPG, one of the original Travelocity members, offers reviews and advice on travel rewards, credit cards, airlines, lifestyle, and news to help you get the most out of your travel.
- In contrast to spending a fortune on flights and accommodations two decades ago, I now use travel rewards to fly to the Caymans with just 4,500 Avios.
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