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There’s a widespread but outdated belief among many travelers that the optimal way to accumulate frequent flier miles is by being a regular flyer. The truth is that it can take ages to rack up significant miles this way unless your employer is frequently booking you business class at the last moment. For average travelers who don’t pay for upfront seating, the most effective way to earn complimentary airline tickets is by modifying your spending to utilize the appropriate credit cards.

I mention “cards” because the ideal approach is to hold at least two: one for the airline you use the most and another that allows point transfers to multiple airlines. This strategy will yield 80% of the advantages without requiring extensive involvement in the process. However, if you do enjoy engaging in the process and securing free flights consistently, you can accumulate more points with additional card sign-up bonuses, by using the right cards at the optimal times, and being strategic about where your regular monthly bills appear.

The guidelines are always evolving and minor changes can happen in the system, but I have been earning complimentary airline tickets for over two decades. In many respects, it’s easier to obtain free flights now than it was when I first began. Though some redemption amounts may be higher and less predictable, this is countered by the existence of more cards offering generous bonuses and an unprecedented number of ways to earn points through your spending.

On this Cheapest Destinations Blog, I have consistently urged anyone who would listen to invest some time into this strategy because it has repeatedly benefitted me over the past 20 years. After all, these points serve as currency, holding real monetary value in your personal finances. And they are considerably easier to track than digital currency coins.

Here’s a list of the places I’ve traveled for free or nearly so (you typically still owe something for airport taxes) just in the last three years:

To Argentina and back from the USA for both my wife and me

To Thailand and back for my wife (my airfare was covered, so I used my points to book her ticket).

From Mexico to Tampa and back, as well as from Tampa to Virginia and back.

From Florida to the Netherlands.

From Mexico to Palm Springs, CA.

From Miami back to Mexico.

Next month, I’ll be flying from Los Cabos to Tampa for only 20K miles — in Business Class, baby! We’re currently accumulating miles to fly business class back from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur next autumn. Additionally, I’m sure we’ll embark on some short trips here and there on points.

Numerous books have been written on the topic of travel hacking, and there are at least 100 blogs dedicated exclusively to this subject, along with various Facebook groups and online forums discussing the practice. If you spend significant time with these insiders, it eventually starts to feel like an advanced science course, complete with unique terminology, obscure acronyms, and exclusive insights.

For years, I’ve maintained a well-received post on this blog that helps newbies begin with a travel hacking 101 approach for earning free trips. By merely following that guide, you’ll outpace 95% of people without treating the accumulation of miles and points like a second job.

Every year, various magazines and blogs analyze the data to determine which loyalty program is “the best,” but in reality, your experience may differ. If you reside in Atlanta, you’re likely going to fly most often with Delta, even if United’s program may seem more appealing. If you live in Dallas, chances are you’ll often be flying American, and from Toronto, it’s likely Air Canada. For business travelers who are on the road twice weekly, “the best” program will differ markedly from someone who lives in a robust Southwest market and only flies a couple of times a year.

Your specific circumstances will also affect which credit card is best suited for accumulating miles and which will provide the quickest rewards. Your location is significant, but your intended use of those miles plays a crucial role too. For instance, if you plan to travel to the southern tip of South America, it’s advisable not to accumulate American miles. It’s more advantageous to align with Delta’s or United’s alliances for partner options. Conversely, for the Caribbean, AA may be the more viable option.

For Asia, your optimal choice would be to have a Chase Sapphire or Amex card that allows you to transfer to various Asian airlines. Engage in a bit of research and contemplate your dream journey before accepting that next sign-up bonus and shifting your bill payments to that card.

Here are the essential strategies to remember for securing the equivalent of a complimentary flight or two within your mileage account for when you’re ready to embark on a trip, whether near or far.

Set Your Target for the Number of Points Required for Free Airline Tickets

Most airlines previously published some type of mileage chart

If you consider yourself a first-class traveler, you might not be aware that as you delve further down the budget scale, the more you’ll encounter travel noise. It’s an unavoidable consequence of being surrounded by numerous other people, and in some cultures, noise is as ubiquitous as exhaust fumes and bureaucracy, something accepted as inevitable. This phenomenon also applies to airports, trains, and buses, where inconsiderate individuals believe everyone is interested in their conversations and videos.

How do you handle noise? How soundly do you sleep?

If you’re gearing up for a budget backpacking trip around the globe, it’s crucial to become adept at tuning out noise. Alternatively, you should prepare a bag of solutions. Brace yourself for nighttime sounds unlike anything you’ve encountered before, even if you hail from New York City.

## Sources of Travel Noise Around the Globe

I’m reminded of this truth every time I return to my home base in Mexico. In the otherwise charming city of Guanajuato where I reside, a genuinely quiet night is a rarity. There are at least five barking dogs on the rooftops of houses on every block, and since this city is nestled among hills, I hear most of them at some point during the night, particularly if there’s a chain reaction and they all start barking when one does.

At least I’m not in the center. There, if a soccer/football match is underway and the bars are buzzing, the noise won’t subside until the early hours, with booming bass that few windows can block out. Street performers sing and shout beneath those windows, and there may just be fireworks in the mix.

Throughout Latin America, the noise continues with church bells, gas vendors, junk collection trucks, and intoxicated individuals singing in the streets. It’s not unusual for bars to vie for patrons by each trying to blast their music louder than the others. If you’re indoors, you’ll struggle to hear each other; if you’re outside, you’re subjected to competing stereos playing different tracks.

In countries where people live in close quarters and have cultivated a “live and let live” mentality as a result, you don’t voice complaints; you endure and cope. It’s often culturally unheard of to complain about the mariachi band next door at 2:00 a.m. or the morning firecrackers that sound like cannons at dawn on a Sunday to kick off a saints’ festival.

In Asia, you will witness people napping on the subway, on buses, on benches, and even on delivery carts. It’s no surprise: you can’t truly rest at night with all the roosters crowing and everyone rising hours before dawn to get their businesses underway before the heat sets in. You haven’t truly lived the backpacker experience until you’ve slept through a cat in heat, two rival roosters, and an individual who begins noisily cleaning the stairs outside your bamboo hut at 5 a.m.

“Oh my god, the roosters!” You’ll hear this frequently from fellow budget travelers globally. Your previous urban assumption that roosters only crow at dawn gets shattered quickly. When exactly do roosters crow? Whenever they please. Which turns out to be quite frequently, both in light and in darkness.

In the Middle East, the call to prayer is a constant presence five times daily, at least once during hours when no rational person should be awake. If you’re fortunate enough to be in one of these nations during Ramadan, you’ll also experience the peculiar tradition of someone parading through the streets banging a drum to wake everyone up so the faithful can eat before sunrise. (And you’re even expected to tip this person for their efforts at the end.)

In certain countries, drivers have one hand on the wheel and the other on the horn at all times. In Egypt, they might drive with their lights off at night under the false assumption that it conserves battery life, but that doesn’t stop them from honking—regardless of whether there’s anything in sight.

If you’re staying in a fancy hotel, you can largely avoid all this. I don’t recall hearing even one barking dog during my stay at the [Villa Maria Cristina hotel](http://www.luxurylatinamerica.com/mexico/villa_maria.html) in Guanajuato while on a writing assignment on my initial visit, and I’ve enjoyed blissfully quiet nights behind the triple-paned windows at Hiltons and Hyatts. The Four Seasons in Mexico City will make you believe there’s no traffic on that bustling thoroughfare in front of the hotel, and the Oberoi in Calcutta truly deserves the title “oasis” if any hotel ever did. Money serves as an excellent sound barrier.

Stay at the $8 hostel a few blocks away, though, and it’s an entirely different narrative. You

**The Fundamentals of Global Travel: Beyond the Basics**

Global travel has changed dramatically through the years, yet the fundamental essentials persist surprisingly unchanged. The well-known adage, “There are only three vital things you require for global travel: a passport, funds, and time,” encapsulates the everlasting requirements of travel. Although the source of this saying is unclear, its insight remains relevant, even as contemporary travel brings fresh challenges.

**The Contemporary Traveler’s Toolbox**

In earlier times, a passport, some currency, and plenty of time sufficed for most trips. Nowadays, however, the scene has shifted. Smartphones, credit cards, and travel insurance have become crucial instruments for navigating the international travel environment. The concern of losing a passport now equals the worry of misplacing a smartphone, which has transformed into a multifunctional gadget necessary for navigation, communication, and even acquiring travel tickets.

**The Significance of Travel Insurance**

Travel insurance is frequently disregarded by younger adventurers, but its value cannot be exaggerated. As travel grows increasingly erratic, possessing insurance provides reassurance and financial safeguarding against unexpected incidents like medical emergencies, flight interruptions, or missing luggage. A thorough travel insurance plan can act as a safety net, offering help and reimbursement when situations take a turn for the worse.

**Confirming Passport Preparedness**

A valid passport is essential for international travel. However, many travelers fail to verify its expiration date or underestimate the duration needed for renewal. With several nations requiring six months of validity beyond the intended travel date, it’s vital to plan in advance and steer clear of last-minute issues. For frequent travelers, a business passport with additional pages can avert the hassle of exhausting space for stamps.

**Navigating the Sphere of Travel Finances**

The methods we manage money while traveling have also transformed. While some regions have adopted cashless payments, others still heavily depend on cash. Travelers must be ready with a combination of cash and cards, ensuring access to financial resources regardless of local payment preferences. Utilizing credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and grasping currency conversion can help evade unnecessary expenses.

**Balancing Time and Finances**

The difference between travelers and tourists often hinges on the equilibrium of time and money. Travelers with ample time can indulge in slower, more immersive experiences, while those with limited time may choose quicker, pricier alternatives. Flexibility in travel arrangements allows for a more leisurely experience, mitigating the effects of unexpected delays or shifts.

**Utilizing Technology for a Smoother Experience**

Smartphones have become indispensable travel allies, acting as centers for organizing itineraries, keeping important documents, and enabling communication. Applications like TripIt can simplify travel arrangements, while cloud storage ensures access to vital information even if a device goes missing. Preparing for emergencies by sharing access to important accounts and documents with travel associates can avoid complications in unexpected situations.

**Conclusion**

While the essentials of international travel—passport, funds, and time—remain stable, the modern traveler must adjust to new tools and obstacles. By embracing technology, obtaining travel insurance, and planning in advance, travelers can navigate the intricacies of today’s travel landscape with assurance.

STLV Trek to Vegas ranks as the largest Star Trek Convention globally in most years. Spanning 5 days in Las Vegas, it is an essential destination for every sci-fi enthusiast (and certainly Trekkie). The breadth of STLV, along with a journey to Las Vegas, entails numerous elements that may complicate understanding what activities occur at a Star Trek convention.

You can view the video above for your all-inclusive guide to STLV and continue reading for the key points.

What Is STLV?

STLV is among the numerous fan conventions organized by Creation Entertainment. It isn’t exclusively a Star Trek convention (STLV features guests and panels about other fandoms) but primarily revolves around the series created by Gene Roddenberry. STLV occurs annually in early August, running from Wednesday to Sunday at the Rio Hotel and Casino, which has recently come under Hyatt’s ownership.

Planning Your STLV

The initial step is to enroll in a World of Hyatt rewards program account if you haven’t done so already. You can accumulate and redeem Hyatt points for reservations at the Rio, but unlike most airline mileage programs, you cannot claim points post-stay. Booking a room at the Rio – which is off the strip and makes staying at other venues significantly less convenient – should ideally be done by mid-May to ensure you find accommodation that suits your requirements.

– Upon arriving at the hotel, you may sign up for a Rio Rewards card. This will allow you to accumulate points for any purchases at the hotel (excluding your room) and Rio will also send you complimentary stay offers throughout the year. Utilizing a Rio Rewards promotion can often provide you with at least one free day of your booking before or after the convention.

STLV tickets are available for purchase as general admission or across various tiers, each possessing its own benefits. For general admission, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days, so purchasing tickets at least a month prior is advisable. Throughout the year around several U.S. Federal Holidays, Creation also conducts ticket sales. You can subscribe through their website to receive notifications of any deals.

– Personally, I prefer to arrive at Rio the Sunday before STLV, plan some side excursions like Area 51, and depart the Tuesday following the convention. (There’s an unofficial Star Trek pool gathering on the Monday post-STLV which aids in recovering after the extended weekend.)

What’s STLV Like?

STLV resembles a Star Trek feast, allowing you to pick and select how you wish to fill your plate. There are panel discussions featuring actors, crew, and writers who will answer questions from the audience, a bustling vendor’s hall brimming with merchandise, science presentations, concerts, and more – all often occurring simultaneously. You’ll need to navigate between all the events along with any scheduled photo opportunities or autograph signings.

– Photo opportunities are enjoyable, but if you aspire for a bit more interaction with a specific Trek personality, obtaining an autograph is the preferable option. You’ll pay for the autograph, though many will happily take a selfie with you for free. Plus, this gives you a few additional moments to converse with the Trek actor, writer, or crew member.

Money-Saving Tips

Having an extra day before STLV allows you time to stop by a nearby grocery store for snacks and any desired alcohol. The Rio, similar to most Las Vegas resorts, imposes steep markups on food and drinks, so shopping at a nearby grocery can save you substantial amounts during STLV. I also suggest bringing or purchasing a filtered water bottle so you can fill it from the room tap. The convention areas have complimentary water available, but having a bottle will help reduce waste.

No Cosplay Necessary

While dressing up isn’t mandatory, if you choose to, your creativity can know no bounds. At STLV, you can embody a different character each day, but ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes. The steps down the extensive Rio hallways accumulate quickly, and be sure to visit the Masquerade Bar in the evenings where most attendees at STLV pass through at some point to relax.

For any Star Trek aficionado, attending STLV is a convention experience to undertake at least once. Creation also organizes other regional ST-Conventions in various U.S. cities that are worth contemplating, but for the largest showcase of the finest show, there’s no venue quite like STLV Trek to Vegas.