How to Save Thousands on Travel: Credit Card Rewards + Becoming a Travel Advisor

 Imagine Traveling More Without Spending More...

Have you ever looked at the price of flights or hotels for your family and thought: “This is going to drain our savings”?

I’ve been there. As a mom of four, every trip used to feel out of reach. Then I discovered a two-step system that completely changed the way we travel:

1. Use credit card rewards to cover flights and hotels.

2. Become a travel advisor so you can get perks and commissions back on everything else—like tours, cruises, and even rental cars.

The best part? You don’t need to be an expert. If you can book a trip online, you can learn this system. Let me break it down in plain English.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you click and make a purchase or sign up, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I personally use and trust.

Step One: Flights and Hotels With Points (Your New Superpower)

Airfare is usually the biggest expense. For a family of six, that can mean thousands before you even book a place to stay. But here’s the secret:

When you open the right credit cards and use them on your everyday spending (groceries, gas, streaming subscriptions), you earn points and miles. These points can be redeemed for flights and hotels—often at unbelievable value.

• Real Example: I booked round-trip flights to Mexico for my entire family for 18,700 points each. Normally, that would’ve cost thousands.

• Hotels: Those same points can cover hotel stays—sometimes even at luxury resorts.

👉 Think of it like this: every time you swipe your card for groceries, you’re putting money toward your next vacation.

Beginner Tips:

• Start with one good rewards card (look for ones with flexible points you can transfer to airlines and hotels). This one and this one are my favorites.

• Always pay your card off in full so you’re never paying interest.

• Use a tool like Point.Me  to find the best deals on flights.

👉 Click Here to See my Favorite Beginner-Friendly Rewards Card

Step Two: Travel Advisor Perks (AKA Travel “Cash-Back”)

Once you’ve knocked out flights and hotels with points, what about everything else? Rental cars, tours, transfers, cruises, and excursions can add up fast.

That’s where being a travel advisor comes in. As a certified advisor, you get access to private booking portals where you can:

• Book rental cars (and earn commission back).

• Snag tours and excursions (think: skip-the-line museum tickets, private walking tours, unique cultural experiences).

• Save on cruises and sometimes get extra perks like onboard credit.

• Get upgrades, breakfasts, or late checkout at hotels when you’re not using points.

Rental Cars Are a Game Changer:
Normally, you just pay the rental car company and that’s it. But when you book through your advisor portal, you:

• Earn commission back (money in your pocket).

• Often get better terms, like extra driver coverage or child seats included.

• Can pay with a credit card that includes rental insurance for free coverage.

👉 Save $50 on Agency Fees and Learn More About Becoming a FORA Travel Advisor Here

It’s like booking travel as usual—only this time you’re the one getting the perks.

Bonus: Travel Advisor = Business (Unlock Business Credit Cards)

Here’s something most beginners don’t realize: once you’re a travel advisor, you’ve technically started a business. And businesses qualify for business credit cards—which often come with even better rewards.

Why this matters:

• Huge Sign-Up Bonuses → Sometimes enough for free flights just from opening a card.

• Premium Perks → Lounge access, travel credits, hotel status.

• More Earning Power → Business cards often give higher points on categories like advertising, dining, or gas.

👉 Best Beginner Business Card

Good News: You don’t need an LLC to qualify. You can apply as a sole proprietor, using your own name and Social Security Number. You’re running a legitimate business by booking trips, earning commissions, and managing travel—it counts.

How It All Stacks Together

Here’s what it looks like in real life:

1. Flights → Booked with points. Cash saved: $3,000+.

2. Hotel → Booked with points or through advisor portal with perks.

3. Rental Car → Advisor portal + pay with a card that includes free rental insurance.

4. Tours/Excursions → Book as an advisor, earn commission back.

5. Business Cards → Use advisor status to open cards with massive bonuses.

By combining the two strategies, your vacation goes from “How can we afford this?” to “Where should we go next?”

Real-Life Example: My First Big Win

When I first became a travel advisor, I wasn’t sure it would be worth it. Then I booked just one international trip for a friend—and the commission I earned covered my entire year of advisor fees.

That was the moment I realized: not only can I save money on my own travel, but I can also help others and build a side income.

Now, every time we book a VRBO for our big family, I do it through my advisor account and get a little “thank you” payment for something I would’ve booked anyway.

How to Get Started (Beginner Roadmap)

1. Pick Your First Rewards Card. Look for one that earns transferable points and bonus categories that match your lifestyle.
   👉 My Favorite Beginner Rewards Card

2. Join a Travel Advisor Network. This gives you access to booking portals, support, and the ability to earn commissions.
   👉 Join FORA Advisor Program

3. Book Your Next Trip Through Yourself. Flights with points, rental car through the portal, tours through the advisor system.

4. Apply for a Business Card (Optional, but Powerful). Use your travel advisor business to qualify and supercharge your points.
   👉 My Favorite Business Credit Card

5. Track Your Wins. Write down what you save (and earn) each trip. Watching the numbers grow is addicting.

Final Thoughts: Travel Is an Investment in Memories

At the end of the day, this isn’t about points, portals, or commissions. It’s about what those savings let you do.

It’s about taking your kids to see the Eiffel Tower, splurging on a sunset cruise in Greece, or staying longer in Costa Rica because the hotel cost you zero points.

Once you unlock this system, travel becomes less about cost and more about possibility.

So here’s my question: where will you go first?

Ready to Start?

• 📘 Download my free guide: The Beginner’s Blueprint to Reward Travel 

• 🧭 Become a travel advisor today

• 💳 Snag my favorite credit cards for travelers

Your family deserves more than “someday” trips. With rewards and advisor perks, you can travel smarter, stretch your budget, and say yes to more adventures.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Credit card offers, perks, and eligibility vary by issuer and personal situation. Always read the full terms and conditions before applying, and consider consulting a financial professional for personalized guidance.

Earnings and savings as a travel advisor will vary. Your results may differ depending on factors like the trips you book, commissions available, and personal effort. There are no guarantees of specific income or savings.

Credit card travel protections (including rental car insurance) vary by issuer and by card. Always review your card’s Guide to Benefits for the most up-to-date and accurate details.