Ways to support Out and Out during the COVID-19 pandemic

What a strange time to be a travel blogger. And what an especially strange time to be a travel blogger who’s also interested in personal finance topics. I can’t travel, and the economy is going through one of the rockiest, decline-iest, bear market-yist times in a generation – or a lifetime. #iquit #not

There’s no question page views and blog revenues are declining right now. There’s simply lack of interest and people are more preoccupied with daily existence rather than aspirational trips and points balances. I’m still here and ready to get back those types of reports. Trust me, I’m ready to book an epic trip the second things return to normal (in my cabin fever haze).

But what really rattled me was when my company slashed everyone’s salary and started cutting expenses left and right. So now I’m low-key worried about my future and thought – well, there’s no harm in asking for support. Plus, many readers might not know there are so many ways to support the blogs they enjoy. Including mine.

It’s always been hard for me to ask for support. But I figure nothing ventured, nothing gained. And oh, how I’d like to venture right now!

Cheers to the many years this blog has been around

Many of the ways you can support are super simple – by clicking a link at no cost to you. Affiliate links are free for you and directly support the blogger of your choice – including me.

And most links have a benefit to you in the form of promotions for services we’re mutually interested in.

I encourage everyone to support the blogs, little guys, small businesses, and local joints they love – we need you more than ever during this pandemic. So please please please use our links!

I will also go ahead and say thank you for the first of many times throughout this post. Thank you for your support!

Ways to support Out and Out

When I started this blog in March 2013, I had no real plan or goal for it. I threw out ideas I had about banks, card, points, miles, and general travel – and what do ya know? People responded. Those people formed my tribe of followers.

That was seven years ago. Over time, I’ve leaned into the craft of blogging and use this forum as a way to hone my writing and personal interests. Along the way, I’ve made many friends, attended conferences, hosted meetups, and consistently written about my journeys throughout the points and miles world.

What I’ve come to learn is that travel is my biggest passion. So the thought of being locked away without being able to step on a plane whenever I want is kind of crazy. I’m grateful for all the trips I’ve taken – I couldn’t name a favorite if I tried – and hope to take more again soon. It’s best that we stay inside until this virus subsides. But as a born traveler, it’s taking a different kind of toll on me.

For now, we all have to get through the next few months. Myself included.

First pass at designing the Out and Out logo

If any of these things below can benefit you and you want to directly support the blog, please use my links and codes. I appreciate the support as I try to sell my Dallas place and hold on to my job for as long as I can.

Looking forward to the next evolution… whatever that’s going to look like. Grateful for any support right now.

Earn and burn

Right now is an excellent time to:

Accumulate miles and points
Run test searches for routes your interested in
Recalibrate your cards and loyalty programs
Dream about new trips
Look for new travel opportunities
Earn cashback on your daily supplies

So while we can’t redeem points right now, we can certainly start collecting miles to get ready for the time comes when can redeem them.

And as crappy as hotels and airlines have been over the past decade, I think we’ll see a time when they’ll have to soften their requirements – especially as travel slowly ramps back up in a post-virus world. We might even already be in another recession. Remember 2010 and how they threw the world at us?

With that, here are ways you can support Out and Out directly.

Sign up for new credit cards

Many banks have pulled their credit cards from affiliate relationships. But there are still some cards that remain, like:

Select Chase cards (personal and small business)
Amex personal cards
Wells Fargo Propel Amex – my review
A few US Bank cards
And a few others I can’t mention because of compliance

Here are my links if you want to explore:

Travel rewards credit cards
Airline credit cards
Hotel credit cards
Cashback credit cards
Small business credit cards

If there’s a card you find that you’ve been meaning to apply for and it’s the best available public offer, thank you for using my link!

I get my links through CardRatings, and they have been an amazing partner with me for a couple of years by now. So when you see CardRatings, just know you’re in the right place.