This is the time of year when I start dreaming about my family’s annual early-summer vacation. I don’t know if it’s the crazy buildup to the holidays, the end of the fiscal year work crunch, or the cold and rainy weather. It’s this planning phase that gets me through the day is knowing that, in just a few months, I’ll soon be relaxing on a beach.

One of the most important recommendations I give to new business travelers is to join the rewards programs for any airlines, car rentals companies, and hotels they’ll use during work trips. As a frequent business traveler, one of the major perks of being on the road are the points and miles I accumulate while I’m away from my family that we can use toward our grand vacation. In the past we’ve gone to places like Puerto Rico, Mexico, Florida, Colorado, Napa Valley, and Galveston. These vacations wouldn’t be possible without maximizing our points from flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. (Pictured, left: The Mini Warrior admiring the view from our hotel near Sanibel Island, FL)

A great way to maximize points is by taking advantage of special promotions from your rewards programs. These promos allow you to earn points at a faster rate, sometimes doubling or tripling what you would earn otherwise. One of my favorite annual promotions is One Two Free from National Car Rental, which through its award-winning Emerald Club, rewards registered members with one free rental day* for every two qualifying rentals.

So think about it: Though this promotion, you could rent a car for work trips during the dreary winter months in places where the weather is less than welcoming, and use the bonus points toward free rentals while on vacation. Sounds like a win-win to me! If you’re interested in registering for the promotion or signing up to become an Emerald Club member, you can click here to register and begin booking your rental car. (Pictured, right: I swear that black speck is a dolphin!)

The trick is that you need to plan your trips strategically, and therefore how you’re redeeming your points strategically. In June 2017, the Home Warrior, the Mini Warrior, and I left the 2-year-old twins at home with my parents and traveled to Sanibel Island, Florida. Every major piece of our fabulous trip was possible because of points I accumulated during business trips the previous year. We spent four incredible days at the beach, stayed in a huge suite, enjoyed incredible food, drove around the island in a sweet SUV, and because of points and miles, we only paid for some of the taxes and food.

When I was planning the trip, I realized that I was going to be short some of the points I needed. It was only due to bonus promotions like One Two Free that we were able to have our dreamy beach getaway.

Here’s how One Two Free works:

• If you’re already a member of National’s Emerald Club, register for the promotion here. If you’re not a member you can join today and be automatically registered.
• Earn enough points for one free rental day* for every two qualifying rentals during the earning period that goes through February 28, 2019, and redeem them during the redemption period that runs through June 13, 2019.
• Earn even more points by using Emerald Checkout on the newly upgraded National app, renting in three different countries, completing three qualifying rentals, and other bonuses.

So where do you want to go next spring or summer? The beach? The mountains? A tour of wineries? Wherever you go, One Two Free will help you get there! Sign up for One Two Free here, and use your work travel to get that much closer to your dream getaway. (Pictured, right: A beautiful sunset to end a beautiful trip)

* Free Day covers base rate (Time and Mileage) only but does not apply to taxes, license recoupment/air tax recovery, concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuel, one-way rental charge, additional driver fee, or optional items, which are the responsibility of the renter. Qualifying Rental is a paid rental via Emerald Club® of a Midsize or larger vehicle for two or more consecutive days. Go to https://promos.emeraldclub.com/12Free2018/?t=1 for additional terms and conditions.

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