Photo by L. Marcio Ramalho via Flickr
Yes, we are officially on our way to Ecuador on October 1, 2010 at 11:55 p.m. A redeye from Seattle to Miami with a long layover on October 2 will allow us to have lunch with our friend Pat before we board the plane to Otavalo.
How much did this flight cost us? $100!
How did we do it? Well, like we do everything…a lot of planning.
First, we have always been good about keeping track of frequent flier miles. If you are flying without taking this into consideration, please take note. It may take a while for you to be able to use them, but when you do it can mean the difference between a vacation close to home and one you’ve always dreamed of. If you want to become a frequent flier master, check out Chris Guillebeau’s ebook. It is well worth the price.
Second, we added to our airline miles by using our credit cards to purchase just about everything (and paying them off at the end of the month, of course). You’d be surprised how fast this adds up, even when you’re on a tight budget.
Last, we’ve known for a long time now that we were starting our trip in Ecuador because friends have generously offered us the use of their home there. After checking the available airline routes, we determined which was most agreeable with our timeline and our frequent flier balance. After that, it was just a matter of continuing to check until the route was available for purchase with points (and $100 in fees).
It is so much easier to make things happen when you have a plan. You can easily see how things fit and take advantage of opportunities. The opposite is also true – you see things that don’t fit and can save time by not going down those paths.
What milestones have you recently reached on the path to your goal? It is important to mark those moments along the way to keep your motivation high.
About Betsy
The Otavalo indians are some of the nicest and definitely among the most gorgeous people I’ve ever come into contact with (havent actually ‘met’ any!)
Yep, very important to celebrate milestones. I like to take a day or two off and go somewhere. or do a spa day.
Congrats Betsy and Warren!
I love this photo from Ecuador and cannot wait to meet people there. I think one of my favorite parts of how this worked out is that we get to see my friend Pat in Florida before we leave the country. She is one of my inspirations for living a life of adventure, and it just seems fitting to see her as we leave the country.
I used over 200,000 miles for my trip to London and Glasgow last Spring. Took my son. Saved over $2,000.00. In 1998 I took my same son and daughter-in-law to St. Thomas for my other son’s wedding, saving over $3,000.00. Planning to go back to Glasgow through Amsterdam this Spring. Another $2,000.00 savings.
I buy all my medical equipment and everything I can for my business on Capital One. I have to live up to my Scottish roots.
You crack me up, Nancy! Great deals on some fantastic trips, though. We use Capital One for the points, too.
awesome on buying the tix!! and for only $100! Woot!
How exciting! Wonderful that you were able to make your points work so well! Congrats!