Getting a travel credit card is one of the best decisions I’ve made during my 20’s thus far!
If you love to travel like me, you’re going to want to pay close attention to this post. I’m going to tell you all about my travel credit card and why you should get one too. I’m also going to talk a bit about something I’ve recently started to prioritize vacation time. Can’t wait to share it all with you!
One thing I’ve learned is that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. There are so many tips and tricks that help people save money and time when planning. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who travels every once in a while you can benefit from saving money. I know I’m always down for cutting costs where I can!
One of the ways I’ve begun saving on travel is through the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card. Before you plan your next trip want to give you all the deets on how this credit card has changed the way I travel and how I plan to use my vacation fund to do the same.
Southwest travel credit card
I’ve had my credit card since March 2020, so a little over a year! I figured having a travel credit card would be a wise decision since I love traveling. I researched competitors beforehand but ultimately chose Southwest due to the extra perks you get upon applying for the card. They were just too good to pass up! I’ve loved my card since the day I got it.
Southwest offers a variety of Rapid Rewards credit cards that you can browse by clicking here. I decided to apply for the Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and was approved in no time. Take note that there is an annual fee of $69 with this card, and that fee rises with the other cards offered. The Rapid Rewards Plus card has been perfect for my needs thus far. Upon signing up I received a $200 statement credit and 10,000 reward points for spending $500 within the first 3 months of signing up. Those extra points really came in handy when it came to booking travel!
If you sign up here for the Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card you’ll receive 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months of opening your credit account. Also, within your first year you’ll also earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining purchases at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
Is the Rapid Rewards credit card for you?
If you’re someone who enjoys getting reward points for every dollar you spend, then yes. This is the credit card for you! I’d also like to point out that this card isn’t just good for travel. Reward points can be redeemed for gift cards at select retail stores, merchandise, and gets you access to exclusive cardmember events.
Reward points are are added to your account each statement period and can be used right away. All in all, this credit card is totally worth it due to the many benefits it has! Sign up now so you can start saving on travel too.
Another way to travel smart
In addition to getting a good travel credit card I’ve also taken steps towards creating a travel fund for myself. I know some of you may be confused as to what that is because I know I sure was!
A travel fund is a savings account that you deposit money into from each paycheck to fund your vacation expenses.
This is a great way to invest in yourself, take some of the pressure off planning your vacations, and prioritize something that’s important to you. I’m honestly surprised more people haven’t thought about this! I first heard about this idea a couple months ago now, and I’ll admit when I first understood what it was I thought it’d be impossible for me to do. I was under the understanding that vacation funds are for wealthy people. (yes, bummer, i’m not wealthy…yet!) But that’s so far from the truth it’s actually laughable.
A vacation fund can be whatever you want it to be. After doing more research I found that some people have vacation funds strictly for excursions on trips or flights, while others use them for meals and drinks. It’s totally up to you what you use yours for! Also, the amount you put in and the frequency you do so is up to you as well.
I’m always telling you all to find what works for you and stick with it. This is another one of those situations. Find what works for you and stick with it. Set your goal and start saving!
Here’s a fun way for you to get started on your travel fund. A little BINGO never hurt anyone! Download your copy below and start building your savings today. By the end of this challenge you’ll save $200 easily.
How to start your vacation fund
If you’re thinking a vacation fund will be beneficial for you, here’s how to start one step-by-step.
- Open an account – head to your banks mobile app or a branch near you and open up a savings account strictly for vacation expenses.
- Set a savings goal – just like with anything else having a clear goal in mind is important to keep you on track. Set a savings goal that you know you can stick too.
- Give what you can/are willing – decide how much you’ll need to give a month/from each check to reach your savings goal.
- Decide what you’ll use it for – will you use your fund for food/drinks, excursions, flights, transportation? Write those things down as well.
- Plan your first trip – now for the fun part! Decide the first trip you’ll fund with your vacation fund!
I hope these travel tips are beneficial for you and help save you tons of money on travel. Since you’re here make sure you check out my post on traveling on a budget. Click here to get more great advice.
We all deserve to live our best lives on a budget!
If you have travel hacks and tips you’d like to share feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
– Safe and happy travels
