I traveled very little this year and currently have no earned airline or hotel status, but I'll be traveling extensively over the next year, starting around Dec. 1 (150 to 200 nights, minimum, in U.S. and Latin America).

Since most programs are based on the calendar year, December seems like a bad time to start traveling, but I have no choice.

What's my best strategy for the rest of 2015 and into 2016? Is there any point in getting and using airline and/or hotel credit cards and using those, or should I just try to rack up points on an Amex PRG or Citi Prestige and then reevaluate earning/elite strategy once 2016 rolls around?

Also, I know there are a bunch of hotel challenges/accelerators available, but what about airlines? Anyone heard of any?

Great site. Thanks for all feedback.