It’s unbelievable what travel hacking does for you. I still don’t like the term, but miles/points arbitrage doesn’t come off as catchy or awesome 😉

So right now as many of you know I am in New York. My flights in First Class are on points and less than $300 in taxes. My hotel stay at the Intercontinental Barclay New York is free thanks to a Best Rate Guarantee (where rates are going for $300+). My transport to the hotel is free thanks to Uber and thanks to all of you, who used my link to signup for Uber giving me a $10 credit. I’m sure most of you can do (and are doing) this too.

It’s crazy to believe that just over 3 years ago, I had never in my wildest dreams imagined what I would have been able to do what I am able to do now. I knew nearly absolutely nothing about miles and travel at all except you could use aeroplan.com to search flights.

It’s also unbelievable that I’m blogging at BoardingArea which I’ve admired so much as a reader and obsessively read daily. To be a part of the BoardingArea team with just so many talented, friendly, and bright people is totally crazy. Sometimes I’m still amazed that I am blogging at the very place where I got a glimpse into miles and points. But it’s not just blogging. It’s also meeting new people, participating in DO’s and conferences, twittering with all my readers, and much, much more.

I could not be more grateful for all the experiences I’ve gone through, all the readers I’ve met and talked to, and all the helpful tips that I’ve learned which have made what I have become possible. I owe so much to Randy who let me blog, all the bloggers who have taught me so much, and everyone that is here with me right now. I know it’s a touchy subject, but I really truly appreciate your support if you use my affiliate links. It really helps me with travelling expenses as a student and just allows me to spend more time to write stuff that y’all want. There, I said it!

To everyone who thinks they’re not good with miles/points – everyone was a beginner at one time. I was one. To an extent, I’m still one, given that I probably have less experience time-wise than a lot of my readers. But there’s nothing stopping you from pursuing miles and points to the best of your ability, and just learning as much as you can. One day you will know as much as Gary Leff. 🙂

Thank you, so, so much.

Your support is the best Christmas Present I could ever get.

A very Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to you all.

Now stay tuned, as if you think this piece was all fluff, think again, because soon I will have a tell all on all the dirty little secrets on blogging. All tell-all of all the work I put in, all the revenue I earn, and all the money I spend on my travel. Stay tuned.

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