Miles & Points for Beginners: Setting the Goal

In the first part of our Miles & Points for Beginners series, we introduced you to the concept of using miles and points to access luxury travel for a fraction of the cost.

We also provided a high-level introduction to the different types of programs that you can use to make this dream a reality.

Once you’re ready to dive into the world of miles and points, setting your first travel goal is an important step. A specific travel goal will guide you in choosing the right credit card and collecting the right rewards.

Choosing the Right Goal

As you think about your travel goal, consider what type of traveller you are. Everyone is different, but this is key to creating a credit card strategy.

Do you want to travel better? Travel more? Travel as a family? Or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

You’ll want to start by asking yourself, “what do I want to get out of Miles & Points?” Once you’ve got this figured out, you can start researching the best ways to make that happen.

In this series, we look at the example goal of going from zero points to booking your first business class flight within one year.

When planning for this goal, it’s important to keep in mind that not all business class products are created equally – a domestic business class flight on a smaller airplane is going to be a very different experience than a longer transatlantic business class flight.

In fact, even among long-haul flights, each airline offers up a different business class product that can drastically affect the type of experience you have.

For example, Qatar Airways Qsuites, one of the more sought-after business class products, provides travellers with extra privacy and serenity thanks to the sliding doors offered with their business class seats.

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines business class aims to impress with its candlelit fine-dining experience in the sky.

For comparison, EgyptAir’s business class product is considerably less luxurious or private. Also, the airline does not serve alcohol, so you won’t be able to indulge in a glass of champagne or a cocktail while flying their business class product.

Given these fairly major differences, it’s worth taking the time to explore different business class options to make sure you get the outcome…