May 2014

A couple months ago I introduced you to one of my first consulting clients, Nathan, and invited him to tell you about his first couple months of travel hacking (which included a $102 round-trip flight to London). Many of you told me that you wanted to see more posts like Nathan’s in the future so I made a note to include a guest post from time to time.

This week I decided to follow through on that promise by inviting my twin brother Wes to tell us about his recent trip to Costa Rica. Wes has been travel hacking for a couple years now and has built up an impressive amount of frequent flyer miles in the process.

With those miles (and a little help from me), Wes was able to take a week-long trip to Costa Rica with his girlfriend for just $101.02.

In his own words, here is how he did it. Continue Reading

On Tuesday I asked you to come up with a few ideas on how I can make your life easier. Many of you sent me your thoughts right away, and I thank you for that. Here are a few of the highlights:

• “You could post more examples of trips you have done and how you booked them (like Paris)”
• “Conduct Skype workshops to answer questions from your readers”
• “Bryce, I want you to help me get laid!”

All of my focus at GFF up to this point has been on travel, but it looks like I might have to make an exception going forward. Although I would imagine that learning how to be a mysterious, point-savvy world traveler wouldn’t hurt your efforts. Continue Reading

Have you ever met someone who was just plain awful at receiving criticism? No matter what you tell them, or how clearly you explain something, they always seem to have some sort of excuse why they are right and everyone else is wrong.

You know the type. These are the loud, egotistical, overly-defensive folks who can’t figure out why the world won’t just shut up and listen to them.

I have a confession to make. I used to be that guy.

I HATED receiving criticism. Even when I knew, 100%, no-doubt-about-it that I was wrong I refused to admit it. The idea of acknowledging and correcting my mistakes scared me to death. Continue Reading

I was in line at Starbucks this morning to pick up my morning coffee when I decided to indulge in one of my more recent miles/points habits. I admit that it is a bit judgmental, but I can’t help but do it every time I am shopping, out do dinner, or picking up my dry cleaning.

I watched how every customer paid for their coffee.

It’s a bad habit but I am simply too curious to shake it. At the very least it helps me keep up to date with which banks/cards are the most popular on the market.

Not surprisingly, every single person paid for their coffee with a debit card. No credit cards, cash, or even Starbucks cards (why not at least earn a free coffee or two?). At least nobody pulled out a checkbook. Continue Reading