Although in the current economic climate international travel is becoming more expensive on an almost daily basis, there are still quite a few UK citizens that must do it as part of their job.
However, whether they consider their travel as a pain or a pleasure there is a whole raft of benefits available to regular travellers who know where to look that definitely helps pay for the inconvenience of being away from home.
Ever since American Airlines launched the first ever frequent flyer airmiles scheme back in 1981, other airlines have introduced their own schemes to win customers. Frequent flyer miles are available to those who travel on one particular airline and anyone who flies regularly can soon rack up enough miles to take a free leisure trip, or upgrade to business or first class on a particularly long flight.
Hotel chains also offer loyalty points to those who stay in their establishments throughout the world, and some can be incredibly generous rewarding three nights paid accommodation with one night’s free stay. Some also allow the collector to clock up air miles and other rewards in addition to free accommodation.
Car hire companies also offer flexible rewards schemes, with many allying themselves to major airline frequent flyer schemes. Airports also offer points schemes, especially if the traveller shops in the terminal or opts to park on-airport. Some sensible travellers double up on their points by using a credit card that rewards them with points or cashback in addition to the rewards they will receive from booking at their preferred hotels and airlines.
In addition to getting perks such as free flights and free hotel rooms, a growing trend in the UK is for banks to offer a premier banking account that also provides valuable benefits for travellers, such as worldwide travel insurance, airport lounge access and mobile phone and other electrical items insurance. Plus, the benefits given in exchange for a monthly fee of around £15 to £20 per month also tend to include free car breakdown cover and a variety of other pick and mix items.
These status symbol bank accounts also offer a raft of banking benefits such as lower overdraft charges and guaranteed overdraft amounts which can be very handy if the account holder ever gets stuck for funds while on their travels.
Just by doing a little research and working out the best way to collect rewards points, miles or other benefits and by combining that with a premier banking account an astute traveller can be handsomely rewarded for enduring their travel!
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This article has been written for information and interest purposes only. The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author only, and should not be construed as advice or used to make financial decisions. Expert financial advice should always be sought and any links contained within this article are included for information purposes only.
