E276: Maximizing Luxury Travel with Credit Card Points with Eli 'The Travel Guy' Facenda

<p>Find out all there is to know about taking advantage of your credit card points and how you can travel the world the best way possible. In this episode, Erik Cabral speaks with Eli “The Travel Guy” Facenda, the founder of Freedom Travel Systems, a travel company that helps people maximize luxury travel with their points, without all the headache and frustration of trying to figure it all out for themselves.</p> <p>Eli is a travel-loving entrepreneur with a nerd-like passion for maximizing credit card points for world-class travel experiences. He&#39;s visited over 40 countries in the last five years and is able to leverage these credit card points to get an average of about $100,000 of luxury travel every year. Find out how you, too, can travel like a pro!</p> <p>Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:</p> <ul> <li><p>How Eli got into the travel hacking world</p> </li> <li><p>How to get the most out of your points</p> </li> <li><p>Using credit card points vs. cash backs</p> </li> <li><p>How to choose credit cards</p> </li> <li><p>How to get started with business credit</p> </li> </ul> <p>Episode Highlights:</p> <p>[15:06] How to Maximize Your Points</p> <p>Maximizing travel rewards involves a few key strategies such as:</p> <ol> <li><p>Choose the right credit cards and allocate expenses in a way that earns more effective points. This means being mindful of which points are most valuable and not making the mistake of accumulating points that can&#39;t be used well. </p> </li> <li><p>Upgrade everyday travels by utilizing card benefits and playing the status game well. Aim to take advantage of perks such as free Uber rides, priority check-ins, TSA pre-check and lounge access for complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. </p> </li> <li><p>Use points more effectively by converting them into airlines and hotels loyalty programs for up to 10 times more value. Whether you&#39;re planning a luxury international trip or a family trip to Disney, this strategy can help you get the most out of y