I recently received an application in the mail for the American Express Gold Card.  The application was paired with a sign on bonus of 50,000 points if I spent $1,000 in the first 3 months.  While the 50,000 bonus points were tempting, I originally ignored the application.

Earlier this week I started to research health/evacuation insurance for my yearlong adventure.  After reading numerous blogs and accounts written by individuals much more traveled than myself, I decided once again to purchase insurance through World Nomads.  The World Nomads website asks you to list your destination countries; the date your trip will begin and duration you wish the insurance to remain active.  After inputting all my relevant information, World Nomads quoted me just over $1,300 for a 12-month policy.  I was prepared to purchase this coverage when I remembered the American Express Gold Card application and the $1,000 benchmark for 50,000 points.  I applied for the card and was approved.  After I use it to purchase my insurance, I’ll be one step closer to acquiring the necessary points needed to fly first or business class on one flight during my yearlong adventure.

I am a mere novice when it comes to the world of credit cards, miles, and rewards.  A couple of websites I often visit are The Points Guy, Million Mile Secrets, and Frugal Travel Guy.  These websites provide a wealth of information on different credit cards and the benefits and drawbacks of each.