Do you like to travel? In this post, I share airline and hotel expenses for 2022. I earned complimentary Wi-Fi as a Southwest A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards Member. As a Hilton Honors Diamond Member, I received upgrades to a room on a high floor or a room with a view. In 2021 I did not include reward points earned or redeemed, but the information for 2022 is in the chart below.

A-List Preferred Southwest

I did not earn enough points or flights on Southwest to maintain A-List Preferred status for 2023. I needed 70,000 points or 50 flights, but I only flew 45 times and earned 28,000 points. A-List Preferred has a higher earning bonus on Rapid Rewards points. Think about a 100% bonus rather than 25%. A-List Preferred members also receive free in-flight Wi-Fi. I will earn A-List status because you only need 35,000 points or 25 flights.

Airfare Budget

For 2022 I budgeted $4,515 for flights; I spent $3,095. I saved $1,420 flying on Southwest by accumulating travel funds and using points instead of cash. Remember to check your flights often. When there is a decrease in the fare you booked, you can rebook and earn a travel fund for the difference. There is open seating on Southwest, but your first two checked bags fly free. If you are not a member of an airline rewards program, join one today.

Diamond Status and Brand Explorer

I qualified for two Free Night Rewards with Hilton by spending $30,000 on my Amex Hilton Honors card. So that you understand, I did not spend $30,000 on hotel stays. I own a timeshare with Hilton Grand Vacations and pay for my timeshare assessment with the Hilton Honors card. My son is also an authorized user. I occasionally make reservations at Hilton Brands, and my family and friends pay me their share of the bill. I also earned a free night as a World of Hyatt Member after making reservations at five different brands: Grand Hyatt Washington, Hyatt at Olive 8, Hotel Lincoln, Grayson Hotel, and Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis. Finally, I earned two Club Access Awards with World of Hyatt for 2023. If you are not a member of a hotel rewards program, please join one today. 

Hotel Budget

For 2022 I budgeted $7,625 for hotel stays. I only spent $5,008 and saved $2,617 on accommodations. I booked my timeshare three times: Chicago, Los Cabos, and Utah, but redeemed points plus cash for most of my reservations at Hyatt properties. World of Hyatt is the most liberal program out there. For my two-night stay at the Grayson Hotel in New York, I used 17,000 points for the first night and paid $207 for the second night. Check your travel credit card benefits. Some of your cards may offer a complimentary one-night stay on your anniversary.

Do You Like To Travel?

When you break down the 2022 expenses, I spent $8,103, but I saved $1,400 in my travel savings account. Every year I create a $5,400 credit card budget and intentionally put aside $200 monthly to pay Southwest, $150 for Amex Hilton Honors, and $100 for Amex Marriott Bonvoy. The budget below is the exact cost of airfare and accommodations minus any travel rewards. I want you to see how much you can save if you belong to rewards programs. My loyalty lies with three brands: Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. Think about your travel needs. Although Hilton has a large footprint, I have made reservations at a Hyatt brand with as little as 1,750 points and $50. Join all programs because they are free. I hope this post inspires you to travel. If you need more inspiration, click on the Amazon link below.