All major airlines, car rental companies, hotels and resorts offer some type of frequent travel program. Believe it or not, they are worth the five minute effort of signing-up online.

Several major hotel chains are actually the parent owner of other smaller venues that will all accept the same frequent stay card The Ramada Hotels are a good example. Not only can you earn points by staying at a property bearing the Ramada name but also at Days Inn, Knights Inn, and Travelodge just to name a few. The card also provides discounts at Budget and Avis for car rentals.

You don’t have to be a road-warrior to rack up the benefits from a frequent-flyer program. While you may not earn that free flight to Australia or a luxury suite at a five star resort if you only travel a couple of times a year, you can still use your points for discounted airfares, or even seat upgrades For example, I only flew Delta once last year; not enough points to get a first class ticket, but enough to earn a free one-year subscription to a major magazine.

A lot of these frequent traveler programs allow you to “double dip” your points; meaning if you stay, let’s say at a Hilton hotel, you can also designate an airline partner. Not only are getting points for the Hilton program but you are also earning points towards that free flight or first class upgrade. Several credit cards also allow you to double-dip. Purchase an American Airlines ticket with an American Airlines credit card, and you’ll earn twice the miles.

Most airline frequent traveler programs will allow you to purchase points to add to the points you already earned or to transfer your points to another program member.

If you love a weekend getaway to Las Vegas, like I do; definitely sign up for all of the “slot club cards” as you can. All of the casinos participate in some type of frequent gambling program.

In Vegas, these cards are the only sure bet. Before you start gaming, place your card in the slot machine, or hand to the dealer if you are a card player. You earn points for every dollar you spend within a certain timeframe. Win or lose, you’ll rack up points before you know it, especially since there are no clocks in the casinos and it is easy to lose track of time.

As you accrue points, you become eligible for “members only” promotions such as free rooms, buffets, and even cold hard cash. Simply call the number on the back of your card to redeem points and to take advantage of the casino’s promotions.

The next time you book a hotel or airline, sign up for their frequent traveler program. It only takes a few minutes and your earn benefits before you know it.

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