Quote Originally Posted by HyundaiTripper View Post
I've taken 2 long road trips in the past 2 years, and I've saved a LOT of money by getting rewards credit cards before the trip. For example, the Priority Club Visa (from Chase I think) gave us points for getting the card, and more points for using the card one time. We had enough points to stay free twice during our trip.
You must join the hotel rewards programs, which you can do for free on their web sites. Join all of them, and keep your ID number and password in your wallet on the trip. NEVER STAY AT A HOTEL WITHOUT JOINING THE REWARD PROGRAM. Even if you don't get a free night soon, you'll end up getting one later.
We did the same thing with another card for the next trip, and were able to stay at Comfort Suites free also. We used the cards for gas on our trips, which saved us from carrying hundreds of dollars, then we paid off the balance after our trip. Free stays, free credit, and no charges, can't beat that!
Definitely agree with the always getting a rewards program whenever you go out and stay in a hotel. My credit card company has got agreements with some rewards programs so I can use the points I earned from my credit card towards a free night or two at a hotel that's part of their rewards program.