2020 Travel: Tips For What to Expect on Your Future Trips

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Summertime, the time of great adventures and lots of fun! Unfortunately for all of us, this summer is not the summer we had in mind. Sheltering in place is the complete opposite of what we wanted to do, but that’s okay! Even with the current circumstances, you can still make the most of your summer by preparing for the summers to come!

There will definitely be new restrictions in place for safety purposes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t or won’t travel in the future! The future of travel will simply evolve to reflect the #newnorm of wearing masks and staying extra cautious as we embark on our trips. 

So what is the future of travel for us? We’re here with #travelgurus David Rhodes (@Rhodes411), Mark Ostermann (@milestomemories), Jason Steele (@realjasonsteele), and Bethany Walsh (@BougieMiles) to bring you the best tips and tricks to make the most out of your miles, points, and other savings for your future travel plans! Missed the Twitter Chat? Here’s a quick recap: 

Q1: How do you feel about traveling given the current circumstances? Are you still traveling for business? For vacation? Are you cashing in on the cheap prices, or saving your points for a safer situation?

Mark: I have actually been cashing some points out via Chase’s pay yourself back feature and will keep that money on the sideline to take advantage of the low prices when the time is right. 

Jason: I've stopped traveling this year for bus[iness] or personal, saving my [points] and miles for safer times.

Q2: You have to buy snacks anyway, might as well earn points on your purchases! What are some great credit cards to use to rack up points for the future? What miles and points strategy are you focusing on right now?​

Mark: The new offers on the Chase Freedom cards are outstanding. A $200 (20,000 point) welcome offer & 5%/5X back on grocery (up to $12,000 in the first year). I will likely grab one of those and then continue to focus on earning Ultimate Rewards & Membership Rewards. 

Bethany: We’ve been doing a lot of take out and grocery delivery so cards offering bonuses on those categories are my go-tos for spending. (Chase Marriott Cards, Freedom and Discover It) Chase has added a feature called "pay Yourself Back" on the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve cards that allows you to redeem your Ultimate Rewards for statement credits on groceries and home improvement purchases at a rate of 1.25 and 1.5 cents each respectively.

Jason: I'm using my Amex Gold for groceries and dining, can't beat 4x MR pts.

Q3: What are some smart ways to meet your minimum spend to collect rewards on a new credit card? Or are you avoiding opening new cards at this time? Why / why not?

Jason: Double check ways to pay insurance, utilities, and health care with your credit cards. It adds up!

Bethany: Some of my favorite ways to meet credit card minimum spend are prepaying expenses like utility bills or car insurance, splitting bills with friends and having them give you cash or venmo. Purchasing gift cards for future use (don’t do this for Amex cards).

Mark: Everyone’s grocery bills are higher than ever right now so that is a great place to start.  Paying everything you can with a credit card usually have you meeting the sign up bonus requirements. If you filed an extension on your taxes and owe money, using a credit card with a sign up bonus attached is a great opportunity to get a return on that cost.

Q4: If those points are burning a hole in your virtual pocket, what are some non-travel rewards that would be a good use of your credit card points?

David: I’m just saving them for travel, that’s usually the best value when it comes to redeeming points. Besides, it’s always so much more satisfying to get a free trip than a free product! Airplane 

Jason: Chase is offering 1.5 cents per pt for Sapphire Reserve at grocery, home improvement and dining incl. takeout and delivery through the end of Sept. Sapphire Pref. gets 1.25 cents per pt.

Mark: Chase launched a pay yourself back feature that lets you cash in Ultimate Rewards at 1.5 cents each when used on a grocery, restaurant or home improvement charge. That goes until the end of September and is pretty amazing. If you have the Charles Schwab Platinum card you can cash out Amex Membership Rewards points at 1.25 cents each. Capital One has allowed Venture Miles to be cashed out for a lot of extra stuff outside of normal travel. There are options for sure.

Q5: What do you think travel will look like when restrictions are lifted? In your opinion when do you think “normal” travel (domestic / international) will pick up?

Mark: I think masks and testing when entering some countries are here to stay for a bit, even after things open up. I think travel will feel normal again some time in 2022 but the travel levels won’t reach 2019 levels until 2023. 

David: I think that until there is a widely distributed vaccine, nobody will truly be comfortable traveling like they used to. We’re at least a year or more away from that, but still holding out hope. 

Q6: It’s a bird, it’s a plane! If you had to travel on an airline, which airlines would you recommend for safety reasons & which would you recommend for getting a great deal? Is social distancing possible with air travel? What safety tips do you have? 

Bethany: @Delta has really lead the pack as far as safety precautions and accommodations- they even disinfect the plane before EVERY SINGLE flight. 

Mark:  I think Delta has been the most proactive with everything. They have continued to block middle seats, have enforced policies etc. I would say try to get the window seat to avoid people walking in the aisle and turn the air on above your head to keep the circulation moving. 

Jason: Delta and @Southwestair are the clear winners in safety, AA and UA... not so much.

Q7: Let’s talk lodging! What types of lodging would be both fun and safe during these times? What are safety precautions to keep in mind when you arrive at your destination?

Bethany: Airbnbs and other single family accommodations are the way to go right now. If you have to stay in a hotel I'd make sure I had my own organic sanitizer wipes and a pillow case if you’re sensitive to heavy chemicals like those used to sanitize rooms now. 

Mark: I think renting a sweet house is about as good as it gets right now. If you own a camper or a cottage etc. then you are in a prime spot to ride this out while traveling too. 

Jason: I really like the idea of motels. You can't safely use the lobby, elevators, restaurants of a hotel anyways.

David: Personally I’d prefer renting someone’s property vs a hotel for now, mainly because you can be in control of everything coming in and out during your stay. Ideally something with a pool or balcony to keep you outdoors!

Our plans may have been changed due to the #coronavirus, so we’re here to help you plan ahead for the future! Regardless of your current or future travel plans, we wish you all a fun and safe trip!

To stay updated for more content like our Twitter Chats, follow @WinnieSun! Have a question for Winnie? Use the #AskWinnie to get your questions answered!