Travel hacking has completely changed the way we approach travel. After years of accumulating points and miles, we've been able to take trips that we never could have afforded otherwise.  However, it hasn’t been all jet-setting and checking trips off our bucket list. After 6+ years, it’s safe to say that we have made our fair share of mistakes… In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our journey and let you know some of the most important lessons you can learn.  Even though we have made a few mistakes along the way, the feeling of getting to travel without breaking the bank is absolutely amazing and worth the trial and error process and we wouldn't change our journey for anything. Hiccups and bumps in the road aside, we must admit the scale leans heavily in the success department. That’s why we will also share our biggest wins! Get a look at our first trips, that made us believers in Travel Hacking, why we feel spoiled every time we travel and why we are never going back to our old ways. Once you start collecting points and taking trips for nearly free, you’ll discover that it’s much easier than you think. Not only that, Travel Hacking is more practical than you think as well!  Even though we all dream about luxury vacations and flying first class, sometimes life events happen and you need to get somewhere ASAP. In some cases, getting where you want to be, when you need to be there is priceless.  Especially if your kids are in sports that require you to travel, or when someone in your family has to see a specialist for a medical issue in another state. These are the types of moments that take Travel Hacking from a hobby to a lifestyle.  You may have heard us say before that “Travel hacking is for everyone!” By the end of this episode, you’ll understand exactly what we mean. Hit play to find your Travel Hacking path!  More Of What’s Inside: Mistakes we made with credit cards Our sign-up Bonus mistakes Pam’s first trip with points and miles Specific cards that unlock hotel stays You can do whatever you want with Travel Hacking One surprising thing Alex spent her points on What it feels like traveling for nearly FREE There is a path for everyone in Travel Hacking Making the process work for your life and goals  And much more!   Links:  Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Travel Hacking Journey: Free Webinar: 3 Things Standing Between You & Free Travel Best Current Credit Card Offers: Best Rewards Card Offers | Travel Hacking Mom Award Travel Academy: Award Travel Academy Our Website: https://travelhackingmom.com Connect With Us: Newsletter signup: https://travelhackingmom.com/newsletter Instagram: Alex + Pam + Jess | Points & Miles (@travelhackingmom) TikTok: travelhackingmom's Creator Profile Facebook group: Travel Hacking Mom Group | Facebook   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s inside today’s episode 1:00 Pam’s biggest mistake Travel Hacking 5:05 Jess’ biggest mistakes Travel Hacking 7:08 Alex’s biggest mistake Travel Hacking 11:58 Our biggest wins and first free trips 16:48 You can go at your own pace 18:17 Perks of traveling to Asia 21:09 Why Jess feels spoiled by Travel Hacking 28:54 It still feels surreal when we travel for free