Travel rewards programs help millions of people experience the world, and they're easy to set up: pay for your travel with certain credit cards, and you can earn free flights and lodging along the way.
While they may be simple to set up, the fine print of travel rewards programs can be confusing. Most people choose a program that fits their lifestyle: frequent travelers may value bigger rewards and savings, while luxury lovers might target a program focused on business class flights and four-star hotels.
As mentioned above, the program is heavily focused on travel and lodging because those are the most expensive parts of travel, but what about a rewards program that extends beyond flights, hotels, and airport lounges?
That's an interesting question.
Over the past few years, more companies have begun to expand their rewards offerings, allowing members to redeem their points not only for hotels and flights, but also for adventurous experiences and more, while companies outside of the travel industry are also starting to get into the rewards arena.
Want to improve and evolve your approach to travel rewards? Here are some travel rewards tips that go beyond the standard formula. Let's take a look at what truly unique programs look like and how they can help you.
Earn points from Airbnb
Airbnb does not officially offer a structured rewards or loyalty program. However,
When you book an Airbnb stay using certain travel rewards credit cards, you can earn points that can be used towards other rewards.
Capital One offers three rewards programs that assign points for Airbnb stays, including Capital One Venture Rewards, Capital One Venture X Rewards and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards card.
Two airlines are also offering rewards points for booking Airbnb through their platforms: Delta Airlines and British Airways. To earn rewards points, make sure you book Airbnb directly on the Delta and British Airways websites.
Bundled rewards programs like One Key Rewards
Let’s dive into a unique space: the hybrid rewards model. One Key is a new rewards program launched by Hotels.com, Expedia and VRBO. Users can sign up and start booking on these platforms, then collect One Key Cash and “travel elements.”
As program members make bookings, they advance through various levels, from Blue to Platinum, with Blue Rewards including perks like free price tracking for Expedia flights and Platinum including perks like room upgrades and price drop protection.
Costco Members: Join Costco Travel
Costco is truly limitless. I found out late on this one, but I was surprised to find out that Costco has a travel department. If you are already a Costco member, check out their travel program.
The company uses its enormous retail clout to offer members special deals on hotels, flights, cruises, rental cars, and more. I browsed the website and the options are surprisingly diverse, from European cruises to Maui adventures. The resort stays in particular are worth a look.
Accor Live retail and meeting rooms
Accor Live offers one of the most extensive and diverse rewards programs in the travel industry. The hotel group offers a loyalty program not too different from the rewards programs of major hotel groups like Hilton, but there's a lot more to it than just luxury hotels and cheap flights.
One of the most unique aspects is that loyalty members can use their points for common purchases. From Apple Air Pods to rice cookers, members can spend their hard-earned points on mundane things they haven't been able to buy yet. This kind of shopping isn't often seen anywhere else.
Another unique feature is the option to book event space and meeting rooms. Accor's travel rewards program includes access to over 20,000 offices worldwide. Personally, I can't imagine a future where I would take advantage of this, but as a remote worker, it's worth saying out loud.
Travel Rewards Tips: Summary
Your approach to travel rewards should be lifestyle-focused, but there's plenty of flexibility in how you access your rewards, whether that's leveraging your Costco membership or using your points to shop at Accor, so if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, it's time to dig a little deeper into a new program.
