Ballin' on a Budget: How I Used Credit Card Points to Score Over $10K in Free Travel to Italy

(Crossposted from paid 1M Skool community)

Recently, there have been a lot of posts in the community on the concept of “ballin’ on a budget”. It’s about treating yourself to high-level experiences without derailing your long-term goals. I took this to heart during a nine-day trip to northern Italy, and I wanted to share how I used credit card points and rewards to make it happen.

My Italian Adventure: Flights and Hotels

Flights:

- To Milan: I booked Air France business class from the U.S. to Milan via Paris using 39,000 credit card points and $290 in taxes and fees (booked via Virgin Atlantic). Retail cost? $4,500.

- Return Home: Egyptair business class from Milan to the U.S. via Cairo for 63,000 points and $90 in taxes (booked through Avianca). Retail cost? $3,500.

Hotels: I opened the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card last year, which came with 5 free night certificates (worth up to 50,000 Marriott points each).

- 4 nights in Milan: Stayed at a luxury hotel near the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Retail: €520/night (~$570).

- 1 night near MXP airport: Perfect for catching my flight home. Retail: €300 (~$330).

- Paid in cash for the last 3 nights near Venice. This stay ran me €325 (~$360).

Total Savings:

- Flights: $8,000

- Hotels: $2,500

- Grand Total: $10,500 USD

This was my first time flying in long-haul business class, and while I did enjoy it immensely, it is still not something I would have paid for out-of-pocket at this point in my life. However, with travel points, I was able to enjoy these experiences for pretty much free and keep more money in my pocket to invest in my personal growth.

Why Do Banks Offer These Perks?

Now, if you’re skeptical about banks just giving away these deals, let’s talk about the business strategy. Every time you swipe your credit card, merchants pay interchange fees to payment processors like Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Part of these fees goes to the bank that issued your card. To incentivize you to use their card, banks pass some of this profit back to you as rewards—points, cashback, miles, you name it.

But it’s not all altruism. Often, banks will offer large sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. Banks use these rewards as marketing tools to attract high-income customers. They hope you’ll stick around for the long haul and eventually use their other products, like savings accounts, auto loans, or mortgages.

Ever wonder why airlines and hotels are so invested in their loyalty programs? It’s not just about keeping customers happy; these programs are massive profit centers. Here’s how it works: Airlines and hotels make significant revenue by selling their loyalty points to banks, which then distribute them as rewards to cardholders. This relationship is a win-win. Banks get attractive perks to entice new customers, while travel companies generate a steady stream of income without even needing to fly a plane or book a room.

In fact, in the U.S., legacy carriers like American Airlines, United, and Delta made more money last year selling points to banks than they did from ticket sales. During tough times, like the pandemic, these loyalty programs became even more critical. With passenger numbers plummeting, airlines used their loyalty programs as financial lifelines, selling points to banks to stay afloat. Some even used their loyalty programs as collateral to secure loans, highlighting their immense value.

Why You Should Get in the Game

Credit cards aren’t just about rewards; they often come with perks that can make your life easier:

- Travel Benefits: Airport lounge access, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.

- Purchase Protections: Extended warranties, price protection, and fraud protection.

- Credit Building: Using a credit card responsibly helps build your credit score, which opens up doors to better financial opportunities.

I can only speak from my experience as an American, but in the U.S., your FICO credit score is a major factor in everything from renting an apartment to getting a loan. Good credit can save you thousands over time with lower interest rates on mortgages, auto loans, and more. For example, someone with a high 750+ score could secure a mortgage or auto loan at a lower interest rate, potentially saving tens of thousands in interest compared to someone with a poor sub-600 score.

Takeaways

Disclaimer: I'm not a financial advisor so take everything I say with a grain of salt.

By leveraging credit card rewards, you can turn everyday spending into extraordinary experiences. The key is to play it smart: avoid debt, pay your balances in full, and always be mindful of your financial goals. If you’re not using credit cards where they’re accepted, you’re leaving money—and perks—on the table.

Why Travel Matters

Before diving into the details of my trip, let’s take a moment to talk about why we travel. In the community, Kris has touched on the concept of being Mr. International—a man of the world, shaped by diverse experiences. Traveling gives you a broader perspective on life. You gain a deeper appreciation for other cultures, learn how different societies operate, and see how values vary from place to place. It’s humbling and eye-opening, and it challenges you to rethink your own habits and priorities.

Lessons I Learned from Italian Culture

1. Fashion as a Form of Self-Respect

In Milan, I realized that while I might consider myself decently dressed by American standards, Italians operate on another level. Impeccable style seems ingrained in their culture. Every outfit is a statement, reflecting care and self-respect. It’s a reminder that how we present ourselves matters—not just for others, but for our own confidence.

2. The Importance of Health

Despite their love for wine and cigarettes, Italians boast some of the highest life expectancies in the world. Their secret? A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods and a lifestyle that involves plenty of walking. There’s something to be said for taking care of our bodies and staying active and eating well.

Highlights of My Italian Trip

Over the course of nine days, I explored some of northern Italy’s most iconic locations:

Milan (4 days):

- Visited the breathtaking Duomo, an architectural marvel.

- Strolled through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, soaking in the rich history and high fashion.

- Wandered the streets, marveling at the numerous fashion houses and boutiques.

- Took a day trip to Lake Como, exploring the serene beauty of Varenna and Bellagio. This might have been the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.

- Checked out the Giorgio Armani Museum, a deep dive into the world of high fashion, showcasing past collections and the evolution of style.

Verona and Padua:

- Explored Verona, a town with history dating back to Roman times with a claim to fame for being the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

- Visited Padua, one of the oldest cities in northern Italy.

Venice (3 days):

- The New York Times once called Venice “undoubtably the most beautiful city ever built by man,” and I’d have to agree with that assessment after visiting.

- Walking through its labyrinth of canals and bridges felt like stepping into a time capsule. With no cars, everything—groceries, supplies, even ambulances—arrives by boat. The city’s beauty and timelessness are nothing short of extraordinary.

(Check out some photos from the trip below)

A Few Words of Caution

While credit card rewards can open doors to incredible experiences, they come with a few caveats:

1. Credit Cards Are a Double-Edged Sword

The rewards are great, but only if you’re disciplined. If you can’t pay your balance in full every month, the interest rates will quickly wipe out any perks you’ve earned. Always use credit cards responsibly.

2. Rewards Vary by Country

My experience is U.S.-centric, where high interchange fees allow for lucrative rewards. In countries like the UK, where interchange fees are capped at lower rates, rewards programs are less generous. Keep this in mind if you’re in one of these countries.

3. Patience Is Key

Travel hacking has a learning curve. Maximizing the value of your points requires research and strategic planning. Take the time to understand how different programs work, and you can unlock some amazing opportunities.

4. Credit Card Rewards Won't Make You Rich

At the end of the day, credit card rewards are just a cherry on top. They won’t make you rich, but they can make life’s luxuries more accessible. Stay focused on your core goals—self-improvement, financial growth, and living a good life. Travel rewards are simply a fun and rewarding hobby that could enhance your journey.

Final Thoughts

If you’re interested in exploring the world of points and miles, I’ve included some resources below to help you get started. Keep in mind, most are U.S.-based, but if you have tips or resources for other countries, feel free to share in the comments.

If you have any questions or want to share your own travel hacking tips, drop them in the comments. Happy travels!

Resources (U.S.-centric):

https://frequentmiler.com/start-here/

- U.S. blog that covers general award travel topics. Has lots of good beginner guides on various aspects of the travel hacking space. I like this blog because they always have links to the best public credit card sign up bonuses on their site (even if it means they aren't earning an affiliate commission).

https://www.reddit.com/r/awardtravel/comments/14zrm7l/a_beginners_guide_to_booking_award_travel_with/

- Reddit post with a document explaining the process behind booking award tickets. More in-depth and technical and includes also links to various award travel resources.

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