Points and Travel Resolutions
As we close another rewarding year, I’m excited for what lies ahead for the next one. Now’s a great time to lay out my 2023 points and travel resolutions. I’m definitely not aiming too high here. I’m focusing on attainable goals which require more intentional effort on my part. Let’s dive in.
Learn to Enjoy Air Travel Again
Flying hasn’t been a big player in my travel goals over the last several years. With our little ones, we’ve mostly focused on road trips and a bit of train travel. And, like some of you, I have avoided unnecessary air travel during the pandemic. I didn’t fly for almost two years, and I enjoyed the break. But things have changed over the past year or so, and I’ve flown more frequently. I’m catching myself enjoying certain parts of the air travel experience, and I’d like that to continue. What am I planning?
First, I’m curious to try different airlines and products. I haven’t been on a Breeze flight yet, and I’m intrigued to try out their first class seat and service in January. I’m looking to fly different plane configurations in premium classes – something I haven’t done in years. To mix things up, I’m considering a few random routes. If I must connect, I’m looking to do so in more desirable airports. I’ve become more optimistic about flying again since I’ve started this process, and it’ll be interesting to see how 2023 goes.
Put a Dent in My Gift Card Stock
I’m not a gift card reseller, but I do enjoy a great third party gift card deal for my family’s personal use. Thanks to the recent Lowe’s Amex Offer, I’m saving 20% on groceries with Kroger gift cards. The Kohl’s offer from Chase enabled an easy 20% off holiday shopping with Amazon gift cards. Throughout the year, I’ll pursue deals like these or gift card plays involving fuel points.
The other side of the coin is I have a bunch of random gift cards piling up over time. I must make a point to use up these discounted cards before I chase most other deals. I’ve said this to myself before, but I must do better this year.
Travel More
This is probably the easiest one on my list, as I’ve gotten the bug for it lately. Nonetheless, I’m probably the biggest travel grump on the MtM team. I can always improve. I’ll be focusing on two or so big family trips this year, a few regional weekend escapes, and several quick solo jaunts. That’s nothing for a lot of you out there, but it’s been years since I’ve traveled that much.  I’m confident I’ll easily hit this resolution this year.
Pursue More Eclectic Credit Card Endeavors
I’ve done well here over the years, but I still want to push harder. We’ve picked up more obscure cards with Comenity, Synchrony, and FNBO, a few of those via product changes, this year. I’d like to explore options with Truist and some local credit unions. I haven’t had a new PNC card in years, but I’d like to change that in 2023. And, of course, I’m excited to see what new cards come on the scene from banks not named Chase, Citi, or Amex.
Consume United Travel Bank Funds
I have United Travel Bank funds coming out my ears. That’s a good problem, but one I need to stay on top of in 2023. This year’s “enjoying air travel” resolution is compatible – I’ll be using plenty of Travel Bank as I pursue that endeavor. I know I don’t need to be overly urgent in using up this haul. United does provide a fairly generous five year expiration date on these funds, and it’s easy to check their expiry. Nonetheless, it could be easy to forget about the funds if I’m not actively consuming them.
Conclusion
Obviously, I’m not setting flashy resolutions. I feel the same way about our hobby, though. Some of the best plays and experiences out there aren’t that attention-grabbing, but they deliver. I’ll stay focused on the boring, reliable stuff while also inevitably pursuing some of the more noteworthy developments this coming year. Regardless, I’m excited for it all. What are your 2023 points and travel resolutions?
Lower Spend - Chase Ink Business Preferred® 100K!
Chase Ink Business Preferred® is a powerful card that earns 3X Ultimate Rewards points in a broad range of business categories on the first $150K in spend per year. Right now earn 100K Chase Ultimate Rewards points after Learn more about this card and its features!
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
when you say you have United Travel Bank money coming out of your ears. I was curious to roughly how much are you talking about 5k 10K or more ?
Enough for a few premium class flights. 😉
2023 is the year that I organize and keep better tabs on my gift card stock too! And no sense hoarding random gift cards I’ve acquired over the years (looking at you, skymall.com gift card)…time to spend it!
Yes, better organization should always be on my list, as well!