Hey everyone, Naren here, aka THE DEALWANDERER. I’m the guy from Northern Virginia, juggling life with two awesome kids. My money-saving journey? Well, that kicked off when I was just 12, turning comics into pocket money.
Now, the points and miles scene? I didn’t jump into that until I hit 33 in 2012. Fashionably late, but that’s just how my story goes. Fast forward to 2012, a friend offers to grab my Vegas plane ticket with his AA credit card. Random, right? Little did I know, that moment would set me on this whole journey of loving miles, points, and smart deals.
Take a trip back to those easygoing times, roughly between 2013 and 2015. Picture this: racking up loads of 200 VGCs at Staples or OfficeMax, swinging by Walmart to unload them, and then hitting repeat. And of course, there were those Target runs, swiping my credit card to load up the REDcard, turning regular purchases into missions for scoring points. Back then, effortlessly snagging Chase Ultimate Rewards points and making unforgettable redemptions just felt like second nature. Ah, the good old days!
Zoom into 2014, and I’m on this solo adventure to Thailand, flying first class. How? Credit card bonuses and some crafty spend strategies. 2017? I’m in Cathay Pacific first class from Hong Kong to JFK, all thanks to the Alaska Mileage Program. These adventures fueled my love for exploring, all thanks to the magic of miles and points.
Now, let me give you the lowdown on our awesome family trip to Japan in 2023. We had the whole crew—me, the kids, mom, dad, my amazing wife, and a surprise appearance by my sister, who hopped over from Kathmandu. Seven of us, gearing up for a blast.
Now, here’s the kicker: the entire round trip for six of us from Washington DC (rocking the Economy Class, no complaints there), and I even scored my sis a cushy business class seat, all totaled up to less than $1000 in cash. Can you believe it? If I had gone all-in on the regular price, we’d be staring down a hefty $12,000 bill, mostly just for those plane tickets. Feel free to read our quick summary trip report to Japan here.
When I’m not working as a full-time IT consultant, I’m navigating the world of travel deals. Travel isn’t just a luxury for me; it’s my hobby, made possible by smart moves with miles, points, and credit cards. Whether you’re dreaming of a fancy getaway or a budget-friendly adventure, I’m here to spill the secrets on easy credit card tricks, airline miles magic, and everyday discounts.
Join me, Naren, also known as TDW – The Dealwanderer, on a journey to turn your travel dreams into reality without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the world together with savvy deals, a boosted budget, and the confidence that you can travel stylishly. The Dealwanderer is here to guide you to savings and make every journey an adventure. Buckle up, and let’s wander into a world of fantastic deals and chic travels!
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Authentic and Unbiased Information:
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Last Updated at November 13, 2023 at 9:13 PM:
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