Stacy Roberts has mastered the art of traveling the world at a fraction of the costs most families face. In the past year, Stacy, her husband, and their three kids journeyed to various destinations including Spain, Denmark, Austria, Italy, and Hawaii, all for roughly $4,300—much less than the value of the trips, which amounted to about $83,000.
Her secret? Opening a new credit card every month, which allows her to rack up around one million points annually. While this method sounds daunting, Stacy assures that with discipline, it can be managed safely. Each of her cards is set to autopay, and she doesn’t advocate for this approach to those who are already in debt.
Stacy is part of a growing trend of travel points influencers who suggest that anyone can explore the globe—even enjoying first-class flights—without breaking the bank. She explains that maximizing travel points requires dedication and organization, which she learned from her frugal upbringing as the youngest of twelve siblings. Her parents utilized credit card points to travel, instilling in her the importance of avoiding debt.
When asked about the spending required to generate such points, Stacy clarifies that while some cards demand large upfront expenditures, her family often executes strategic payments, such as the $20,000 damage from ice to their home, which was paid with a credit card, garnering significant points in return.
Despite the common perception that using credit cards leads to overspending, Stacy maintains that through smart spending, she can manage her budget effectively. Her intuitive approach involves prioritizing essential purchases, indicating she only spends beyond her means when it results in tangible benefits.
Stacy keeps 16 credit cards, never carrying a balance on any of them. Due diligence ensures her credit score is a healthy 832, a testament to her responsible credit management.
Each card provides different rewards—ideal for various expenses like dining or traveling—and Stacy often opens business cards alongside personal ones to enhance her point accumulation. She emphasizes that those running even small side hustles can benefit from business credit cards, which generally offer better rewards than standard consumer cards.
As her children—aged seven, nine, and eleven—join her on these travels, Stacy hopes to impart vital life lessons, such as adaptability and open-mindedness. With each destination, she wants them to learn that different cultures and lifestyles exist, fostering a sense of global awareness and curiosity.
Stacy Roberts’ journey demonstrates how with smart financial strategies and a passion for exploration, it is indeed possible to traverse the world on a budget—defying the conventional wisdom surrounding travel costs.