If travel is one of the things that brings you the most joy, but you also want to be responsible with your money, this episode is for you.
One of the biggest misconceptions about affordable travel is that you either need a huge travel budget or you have to give up your financial goals to make it happen.
The truth is, with the right strategy, you can do both. You can build wealth and prioritize experiences.
In this episode, I'm joined by Julia Menez, founder of Geobreeze Travel and an expert in using credit card points and miles to make travel significantly more affordable. Together, we're talking about how travel rewards actually work, who they're a good fit for, and why they should always be built on top of a strong financial foundation, not used as an excuse to overspend.
If you've ever wondered whether travel hacking is worth it, or you've wanted to travel more without putting your finances at risk, this conversation will help you understand how to use points and miles as a tool, not a temptation.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What travel hacking is and how credit card points and miles actually work
- Common misconceptions about travel rewards
- Why travel doesn't have to be financially out of reach
- How to get started with travel rewards as a beginner
- How many credit cards you really need (and why more isn't always better)
- Why paying off your credit cards in full is essential before earning travel rewards
- The financial habits that should come before travel hacking
- How to balance travel goals with other financial priorities
- Additional ways to save money on travel beyond points and miles
- Why investing in experiences can be one of the most meaningful ways to use your money
This episode is especially helpful if you:
- Love to travel but worry about the cost
- Want to learn how credit card points and miles work
- Are interested in travel hacking but don't know where to start
- Want to travel more without going into debt
- Are working toward financial goals while still making room for experiences
- Want to be more intentional with how you spend your money
Why this matters:
Travel doesn't have to compete with your financial goals.
When you build a strong financial foundation first, tools like credit card rewards and travel points can help you stretch your dollars further and create experiences that might have otherwise felt out of reach.
The key is remembering that travel rewards aren't the goal…they're simply one way to support the life you want to build.
Financial freedom isn't about saying no to everything you enjoy.
It's about making intentional decisions that allow you to enjoy more of what matters without creating financial stress later.
When your money supports your priorities instead of working against them, experiences become something you can plan for confidently, not something you have to feel guilty about.
Timestamps:
- [03:12] Julia breaks down what travel hacking means, and all of the different aliases for the process.
- [14:01] Have a plan for how you will meet the minimum spend for high-reward credit cards. Julia talks through typical points coming from the sign-up bonus.
- [25:20] Do some research on the best cards that will work for your situation, instead of taking the advice of influencers.
- [38:54] There are different ways to approach overspending on travel. Quick wins come from cutting expenses. Big wins come from increasing income.
Resources Mentioned:
Follow Julia on Instagram
Learn more about Geobreeze Travel
City Girl Savings Personal Finance Portfolio
Financial Focus Coaching Program
If you've been putting off travel because it feels financially out of reach, I hope this conversation reminds you that there are often more options than you realize.
Whether you decide to use points and miles or simply become more intentional with how you plan for travel, the goal isn't to take more trips at any cost.
The goal is to build a financial life that creates room for the experiences that matter most to you.
Because money isn't just meant to be managed well, it's meant to support a life you genuinely enjoy living.
You are not behind…you are building. Consistency compounds. The steady work you're doing now is shaping your next level.
