6 MinsJuly 6, 2022
Everyone needs a break at some point in time, even if it’s just to catch your breath. If you haven’t been able to spend enough time with your family owing to work commitments or life chores, then a vacation is what you need to beat
the work-life boredom and spend some quality time with your near and dear ones. However, going on vacation needs careful financial planning. But worry not, because a credit card can help reduce the cost of the trip. Wondering how? Credit cards
offer reward points against the money you spend. You can redeem these reward points against various offers, including airfare, hotels, and restaurant deals. Sometimes, there are great deals that can elevate the quality of your vacation.
All you need to do is be prudent while using it and keep track of your rewards and benefits. You should also watch out for other offers your credit card company provides and use them judiciously.
Here’s how you can use credit card reward points to make your vacation worth remembering:
1. Take advantage of credit card miles
Whether you’re planning a domestic trip or an international trip, credit card miles are an excellent way to reduce your airfare. Credit card miles are a loyalty programme
that some credit cards offer to customers in exchange for their spending. The higher the amount you spend using your credit card, the more miles you accumulate. Certain credit cards allow you to redeem reward points against flight tickets.
The first thing you need to do is check what kind of reward system your credit card offers. Then check the destinations and the airlines that have a tie-up with your credit card company. Based on this information, you can decide where you
want to go. If you have flown enough times with the airlines, you may also get a bump up to business class from the economy! How memorable would that be?
2. Check for hotel tie-ups
Credit card companies often have tie-ups with big star hotels, making holders eligible for handsome discounts on their stay. Discounts can go up to 20% on room rates. This means that a room
that would usually cost you Rs. 10,000 can be booked at Rs. 8,000 instead! If you are staying for a longer period or booking multiple rooms, then this discount can add up to quite a bit. Some credit card companies also have tie-ups with budget
hotels and international groups. Depending on the kind of vacation you are planning, you can look at hotel deals and book fancy places at discounted prices.
[Also Read: Enjoy easy and convenient transactions with credit cards]
3. Make use of retail and restaurant discounts
Similar to tie-ups with airlines and hotel chains, many credit card companies also partner with retail outlets and restaurants to offer discounts and special deals to their
customers. Avail of these discounts to bring down the total cost of your trip. For instance, you may be travelling to a hill station that requires you to buy warm clothes for yourself and your family. If you are aware of the retail tie-ups
that your card has, you can shop from the appropriate stores and make use of discounts. Restaurant offers and deals are another way to make the most of your credit card while vacationing.
4. Enjoy facilities at airport lounges
Credit card companies also offer access to airport lounges, usually at a nominal fee. Airport lounges are an experience worth having—from an array of different food options to
enjoying your wait time in a luxurious setting, it can set you up for the perfect trip. However, most credit cards allow only one person per card. If your partner also uses a credit card, you should check whether it has airport lounge access.
For your kids, you could choose to pay the cover charge or avail add on cards that will allow them access. Either way, it will bring down the cost of your trip and add to beautiful memories.
Credit cards are a smart option to manage your spending if you know how to use them wisely. Don’t use your credit card as a substitute for cash. Instead, familiarise yourself with different benefits
that are offered on the card and use them to plan a memorable vacation for you and your family.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.
