If you love a great travel deal, you’re in the right place! I’m sharing the easiest and most budget-friendly way to explore incredible destinations without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dreaming of Europe, Hawaii, Turks and Caicos, Aruba, California, or multiple trips to Florida, here’s how to make it happen—without spending a fortune!
First, you will want to get this Southwest Credit Card
Right now, I have the Premier card (the middle-tier option) with a $99 annual fee. If the $4,000 spending requirement over three months feels out of reach, don’t worry—I’ve got a strategy to help you hit that goal without overspending. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to team up with friends or family, where you cover the purchases, and they pay you back. But if that’s not an option, no stress! Just wait until March 31 or April 1, when the regular offers return, making it even easier to jump in.
Right now—until March 31—you can score one of the best travel perks out there: a Companion Pass valid through 2026! That means you pay for your flight, and your chosen companion flies free with you for nearly two years. The catch? You’ll need to spend $4,000 within three months to unlock this deal, which can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry—I have some tips to help you meet that spending requirement without unnecessary purchases. Keep reading, and I’ll show you exactly how to make it happen!
You don’t have to go for the Companion Pass option if the $4,000 spending requirement isn’t a good fit for you. There’s another way! After March 31, you can qualify for a great travel points offer with just a $1,000 spend in three months—no Companion Pass, but still plenty of points to get you to Hawaii or another dream destination. The points value will also rise (30,000-60,000 points) just no companion for free.
So if the higher spending threshold feels like too much, just wait a little longer, and you’ll still score an awesome deal on travel!
If you decide to do the higher spend… here is a way to make it happen:
How to Meet the Spending Requirement (Without Overspending!)
If you’re wondering how to hit that spending threshold without unnecessary purchases, here’s a smart strategy: Use your card to pay for bills or expenses that you (or your family) already have, then have them Venmo or pay you back in cash.
Think about recurring expenses like:
✅ HOA fees
✅ Taxes
✅ Water, electric, trash bills
✅ Prepaying your cell phone
✅ Even big purchases your family was already planning
Personally, I sometimes prepay my bills or ask my mom if she has a major expense—she’ll use my card, and I get closer to the spending goal while she pays me back. If you’re expecting a tax return, you can even use that to cover some of the spending.
This way, you’re not actually spending more—you’re just being strategic with money that would be spent anyway!
Pro Tip: Don’t Add Your Spouse or Significant Other to Your Account!
Here’s a key tip—don’t add your spouse or significant other as an authorized user. Instead, everyone should apply for their own account to maximize the benefits.
If you lock in the deal before March 31, your travel perks will last a long time, so there’s no rush for them to sign up right away. But if you’re reading this later, once you’ve met the minimum spend, you’re good to go! Then, your partner can apply separately, doubling the rewards and making travel even more affordable for both of you.
Got a High School Senior or College Student? This Card is Perfect for Spring Break!
If you have a kid in high school or college, this is an amazing travel hack to help them take an affordable spring break—whether they’re going with friends or you’re joining them for a family trip. *just wait until the spend drops to $1000 over 3 months… you can pay bills, pay for books, tuition, food, etc and earn the credit for a trip.
The key? They need their own card. By signing up, they can earn points to cover flights, making their getaway way more budget-friendly. Plus, if they time it right, they’ll have travel rewards for future trips, too. It’s a smart way to help them see the world—without breaking the bank!
Where does Southwest go and they don’t go to Europe… but you mention it…. This year, Southwest has just partnered with IcelandAir to make this happen. Reward points are being added to flights and shortly award travel is coming.
International destinations are shared here.
Examples:
GOING TO ORLANDO
GOING TO HAWAII
GOING TO ARUBA:
International does have higher taxes as noticed here.
This is how I flew to Hawaii over Halloween and have gone almost every year and sometimes 2x during the year….. I can afford $11.20 flights 😉
Point prices change often…. I have scored Orlando round trip for 10,000 points, Hawaii Roundtrip for 32,000 points, and Aruba for 40,000 roundtrip… just watch and find what works best for you.
Questions – always feel free to reach out trendywithapassport@gmail.com or on FB @trendywithapassport1
Xoxo
Heidi
