Loyalty & Rewards
Crank it Up: Your Summer Travel, Loyalty Rewards Playlist
Just how much do Canadians love travel? A recent survey by travel research and deal site Travelzoo found that 82 percent of us would rather give up hockey than our summer vacations. So it makes sense for travelers to take advantage of loyalty memberships, which translate into discounts and perks from airlines, hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, cruise lines and others in the $88 billion Canadian tourism industry.
Canadians already embrace loyalty: According to research by loyalty-marketing expert COLLOQUY, they were enrolled in 130 million programs in 2014 – more than 18 million in the travel, gaming, dining and entertainment worlds. Another 15 million were in travel-focused coalition programs.
Canadian travelers spend an average $1,500 each per trip. Tapping into the right summer deals can save them a good chunk. Members of InterContinental Hotels Group’s Rewards Club, for example, could potentially save several hundred dollars at certain properties with its PointBreaks promotion through July 31.
With that in mind, here is a 2015 Summertime Playlist to help you wring every last ray of sunshine out of vacation loyalty deals:
“Hit the Road, Jack”
Gas prices in Canada are down 16 percent over last summer, and 53 percent of Canadians say they’ll drive on vacation. Take advantage of programs that give gas discounts as well as credit card programs that give bonus points on the purchase of fuel. Savvy members of Shell’s Fuel Rewards, for example, report saving up to $20 per fill-up.
“Fly Like an Eagle”
If you’re taking to the sky, do your research. Several major airlines
Dennis Armbruster
Editor-at-Large, COLLOQUY “Canadian travelers spend an average $1,500 each per trip. Tapping into the right summer deals can save them a good chunk.” have overhauled their frequent flyer programs, rewarding revenue spent instead of miles flown. And most airlines run summer-travel specials. American Airlines AAd-vantage, for example, is awarding bonus miles through Aug. 7, up to 115,000 earned miles, on flights from Canada to Europe.
“Love Shack”
There are countless places to lay your head; why do it somewhere that won’t give you extras like room upgrades and free nights? Wyndham, Best Western and Marriott are just some of the chains offering loyalty perks this summer.
“Empire State of Mind”
While you’re hitting the town in your destination, don’t forget to take advantage of loyalty at restaurants, casinos … even some bars and baseball arenas have rewards programs these days.
“She Works Hard for the Money”
The space in your wallet is a hot commodity; make credit card issuers earn their spots. Maybe it’s time to make a swap or think carefully about the latest offers.
“Mr. Roboto”
Keep your tech-antennae tuned. Some travel sites, like Orbitz, offer reward members discounts for booking via their apps. Others let travelers manage itineraries and get up-to-the-minute alerts on their apps or wearables such as Apple Watch or Android Wear.
“Something to Talk About”
Many brands offer discounts and perks for social media action. Just by tagging certain brands, retweeting posts, checking in via Facebook and Instagram, or using hashtags, the summertime living becomes easier.