Overall great advice from deltame. I'll add that #4 is the primary way I decide which credit cards to sign up for next. I basically plan out a vacation 6-12 months in advance then sign up for credit cards accordingly to reduce costs. A nice vacation, including airfare and hotel, can usually be had with 3 or 4 credit card applications. You can go all out for the vacation of a lifetime with 5 or 6 credit cards.

In the meantime I plan for whatever offer strikes my fancy so I'll have miles and points to plan spontaneous trips.

You would be well advised to start slow and establish good, long term relationships with the major banks so that you'll be able to take advantage of CC offers for years to come.