On Monday I gave a presentation to 15 friends and family on the basics of travel hacking through credit cards. It was a fun time, although I did run much longer than I anticipated. I should have blocked out a bit more time.

Public speaking isn’t really my thing, but this seemed different. I was only mildly nervous before we started, and that quickly dissipated once we got rolling. Attendees asked some great questions, and I was happy that there are people interested in this topic. It was fun for me more than anything. I love sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over these past 5 years.

We covered the basics of loyalty programs, how to use credit cards to earn serious amounts of points and miles in said programs, and some of the specifics about credit card offers and how to use credit cards wisely. We finished off with an introduction to airline and hotel loyalty programs, as well as flexible bank rewards programs. The last few minutes were spent speeding through some specific loyalty programs that I find highly lucrative.

Finally, I need to say thanks to my in-laws for the venue and easel (to hold the flip chart), and to my wife and mother-in-law for making cookies. I wasn’t planning on doing anything more than water, so y’all got lucky.

Should we do this again?

Considering that my flip chart (a.k.a poor man’s power point) took a me few hours to put together and is still completely usable, I am considering offering a second session if there is enough interest. More than likely it will be in a couple months at the same venue. It will cover the same material, so if you came this time, there won’t be anything new.  You’re welcome to attend again, though.

In light of that, if anyone is interested in a second session, please send me a note on the contact me page, by phone or text (if you have my number), or through Facebook message with my webpage. I’ll be eyeing a Monday in early May.

Also, I was missing a few who RSVP’ed for the first session, so I will certainly send out a reminder email a couple days in advance for any future sessions.

For months now I’ve been wanting to hold a seminar for family and friends who are interested in learning more about the travel rewards game. I’ve finally settled on a date and venue, so without further ado, the first Humboldt Travel Hacker Seminar is announced:

When: Monday, March 20th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Where: Ferndale Pizza Company, Ferndale, California

Cost: Free

There will not be pizza. Sorry to burst that bubble. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, which is why I can use it. We’ll have the place to ourselves. Shout out to my in-laws who are letting us use the place.

The event will be held in the back room of the restaurant, and seating will be limited to that space, so there will be a maximum of 24 people.

What will the event cover?

The seminar will be a starter course in “travel hacking”. It’s intended to be for those who are interested in how to travel more cheaply or for free, but don’t really know where to start. The seminar will cover some general basics of hotel and loyalty programs, how to accrue miles through credit card sign-ups and spending, and how to use miles for free travel. There will be an open Q&A session at the end.

If the event is a success, I’ll likely hold a second one in the future. Spread the word to friends if you think they might be interested.

How to register and other details

If you are interested in the seminar, please message me via the Points, Miles & Life Facebook page or via the contact form at pointsmilesandlife.com with your name and number attending. If you have my personal email and/or phone number, you’re welcome to contact me by either of those methods as well. I’ll add you to the list of attendees.

Feel free to contact me with questions prior to the event as well.

If you reserve a seat but later realize you cannot make it, please let me know as soon as possible in case someone else can still take your place. I don’t really expect us to fill up, but it may happen.

Hope to see you all there!