Welcome to the next installment of our interview series where folks share their thoughts about Big Travel with Small Money!
Miles & Points Interview: Wanderlust
Meifeng writes Wanderlust to share her travel experiences with fellow explorers and readers.
Meifeng Took a Ride on the 2nd Highest Railway Summit in the World, Which Winds Through the Andes in Peru
How and when did you start collecting miles and points?
I’ve been collecting them the hard way, by flying and staying in hotels, for years. I only started collecting them the easy way, earning credit card sign-up bonuses and using shopping portals, since the beginning of last year.
Why did you start your blog? What’s special about it?
My greatest goal in life is to visit every country in the world. I have a terrible memory, so my blog helps me remember the places I’ve been. Lately, I’m getting more mindful about making the blog more useful to others.
It’s special because I’m a budget solo female traveler who has been to countries normally regarded as inhospitable for female travelers, single or otherwise. I also like off the beaten path places, so if you are looking to go to the Andaman Islands or Komodo Island, you can find that on my blog.
What’s the one single thing people can do to get more miles?
What’s your most memorable travel experience?
I went to Syria without a visa. I had to use my best puppy dog expression and beg 3 immigration officers before the last 1 relented, and gave me a transit visa. In light of what has transpired in the last few years in Syria, I am really glad I took that risk.
Souq in Old Damascus, Syria
What do your family and friends think of your miles & points hobby?
They are pretty gobsmacked. Some of them are slowly coming round and getting lured to the dark side.
Is there any tool or trick which you’ve found especially useful in this hobby?
I actually reactivated my dormant Twitter account. It’s a remarkable way of keeping up-to-date with the latest deals, and to participate in exclusive Twitter promotions.
For instance, Marriott ran a promotion (now expired), where if you tweeted using certain hashtags, you get points. Over the course of 5 months, I could easily earn enough points for 1 night at a lowest category Marriott property.
What was the least expected way you’ve earned miles or points?
I constantly triple or quadruple dip on miles by using the United Airlines MileagePlus X mobile application for everyday spending.
Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran
What do you now know about collecting miles and points which you wish you knew when you started out?
Always use Google to make sure you’re getting the best sign-up bonus. Million Mile Secrets does do a pretty good job of giving a heads-up about better bonuses, which I appreciate.
What would your readers be surprised to know about you?
I suck with directions, so half of my travel adventures begin with me getting lost. I do enjoy laughing at myself, so at least I can get amused by that.
Any parting words?
In my past decade of adventures, I think this line from Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire resonates the most with me, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”
Komodo Dragon in Indonesia, Looking for Something to Eat
Meifeng – Thanks for sharing your thoughts on having Big Travel with Small Money!
If you’d like to be considered for our interview series, please send me a note!
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