How I've earned over a million credit card points to travel the world
Over the last eight years, David Do, 33, has enjoyed "travel hacking," or the practice of maximizing rewards programs and credit card points to earn discounted travel. He has earned over a million credit card points across over 30 cards and has traveled to 33 countries. Earning $78,000 annually, David works remotely as a social worker, which allows him the flexibility to pursue his passion for traveling.
This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.
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Miami Herald
17 hours ago
- Miami Herald
15 Jaw-Dropping One-Day Bucket List Hikes Around the Globe
I'm a travel-loving mom, wife, and firm believer that fresh air fixes (almost) everything. Whether we're hiking an active volcano, wandering through a sleepy seaside town, or enjoying a picnic in the mountain wilderness of Sedona, I'm all about getting my family out into the world and soaking up every bit of its jaw-dropping beauty. But let me be clear: I love a good adventure, not chaos. As long as what we're doing doesn't require a Sherpa or a week off from my busy schedule as a working mom, I'm all in. So I've made it my mission to explore smarter. That means finding the kinds of experiences that are big on wonder, low on stress. Think memorable one-day hikes, charming small towns that don't need an itinerary, and family adventures that fill your camera roll and your heart – but not your suitcase with unnecessary gear. Because travel should inspire, not exhaust. And yes, you can have a wild, beautiful adventure, without losing your mind in the process. So here are 13 epic one-day hikes that all the family will appreciate… Get more adventure travel inspiration with our newsletter! You can't actually hike up to the sign itself. The closest you'll get is the overlook behind it, which still offers a stellar panoramic views. The sign is fenced off and heavily secured to prevent up-close visits but don't fret, it's thrilling to be so close to such an iconic sign. Super cheat: If you want someone else to handle the logistics join a guided hike, and simply follow along as you noodle your way through the Hollywood Hills, towards the peak. Tour companies like have a 1 hour hike which is the most efficient way to reach the sign. To reach the top of the sign and view it from behind, pick a longer tour and allow 2.5 hours. More info: Hollywood Sign. Why it's epic: These jagged limestone peaks look like a backdrop from The Sound of Music – but with better coffee. The Dolomites offer jaw-dropping panoramas, rugged beauty, and trails rich with history. Cortina d'Ampezzo, dubbed "The Queen of the Dolomites," is a Best of the Alps destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. How to do it: Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, a six-mile, family-friendly trail with unforgettable Alpine views. Arrive early to snag a parking spot at the trailhead or hop on a public bus. For more adventure, take the Lagazuoi cable car and explore WWI-era tunnels or via ferrata trails with a licensed mountain guide. Super cheat: We booked with Gruppo Guide Alpine Cortina – and honestly, I wouldn't have done it without our expert guide, David. He made it safer, smoother, and far more memorable (meaning mom could enjoy the day too!). In the Dolomites, an expert guide enabled us to go further and higher faster than I would have ever endeavored on our own. More info:Cortina Tourism | Best of the Alps | Cortin Trekking Experience Why it's epic: Skip the full Inca Trail and opt for this equally rewarding (and shorter) climb. Machu Picchu Mountain offers a heart-pounding ascent and panoramic views over the Sacred Valley that feel straight out of an ancient dream. How to do it: You need to buy a Circuit 1 + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket in advance from the Peruvian Government website. The trail takes about three to four hours in total, and is steep, but the views at nearly 10,000 feet are breathtaking. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and sunscreen and aim to catch the sunrise if you can. Super cheat: We took the train from Ollantaytambo, followed by a wild switchback bus ride to the ruins. It's a long journey so build in at least two days on-site for this expedition. I was immediately struck by its ancient history. Having a guide, Mario, was invaluable – he really brought the 15th-century citadel to life and we left feeling more educated and entertained. More info: Machu Picchu Official Site | Mountain Trail Guide Why it's epic: They call it "The Chief" for a reason. This granite behemoth offers jaw-dropping views of Howe Sound and the surrounding forests. How to do it: The Stawamus Chief is the distinctive towering mountain that overlooks the town of Squamish about halfway between Whistler and the moderate nine-mile out-and-back trail. There are three peaks to choose from, each one more stunning than the last. Bring layers because it can get chilly. Super cheat: If this hike is too much,take the Sea to Sky Gondola (which starts near the Chief trailhead) to a different spot and walk any number of short loops and trails. You can also sign up for the Via Ferrata route at the top of the gondola with Mountain Skills Academy. Note that "The Chief" trailhead and Sea to Sky trail only intersect about a quarter of the way up either. More info: Whistler Sea to Sky Gondola | Satwamus Chief Trail | Mountain Skills Academy Why it's epic: Wandering through a storybook gorge of crashing waterfalls, glowing blue pools, and misty cliffs, is like stepping into a Brothers Grimm tale. How to do it: The Partnach Gorge trail is just under two miles, making it a breeze for kids or low-effort adventurers. Want a little more? Continue up to Eckbauerbahn for classic Bavarian Alps views. You'll stroll along narrow limestone pathways as waterfalls and rapids roar beside you. It's dramatic, magical, and completely unforgettable. Super charge your adventure: Don't skip Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. Hop on the cable car for a swift ride to 9,700 feet, where you'll find sweeping alpine views from a huge observation deck. We felt like we were walking through the clouds as we were elevated in every way. There are a few hiking trails (short but steep, hiking boots essential) to make you feel like you've ventured to the top of the world. More info: Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Zugspitze Info | Partnach Gorge Why it's epic: Hike the warm-weather version of one of the world's most iconic ski runs. With postcard-worthy views, mountain air, and rustic huts serving schnitzel and apple strudel, it's peak Austria in every sense. How to do it: Start in Kitzbühel and take the Hahnenkamm gondola up to the mountaintop station. From there, follow the Panoramaweg trail, a scenic, well-marked three-hour hike with sweeping Alpine views and plenty of photo ops. The area boasts more than 1,000 km of trails and was the first in the Alps to receive a European hiking quality seal. Super cheat: Break up the day with a meal at Hahnenkammstüberl, a cozy mountain hut serving hearty Austrian fare. At a spectacular lunch with a view we watched paragliders launch as we sipped coffee. More info: Visit Kitzbühel | Panoramaweg Trail Why it's epic: Climbing Mount Fuji is the ultimate bucket-list experience. It's Japan's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering an awe-inspiring journey above the clouds. Watching the sunrise from the summit (called Goraiko) is magical. How to do it: The Yoshida Trail is the most popular and beginner-friendly of Fuji's four routes. The 8.1-mile climb begins at the 5th Station and winds its way up with several mountain huts and rest stops. Open from early July to mid-September, the trail can get busy, especially during the Obon holiday or on weekends. It's recommended to stay in a mountain hut overnight and summit at dawn. Super cheat: Buy a wooden walking stick at the base and get it stamped at each station – an unforgettable souvenir. Book buses in advance from Tokyo for a seamless start. More info: Climbing Mt. Fuji | Express Buses Why it's epic: With 275 thundering waterfalls straddling Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is a full-sensory experience – think rainbows, toucans, and misty jungle magic. The raw power of the Devil's Throat will leave you speechless – and drenched! How to do it: Take the Circuito Superior trail, a 1.5-mile elevated walkway with epic views of the upper falls. For a deeper adventure, ride the Rainforest Ecological Train to Devil's Throat first thing in the morning as wait times soar later. Add the lower circuit (1.8 miles) for views of smaller cascades and access to boat tours. Super cheat: Book the speedboat tour for an adrenaline rush and close-up views. Yes, you'll get soaked, but it's unforgettable – most memorably, our captain drove us straight under the falls! More info: Argentina Travel | Iguazú National Park Why it's epic: A true icon, Table Mountain is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature; once you see the panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and Robben Island, you'll understand why. It's wild, dramatic, and incredibly photogenic. How to do it: Prefer fewer edges? This is your trail. Platteklip Gorge, at just 1.8 miles one-way, is the most direct route to the summit. This may not be the laziest hike – it can get steep with significant elevation gain – but it's not technical and is essentially a giant rocky staircase. You can do the climb in about two to three hours and glide back down via cable car (book in advance). Super cheat: For the laziest route to the top, take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway both ways for the summit experience without breaking a sweat. Or, try the more scenic (but tougher) India Venster route, if you're feeling bold. More info:Table Mountain Cableway | Hike Table Mountain Why it's epic: It's the shot you've seen a hundred times on Instagram but trust us, the real thing blows the filters out of the water. Roy's Peak serves up jaw-dropping views over Lake Wānaka and the snow-dusted Southern Alps that feel almost too perfect to be real. How to do it: Start from the Roy's Peak Track carpark on Mt Aspiring Road and prepare for a leg-burning 9.9-mile (16km) out-and-back hike. With no shade and relentless incline, this six hour trek isn't for the faint-hearted but the summit makes every sweaty step and sheep encounter worth it. Pack sunscreen, water, and a hat. No technical skills needed, just sheer grit. Super cheat: Get there early because parking fills up fast. Also, avoid 1 Oct-10 Nov (when they're closed for lambing), and be ready for crowds. If you're an early bird, plan a sunrise mission for fewer people and next-level views. More info: Roy's Peak Track – DOC Why it's epic: There's nothing like standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon to make you feel very, very small. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, this mile-deep marvel is pure geological theatre. With towering red rock walls, surreal desert light, and sweeping views that shift with every step, hiking here feels like wandering through the Earth's most dramatic open-air museum. How to do it: Day hikers have plenty of choices, from scenic strolls to calf-burning canyon descents. For a relaxed option, stick to the Rim Trail, a mostly flat, 13-mile paved path with shuttle stops every mile or so. Want a challenge? Tackle a section of the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point or descend the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa for bigger payoffs and fewer crowds. Super cheat: For less effort, use the free park shuttle to pick and choose sections of the Rim Trail. Head out early for magical lighting and cooler temps. More info: Rim Trail – Grand Canyon Trust | Grand Canyon National Park Why it's epic: The Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyon's celebrity hike for a reason. Hugging the canyon's cliffside with jaw-dropping views the entire way down, it's a classic for first-timers and return visitors alike. This well-maintained trail lets you truly descend into the heart of the canyon, passing through layers of time, sandstone, and unreal scenery. How to do it: Start at the South Rim trailhead and hike down to the 3-Mile Resthouse, which gives you a solid 6-mile round trip and over 2,000 feet of elevation change. Expect four to six hours round-trip. Feeling strong? Continue to Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Garden) for a full nine-mile adventure. Super cheat: Pressed for time or energy? Turn around at the 1st Tunnel, 2nd Tunnel, or 1.5-Mile Resthouse for a shorter, still spectacular hike. Watch your step as mules use this trail too – and let's just say they leave behind souvenirs! More info:Bright Angel Trail – NPS Why it's epic: It's not every day you hike near an active volcano through rainforest alive with wildlife. With views of the Arenal Volcano and encounters with sloths, colourful frogs, and tropical birds, this hike is part National Geographic special, part nature therapy. A bonus is that it includes meaningful cultural immersion with Costa Rica's Indigenous Maleku community. How to do it: Two great trails offer different vibes. Firstly, the Arenal Volcano Trail is around three miles there and back through jungle paths to a volcano viewpoint. Expect to hike for around 90 minutes. Or head to the Ecocentro Danaus Ecological Reserve, for a short but rewarding half-mile loop through a private biological preserve, packed with wildlife sightings and cultural insight. Perfect for slow walkers and those who are less fit. Super cheat: Stick to Ecocentro Danaus for a laid-back loop with major wildlife payoffs. Combine both trails in one day to satisfy your inner explorer without overdoing it. More info: Visit Costa Rica | Ecocentro Danaus Why it's epic: This 5.5-mile, three to four hour hike delivers pure alpine magic; think crystal-clear lakes, wildflowers, and iconic views of the Matterhorn reflected in its still waters. The Five Lakes Walk is a moderately easy trail that feels anything but ordinary, winding through meadows and forests with dramatic peaks always in sight. It's a dream for photographers and casual hikers alike. How to do it: From Zermatt, take the Sunneggabahn funicular to Blauherd, where the trail begins. Follow the 5-Seenweg signs past five scenic lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Three offer perfect Matterhorn mirror moments, especially on calm days. The trail has gentle inclines and plenty of places to stop, rest, or picnic with a view. Super cheat: If you have children, head to the small alpine lake, The Leisee, for a barbecue and swim stop. It's a magical experience – kids love jumping off the lake's raft. More info: Sunneggabahn to Blauherd | Zermatt Tourism Why it's epic: A true alpine adventure in one of Europe's smallest (and most overlooked) countries, this 7.5-mile loop rewards hikers with panoramic views of both the Swiss and Austrian Alps. From the ridgeline, drink in the sight of the dramatic Falknis chain, the Schesaplanastock, and deep valleys stretching into Malbun, Gamperdona, and Valüna. It's a breathtaking way to explore a country that some people cross on foot in one day. How to do it: Start in Malbun and follow the Fürstin-Gina-Weg trail, a moderate-to-challenging five hour loop that ascends to the Augstenberg summit, skirting the Austrian border. The route is well-marked and scenic, but there's significant half mile elevation, so not for beginners or tiny children. Super cheat: Take the chairlift to Sareis, then hike from Sareiserjoch to skip around 1,000 feet of climb and save about 45 minutes. Feeling lazy? Book an e-bike instead of hiking, via the website below. More info:Liechtenstein Tourism From rainforest volcanoes to canyon-carving trails, these 15 epic bucket-list hikes deliver a serious wow factor, with varying degrees of effort. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Argentina, altitude in Japan, or postcard-perfect views in Austria and South Africa, each trail has its own magic. You don't have to be an elite trekker to enjoy them either as clever shortcuts, cable cars, and scenic turnarounds make most of these adventures accessible. Just pack your boots, water, and a sense of awe. Because no matter how far you go, the views, wildlife, and wild stories you'll collect along the way are what make each trail totally unforgettable. Happy hiking! The Faroe Islands Await: Unleash Your Inner Explorer with this Hiking GuideHere's What You Need to Know about the Trek to Everest Base Camp NepalClimb Sydney Bridge for a Once-in-a-Lifetime AdventureBucket List Hike: Conquer the Wave in Arizona with Confidence16 Breathtaking Yosemite Hiking Trails for EveryoneOlympic National Park Itinerary: Three Perfectly Green Days of Hiking The post 15 Jaw-Dropping One-Day Bucket List Hikes Around the Globe appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
CNBC
a day ago
- CNBC
36-year-old travels the world in a Toyota Tacoma: After 3 years on the road, this is her No. 1 takeaway
In 2015, Ashley Kaye's father died and she inherited her childhood home in Waterford, Wisconsin. At the time, she was 27 years old, working in corporate healthcare and transitioning to a consulting job, where she worked 80 to 100 hours a week. "I worked from home, so I just walked from my bedroom to my office to the kitchen and repeat," Kaye, now 36, tells CNBC Make It. "I was a zombie in those times," While traveling, Kaye met someone on a scuba diving trip in Honduras who helped her realize what she wanted was to leave her career behind and travel full-time. "We just hit it off and chatted the whole time I was there. We spoke about the worst of the worst, the best of the best, and financials, too," Kaye says. "He told me he wished he had done it sooner because it's so much easier and cheaper than you think. That changed everything for me. I went home and worked more and more until I quit the next year." Kaye spent the next three years traveling during the covid-19 pandemic. While on a trip to South Africa, she received unexpected news that her aunt was ill and she'd need to fly back home to Wisconsin. "That flight was probably the moment where not a single ounce of my being was like 'Yay, I'm going home.' It was like, 'I don't want to be here. This isn't it for me.'," she says. "I love being on the islands. I love having the ocean near me. That took away the hesitation I had in previous years about selling the house." While Kaye was back home caring for her aunt, she prepared her childhood home for sale and considered her next move. She thought a lot about trying van life and living and traveling with her dog. "Traveling by plane with a dog just sounded like a terrible idea," she says. "I do a lot of photography, so I knew I wanted something where I could reach tougher destinations." While waiting for the sale of her home to close, a couple reached out to Kaye on Instagram to ask about her time in South Africa. They shared their experience overlanding in a Toyota truck with a camper in the truck bed. Overlanding is a form of self-reliant travel that involves adventuring to remote destinations, typically in a vehicle of some type. After doing a bit of her own research, Kaye was all-in and purchased a Toyota Tacoma truck for $42,934, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. Kaye picked up the truck in South Dakota and drove it back to Wisconsin to finish packing up her home when it officially sold in March 2023. Now that her new home was the truck, Kaye set off on her first adventure: A drive down to Baja California, Mexico. She stayed there for three months and planned out the renovations she would need to make the truck more livable. "My life is kind of like 'the plan is there is no plan.' Most people plan this type of adventure for years. I didn't even have a truck when I accepted the offer on my house," she says. "It was very spur of the moment, so I needed to take a pause and figure things out." While living in Mexico, Kaye found an American company that made the truck bed replacements that would provide external storage and make it easier for her to live and travel in the Toyota Tacoma. But, the installation couldn't happen until September. In the meantime, Kaye learned as much as she could about the truck and the kind of camper she would need. She estimates that she has spent over $50,000 on the renovations. Costs included purchasing a camper, adding solar power, replacing the truck bed, upgrading the suspension, new tires, customizing a bumper, and installing an electric cooler. When the truck was ready, Kaye decided to journey the Pan-American Highway, starting in Denver. The highway stretches from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina. "It's really an incredible way to travel because you get to set your own pace and if you find somewhere that's beautiful and peaceful you can stay as long as you want," Kaye says. "But there's pros and cons to every mode of travel and a lot of red tape and logistics crossing borders. It can be exhausting, especially when you're alone. You have to find a balance that works for you, but overall, it's definitely one of the coolest adventures of my lifetime." Since living and traveling in the truck full-time, Kaye has visited Mexico, every country in Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and parts of Argentina. In total, she's been to over 20 countries so far. "I don't want to be a cliché and say it's a dream life because it's a lot of work and there are a lot of things that you need to take care of and maintain," she says. "But it's really incredible to be able to wake up and just look at the map and say, 'Should I go sleep inside this volcano or go to the jungle or go to the beach?' You have a lot of really beautiful options, so I can't really complain." After all this time on the road, Kaye says the biggest lesson she's learned is that life is too short. "Ever since I started traveling, [I learned] life is just too short. You don't have to go and quit your career to travel the world but whatever your dreams and goals are in life just start now and everything else is just figuring out a goal," she says. Kaye says when she was younger, it was her dad who taught her that she was capable of anything. "I grew up with my dad raising me and telling me every day 'You can be anything you want when you grow up and you can do anything,'" she says. "He was 57 when he passed away, so he never even got to retire. His passing taught me how to live life because you never know how much time you have in life."
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Time Business News
Nairobi National Park Safari Tours: What to Expect
Just minutes away from Kenya's bustling capital city lies one of Africa's most unique wildlife destinations — Nairobi National Park. Unlike any other in the world, this park offers the incredible chance to see wild animals roaming freely with the city skyline in the background. Nairobi National Park safari tours are perfect for travelers with limited time who still want an authentic African safari experience. In this article, we'll explore what to expect, how to book, what to see, and tips to make the most of your visit. Nairobi National Park is the only national park located within a capital city. Established in 1946, it covers around 117 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes — all just 7 km from downtown Nairobi. What makes it special: You can do a full safari in just half a day . . See animals against the backdrop of skyscrapers . . Easily accessible from the airport or city hotels. Despite its relatively small size, Nairobi National Park is teeming with wildlife: Spotting lions in the early morning or late afternoon is common. Guides know where they usually rest or hunt. The park is a sanctuary for endangered black rhinos, offering a rare opportunity to see them in the wild. You'll find plenty of giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, and other herbivores roaming the open plains. Buffalo sightings are frequent, especially near watering holes. Hippos can be found in the river sections. With over 400 species of birds, Nairobi National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, especially during migration seasons. Note: Elephants are not present in this park. For elephants, you'll need to visit places like Amboseli or Tsavo. Depending on your time and budget, there are several options for safari tours: Duration: 4–5 hours Best for: Quick visits or layovers Includes: Hotel pickup, game drive, park fees, guide Duration: 8–9 hours Often includes: Nairobi National Park + David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage + Giraffe Centre + Karen Blixen Museum Best time for wildlife spotting Depart as early as 6:00 AM Cooler temperatures and more animal activity Private safaris offer more flexibility and personalized experience. offer more flexibility and personalized experience. Group safaris are budget-friendly and good for solo travelers. Here are some reliable and highly-rated safari companies offering Nairobi National Park tours: Known for affordable and well-organized Nairobi tours. Offers eco-friendly game drives with experienced guides. Popular with international tourists, offers hotel pick-up and full packages. Great for local and regional travelers with good customer service. Be sure to check reviews and compare prices before booking. Wear neutral colors (avoid bright reds or whites) (avoid bright reds or whites) Bring sunscreen and a hat Carry a camera with zoom lens for wildlife shots for wildlife shots Wear closed shoes Carry ID or passport for entry at park gate for entry at park gate Bring water and snacks if not included in your tour Residents (Adults) : Around KES 500 : Around KES 500 Non-Residents (Adults) : Around USD $50 : Around USD $50 Children (Residents) : Around KES 200 : Around KES 200 Children (Non-Residents): Around USD $20 Note: These may change, so always confirm with your tour operator or Kenya Wildlife Service. The park is open year-round, but the best time for game viewing is during the dry season, from June to October and January to February. During the rainy season (March to May, November), the grass can be tall, making it harder to spot wildlife. Many Nairobi National Park tours offer combo packages. You can visit: David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Giraffe Centre Karen Blixen Museum Nairobi National Museum These combinations offer a richer cultural and wildlife experience in just a day. A Nairobi National Park safari tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Kenya, even for a short stay. It offers the rare experience of a true African safari without traveling far from the city. Whether you're a solo traveler, family, or a couple on a romantic escape, this park promises unforgettable wildlife moments in a uniquely urban setting. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
