The Habit of Travel

🧭 The Secret Behind “Free” Flights

People are always surprised when we tell them how little we actually spend on flights.
But it’s not magic — it’s strategy.

We’ve learned how to use travel credit cards, intro bonuses, and referral rewards to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. And the best part? You don’t have to be rich or travel constantly to do it. You just need to understand how the system works — and how to make it work for you.

💳 Where It All Started

When we first got serious about traveling, we kept seeing people online talking about “points” and “miles.”
At first, it felt overwhelming — all the talk of rewards charts, loyalty programs, and card bonuses. But once we figured it out, we realized how powerful it really is.

We started looking into travel cards from Capital One, Chase, and other major banks. Then we expanded into airline cards and hotel brand cards — each with their own hidden perks.

Before long, we were earning miles and free nights just from things we were already buying — groceries, gas, and everyday expenses.

✈️ The Power of Intro Bonuses

One of the biggest secrets in travel hacking?
Intro bonuses.

Most travel cards offer massive rewards if you meet a certain spending goal in the first few months.
We’ve gotten thousands of points that way — just by planning ahead and using the cards strategically.

That’s how we booked our recent flights to Curaçao.
They were priced around $650 each, but we paid only the taxes and fees — all thanks to an airline credit card’s intro bonus.

Those “in-flight card offers” that most people ignore? We don’t.
Sometimes those limited-time promotions are some of the best deals out there, especially for beginners who want to start earning miles fast.

🤝 How We Maximize Rewards Together

Being a couple helps — we play the points game as a team.

We refer each other for new cards to earn referral bonuses.
We downgrade cards when annual fees get too high, instead of closing them and losing our credit history.
And through it all, we keep impeccable credit, which makes every new opportunity easier.

It’s not about chasing every new offer — it’s about being intentional.
We treat credit cards as tools, not temptations. Every swipe has a purpose.

🌍 How You Can Start Booking Free Flights

You don’t need dozens of cards or complicated spreadsheets to start.
Here’s how to get started the smart way:

Pick one solid starter travel card — from Capital One, Chase, or your favorite airline.
Plan your spending to hit the intro bonus naturally — groceries, bills, travel bookings.
Redeem points or transfer miles to partner airlines for maximum value.
Stay organized — track annual fees, payment dates, and bonus deadlines.
Use referrals if you have a partner or friend doing the same — the bonuses add up quickly.

💡 Pro tip: You can often combine points from different cards under one program (like Chase Ultimate Rewards), letting you book higher-value trips for fewer points.