David Do, a 33-year-old social worker from Florida, has traveled to 33 countries by strategically using credit card rewards. Despite earning a modest salary of $78,000, Do has amassed over 1 million points and miles since 2017, allowing him to explore the world without breaking the bank. Do’s approach to travel hacking involves meticulously managing around 30 active credit cards, which he rotates based on the rewards they offer each month.
He relies on his memory to keep track of the benefits and bonuses associated with each card, ensuring he maximizes his points and miles. “I know if I have a big expense coming up, like tuition or car insurance, I’ll time it with one of the credit cards that offers a significant bonus,” Do explains. By carefully timing his expenses and selecting the right cards for each purchase, he has been able to accumulate a substantial amount of rewards.
When it comes to choosing credit cards, Do emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as proximity to a major airport and loyalty to specific airlines. He also suggests spreading points across multiple cards to maintain flexibility and regularly checking travel deal sites for opportunities to maximize rewards.
Travel hacker maximizes credit rewards
Despite his impressive collection of points and miles, Do remains modest in his travel style. He favors economy class flights and budget accommodations, allowing him to stretch his rewards further and travel more frequently. “It’s about setting your priorities,” he says.
“For me, it’s getting more points so I can travel more.”
Do’s frugal habits and financial discipline stem from his upbringing. As the child of Vietnamese refugees, he learned the importance of living within his means and graduated from college with minimal debt. His story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make the most of their financial resources and pursue their passions.
Currently holding around 370,000 miles, Do is planning his next adventure to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. His remarkable journey showcases the power of strategic credit card use and the incredible experiences that can be unlocked through travel hacking.
