OK, here’s a slightly off topic (since I’ve mostly been covering my travels lately) post about the question that I’m asked most often. I’ve inferred it throughout my posts and in general most that have been reading my blog for a while could probably figure it out, but I’ll spell out the answer in one post.
The question is along the lines of “how do you find the time/resources to fly 200,000 miles a year as a student?”
The answer is pretty simple.
Several years ago I got an email from the chief auditor of the Nigerian National Bank. As it turned out a well off government official had passed away, and it was determined that I was the next of kin. After doing some paperwork and simple wire transfers I was awarded a lump sum of $17,350,000.00 (seventeen million three hundred and fifty thousand dollars). It was that easy. Ever since I’ve been traveling whenever I have time, because with $17mil+, how can I afford not to?
OK, maybe that’s not the whole truth. Fine, maybe that couldn’t be further from the truth and is just an email sitting in my blog inbox right now. Would be nice if it was true, but the reality is a bit different.
The truth is that I wasn’t born into money and am far from rich. A majority of my travel is self funded, although I think most would be surprised by how little I spend. I’ll avoid going into exact figures, but ultimately my mileage runs make my “real” trips cheaper. So basically the amount I fly (and thereby spend) in order to earn enough miles for a premium cabin international award is substantially less than I’d pay for a coach ticket on the same route.
I’m very creative. On this past trip, for example, we stayed at several five star hotels, none of which were fully paid for (in $$$). I would NEVER pay a premium airfare to sit up front (I just don’t think it’s worth it), and I’d never actually pay full price for a very nice five star hotel (unless it’s ridiculously cheap, as is the case in many parts of the world).
My mileage runs are also partially funded by my parents, but there’s something in it for them. Most of our relatives live in Germany, so we visit them frequently. Ultimately I’ll use my miles to get my family first and business class award tickets, and they’re paying less for my mileage runs (those that they actually pay for) than they’d pay for a simple, cheap coach ticket to Europe. It really is that straightforward, and works out for both of us.
As to how I find the time to fly that much, that’s more of a toughie which I can’t really give a good answer to. I guess I just find the time somehow. I still go to school fulltime, work, and have a semi-social life (as much as one can have anyway doing as much traveling as I do). Much of my travel is on weekends and holidays, so I never miss class for my hobby.
Somehow it all works out in the end, and I’m pretty damn happy with it.
If anyone would like clarification or has more questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I’m all for openness and sharing my experiences, or else I wouldn’t have started a blog.
Posted on July 29th, 2008 by lucky
Filed under: Mileage Runs, Travel
That is really amazing. I have a full time job and I wonder if I will ever be able to do mileage run. I really want to try out as I would love to visit HK every few months if possible (of course dreaming).
Maybe, Ben, something about methods/ethics of the ever-elusive (for some folks) cheapening of travel based on a mileage run? I know you’ve mentioned vouchers and skykits a few times, and, I have a pretty good idea as to how these work, but, maybe a post on the different types of vouchers, which can be redeemable for travel, and which are as good as cash? Moreover, I’d be interested in learned the best way to secure the best possible compensation during denied boarding (both VDB and IDB), and the best items for which to attempt to seek compensation.
I’ve always been admirer of your Robin Hood and Gang of Merry Men type approach to ferreting out and capitalizing on the troubles of air travel to grab more for the little guy. If you can share some of your tips with some of the even-littler folks trying to join said Gang, it’d be most appreciated.
Thanks!
Oh, as well, I’d be interested in a post about, and apologies if this is a bit confusing, the more “general” type ways to eke out the best premium classes and hotel rooms: is it miles? redeeming hotel points? undergoing various hotel challenges that allow you free room upgrades?
For us travel nerds, you’re a pioneer, and we certainly admire your abilities. Thanks for all of your tips and tricks, thus far.
Gray, all excellent topics. I’ll add them to my “to do” list (which is way too long right now), and hopefully get to them within the next couple of weeks. If I don’t, feel free to shoot me an email as a reminder.
Thanks!
So with school, work and a social life (outside of FT!), I can only guess you blog in your sleep. Or DO you sleep?