I've never seen that before. I'm not sure I've ever actually had a hotel call me a cab before though.

I must say, I love this thread! It makes me feel so good!

Travel, collecting points, etc. all is a matter of life priorities. When people say they don't have the time or money it's because other things are more important, like new cars, eating out all the time, new flatscreens, the newest phone, etc.

This is such an interesting thread. I haven't seen anyone else talk about my approach: I share where I'm going, and then I say "you know, I do this through my hobby, earning travel for free... I'd be happy to show you how to do it, too."

What's amazing to me is how few people ever bother to take me up on my offer. Does anyone else notice this? Maybe they think it's too difficult or something, but I keep saying "it's really easy and I can help you get started" and still no bites.

We are a small niche group. In my company of about 4,000 there are no peers that I am aware of. My SO is the second peer I ever ran into. The first was a fellow cardinal and I have met a few since in the TCC, the Agency and FT. You have to have a certain mindset.:cool:

Yes, we all do.:D

I've found people interested, but I find that they really don't want to learn. They will let me give them links for credit cards needed for flights, hotels, and then let me book the whole trip for them. Hubby and I just went on a trip with another couple who let me book award flights to Europe and 10 nights of free hotels plus plan whole itinerary. We had a great trip, but 1st question when we got back was-- what's the next deal or link to get more free airfare. I've given them enough links so they already each have enough miles for 2 more free trips to Europe. I've now told them they need to read the flyertalk link I gave them along time ago. I just don't see people getting excited about this even if they see the fruits. Guess I've just spoiled them -- they think it's too complicated, but easy for me. So I'm finding it's much easier if they're not interested.

Traveling beyond your means on miles and points
 

On my recent trip to Easter Island/South America when asked why there? I said a blog made me do it! I got in on the Avios deal and had a great trip using my BA and SPG points -the trip cost less than most would think but I'm constantly having to preface it with "using points explanation"
People are fascinated by it but tell me it sounds too complicated for them. just like anything else if you put the time in, you are rewarded.
I use points to bring trip costs down so that I can spend more on the experiences there (ie -flying back from Milford Sound, private guides, etc).
I find that only dipping your toes in is still rewarding, I don't churn cards or finely tune my online, gas, grocery spend for bonuses but still manage to travel to amazing places in the world with my points

I generally don't discuss or mention to others where I'm traveling to, as I am not one to brag. I have friends and colleagues who get so hung up on making sure that everyone knows the hotel they stayed at or the class of service they've flown, but my ego is not that big. If people ask where I'm going, or how my trip was, I'll certainly share, but nobody needs to know that I spent two weeks in Bali in June followed by two weeks in Italy in July.

Sometimes I think that people think that it is some type of pyramid scheme or other "Let me tell you how you can go to Europe for free by selling these vitamins, or makeup, or brushes." They believe something else is going on, because how else could you do this?

Alas, those of us with big feet have big toes. Last time I dipped my toe in, a few Pacific islands got wiped out by a tsunami. :p

It also wiped out your PM inbox receiving ability ;)

Quite true. That's the other half of how I can afford to travel so much. Yes, the miles make the flights and some of the hotels free, but the rest of the trip does cost money. I simply don't spend the way some do on those other things in order to make it work financially for me.

You are so right. The only people I can discuss these things with are the ones on Flyertalk and other forums and blogs. Among in-person acquaintances, nobody is really very interested. My sister will follow up on credit card links I give her, and get some free trips that way, but most just say how jealous they are of all the travel I do, and don't really want to learn how to do it themselves.

When people tell me how jealous they are of my vacations, I tell them I travel on points and miles. But most people aren't interestd in doing the work to collect the points and miles. I've sent friends links to the latest cc's, but they don't even bother.

Why even offer? They already got heckled by your Amway selling brother in law! Nobody is interested in something that is "so easy to do and I'll show you how." You have to let them find it. Stop pushing. All you accomplish by pushing is to convince them that you're involved in a scam or criminal activity. What benefit do you get by pushing anyway unless you're an Amway seller, erm, I mean credit card affiliate. I go my way, and my friends and relatives must go their way. It is their choice to either not travel (some hate travel) or to pay a lot more (some people feel more comfortable paying more). I don't get the money they would save if they traveled cheaper but I would get the blame if something went wrong. Let it rest.