Saving on Travel with Smart Planning
Iceland, known for its beautiful landscapes and nature, is also infamous for its sky-high prices. But, by using miles, points, and smart travel strategies, you can save a ton! One major way to rack up points is by strategically using welcome offers. Booking big-ticket items, such as a camper van rental, with a rewards credit card can help quickly meet the minimum spending requirement and unlock some valuable points. Once those points hit, you’re on your way!
Why Welcome Offers are Key
One of the fastest methods to accumulate points is through welcome offers from credit cards. While the specifics change frequently, some cards offer bonuses exceeding 100,000 points, especially higher-tier travel cards. Planning significant expenses, like a rental vehicle for an Icelandic road trip, around these requirements can make hitting that target much easier. In one instance, booking a camper van covered most of the necessary spending threshold, allowing for free flights without overspending.
Adjust Your Due Date
Waiting for points to be credited can test even the most patient traveler. Typically, points appear after the statement period ends, which might mean waiting up to a month. To speed this up, many credit card issuers, such as Chase, let users change the statement due date. Altering this date can sometimes fast-track when points are credited, helping you book your next trip even sooner.
How to Use Travel Portals for Easy Bookings
For people who don’t want the complexity of transferring points to airline partners, credit card travel portals provide an easy solution. These platforms, offered by major issuers like Chase, American Express, and Capital One, display flights with clear points values and cash equivalents. Though booking through these portals may not always provide the highest value per point, the process is refreshingly simple and eliminates the need for airline alliance considerations. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card holders, for instance, can redeem points for 25% more value through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, giving a boost to their earned points.
Booking Through Portals
Booking flights through travel portals is super user-friendly. Simply log into the portal, select the travel details, and browse available flights, which show both cash prices and the equivalent points needed. Choosing the "flexible dates" option often reveals the most cost-effective travel days. While points used in this manner may only yield about one cent per point, the convenience makes it worthwhile for many people.
Essential Iceland Travel Tips
Planning an Icelandic adventure? Make time for hidden gems like the secluded Kvernufoss waterfall, just a short walk from the popular Skógafoss. Unlike the crowded main attractions, Kvernufoss is super peaceful. Renting a vehicle is highly recommended for exploring Iceland’s unique landscapes at your own pace. However, you should be cautious: most rental vans are manual. If manual driving isn’t second nature, it’s wise to book an automatic, even if it comes with a higher price tag. Learning to drive a stick shift on Iceland’s remote roads isn’t as easy as it sounds, and the risks to both transmission and nerves are real.
Plan Smart and Travel Happy
Miles and points are all about using strategic choices to maximize savings. Always consider large planned expenses when choosing a credit card for its sign-up bonus, and remember to check the latest offers to ensure the best value. For those looking to explore Iceland without the hefty price tag, these tips can make that dream a reality.
