“We’re broke.”
“We can’t afford to get away.”
We used to say this until we discovered how to get free hotel nights from credit card signup bonuses. This has made a huge difference in our marriage and family.
It’s amazing what getting away for a night or two does to change your perspective. These breaks can provide some much needed time for you to destress and reconnect with your spouse in the midst of a hectic life of supporting your child with disabilities.
So, we want to help you get over one of the biggest barriers of getting away–the cost. Here’s our tips for how to wisely earn free hotel nights with credit card travel points.
How to get the free hotel nights on points
Credit card companies want to get your business, and they will pay huge marketing dollars to get you as a customer. This most often comes in the form of a “signup bonus” or a “welcome bonus.” They are willing to pay you big bucks up front in the form of hotel points to have you try their credit card.
How to get started earning credit card travel points
All you have to do is sign up and meet the minimum spending requirement. This minimum spending requirement can be anything from a single purchase to a total of $3,000 in a 3-month period. Sometimes there’s an annual fee, but the value you receive can come out much greater.
“Don’t change your spending patterns or spend more. Just change the card you’re spending on.”
Consider your current monthly expenses
At first the minimum spend amount can seem daunting. But think about your family’s current regular expenses. You probably already spend over $1,000 a month on your credit or debit cards. So, if you just switch your spending over to the new credit card, you can easily meet the 3-month spending requirements without spending any more money.
Or as I always say to people, “Don’t change your spending patterns. Just change the card you’re spending on.” By doing this, you can easily meet the spending requirements of the card and earn 80,000 to 100,000 points or more so that you can get away for free.
Choose your level of luxury
We’ve done everything from a single night away at a local hotel to flying to an island and having a personal butler for our room on the beach–all for free.
What can 100,000 hotel points get you?
This amount can get you six or more nights at a comfortable hotel like Hyatt Place or TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Or, it can get you two nights of luxury at somewhere like the JW Marriott or Hyatt Andaz. So, if you can only get away once a year, make it special and luxurious.
Or go somewhere a little cheaper and get away for a night or two every other month. Whatever you do, just make sure you get away! Respite breaks are critical, and your marriage and your family will be better for it.
We realize that there are other barriers to getting away in addition to finances. That’s why we provide a great deal of resources and ideas in our previous post.
Get your free respite break planning sheet
Utilize resources to help you find the right credit card
You can find some of the best signup bonuses from these people I follow. They have some great resources and links whether you are a novice or an expert.
How to Earn Free Hotel Nights with Credit Card Points Share on XBe wise
“Don’t change your spending patterns. Don’t spend more.”
With all the financial responsibilities of a family with a disabled child, its easy to just charge it to the card and plan to pay it later. Never do this!
Free nights are not free when you are paying your other bills for the next twenty years because of the interest or late charges. Debt just adds to the stress. So if you can’t control your spending, don’t even think about signing up for a card.
As we’ve said numerous times, “Don’t change your spending patterns. Just change the card your charging your regular expenses to.”
We hope that these tips help you get your much needed and well deserved break away!
What’s one way that getting away has helped your marriage or family?
Don’t forget to comment below.
Happy travels!
Todd
Throughout his professional career, Todd has pursued his love for teaching and inspiring others. He earned his Master of Arts in Christian Education and Spiritual Formation from Wheaton College in Illinois, co-receiving the Lois LeBar Award. He taught as an Adjunct Professor at Wheaton College Graduate School and served as the Director of Educational Ministries at the Evangelical Training Association. He has served with Kristin in church, camping, adventure challenge, and retreat ministries. Working as the Director of Youth Ministries at a local church for seven years, he developed leaders, nurtured students’ spiritual growth, created original curriculum, and counseled parents. He also helped guide training efforts for local churches. Todd then received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University and enjoyed serving as a part-time lecturer in the Vanderbilt University Department of Mechanical Engineering for four years. While his experience is broad, it has all been motivated by a passion for seeing others grow and live to their fullest potential.
Todd currently enjoys managing multiple businesses focusing on everything from diesel delivery, to online resale, to empowering families to travel for free with credit card points. He loves spending time with his family traveling, playing games, and sharing the day-to-day time together. He spends any time left over running and hiking.
*Disclaimer: The contents of this post are intended for informational purposes only. Todd and Kristin are sharing from their personal experiences and are not giving professional financial advice. They are not endorsing the links or organizations in this article. They recommend you research, consult with a professional, and seek additional information before making any financial decisions.
Disability Parenting
What valuable information this is!
Thank you for reading. We really appreciate your feedback! Blessings