In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, I’m joined by Iran—someone who proves you don’t need to do everything perfectly to travel big with points and miles. 

Iran started just like many of us: no clue about travel rewards, just a tempting Delta offer in her inbox. 

Fast forward a year, and she’s booked a $7,400+ trip to Kauai for her family—flights, Hyatt stay, lounge access, and upgrades included—for under $50. 

And now? She’s planning a $30,000 Europe adventure using points. 

Iran shares:

• How she got started with zero knowledge and one Delta card
• Her strategy for booking Hyatt stays and Virgin Atlantic flights
• Mistakes she made (including a Hyatt status mishap)
• Why flexible points came later—and how that actually helped
• Practical tips for beginners, including travel budgeting and credit card strategy

Iran’s story is down-to-earth and encouraging, especially if you’re just starting out or still figuring it all out.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Lazy Budget Travel Tips
• 01:14 Iran's Journey into Travel Rewards
• 02:13 First Steps with Travel Credit Cards
• 05:15 Diving Deeper into Points and Miles
• 06:39 First Redemption and Kauai Trip
• 08:52 Booking Strategies and Tips
• 16:31 Upcoming Europe Trip Plans
• 24:33 The Value of Small Redemptions
• 25:16 Starting with Co-Branded Credit Cards
• 25:58 Flexible Points and Credit Card Strategies
• 29:26 Debunking Credit Card Myths
• 33:15 Rapid Fire Questions
• 43:39 Dream Destinations and Final Thoughts

Links + Mentions:

• Follow Iran’s travel adventures on Instagram: @myvacationstation
• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group to share your wins, ask questions, and suggest future episode topics

Support the show

Full episodes, including video, are available on Youtube.

Check out more from Genni:

• Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group
• Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course
• Follow Genni on Instagram
• Traveling Franklins Blog
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