Sep 22nd, 2008
Making the Most of Miles
In the midst of gas-guzzling prices for travel these days, you’re probably thinking you’ll stay home, but what about the miles you’ve racked up for all of your business travels? You’ve probably got a bunch of miles on one carrier, or a few on this airline and a few on that. You even have travel rewards points from using your credit card. Airlines and travel rewards companies are banking on the fact that most people don’t use their points and miles. However, you could be sitting on a gold-mine, but it probably seems more like a quagmire, as trying to make sense of all of the rules, restrictions and blackout dates can be a nightmare.
That’s where The Mileage Bookie comes in. April Schoen has the magical know-how to tap into that treasure-trove of miles and points. You won’t have the hassle of figuring out how to use what miles when and where. She will do all the work for you, and get you on that vacation that you’ve wanted to take. She’ll even book traditional travel plans using real dollars or add-ons to your mileage trip, as she is soon to be a full-service travel agent. Most traditional travel agents won’t bother with dealing with your miles and points. That’s what sets The Mileage Bookie apart.
A little goes a long way when it comes to Schoen’s willingness to help her clients have the best travel experience. For a nominal fee she will not only put your entire trip together, but offer tips on what to do, how not to let your miles expire, or even what to do with miles that will expire that you don’t plan to use for yourself. “I tend to be a bargain hunter”, says Schoen. “I get excited about finding deals and sharing info with people.”
The Mileage Bookie has vast knowledge of the travel business and the inner workings of code-shares. During her many years in the travel business she has worked for companies such as Starwood and SAS. Schoen has had to work with VIP’s who were very particular about their travel needs, so she is meticulous and knows how to best utilize your miles and points for the things you want. She even knows how you can easily gain more miles from every day things like going to the grocery store.
Schoen realized that starting her own business would give her the opportunity to be more flexible and happier. She says, “Happiness is more important than money.” From the get-go she was good at organizing; she started her first business organizing birthday parties for children. Then a friend wanted to go to Hawaii for vacation and tried to figure out how to use mileage to get herself and her family there. After three frustrating hours of getting nowhere, she called for help. In 45 minutes, The Mileage Bookie whipped together an ideal itinerary for the whole family using miles. A new business was born as friends and associates appreciated the value of her services and became regular clients.
A relatively new business, The Mileage Bookie just launched in July. Schoen has started to do e-mail marketing to friends, family and other contacts hoping that they will spread the word. She has also networked at several area business events, and she will be partnering with other agencies. Right now she is focused locally, with plans to grow nationally.
For more information:
The Mileage Bookie
http://www.themileagebookie.com
