I literally worship at the feet of The Points Guy.

Thanks to this website, I have gotten free business class tickets for three years and I am getting ready to go around the world for free!!!  I’ve learned how to get 50,000 bonus points on my United Airlines Frequent Flyer accounts and do it over and over again (cards for me, for my business, for my husband and for my husband’s business — that equaled 200,000 points) Check out the site for current credit card deals and tips on how to use those points to get loads of free flights and hotels.

Seven must-read travel books for travelers

1. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die

As an inveterate list maker, I loved this book. What better place to check out the places you’ve always heard about, but wanted a few more details to see if you really want to visit.

2. 2015 New York City Restaurants (Zagat Survey New York City Restaurants)

New York is my favorite city in the world and besides seeing musicals and plays, my favorite thing to do is try out new restaurants. This guide will give you the inside scoop on where to eat, how much it will set you back and where to find those neighborhood gems that make New York such a special place.

3. Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality

If you want to know what really goes on in the hotel business and how to get the very best deals, this book is essential reading. Pretty funny, too.

4. Hotel Secrets from the Travel Detective: Insider Tips on Getting the Best Value, Service, and Security in Accomodations from Bed-and-Breakfasts to Five-Star Resorts

You can see a trend here, but if you know how the business operates you will gain access to much more when you stay at hotels around the world.

5. Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman

The number one thing women say to me when they hear about my travels, is: “aren’t you afraid to go there?” Heck, no! This book will take you on the writer’s journey of self-discovery and show you the way to find your inner self through travel and exploration.

6. Riding the Iron Rooster: By Train Through China

Although this book was written in 1989, it remains a vivid and graphic story of travel by one of the world’s best travel writers. This book convinced me (along with a trip to Borneo) that real “adventure” travel is probably not my thing.

7. The Tao of Travel: Enlightenments from Lives on the Road

A very dear friend, Randy Caton, gave me this book when I returned from a Rotary trip to Guatemala. A compilation of advice from some of the world’s most famous travelers, The Tao of Travel, will reconfirm the bliss, disappointments and joy of traveling.