How to Travel the World for Free: Tips and Tricks from a Pro
Are you dreaming of traveling the world but feel like you don't have enough money to do so? Well, what if we told you that you don't need any money at all? In this article, we'll be sharing tips and tricks from a seasoned traveler who has been to nearly 100 countries for free. Shakima Smith, also known as the Passport Abuser, has been featured in Forbes, CNN, CNBC, CBS, and many more. She'll be sharing four different ways that she travels for free and how you can too.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Using American Express Debit Card for Travel Points
3. Utilizing Rakuten for Cash Back and Reward Points
4. Transit Accommodation for Free Hotel and Meals
5. AAA Advantage Account for Miles
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs
Using American Express Debit Card for Travel Points
Most people think that if you want to travel the world for free, you have to use credit cards. However, Shakima Smith has a different approach. She sets up an American Express checking account and uses her debit card for all her expenses. For every two dollars spent on the debit card, she earns one American Express membership point. This means that if she spends $5,000 a month on her card, she'll have 2,500 American Express points at the end of the month.
These points can be used for airfare or hotels, and Shakima has used them to travel to nearly 100 countries. She even purchased a flight from New York JFK to Oslo, Norway, for 12,000 points and from Norway to Iceland for 8,000 points. All without spending any cash.
Utilizing Rakuten for Cash Back and Reward Points
To maximize her points, Shakima also uses Rakuten, a website that offers cash back and reward points for shopping at various stores. By shopping through Rakuten, she can earn even more American Express points. For example, she bought something on Walmart.com through Rakuten and received 96 American Express Reward Points.
Transit Accommodation for Free Hotel and Meals
Another way Shakima travels for free is by utilizing transit accommodation. If you have a layover between 8 to 24 hours, you can get free hotel accommodation, transfers, meals, and a visa to enter the country. Shakima took advantage of this when she had a 23-hour layover in Dubai on her way to Johannesburg, South Africa. She was able to stay in a hotel for free, explore Dubai, and then continue on her journey.
AAA Advantage Account for Miles
Shakima also sets up an AAA Advantage account with American Airlines to earn miles each time she travels. She even uses AAA Advantage e-shopping to earn miles when she's not traveling. By shopping through AAA Advantage e-shopping, she can earn miles per dollar spent at various stores.
Conclusion
Traveling the world for free may seem like a dream, but it's possible with the right strategies. By using an American Express debit card, Rakuten, transit accommodation, and an AAA Advantage account, you can earn points and miles to travel for free. Shakima Smith has traveled to nearly 100 countries for free, and you can too.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to have a good credit score to use an American Express debit card?
A: No, you don't need a good credit score to use an American Express debit card. It's a checking account, not a credit card.
Q: Can I use American Express points for anything other than travel?
A: Yes, you can use American Express points for other things, such as merchandise or gift cards. However, using them for travel is the most valuable option.
Q: How do I know if my layover qualifies for transit accommodation?
A: Contact your airline and ask if they provide transit accommodation for layovers between 8 to 24 hours.
Q: Can I earn miles with an AAA Advantage account if I don't fly with American Airlines?
A: No, you can only earn miles with an AAA Advantage account if you fly with American Airlines or its partners.
Resources:
- American Express
- Rakuten
- AAA Advantage
