Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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Travel to Riviera Maya, Mexico for FREE and Other Money-Saving Tips
Working with our travel agent when we first started traveling, she mentioned that if we had credit card points, we could use them for our all-inclusive vacation. I told her that ours only covered airline miles, but I would check. Lo and behold, our credit card company confirmed that we could use our points for the all-inclusive in Riviera Maya we were booking, even if we didn’t have enough for the whole vacation.
Using Your Credit Card Points for Free Travel
If we had $500 worth of points, we had to have the travel agent bill the amount separately in one transaction and the balance in another transaction when we paid for the vacation. After, we would contact the credit card company to have them apply the points toward the purchase. We were surprised the first time that it worked. One time when we found a great deal, (7 day all-inclusive Riviera Maya), we were able to pay for one of us with points, so the trip was free. Yes, you read that right. It was free!
Use Your Credit Card For Everyday Items Only If You Pay It Off Every Month
We began charging more items on the card which eventually added up to more points earned and available for travel. We use the card to pay for our homeowners and car insurance, cell phone, groceries, and just about anything else that can be paid for with a credit card.
Because we pay off our balance every month, we do not pay interest on these purchases. If you are unable to pay your credit card balance in full, I would not recommend this tactic. The interest you pay would cost more than the savings.
Credit Card Travel Rewards
Below are a few credit card companies that have a great travel rewards program. If this is not an option for you, see below for additional tips.
Bank of America – 25,000 online bonus points offer (a $250 value) and no annual fee
Capital One – Earn unlimited 1.25X miles and no annual fee
Citi Double Cash Card – Earn 2% cash back on purchases
Vacation Savings Plan
- Use my tips in my resorts blog post to get your best deal. It’s all about timing and being flexible.
- Save a small portion of every paycheck for travel. Our least expensive all-inclusive vacation was approximately $725 per person which would cost $1450 for two people. If you get paid every 2 weeks you would need to save $56 every pay period for a year. Have this amount direct deposited into a separate savings account or credit union account.
- If you save your change in a jar, you would only need to save about $4 a day to pay for your vacation in a year’s time.
- Give up your daily latte that costs about $4 and you will have enough for two to enjoy an all-inclusive Riviera Maya vacation for a week.
- Trade your restaurant dinner twice a month ($60 each) and save $120 a month.
- Expecting a sizable tax refund? Use that money to book your all-inclusive Riviera Maya deals.
- Save your stimulus check for traveling.
Small Savings Add Up
- Use your library card to borrow books instead of buying them.
- Cancel your gym membership and make use of the great outdoors to run or bike. Use free YouTube videos for workouts.
- Save money on groceries when you use curbside pick up to avoid impulse buying.
- Pack your lunch instead of eating out.
- Cancel your cable and use online streaming.
There are many ways to afford a nice vacation. Use these tips to make your dream vacation come true. Even the worst day at the beach beats the best day in the office.
Do you have tips to save money for traveling? Please leave a comment below or on my Facebook or Instagram page. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share.
Book Your Travel
When traveling to Riviera Maya, we always book with our travel agent Jim Lucente. Rest assured that you will know the latest Covid protocols and have the added layer of a professional to contact directly with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend that you contact Jim Lucente, owner of Lucente Travel, at 412-299-7699 or email him at jim@lucentetravel.com to book your all-inclusive vacation.
If you prefer to book online, you can book here or compare reviews at Tripadvisor.
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