Whether in the retirement years or in the last few years of your career, after you’re done raising your kids, you are ready to think about traveling and seeing the world. Yet there are many costs associated with traveling, and often your accommodations are one of the largest. You can help lower these costs by joining hotel rewards and loyalty programs. If you use these programs correctly, you can significantly cut the costs of your hotel stay while still enjoying luxurious and comfortable accommodations throughout the duration of your stay.

Choose and Join the Best Hotel Rewards Program

While each hotel rewards program works slightly differently than the next, they all operate on the same basic premise. Instead of looking at which one offers the best perks, instead, look at which ones are from hotels you frequent. Find a hotel rewards program with a chain you enjoy visiting, and then join it. Signing up is typically done through the website for that chain and involves entering your contact information and some personal details. If you aren’t sure where to start, look at one of the following:

• IHG One Rewards
• World of Hyatt
• Hilton Honors
• Marriott Bonvoy

Keep in mind that there may be more hotels covered by the rewards program than just those listed in the name. For example, Marriott Bonvoy has over 30 hotel brands in its rewards program. Signing up for these programs should be free, so you have nothing to lose.

Book Through Your Account

Once you are a member, book hotel stays through your account. You will earn points every time you do. Those points can be turned in for free hotel stays and travel experiences on your next trip.

Most loyalty programs offer special incentives, such as double points for particular destinations, that can help you gain points more quickly. If these align with your travel goals and plans, take advantage of them.

Earn More Points with Your Credit Card

Another way to earn points with your hotel loyalty program is to apply for and use a branded credit card. These cards connect to your loyalty program, and you earn rewards based on your purchases. Often, if you purchase your hotel stay on your co-branded credit card, you earn even more points.

Spend Your Points on Travel

Once you have accumulated your points, start spending them. Before you do, spend some time getting to know the awards available through your loyalty program. Many people will redeem their points for hotel stays, but you may find that you get more bang for each reward “buck” if you turn them in for credits at partner airlines or cruise lines.

Level Up

As you earn points, look for ways to earn your program’s elite status. Elite status earns you additional perks like late checkout, bonus points, free meals, or free bottled water in your room. While each program is different, most offer the option to earn elite status by booking at specific properties on elite qualifying nights. When you accumulate enough of these, you will earn elite status, and you can rise through the ranks by earning even more. If you have travel flexibility, try to book during these elite qualifying periods. You can also jump to elite status by using an elite rewards credit card co-branded for your hotel rewards program.

It takes a little bit of time and practice to learn to use these points programs to the fullest, but even a beginner can start earning points simply by signing up and signing in, then booking through that sign-in link. With rewards programs, travel and leisure throughout your retirement is attainable at a more affordable price than you think.