Hey FT Forums,

I had a browse through each forum, trying to find an FAQ (just to make sure I didn't violate any etiquette) and wasn't hugely successful, so apologies if this is either the wrong place, or a series of questions so often asked there's already a megathread about it, etc.

Basically, a few weeks ago I stumbled into the world of FF programs (having known they've always existed) and I am trying to find how I can learn a bit more and reduce the cost of my traveling using FF miles.

I am a young male, living in Australia, who goes overseas 1-2 times a year, and interstate 1-2 times a year. I'm planning a trip to the USA/Canada for the majority of January 2014, for reference. Reading about Travel Hacking Cartel, etc, I had this image of people manipulating the system in order to travel cheaply (if not essentially for free).

What I'm really stuck on is trying to ascertain what options are the best options for me - being in Australia restricts choice somewhat (I think), but I'm not really sure what programs are available (apart from Qantas and Velocity) and how to best take advantage of them (apart from spending). Trying to wade through massive amounts of new vocabulary and acronyms is doing my head in a bit!

At this point, my dreams of cheap international travel seem quite naive, and rather it seems expensive international travel could give me a few free flights around Australia each year.

If you were in my shoes (no FF programs, flexible with choices, happy to build habits to increase miles, more interested in reducing costs overall) what would you do? Where would you start? What options would best meet my aims?

I appreciate all help, advice, corrections, suggestions, questions and anecdotes.

Thanks a lot,

LonerMatt