There's no doubt, I do a lot of traveling. Tons of it!
I can't count how many times I've been to the airport this year or how many different states and countries I have visited. I know I've taken 2 cruises, experienced probably 10 different countries and am still on the go - who knows what December could possibly hold!
I can't count how many times I've been to the airport this year or how many different states and countries I have visited. I know I've taken 2 cruises, experienced probably 10 different countries and am still on the go - who knows what December could possibly hold!
All of this activity has racked me up tons of frequent flyer miles, Expedia bonus points and more little extras along the way. I've flown free twice this year as a result.
There have also been lots of other perks along the way - like the $50 cash the cruise line gave me last week when I walked into the casino on the ship. Gambling is not something I do too much of when I'm traveling, but I thought it'd be kind of fun and went up to casino cashier to ask some questions...To my surprise, she gave me a cool, crisp $50 bill!
I suppose they expected me to run to the nearest blackjack table or feed a hungry slot machine with my new found money - I did not, I turned around and walked out, feeling like I had won!
That really was a winning trip! My total for the whole cruise was $200. If I had gone with someone else, my trip would've only been $94. Plus, they gave me that $50, so when you consider that, it was probably cheaper for me to cruise that weekend than it would've been for me to stay home!
That winning cruise was par for the course though. Just by virtue of being an active traveler, these deals come my way. It's not unique to me though...these aren't Katy-only specials...anyone who looks around and goes for it, can access the same savings.
Just hop on Expedia and start planning. Or go over to Priceline and compare, then check with airlines or cruise lines directly. I like finding accommodations on VRBO too - lots of cool connections can be made that way, in addition to the savings.
Sign up for all of the free point programs you can - like Expedia's reward club and the frequent flyer clubs of the airlines. Travel specials will start falling in your lap after that, especially after you take a few trips.
That's how you get the best deals on travel - no upfront costs, no monthly fees, nothing besides a few extra minutes of your time.
I point this out because I've recently come across a so-called "opportunity" disguised as a "travel club." Not only do they charge members $200 upfront and $55 a month, they also pressure them to recruit more people into this cult. So, basically, in exchange for prices on trips that are higher than what I pay, and for benefits that are less than what I can receive on my own, they'd want me to list everyone I know and go out and exploit all of those relationships. All of this for what??- Because they say I can travel the world and make a living doing this bullshit? Uh, no thank you!
The truth is, less than 0.1% of the people involved make more than they would at McDonalds. I'd rather cook Big Macs than have to preach this garbage to everyone I knew. At least that way, I could drink all the McCafe's that I wanted (addicted to those things!) and maintain my relationships with my family and friends.
This World Ventures (WV)/Dream Trips company emphasizes recruiting people over actual sales of any real product. Actually, they could give 2 shits about anyone buying or selling an actual vacation...they really just want their members to recruit, recruit, recruit.
They expect 4 recruits the first month.
You pay a monthly fee if you don't meet that goal.
What does that have to do with traveling?
Instead of booking vacations, what you're doing is making lists of everyone you know...then going down it and calling them all with this crazy idea.
For anyone considering this idea or already taking part, let me very clear;
People don't want to be bothered with pyramid schemes and MLMs.
While a small percentage of people may be a fit for this kind of thing, the vast majority of us roll our eyes when that pyramid chart comes out. I believe I speak for the majority, when I say, we all know pyramid companies are scams.
A company that requires an upfront investment and monthly fees, then stresses recruiting people, over selling a tangible product, is taking advantage of innocent people. Some countries have even made these companies illegal. They have lots of money though and manage to slip through a variety of loopholes - it doesn't change the fact however, that MLMs like World Ventures and Dream Trips, prey on people.
I've read where some people keep staying in the "club" (at $55/month, mind you) so they can use these "points" they have while they are made to feel like it's their fault they haven't succeeded. They just keep trying for a little longer, all the while World Ventures, Dream Trips and Vacation Now, or whatever they want to call themselves, is getting rich!
If you're already a member of this "travel club", the chances are strong that this information will make you mad and defensive, or you'll just say I'm crazy - your "programming" will kick in and you'll want to prove how right you are about this pyramid crap. Seriously though, how much money have you made on this and how many times have you traveled? And how's your self esteem? If it's still in tact, run. If it's not and you feel like this is your fault- get out now before you lose another penny.
It's honestly just sad to me. Listen to me please - if you want a travel deal, cheaper ones exist than this Dream Trips thing. Also, you don't need to exploit relationships to make money and see the world. I know this for a fact, I am living proof - keep working really hard and keep your eyes peeled for a good deal, they'll come along and you will eventually see the world!
Happy Trails!
Katy :)