Reply To: Points collecting beginner needs your help!

[AJA]

Guernsey Globetrotter wrote:

I don’t agree that hotel points schemes should be dismissed out of hand.

@GuernseyGlobetrotter I wasn’t dismissing the idea of hotel reward schemes but pointing out that by focussing on them you potentially miss out on cheaper deals with smaller local hotels. The whole point of reward schemes is to tie you into using their hotels as you think you are getting a great deal.

It’s the same thing with airlines – by focussing on the “rewards” of a particular airline you potentially miss out on great deals on competitors.

It’s also easier when it is just one or two in the household as the schemes are set up to reward more easily. It is difficult to gather enough points in the first place but it is doubly difficult when you’re trying to earn enough for a family of 5.

This is where HfP is so good because it shows you what you can do with the points and gives advance notice of airlines and hotels offering bonus point schemes or great redemption opportunities. But all of that still should be compared against just paying cash, even when you have substantial points balances using them isn’t necessarily the best option. And we are a nice bunch of people willing to share our knowledge and sharing great opportunities when we see them.

I treat points collecting and spending as a hobby that makes my money go further hence I don’t get too wound up about not being a member of every hotel and airline reward scheme. I focus on the airlines I use the most and tend to not bother with chain hotels. I also use companion vouchers on European shorthaul CE flights even though the consensus is that you get better value from longhaul. You may do it differently – we are both right. It’s not a one-size fits all thing and definitely not a case of everyone must do exactly the same things.