If you’re not signing up for loyalty programs when you travel, then you’re eaving money and perks on the table. But managing dozens of loyalty accounts can be overwhelming and frustrating. Happily, there’s an easy and, dare we say, life-changing way to manage your reward points.
Travelers love the idea of loyalty programs. But they don’t love having to keep track of passwords, expiry dates and other moving parts. That’s what makes AwardWallet so indispensable.
7 Reasons You Need AwardWallet
Manage your array of programs.
The main function of the AwardWallet website and app is to corral your loyalty programs in a holistic way. You simply enter your account information and password and AwardWallet does the rest, automatically updating your account balances and keeping track of expiry dates. It’s handy to be able to view all your accounts in one place and be able to store your account numbers and passwords when you want to make or check a reservation.
Track family members’ accounts.
Maybe you’re a points geek and your spouse is much more laid back about keeping track. If you want to make sure you’re not collectively leaving points on the table, you can add multiple accounts for family members and track their rewards as well.
Automatically log in to travel accounts.
Once you’ve loaded your travel accounts to AwardWallet, it’s an easy one-step click to log in to any program you want to reference. No looking up the number in once place and then logging in to the travel program app. Just select the account you want, and your loyalty program account will open in a new tab.
Keep your points from expiring.
While loyalty programs like to pretend that they have super generous expiration periods, in truth your points will expire if you let your account remain dormant. Typically, you need to have some activity within a year or 18 months to keep your points from disappearing. AwardWallet will send you email reminders or text alerts when you’re coming up to an expiration date.
Use ’em before you lose ’em.
If you’ve got a lot of accounts, it can be hard to keep track of all the perks you’ve earned, from free nights and bonus miles to discounts and other awards. Many of these types of perks come and go, and it would be a shame to lose out just because you forgot it was there. AwardWallet makes it easier to see what you’ve got to work with.
Link to your travel reservations.
If you travel frequently, you may have found yourself making a reservation and then forgetting to link it to your rewards program. AwardWallet can automatically link your reservation to your loyalty program.
Monitor your accounts for breaches.
Loyalty points have become a valuable commodity on the dark web, and hackers rely on the fact that most travelers do not routinely check their balances. AwardWallet will send you a weekly recap of changes to your accounts, so you can quickly see if something looks amiss.
What Else to Know About AwardWallet
AwardWallet offers a free version and a Plus version that costs $30 a year. The main difference is that the free account will display the expiration date of three accounts while the Plus version displays an unlimited number of accounts. Also, the Plus version displays more account properties and historical information and allows you to export your balance sheet to an Excel or PDF file.
Some airlines, including Delta, United and Southwest, prevent AwardWallet from logging into your accounts, claiming it violates their terms of use. In these cases, AwardWallet has a work-around: You can forward your statements directly to AwardWallet and it will take care of the rest. To automate the process, just log into your airline account, and change your email address to [AwardWallet username]@AwardWallet.com. Now your balances will be sent directly to AwardWallet.
Concerned about privacy? Be sure to opt for two-factor authentication to make it much more difficult for anyone else to access your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I rent car in another country?
A rental agency like Europcar, Avis or Hertz is the best way to accomplish this. These companies offer both short-term rentals or long-term leases. They have offices across Europe.
They are available to assist customers 24 hours a days, 7 days per week.
No previous experience is required to rent from them. They provide insurance and breakdown protection. All you need is to know where and when to arrive.
Can you rent car in Europe with a US licence?
It all depends on the country you are visiting. For instance, if you go to France, you may be able to rent cars there. However, you cannot rent cars to Italy if the country doesn’t accept US driver licenses.
What is the best European road trip?
You should take the time to stop and explore along your route, not just speeding from one place to another.
There are many great roads throughout Europe, but none quite as breathtaking as the route from Venice to Dubrovnik.
You will drive through stunning scenery most of your trip. There are numerous stops along the road to stop and take in all the sights.
Highlights include Torcello and Lido di Jesolo at Lake Garda, Northern Italy’s Dolomites & Lake Como, as well the Walled Medieval City of Carcassonne.
Can I rent a car in Italy and drop it off in France?
It is possible to rent an Italian car and drive it all over Europe, but this may not be feasible. However, you could use a service such as Europcar, which offers rentals all over Europe. You would need to contact them directly for information on renting cars in Italy and dropping them off at another location.
Statistics
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- I’d say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
External Links
alamo.com
kayak.com
avis.com
autoslash.com
How To
12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe
What should I know about renting a car in Europe
When you rent a car in Europe, there are many things you should know before driving off. The type of rental car that you choose will have a huge impact on your experience. This list contains essential tips to make sure your trip runs smoothly.
- Your insurance policy. Before you travel, make sure that your auto policy covers foreign travel. Find cheap car insurance abroad with our guide.
- The correct documents. A driver’s licence from your country and several identification cards (passports, visas, etc.) are required. You will need to show proof of where you are going and why. It is best to have all the documents you need in order to meet any deadlines.
- Road Rules. Follow local traffic laws and pay attention to signs indicating speed limits, one-way streets, and pedestrian crossings. Driving in an unfamiliar country could result is fines or even accidents.
- Parking rules. Many cities require drivers to park in designated areas only. Before arriving in town make sure you read the parking regulations.
- Gasoline. Gas prices vary by location and country, but generally, gas costs around three times more than that back home.
- Insurance requirements. Additional liability insurance may be required in certain countries for rentals that exceed 3 years. Check with your rental company about specifics.
- GPS navigation systems. GPS navigation systems are becoming increasingly popular among travelers. But if you’re unfamiliar with how to use them, make sure you bring along a map and ask for directions.
- Radio stations. Radio stations in your area might play music you don’t like. Don’t worry; press “0” to change the frequency to English.
- Seatbelts. Most European countries require seatbelts.
- Road tolls Road tolls can be found all over Europe. Most of them are paid at major intersections.
- Speeding tickets. Speeding is prohibited in large areas of Europe, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain.
- Tipping. Tipping is not as common in Europe as it is in North America. Tipping isn’t a customary practice anywhere in the world. Instead, give a number such as 10% to 15%.
