Time to get off the pot

Perhaps by now your thinking "I'm ready to dip my big toe into this pot of lucrative inexpensive travel options" but I don't want to get too involved.  I want to see if it really does work without much investment of time or money.  Fair enough.  So let's take the leap.... I'm going to recommend a card that is a great all around card for families or singles for domestic or international travel and will provide immediate results, plus status.  The card comes with a fee, a mere $75 investment, but that $75 can translate into a week outside Disney World or several nights in popular European destinations like Rome or Paris.  The card is the Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature Card.  Stop the presses, those who know this travel game have raised brow wondering why I would make this my go to introductory card, it's simple I know my readers.  Those with kids are going to travel domestically and the two largest expenses are transportation and accommodations. This card will knock accommodation off your list of expenses.  But wait you say, I don't want to travel in the US, I want the exotic locales or the European cultural hot spots, no problem, got you covered too.  If I recommended an airline card no one would have enough time to acquire the needed points let alone award availability to get to the destination.  I want immediate results for my reader so you get hooked and start enjoying the world around you.  Club Carlson is promoting their brand in the US announcing a partnership with Genevieve Gorder  from HGTV Design Star fame to redecorate their Country Inns & Suites properties.   They also own Radisson, Radisson Blu, Park Inn and a few other lesser know properties.

First things first, if you are not a member of the Club Carlson reward program enroll here (it's free).  You'll need your member number for the application link above.

Now lets address the $75 investment.   Here's what you get...

5 Club Carlson points per dollar on everyday spending
10 points per dollar on Club Carlson hotel spending
85,000 point signup bonus — 50,000 after first purchase (even a pack of gum qualifies)

35,000 more after $2500 spend within 90 days

“Bonus Award Night” – your last night on an award redemption is free meaning book two nights get a third for free.
Automatic Club Carlson Gold status - meaning upgrades, free internet etc.,
40,000 points annually for card renewal

More importantly these points are your currency for rooms all over the world.  Book your stay via the web and you'll earn 2K more bonus points.  depending on the property this $75 investment can turn into several hundreds of dollars of savings that you can use as soon as those points post in the type of property of your choosing.  Please email me if you are still unsure or have questions, comment via the blog if anything remains unclear.  I am using these points for two properties in Thailand but I've also used them for a free night with the kids and their friends after a long day at Hershey Park and for a free night because I did not want to drive home after a festive wedding reception.  So forget just dipping that big toe, jump in and see what you can accomplish with a little knowledge.