Travel Programs, Frequent Flyer, Hotel Rewards

I am a member of quite a few Airline and Hotel programs including credit cards that give you points for spending. I've found some to be more rewarding than others and they do really work.

Hilton Honors
Hyatt Goldpassport
Spg (starood)
Jouire davie
Continental One Wold
Delta Skymiles
AAirlines Advantage

Jet Blue

Elevate

These are just a few. Some work on points, some on miles. Some let you double dip (use the points in two places)  The programs often times offer incentives for earning more points or point stretching, just by joining things.

The credit cards are great, because you can earn point by paying your everyday bills on your credit card and paying them off at the end of the month, doing this helps you earn points FASTER!

Over the years our family has earned free airfare, hotel stays, food and upgrades, so I know that these programs do work.

We have been on international trips and believe me those free breakfasts, sodas, snacks really help out a family of 4. We love the Hyatt with it's Regency Club level and Hilton Honors. These programs have really shown through.

The only downfall is when the points expire.
With 911 pre Deltas bankruptcy, we noticed that all the credit card points/double dipped, all of a sudden became worth only half their value. Quite disappointing.

For the most part, I encourage you to join them! There are many websites dedicated to all these programs.

Here are a few: milepoint.com, flyertalk.com, expertflyer.c