Hi, I’m Eric — a travel hacker and casino comp junkie who’s visited 43 states and 33 countries (and counting). I created CardsAndComps to show you how I travel the world for (almost) free using credit card points, casino rewards, cruise perks, and a little strategy.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first free flight or just want to learn how comps and points work together, you’re in the right place.
Hit Play & Start Traveling Smarter
We took a 12-night Holland America Panama Canal Cruise aboard the ms Rotterdam and tracked every dollar we spent. Most people assume this kind of cruise costs thousands, but by combining Southwest Companion Pass flights, a Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate, and casino comps, our out-of-pocket cost was only about $1,700 total.
In this trip report, I walk through:
- ✈️ Flights booked with points and the Companion Pass
- 🏨 Pre-cruise hotel covered by Marriott Bonvoy
- 🚢 Cruise fare, taxes, fees, and gratuities
- 💡 How we saved more than $2,000 vs. retail value
👉 Watch the full trip report here: Panama Canal Cruise Trip Report on YouTube
We took a free Alaska cruise in 2022 thanks to casino comps and credit card points! In this video, I break down the full trip — from flights and hotels to the cruise itself — and show the real cost compared to retail pricing. Whether you already get casino offers or want to learn how, this episode is all about maximizing travel rewards so you can explore more for less.
In this video, I break down how I used Caesars Rewards Diamond status to get flights, hotels, and more covered on three casino trips—to New Orleans, Atlantic City, and Reno. I also share my strategy for budgeting comps, avoiding reward point traps, and why I always travel with a dedicated gambling wallet.