The prior two posts explain why this publication exists and how I make decisions in practice. This page is a combination of these concepts into the rules I actually carry with me when planning travel, evaluating points, or deciding when something is not worth doing.

They are shaped by years of global work travel, followed by years of family travel across continents. Over time, patterns emerge. Some things consistently matter. Many do not.

These principles will guide everything I write.

1. The flight is simply a way to get there

Comfort is nice, but it is not the purpose. I compare the extra cost of business class to the economy ticket I would have bought. If the difference is small, I might take it. If it is large, the money is better used on the ground.

2. Your hotel choice should match the purpose of the trip

A family trip needs space and safety. A couples trip benefits from a great room and a memorable setting. A solo stopover only needs to be clean and simple. The purpose dictates the spend.

3. Points turn expensive rooms into rational rooms

I rarely use points for cheap hotels. I use them to reduce the cost of quality. A $600 room that becomes $200 through a certificate or redemption is good value. A $125 room bought with points usually is not.

4. Value is region specific

Southeast Asia gives exceptional returns. Europe is tighter. The United States varies by city and season. I let geography guide the strategy.

5. Status is most useful when it replaces spending

Breakfast, upgrades, check-in flexibility, and late checkout remove real costs from a trip. Status is a practical tool. It is not a lifestyle.

6. Family travel multiplies every decision

Every small choice scales when you have four, five, or six people on the road. I value things that save time, simplify logistics, or keep costs under control. Luxury is optional. Convenience is not.

7. Cash is still king when the price is right

I redeem only when points beat the cash rate by a clear margin. If the cash price is fair, I use cash. The goal is to optimise, not to force redemptions.

8. Never optimise for screenshots

Theoretical cents per point do not matter if the redemption complicates the trip. I focus on outcomes, not photos of boarding passes or upgrade confirm emails.

9. A good trip beats a clever trick

Travel is not a spreadsheet competition. It is a life. A redemption is good only if it improves the journey.

10. Optimisation is the whole game

Make the trip better. Spend less for more. Save the big swings for the experiences that deserve it.

Most travel advice is built for beginners trying to hack one holiday a year. ExpatVista is written for people who travel because this is their life. Optimisation beats performance. Results beat screenshots. Welcome to the real game.