How I Traveled The World For Free
In 2019, my show MARIAS: The Web Series, was getting into festivals all over the world. The achievement was truly amazing, but I had spent my money producing the series and couldn't afford to travel. Luckily, a friend told me about the American Express/Delta Sky Miles Credit Card.
There are different cards you can decide to go with, but I ended up choosing the Delta Sky Miles Platinum Card. If you spend $2,000 in the first three months, you receive 50,000 bonus miles from Delta Airlines. With my 50,000 miles, I was able to travel to Minnesota and Spain for the film festivals (after Spain, I also took a stop to London as well). Please keep in mind that there are taxes you still have to pay when traveling internationally, but it only comes out to about $150-$200. That's a very cheap ticket abroad! a
Now, for those on a budget, it might be difficult to spend $2000 - $3000 in three months. That's okay! Here are some hacks so you hit your spending amount.
If you are going to dinner, drinks, or an event with a group of friends, put the tab on your card and have your friends Venmo you back. If you live with a roommate or significant other, ask if you can pay for things around the house and have them pay you back too.
Switch your subscriptions to the Amex card.
This is a last resort, but if you only have a few hundred dollars left, you can Venmo your friend the remaining amount and they can send you the money right back. It counts as a purchase! I say this is a last resort because you will get a small fee for sending money with your credit card, but if you only have a small amount left to spend, it might be worthwile for you.
If you don't want the credit card anymore after you receive your miles, you can always cancel it. However, you can get some additional perks from having the credit card. After one year, you receive a buddy pass. Travel anywhere in the US and your friend's ticket is free! I actually ended up going to the Miami Web Fest last year with my friend by using one of my buddy passes.
Not every filmmaker can say they went to all the film festivals that they submit their project to. Sometimes it's just not possible.Traveling is expensive, but I was determined to have a great year, and win some awards! With budgeting, hard work, and using my American Express/ Delta Sky Miles Credit Card, I made it happen.
Consider getting your card today! You can also get some extra miles by using my American Express Referral Code HERE.
