Whether you’re going on a far-flung adventure this spring or plan on sticking closer to home, the quarterly bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the original Chase Freedom® give you plenty of opportunities to earn elevated rewards on everyday purchases and maybe some splurges, too. And if you have the Flex version of the card, the quarterly categories are especially rich.
Holders of the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom® earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending in bonus categories that change every three months. From April 1 through June 30, 2024, the bonus categories are:
Select hotel bookings.
If you have the Chase Freedom Flex℠, you may notice that a couple of those categories already earn extra cash back because of the card’s fixed bonus rewards. The quarterly bonus rates “stack” on top of those. That means Flex cardholders (but not holders of the original Freedom) can earn up to 9% back on hotels booked through Chase, and up to 7% back on dining purchases. More on that below.
To receive elevated rewards, cardholders need to activate the bonus categories online by June 14. Rewards will apply retroactively, so as long as you activate by the deadline, you’ll earn extra cash back on all eligible purchases made throughout the quarter.
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus rewards categories for 2024
Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31)
Grocery stores.
Fitness clubs and gym memberships.
Self-care and spa services.
Q2 (April 1-June 30)
Select hotel bookings.
Restaurants.
Amazon.com.
Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30)
TBD (In 2023: Gas stations and electric vehicle charging; select live entertainment).
Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31)
TBD (In 2023: PayPal; wholesale clubs; select charities).
Stacked rewards let Flex cardholders score big
Amazon is a mainstay bonus category for quarterly rewards, and the sheer breadth of items you can buy through the online marketplace makes it an easy way to earn extra rewards. But the other two categories — dining and select hotel bookings — have the potential to be much more valuable for Chase Freedom Flex℠ cardholders, thanks to the card’s ongoing rewards. Here’s how.
In addition to the bonus cash back cardholders can earn in rotating categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has the following “fixed” bonus categories that don’t change:
3% back at restaurants.
3% back at drugstores.
5% back on qualifying Lyft services purchased through the Lyft app (through March 31, 2025).
1% back on all other purchases.
Hotels booked through Chase already earn elevated rewards throughout the year (5% back), as do dining purchases (3% back). The quarterly bonus doesn’t replace those rewards; it “stacks” on top of them, meaning you can earn up to 9% back on hotels booked through Chase, and up to 7% back on dining purchases.
The original Chase Freedom® (which is no longer available to new applicants) has the same 5% rotating bonus calendar but does not have the fixed categories. So holders of that card will earn 5% in all of the quarterly categories.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Why 7% and 9%? When Chase awards 5% cash back in its quarterly categories, it does so using this logic: Purchases that normally get 1% cash back are now earning an additional 4% cash back — so the quarterly bonus is 4% on top of the usual rewards. So for the second quarter of 2024, restaurant spending that usually earns 3% with Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns 4% on top of that, for a total of 7%. Hotels booked through Chase usually earn 5%, so adding 4% to that gets you to 9% cash back.
Watch out for foreign transaction fees
These elevated rewards on dining and hotels booked through Chase make the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom® ideal travel companions for spring and early summer trips. But if you’re traveling internationally, you might want to think twice before you whip out either card to pay for a meal or a hotel reservation.
Chase generally charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on its nontravel credit cards, which will cut into the value of any rewards you earn. The reward rates are high enough that you can still come out ahead, but you may need to do a little math first.
The information related to Chase Freedom® credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below. Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you…
Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below.
Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you to go on more vacations and use your money for other things in life.
Whether it’s a fancy resort or a specific hotel brand, the trick is to know where to find these opportunities and make the most of them.
Key Takeaways
Loyalty programs are a direct path to earning free hotel stays. This is because they tend to give a free night after a certain number of paid stays. You accumulate points for each stay that you can redeem for free nights.
Credit card points can be used for free hotel stays. Many credit cards partner with hotel brands to give sign-up bonuses. By meeting the minimum spending requirements, you can earn points for free hotel stays. These points can be substantial, so choose a card aligned with your preferred hotel chain.
Earning gift cards from rewards platforms can be a way to make money to put toward free hotel stays.
Best Ways To Get Free Hotel Stays
Below are ways to get free hotel stays.
Take surveys for free hotel stays
You can get free gift cards by answering paid online surveys, and you can use these gift cards to help you get a free hotel stay.
So, this would work like this – you could get free gift cards to places like Hotels.com, Marriott Hotels, Holiday Inn, or even a Visa gift card (that you can use anywhere) as a reward for answering online surveys. You then collect gift cards until you reach the amount that you need to book the hotel that you want.
To get started, you’ll want to find a survey site that you trust. Some of my favorites are:
I recommend signing up for all of them so that you can get the most surveys possible to answer, which will then pay you with more gift cards.
There are also other apps that you can use as well to get free gift cards, such as Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.
I get free gift cards all the time, and recently, I logged into several of the accounts that I am signed up for and turned in my points. This led to me getting $275 in free gift cards. I personally like to wait until I have a lot of gift cards that I can redeem all at once.
Now, this would take a decent amount of time. You won’t get a free hotel stay in one day. But if you keep doing surveys, your gift cards will add up.
Recommended reading: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)
How to get free hotel stays as an influencer or blogger
As a blogger and social media influencer, I have received many hotel stays for free over the years. From luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to RV campgrounds and more, I have partnered with many different types of accommodations over the years.
And, I know of many other people who have received free hotel rooms through this as well.
Getting free hotel stays as an influencer means partnering with hotels and showing them why you’re valuable to their brand.
This may include sharing your hotel stay on your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, or somewhere else that you have followers and readers.
Here’s a quick guide on how to stay at hotels for free as a social media influencer or blogger:
Assess what you can offer. Hotels are looking for exposure and new customers, so your reach and engagement rates are important. How many people will see what you share about their hotel?
Customize your content to align with the hotel’s image and key messages.
Contact hotels professionally, usually through their marketing or PR department, and highlight how your content will benefit their visibility and attract potential customers. This is typically done through email.
Be clear about expectations – what you will provide and what you expect in return. Set deliverables, such as a number of posts, stories, or a video.
You can learn how to start a blog by taking my free How To Start A Blog Course. You can join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
Travel credit card rewards
If you want to learn how to stay at hotels for free, this is one of the top ways.
I have earned several free hotel stays over the years by using the rewards points I have earned from my credit cards toward my hotel room. I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and they are pretty much all that I use now. It helps me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more.
A rewards credit card lets you earn points, miles, or cash back that you can use for almost free travel. These cards usually give you points that you can use for things like airline miles, booking hotels, gift cards, or cash back. You earn these rewards just by using your credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and shopping. But remember, it’s important to pay off your full balance each month to make sure the rewards are worth it and avoid paying extra for interest charges.
Here’s a quick summary to help you understand how rewards credit cards work:
Choose a credit card with rewards that interest you, like points, cash back, or travel rewards.
The card may require you to spend a certain amount, for example, $3,000 in the first 90 days, to get a sign-up bonus. Some don’t have any minimum requirement, and you can simply earn points for your purchases.
Use these points for rewards like cash back, hotel stays, airfare, or other options.
You can learn more about my favorite cards at Best Rewards Credit Cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Chase Ultimate Rewards Points are the best!), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, and others.
I also recommend reading How To Take A 10 Day Trip To Hawaii For $22.40 – Flights & Accommodations Included.
Note: Credit card rewards and even the best travel credit cards are not worth it if you go into debt. Remember to pay off your monthly bill in time (and the full amount) before interest charges accrue. Also, many of the good rewards credit cards have an annual fee each year on your card anniversary, so take that into account as well. So, you should always be careful!
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs
Hotel rewards programs are your way to get free stays and room upgrades. When you join these programs, you can earn points for a free night’s stay, and as you climb the levels, you can get additional benefits such as getting your resort fees waived.
Programs like Marriott Hotels, IHG Rewards Club, and Hilton Honors are free to join and sometimes give you a free night after a certain number of stays or points earned.
Some examples of hotel rewards programs include:
Marriott Bonvoy – Combines former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs.
IHG Rewards Club – Allows you to earn points for stays which can be used for free nights.
Hilton Honors – Provides exclusive member deals and guarantees the lowest rates when booking directly.
Many travel booking sites also have rewards programs, such as Expedia even. These programs give valuable benefits like this to get you to book through them as much as possible so that they can make more money.
You can earn points in several ways beyond just booking hotel rooms:
Stay at hotels – Every night you stay earns you more points, with the amount varying by hotel and the rate you book.
Promotions – Look out for and register for periodic promotions that have bonus points.
Partnerships – Earn points through partners, for instance, by booking car rentals or flights with associated airlines.
Your accumulated points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, among other rewards. The number of points needed for a free night certificate varies by hotel brand, location, and the room’s price.
Find mystery shopping jobs at hotels
Mystery shop companies sometimes need secret shoppers to evaluate a hotel for them. I have seen these types of jobs pop up several times, and I have personally done a few as well.
These are typically just one or two-night stays in your local area, but it can make for a fun and free staycation.
This can be a great way to vacation on a budget.
Become a travel agent if you’re traveling with a group
If you often travel with groups, becoming a travel agent can be a smart choice. As a travel agent, you get industry discounts and may earn commissions on your bookings. To become one, you need accreditation, usually from a trusted program that teaches you important industry knowledge.
Here’s how you can benefit:
Access to discounts – As a travel agent, you can unlock special rates not available to the public. When traveling with a group, this can translate into significant savings.
Earn commissions – Booking for multiple people means the potential for earning commissions from hotels increases. This can sometimes offset the cost of your own accommodation.
Though this role comes with perks, it also means handling travel details professionally and responsibly for others. It’s not just about getting free stays; it’s also about making sure that your group has great travel experiences.
Work at a hotel
Working at a hotel can be a way to get free accommodation. As an employee, you can usually get discounts or even stay for free, depending on your job and the hotel’s policy.
This may include jobs such as working the front desk, being in management, and more.
Policies vary, so it’s important to know what’s available to you and to ask about the hotel’s policy on employee stays. For example, some hotels have a set number of free nights as part of the employment package. Plus, discounts on rooms can sometimes extend to family and friends.
Attend a timeshare presentation
Going to a timeshare presentation can lead to complimentary hotel stays.
These can sometimes be brutal, though, so if you think that you may end up buying a timeshare that you don’t need – then DO NOT DO THIS! Timeshares can be quite expensive and they are lifelong with annual costs.
But, if you think you can withstand the temptation, plenty of people sign up for these in order to get a free hotel stay all the time.
Here’s how this works:
Usually, your attendance at a 90-minute to 2-hour sales pitch is required.
Be prepared for high-pressure sales tactics, but remember you’re under no obligation to buy.
Incentives can range from free hotel stays, discounted travel, or even gift cards.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions attached to the free stay.
If interested, consider the timeshare offer carefully. If not, politely decline and redeem your free stay or other perks.
Hotel promotions and deals
You can stretch your travel budget by taking advantage of different hotel promotions and deals to get the best room rates. Whether you travel often or are planning a one-time trip, there are several strategies you can use to get free hotel stays.
When you sign up for newsletters from your favorite hotel chains, you’ll receive emails on new promotions and deals (such as for seasonal sales on room rates) directly to your inbox. Some hotels might even offer a reward night, room upgrades, or welcome points just for joining at check-in.
Scan your grocery receipts for free hotel gift cards
Using grocery receipt scanning apps can be an easy way to earn free hotel stay rewards.
As you do your regular grocery shopping at grocery stores, these apps turn your grocery receipts into points, which can be exchanged for gift cards that can be used at different hotels.
Here’s how you can get started:
Download receipt scanning apps – Look for apps like Fetch Rewards (this is my favorite and the one that I use for every single one of my grocery receipts) that are known to offer hotel gift cards as a redemption option.
Scan your receipts – Every time you shop, take a second to scan your receipts using the app.
Earn points – Get points with every scanned receipt.
Redeem for hotel gift cards – Once you’ve earned enough points, browse the app’s reward section for hotel gift card options. Select your preferred hotel chain and redeem your points. With Fetch Rewards, you can get gift cards to places such as Airbnb, Hotels.com, Visa, and more.
While it will take some time to earn enough points, it can be a way to save some money on a hotel reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to stay at hotels for free.
Is it possible to get a free night at a hotel?
Yes, you may be able to get a free night at a hotel through loyalty programs, which reward you with points for free night awards that can be redeemed for free nights. Additionally, some programs may give a free night after a certain number of paid stays or as a sign-up bonus.
How to get a hotel room for free?
You may get a free hotel room through loyalty programs, credit card rewards, by earning free hotel gift cards, and more.
How can I earn free hotel stays through surveys?
You can earn points by joining market research and filling out surveys on specific websites. These points might be traded for hotel rewards points, allowing you to book hotel stays for free.
Are there contests or sweepstakes that offer chances to win a stay at a hotel?
Yes, contests and sweepstakes run by hotels, travel bloggers, or travel websites tend to have hotel stays as prizes. You can start by possibly searching related hashtags on social media, such as #giveaway.
How can I travel luxury for free?
Traveling in luxury for free can be done by maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses and rewards, leveraging elite status with hotel loyalty programs for upgrades, and possibly collaborating with luxury hotels as an influencer if you have a strong online following.
How to get a free hotel room by complaining?
If you honestly had a bad stay at a hotel, you may be able to talk to management. Sometimes, they will give you a free hotel stay to make up for the bad review. But, you should never lie about a stay just to get a free room, as you can cost someone their job.
How To Stay at Hotels for Free – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to stay at hotels for free.
There are many ways to get free hotel stays, as you learned above.
Joining hotel loyalty programs at major hotel chains is a simple way to get free night rewards. These programs give you points for staying often, and you can use these points for free hotel nights.
Travel credit cards and hotel credit cards also give rewards that can be used for hotel stays.
If you’re an influencer or booking for a group, this may result in you getting a hotel stay for free. Other ways, like joining hotel promotions, being a mystery shopper, or attending timeshare presentations, can also get you free or cheaper stays at different places.
I have personally done many of the ways listed above to get free hotel stays at places in many states and countries. The stays have been great and have allowed me to save so much money over the years!
Want to learn how to sell short stories for money? Yes, you may be able to earn money from home doing this. Short stories tell a quick and interesting story. They’re not very long, usually just a few hundred to a few thousand words. Even though they’re short, they still have a complete story with…
Want to learn how to sell short stories for money?
Yes, you may be able to earn money from home doing this.
Short stories tell a quick and interesting story. They’re not very long, usually just a few hundred to a few thousand words. Even though they’re short, they still have a complete story with a start, middle, and finish.
Short stories can be about anything, like mysteries, adventures, or even funny moments.
In this article, we’ll go over the strategies to turn your short stories into a profitable side hustle, and you will learn:
What a short story is
Places you can sell short stories
How to make the most money selling short stories
Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
Best Places To Sell Short Stories For Money
Below are the different ways to sell short stories for money.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Want to learn how to sell short stories on Amazon? If so, then Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is one place to start, as this is a self-publishing platform and almost everyone uses Amazon already.
To get started selling short stories on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, you need to first create an Amazon KDP account. Make sure your short story is well-edited and formatted. Create an eye-catching cover for your short story. You can use Amazon’s Kindle creation tools or make your own on graphic design sites like Canva.
Kindle eBook prices typically start around $0.99 and go up from there. You can also sell your book on Kindle Unlimited and get up to 70% royalties. There are many benefits to using KDP to publish your short stories, including publishing in 3 easy steps, the potential to earn royalties, and being able to set your own list prices.
Kindle Direct Publishing can also help you distribute your eBook around the world, print your short stories into real-life physical copies, and help ship them around the world.
Recommended reading: How Alyssa is making $200 a DAY in book sales passively
2. Clarkesworld Magazine
Clarkesworld Magazine is a fantasy and science fiction magazine that publishes short stories, articles, and audio fiction. Magazines are published monthly and available on the website or in eBook format.
Guidelines for submitting short stories are straightforward. Short stories must be between 1,000 and 22,000 words, and you’ll get paid 12 cents per word. Payment is via PayPal or check. The story must be in genres such as science fiction or fantasy, horror is not allowed.
Stories submitted to Clarkesworld Magazine must be well-written, convenient for on-screen reading, and suitable for audio.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!)
3. One Story
One Story is a popular magazine that publishes a short story once a month.
This platform specifically looks for literal fiction and they can only accept stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. These short stories can be any style and on any subject as long as the story is compelling and well-written.
One Story pays $500 and 25 contributors copies. Stories must be new and not have been previously published material. One Story responds to submissions within 3 months after they are received.
4. East of the Web
East of the Web is a platform that helps provide exposure to writers.
The site gets over 500,000 page views a month, so if your short story is submitted and accepted, your story will likely get some views. This is beneficial because the site also receives attention from agents, press, filmmakers, schools, and other publishers.
To get your story accepted to East of the Web, your short story must have a compelling narrative that leaves the reader satisfied after the story. Your short story should feel complete and not need a follow-up story in order to leave the reader satisfied.
5. Flash Fiction Online
Flash Fiction Online is a magazine that publishes short stories in genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary fiction.
Short stories must be between 500 and 1000 words and include characters, compelling plots, and satisfying endings.
Your short story must be formatted correctly according to Flash Fiction’s guidelines (double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, and black font on a white background), and short stories cannot be written by AI!
As of 2024, Flash Fiction Online’s rate is $100 for each original story.
6. The Threepenny Review
The Threepenny Review is an American literary magazine that has fiction, memoirs, poetry, and essays. You can submit short stories via mail or through their online submission system.
The Threepenny Review pays $400 per story or article, $200 per poem, and does not print material that has already been published elsewhere. Short stories must be 4,000 words or less.
7. Poets & Writers
Poets & Writers is the largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers and is available as a magazine at major bookstores. The goal of Poets & Writers is to help poets and writers reach as many people as possible through their literary community.
With a national audience of over 100,000 readers, Poets & Writers has a strong following with students and faculty in creative writing programs across the United States.
Poets & Writers is known for its writing contests, grants, and awards database that features all kinds of creative writing contests. You can filter through the database by genre, cash prize, and if there’s an entry fee to sign up for the contest.
8. The Atlantic
The Atlantic is a publication known for its journalism.
The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including politics, science, technology, culture, and more. Short stories can be submitted and possibly sold to The Atlantic in genres such as fiction and poetry.
It’s best to look at what The Atlantic has published in the past to see what kind of short story they’re likely to accept. All short stories should be submitted as a Word document or PDF.
9. Reader’s Digest
Reader’s Digest is an online as well as printed magazine that was started in 1922.
The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including health, humor, inspirational stories, and more.
Submitting a short story to Reader’s Digest is simple and straightforward. You also need to include your name, address, and email to successfully submit your story.
10. Medium
Medium is a unique site where writers can publish and monetize their content.
Medium mostly focuses on articles and essays, but you can also publish short stories.
As a writer, you earn money depending on how much time Medium members spend reading your short stories. Due to this, it’s important to build a following and consistently write high-quality short stories on Medium to increase your chances of making money.
This can be a great place to sell short stories for money online.
11. Barrelhouse
Barrelhouse is a literary magazine that accepts submissions from writers, such as short stories.
Along with putting out a print magazine, Barrelhouse is also known for running a small press, organizing the Conversations & Connections conference, and the retreat Writer Camp. These are great resources if you’re looking to network and further your skills as a writer.
The magazine is looking for submissions that haven’t been previously published. Submissions are usually shorter than 8,000 words and in a format that is easy to read.
12. The New Yorker
The New Yorker is an American magazine that covers culture, politics, arts, and literature.
The magazine has been around since 1925 and has easily become one of the most influential magazines in the United States. Because of this, successfully submitting a short story and getting it accepted is quite difficult.
If you want to take your shot at submitting a short story to The New Yorker, submissions must be sent to [email protected].
All submissions are read within ninety days and if you do not hear back within that time frame, it means your story was not accepted.
13. Submit to short story contests
Short story contests are competitions where you can submit a short story for a chance to win a prize or recognition.
Contests are managed by magazines, writing organizations, and publishing houses that have an interest in promoting writers and getting their work seen by the public.
Contests will have specific guidelines such as which themes and genres are accepted, word limits, entry fees, prizes, and who the judges are.
Short story contests change over time and some of the most well-known short story contests include:
The Bridport Prize, which is a U.K.-based competition for short stories
The Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition
The Moth Short Story Prize
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize
The Sunday Times Short Story Award
You can also find other contests to submit your short story on contest databases like the Poets & Writers contest database and The Writer’s College short story writing competitions database.
14. Start your own blog
Another great way to get paid for your short stories is by creating a short story blog. This will allow you to share your creative work with the public.
Building a readership on your blog takes time, so be patient and dedicate time to marketing your blog and creating high-quality content.
Once your blog is up and running, you can make money via ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and even by creating and selling your short stories through a subscription or paid ebook.
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In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to sell short stories for money.
What are short stories?
Short stories are short works of fiction (also known as short fiction) that focus on one plot, theme, or set of characters. Short stories are short, ranging from a few hundred words to a few thousand words. Even though short stories are brief in length, they convey a compelling narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.
What are some different short story genres?
Short stories can come in any genre and storytelling style. The most popular short story genres include mystery, science fiction (sci-fi), thrillers, fantasy, horror, adventure, historical fiction, romance, personal essays, speculative fiction, and drama. There are many more genres to include, and you can even mix different genres. You can even make money writing poems.
Are short stories fiction or nonfiction?
Short stories are by definition fiction pieces, and not non-fiction.
How much money can I make selling short stories? How much is a short story worth?
The amount of money you can make selling short stories depends on factors like the length of the story, the market, the publication, and the popularity of the short story.
You may earn as little as $25 for a short story, or you may be able to earn over $1,000 for a short story. For example, a short story in Reader’s Digest will most likely pay less than a short story in The New Yorker. Or, if you write and publish your own short story on Amazon that becomes popular, you may be able to earn thousands of dollars.
Do short stories sell on Amazon?
Short stories sell on Amazon through the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Many people choose to sell on KDP first because of the ease of getting started and publishing on KDP. Amazon KDP also has resources to help you publish short stories like helping create covers for your eBooks.
How do I sell my first short story?
The most important step to successfully sell your first short story is to create a high-quality and compelling story. The story needs to be engaging and free of grammatical errors (of course!). Once you’ve done this, you can choose online platforms, journals, or literary magazines you want to publish the short stories.
You must read the short story submission guidelines for each publication and make sure you pay attention to word counts and formatting requirements the platform is looking for.
You can sell your short story to different platforms. You may even want to try entering short story contests which often provide an opportunity for recognition, cash prizes, or publication opportunities. Market your short story on social media, your website, and other platforms to gain reach.
How many pages is a short story?
A short story can range from 500 words to 20,000 words. The actual number of pages depends on font size, spacing, and formatting. The average 1,000-word short story may be 5 pages, while a 20,000-word short story may be up to 100 pages. It all depends on the platform and what their short story submission guidelines are.
What is the best place to sell short stories for money online?
The best place to sell short stories depends on your style of writing and goals. Self-publishing on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allows you to sell your short stories as eBooks and you get to control your pricing. You can even submit your Kindle eBook to Kindle Unlimited, which gives you up to 70% royalties when your book is read. There are also many award-winning sites and platforms where short story sellers can submit their craft to potential buyers, such as a literary journal.
There are many other places where you can sell short stories (other than the list above), such as Strange Horizons, BBC, Vestal Review (for flash fiction), Ploughshares, and more.
How To Sell Short Stories For Money – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to sell short stories for money.
The best places to sell your short stories include Kindle Direct Publishing, Clarkesworld Magazine, One Story, Flash Fiction Online, and many others that are listed above. These sites are some of the best places to sell short stories due to the ease of publishing books and wide audience.
Wherever you sell your short stories, it’s important to create a compelling narrative and make sure your work is free of grammatical errors.
Good short story writers are in demand, so I hope you can see success with this!
Are you interested in selling short stories for money?
When spending money on an expensive plane ticket, it can be confusing if you need to change plans and are hoping for a refund.
If you booked a flight on Emirates and now you can’t travel, you might be wondering how to make an Emirates refund request. The process is easy — as long as you booked the right type of ticket.
Let’s take a look at how you can determine refund eligibility, how to request a refund and how long it might take to receive the funds.
Emirates refund policy
Airlines sell different fare products at different price points. This goes beyond the simple cabin categories (economy, business or first, for example).
Within each cabin class, there are numerous other fare types that have different change and cancellation policies. This is an important consideration when booking a ticket, especially if you think you might need to change your plans later.
These details are outlined in the your Emirates ticket’s fare conditions. Depending on the ticket you book, you may be able to get a full Emirates ticket refund, a travel credit to use within 24 months for a future flight or no refund at all.
If your ticket is eligible, the amount you receive will vary based on if you’ve used the ticket or already flown on part of it. Unused tickets receive a full refund, while partially used tickets may only receive a prorated refund, if any at all.
Here are some more details from the Emirates’ cancellation policy:
Flex Plus fares. Flex Plus fares with Emirates are fully refundable, while most other fares have conditions that make them non-refundable or that convert them to a travel credit if unused.
Award flights. If you used Skywards miles for your trip, you can cancel it for a full refund before traveling. There’s a $25 fee for date changes for a Saver reward (free for Flex or Flex Plus awards), or a $75 fee to redeposit Classic Saver mileage tickets altogether (free for Flex or Flex Plus awards).
Cash + Miles fares. For Cash+Miles tickets, miles will be refunded — although if any expired during the purchase period, those will be forfeited. For trips that have been partially flown, the ticket would be re‑priced with only the unused portion of Cash+Miles refunded.
What if Emirates cancels or changes my flight, can I get a refund?
If Emirates cancels or changes your flight for mechanical, operational or weather reasons, you can request your money back as a refund or receive a future travel credit.
Most likely, Emirates will try to get you to your destination in a reasonable time frame on another airline if it cannot transport you, but the option for a refund is available if you simply choose not to travel at all. If you have partially flown on the ticket, you would only be refunded for the unused portion of the flight.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Based on local regulations, you may be eligible for compensation due to involuntary changes to your flight made within 14 days of your trip.
Flights departing Europe have EU-261 protections that could put some additional cash back in your pocket beyond the refund itself. However, flights inbound to Europe on a non-European carrier are not eligible for that EU-261 protection.
Can I get a refund for incidental expenses?
If your ticket is eligible for a refund and you didn’t travel, you can request your money back for any seat assignments or lounge access you might have paid for before departure.
If you did travel, but were unable to use the services provided (say, there was a change of aircraft and your seat was swapped, or the lounge wasn’t available), you can use the Emirates refund form to request your money back.
If you were downgraded to a lower cabin (like from business to premium economy), you’re eligible for a refund for the difference in fare, too.
How will my refund be processed?
Any funds will be returned to the original form of payment. If you booked your ticket via a travel agent, you will need to contact them to process the refund. They will then return the money back to your original form of payment.
If you used a third-party travel booking site like Orbitz or Expedia, you would need to contact them directly. These can be far more cumbersome processes than dealing directly with the airline as they may have their own policies in place.
How to complete the Emirates refund form
Requesting a refund from Emirates is a simple process as long as you have the right information on hand. Luckily, you can find everything you need on your original ticket receipt.
Enter your dates of travel, departure and arrival airports and personal details.
Choose what you’re requesting a refund for (for example, an unused ticket or downgrade).
Enter the ticket details and payment method.
Click submit. Keep in mind that this will automatically cancel your ticket.
Emirates doesn’t provide a way to check the status of your refund, but the process typically takes seven business days. If you still haven’t heard anything after a week, you can contact Emirates directly to ask about the status.
Emirates’ refunds, recapped
Like most airlines, Emirates has fare restrictions that don’t make every ticket refundable. But, there are many that are eligible for a refund. There may also be cases in which you didn’t receive the services you paid for, and those are also refundable.
If your ticket isn’t eligible for a refund, you might be able to keep the credit for a future travel date. If you are due a refund, you’ll be able to request one using the online form on Emirates’ website.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
An acceptance letter is a college’s formal invitation for you to enroll in their programs as a student. Depending on the type of admission you applied for, letters will be delivered from December through April. Once received, you have the option to accept or decline the offer.
Financial aid offer letters may look similar to an acceptance letter, but differ in key points. Financial aid offer letters, also known as award letters, will outline financial aid (if any) and a summary of the cost of attendance. Generally, an acceptance letter and an offer letter are sent together. In some cases, though, offer letters may be sent after acceptances.
Read on to learn more about what an acceptance letter is, what an offer letter is, when to expect an acceptance letter, and how to respond to an acceptance letter.
Basic Definition of an Acceptance Letter
Acceptance letters will generally contain the three following components:
1. A university’s offer to enroll and reasons the applicant stood out.
2. Details about on-campus events for prospective students.
3. Important deadlines and information on ancillary documents, such as a financial offer letter.
Students who apply for regular decisions generally receive their decision letters in March and April, but early decision and early action decision letters may be sent as soon as December.
Offer Letter vs Acceptance Letter for College
As mentioned, an acceptance letter details whether or not a student has been admitted into a specific college. Financial aid offer letters, also known as financial aid award letters, break down the tuition cost, scholarships and grants awarded, work-study programs offered, and federal student loan options available.
In order to apply for federal financial aid, students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®, annually. The information provided on the FAFSA helps determine the types of aid, and aid amounts, that students qualify for.
Scholarships and grants are funds awarded to students that do not need to be repaid. Loans are either provided by the government or a private entity and are repaid by the borrower, though only federal student loans would be included as a part of a student’s federal aid package. Work-study is a federal program that offers employment to students who qualify and have filed a FAFSA.
Furthermore, colleges use the information provided on the FAFSA to determine awards based on needs and merit.
In cases when federal aid isn’t enough to pay for college, students may consider private student loans to help fill in funding gaps. Keep in mind, though, that private student loans aren’t necessarily afforded the same borrower protections as federal loans — things like income-driven repayment plans or deferment options. That is why private student loans are generally only considered after all other options have been depleted.
College Acceptance Letter
College Offer Letter
• Formal acceptance into college program
• Excludes Cost of Attendance (COA) info
• Shares details of optional prospective student campus events
• Contains important deadlines, usually the date to accept/decline the offer to enroll
• Sent with or after acceptance letter
• Outlines Cost of Attendance (COA)
• Shares details of scholarships and grants awarded, as well as suggested loans
• Contains deadline to accept/decline financial offer
💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.
College Acceptance Letter Dates
College application deadlines vary by college and so will college acceptance letter dates. Furthermore, acceptance letters are sent out on dates depending on the type of application you submitted: regular, early action, restrictive early action, or early decision.
Applying for college early is one way prospective students can complete the application and acceptance process on an early timeline. It can be a path for those who have researched colleges thoroughly and want to get into a specific college.
Early action gives you a chance to apply to several colleges at once. Restrictive early action typically allows you to apply early to a single college, with the exception of public universities. Applicants who choose these routes are not obligated to accept their offer if admitted.
Early decision applicants apply to one school early decision and, if accepted, are required to commit. If an early decision applicant is accepted, they must withdraw their application from all other schools.
Additionally, some schools offer a more flexible rolling admission process. Instead of waiting to evaluate applications after specific deadlines, schools review applications as they are submitted (on a rolling basis). Generally, they’ll continue accepting applications until all of the open slots in their program are filled.
This table provides an overview of the types of applications, their general deadlines, and information on when students may accept a decision. Keep in mind that these dates are broad guidelines, and students should confirm all deadlines with the schools of interest.
Application
Application Deadline
Decision Dates (General)
Regular Decision
December, January, February
March-April
Early Action
November
December-January
Restrictive Early Action
November
December
Early Decision
November 1-15 (some December and January)
December-January
Rolling Admission
Varies by school
Typically within four to six weeks of submitting an application
When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive?
Depending on the type of application, your college acceptance letter will arrive between December and April. Financial aid offer letters will be sent with or may follow acceptance letters.
What Does a College Acceptance Letter Say?
A college letter of acceptance will share the admission decision and may offer a list of upcoming events, such as when orientation will take place. It will also contain a deadline for you to submit a final decision.
The Decision
The first paragraph gets straight to the point: you’re in! It may also detail why you stood out from other applicants.
Prospective Student Events
Your letter may contain information on upcoming event dates and inform you on incoming ancillary documents, such as your financial offer letter.
Acceptance Deadline
The last portion of your letter will have important deadlines, including the date to accept the college’s offer. May 1st has become widely known as the deadline for students to make decisions about the college they’ll enroll in. Keep in mind that while this is a popular date for decision deadlines, colleges may have their own deadlines and applicants who applied early may have an earlier deadline.
Recommended: 7 Tips to Prepare for College Decision Day
How to Respond to College Acceptance Letter
Colleges inform students electronically, both online and by mail, or by mail only.
Some colleges will send forms to formally decline or accept their offer. Others may have you submit your decision via an online portal.
Be sure to educate yourself and stay connected to your top choice colleges’ admissions offices on how to respond to their college acceptance letter and to prevent missing important communications.
1. Weigh Your Options
College tuition is rapidly increasing — and can play a major role in your decision.
Compare financial offer letters to determine the best deal. If a college offers more aid, but has a substantial cost, then another college with less aid and a smaller price tag might impact your decision.
There are no standard offer letter forms, so cross-checking their website with your offer letter and getting advice can be helpful. You can also follow up with college admissions offices with your questions.
2. Choose Which College You Want to Attend
Of course, other factors will weigh into your decision-making. According to publisher Princeton Review , students are split nearly down the middle on how they choose colleges: 40% say they choose a college based on “best for their career interests,” and 40% say they choose a college that is the “best overall fit.”
You can break down your decision even further with the following questions:
• How strong is the academic rigor of the program I’m pursuing? Is the program a fit for me?
• How important is the location to me?
• What stands out to me about the campus culture?
• Is this institution the right fit for my financial situation?
• Does it have strong career preparation programs and resource offices?
Choosing a college will take time. But with research and guidance, you can have more confidence in making your final decision.
3. Find Funding for the School You Choose
Financial aid from schools, private entities, and the government may help put an expensive college within reach. If your top choice is not fully covered by out-of-pocket finances and other sources of financial aid, applying for a private student loan is an option.
Also, getting a job during the summer or working while in school can help with tuition and daily needs.
Recommended: How to Pay for College
4. Decline Other College Acceptance Letters
Once you’ve accepted a school offer, be sure to notify other colleges that accepted you right away. This enables them to offer your spot to waitlisted prospective students.
The Takeaway
Your college admission acceptance letter and financial aid offer letter are key to deciding your next steps. From as early as December until April, you may receive college decision letters. Unless you applied early decision, waiting to receive all college acceptance letters can help you evaluate your options.
Funding your education will be one of the most important decisions you make. Compare your financial aid offer letters to determine which school offers the best value. Most colleges will give you until May 1 to accept or decline their offer and financial aid package (if any).
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
Photo credit: iStock/Adene Sanchez
SoFi Private Student Loans Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Discover card travel insurance used to be a common benefit of many of the bank’s cash-back cards. But in early 2018, Discover cut the travel insurance benefits on all of its cards (alongside benefits like extended warranty and price protection).
That means that today, Discover cards don’t offer any type of travel insurance. Instead, the bank now focuses on the simplicity of cash-back awards on its rewards credit cards.
Which other cards offer travel insurance?
Since Discover card trip insurance is a thing of the past, you might consider spending on other cards that offer travel insurance protections.
Chase cards with travel insurance
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer some of the most robust travel insurance coverages available on a credit card, including trip delay protection, primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage protection and travel accident insurance.
Chase Sapphire travel benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
on Chase’s website
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
Travel insurance coverage
Trip cancellation.
Trip interruption.
Trip delay.
Baggage delay.
Lost luggage.
Auto rental collision damage waiver.
Travel accident.
Trip cancellation.
Trip interruption.
Trip delay.
Baggage delay.
Lost luggage.
Auto rental collision damage waiver.
Roadside assistance.
Travel and emergency assistance.
Travel accident.
Emergency evacuations and transportation.
Emergency medical and dental.
Learn more
Here is a full list of credit cards that offer Chase travel insurance:
Chase cards with travel insurance
Premium cards with travel insurance
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
NerdWallet Rating
Annual fee
$395
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card includes primary auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement insurance, a $1 million worldwide common carrier travel insurance policy and lost luggage protection.
No-annual-fee cards with travel insurance
While you’ll get the most travel insurance coverage from a premium travel card, some cards with no annual fee offer travel insurance as well.
What types of travel insurance coverages do credit cards usually offer?
Here are some of the most common types of travel insurance offered on credit cards.
Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance covers damage to or theft of cars that you rent using your credit card. For auto rental collision damage waiver insurance to apply, you must make your reservation and pay for your car rental with a card that has this benefit. You must also decline the car rental company’s collision damage waiver. Most auto rental collision damage waiver insurance is secondary, meaning that you must make a claim through your personal auto insurance before the credit card insurance will pay. Primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance is a benefit on some premium credit cards.
Baggage delay insurance can reimburse you for expenses you incur as a result of a temporary baggage delay. Incidentals like toiletries, clothing, chargers and medication are typically reimbursable through baggage delay insurance.
Lost luggage reimbursement covers the cost to repair or replace your checked and carry-on baggage and its contents. Lost luggage coverage is usually provided as secondary insurance and will cover the difference between what an airline or other carrier reimburses you and the amount of your loss, up to the limit of coverage.
Travel accident insurance can compensate you or your survivors for loss of life, limb or function when you book your common carrier ticket, such as an airline ticket, with your card. Travel accident insurance typically specifies a payout amount for each type of covered loss.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may reimburse you for certain prepaid travel expenses when a trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance policies vary widely but usually cover at least airfare booked with your card. Some policies may cover a wide range of prepaid travel expenses.
Trip delay reimbursement can cover meals and overnight accommodations when you are significantly delayed and you book your travel with your card. Trip delay benefits usually kick in after a certain number of hours of delays or when you are delayed overnight.
You can also buy travel insurance separately
If you aren’t interested in adding a new credit card to your wallet but want travel protections, you have options.
Consider shopping for one-off plans from third-party travel insurance companies to find coverage that fits your risk tolerance and budget. A bonus of purchasing travel insurance out-of-pocket — rather than using a card’s built-in benefits — is that you can customize the plan to meet your needs.
You can even add on Cancel For Any Reason coverage to more confidently protect your upfront and nonrefundable payments.
Expect to pay roughly 7% of your trip budget for travel insurance.
Should I use a Discover card for travel?
With no Discover travel protection, does it make sense to use a Discover card to book travel? The short answer is probably not.
Discover does not offer any credit cards featuring additional rewards on travel purchases. Discover does market the Discover it® Miles travel credit card, but the card earns 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase and has no rewards or benefits specific to travel.
The information related to the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, Chase Slate Edge℠, Ink Business Plus® Credit Card, Starbucks® Rewards Visa® Card and the United Club℠ Business Card credit cards has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuers of these cards.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Have you ever been sitting around with your friends and heard everyone talking about something they have done that you haven’t? We’ve all experienced a certain level of embarrassment when we realize that the people around us have had some experience we missed out on. Well, don’t worry because today we will unveil the top twenty everyday things everybody has done… except YOU! That’s right: You may not have hiked mountains or traveled the world, but trust us—there are plenty of experiences and opportunities for growth out there that can easily spice up your life.
So get ready to explore some of the most fun things to do—from social media to common adventures! It’s time for an unforgettable journey through some amazing experiences.
1. Trick-Or-Treating as a Child
One user shared, “Gone trick-or-treating as a child. It was forbidden by my church, so my parents would shut out all of our lights, and my brother and I would sit up in his room and watch all the other kids walking around in their costumes. I have my own kids now, and we trick-or-treat, carve pumpkins, give out candy… the whole nine yards.”
Another user asked, “Do you dress up with your kids and get candy now??”
The OP answered, “I’ve dressed up a few times… one year, my kids were the perfect ages for us to dress as the Incredibles, and it was epic. I even cut/dyed my hair just like ElastiGirl because I was so excited. And yes, I know what wigs are, but it wasn’t that much of a stretch from what I had then.”
2. Snapping Your Fingers
One Redditor posted, “I can’t snap my fingers…”
Another user commented, “Now I’m really curious if it’s a physical situation that limits how your fingers move, or if people have been explaining the moves wrong… Can you fold your ring finger so that its fingertip sits roughly in the middle of the blob of muscle on the palm below the thumb?
“And can you kind of press that fingertip into that muscle to make that finger’s end joint flatten out roughly straight?
“Propping the 3rd finger against the thumb will create that small gap between the base of the thumb & ring finger’s fingertip. Can you aim your middle finger to fly to fill that gap — when the thumb abruptly slides out of the way and lets the ‘spring-loaded’ middle finger fly there?”
Another user commented, “Well, I just snapped for the first time in my 34 years of living!”
3. Breaking a Bone
One user shared, “Prob break a bone; it at least seems common since I’ve seen tons of people with broken bones in school (Brace, cast, crutch, etc.).”
Another user commented, “I never broke a bone til I was 41. I tripped, caught myself and broke my elbow.”
One added, “Well, that’s bizarre. Same exact thing. It was two years ago when I was 41. The first bone break was my elbow (radial head fracture) after slipping on ice and trying to catch myself. Best part? The term for that type of fall is a FOOSH (fall on outstretched hand). So, my wife erupted in laughter and decided to call me a footbag, which was the best way to ease my pain at the urgent care…”
5. Moving Out of Your Childhood Home
“Move out of my childhood home,” shared one user.
Another Redditor commented, “There was a guy in my neighbourhood growing up who was around 70. He lived in the same house he grew up in and still drove his first car, an old … pickup.
“He was a cool old dude. He also told me his dog was the same one he had growing up, and I was little and susceptible, so it filled me with hope and joy about my dog. I think he underestimated my stupidity and felt terrible, so he told me the dog was different.”
6. Having a Messed up Nose
One user commented, “Had a nosebleed.”
Another user added, “Think I probably had your share.”
One Redditor said, “I’ve never had one either, and I have been punched in the nose a few times and nothing.”
7. Walking On Two Legs
“Walk on two legs. I walk just fine, but with a prosthesis,” one Redditor posted.
Another user commented, “Prosthesis etiquette question: Is it considered rude to compliment someone on a prosthesis with a neat design? I saw a guy with the coolest Spiderman-themed leg, but I had no idea whether it was okay to mention it.”
One user replied, “Amputee here. Most would be cool with that. If they have Spiderman on their leg, you’re probably fine. For those that it’s a sensitive subject, they will go to great lengths to hide their prosthesis.”
8. Rolling Your R’s
“Rolled my r’s,” one user posted.
Another user commented, “Dude, my 8-month-old daughter learned she could do it a few days ago and hasn’t stopped since. Instead of crying, we just get really long rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr cries.”
9. Breaking Bad Cycles
One user shared his story of resilience, “I grew up in a [drug] household. My dad. My sister’s. My brother. Their SOs and friends. My boyfriends later on. My sister’s kids. All methods are out all the time.
I was the only one with a job, trying to sleep and eat like an average person. It was crazy. My nephew in prison has asked me numerous times why I never did it. Dude, what? It’s not like they made it look good or fun. Jesus
“Edit to add: holy moly, guys! I didn’t realize this post would get so much attention! Thanks for the well wishes and the awards. I survived, and I’m doing great, given the circumstances. I can’t say the same for all the rest of the family. My sister and BIL did get clean, but unfortunately, two of my nephews did not. One is in prison, and one is off the grid, strung out on meth, living on the street pretending he is Rambo. But I’m proof the cycle can be broken. Thanks again for everything.”
10. Pooping Your Pants as an Adult
One Redditor posted, “[Crapped] my pants as an adult. I know it’s coming, and I consider myself privileged.”
One user shared, “As someone who [messes] their pants way more often than any adult should admit to, I find this comment hilarious. You have it coming in. ETA: Thanks for the award! Now I can say I have an award-winning story!”
One user added, “Broke my unbeaten run of not messing my big boy pants going through chemo. It’s ridiculous enough that you’ve just got to laugh. Funny, though, I mentioned it at work, and while all the guys present were willing to hold their hands up and admit to it happening to them at some point/share stories and have a laugh about it, even the usually stoic and serious guy who doesn’t open up was willing to, which was a surprise…
“All of the women present strongly denied having any experience of it. I don’t believe the numbers. I wonder if this trend of being willing to admit to it holds true as a split between the sexes across the board. Just one of those random occurrences that gives you pause for thought.”
11. Getting Stung by a Bee
“Gotten stung by a bee/wasp,” posted by one user.
Another commenter added, “Same here, still deathly afraid of them.”
One Redditor shared, “It’s nowhere near as bad as you learn as a kid unless you have an allergy. People grow up learning to fear them from kids, but it’s really super minor by adult standards. The initial sting of a wasp is a surprise, and then it’s just sore like a cross between a sunburn and a really big sore mosquito bite minus the itch.”
One replied, “It’s not so bad until you get stung for the first time on your bottom lip the day before your wedding from a bee that decided it was a good idea to climb down the straw sticking out of your tasty, tasty cocktail… Actually, I guess in the end, it was a plus… it was like 24 hours of lip filler for the bottom lip.”
12 Going Skinny Dipping
One user shared, “Skinny dip. And I’m over 60. So disappointed. Never had the opportunity.”
Another user commented, “There’s still time.”
13. Going to Prom
“Been to prom,” one Redditor shared.
Another user commented, “Me too. But it’s all good.”
One commenter shared, “Me too. Unlike what Pretty in Pink made me believe, I have no regrets, and I literally never think of it.”
14. Whistling
One user posted, “Whistled.”
Another user commented, “I have to inhale to whistle. Can’t exhale to do it.”
One Redditor added, “I’ve finally found my people.”
Another user replied, “As a fellow inhaler, I find I can whistle much higher notes than those who exhale. Losers.”
15. Getting Drunk
One user posted, “I’ve never been drunk.”
Another user confirmed, “Me neither. Didn’t discover my gluten allergy until after college. I have visual migraines (kind of like hallucinations during a bad trip) as part of my gluten reaction. I always thought I was a super lightweight—two sips of beer, and I’d feel awful and thought I was super drunk. Since then, I honestly just associate the taste so strongly with that reaction that I can hardly smell it without feeling repulsed. It also triggers my depression for bonus points. No, thank you.”
16. Flying
One Redditor shared, “Got on a plane.”
Another user replied, “I’ve gone up in a plane but have never landed in one, lol. The only time I ever got in a plane was when my boss paid for us all to do this ‘bonding’ thing, which turned out to be skydiving.”
17. Having Surgery
“I have never had surgery,” one user posted.
Another user commented, “I was doing pretty well on this until a couple of years ago when I needed surgery to keep my insides from becoming outsides. The surgery was way better than the recovery.”
One commenter added, “I’ve got you covered. I’ve had enough of them to balance the scales.”
18. Using a Dating App
One user posted, “Used a dating app.”
Another user replied, “Have been married for almost two decades. Based on all the hoops, it looks like heterosexual men are jumping through just to get a date on these apps; if I ever end up single, I guess I’m just staying single and celibate.”
One user disagreed and said, “It’s not as bad as many guys say. You just need to keep yourself clean and well-groomed and work on your knowledge of socializing. And if that doesn’t work, lower your standards. I’ve seen a lot of stories on Reddit where someone has a friend who can’t get a date, but their standards are way too high. It’s like going on a dating app and only tapping yes to the ones you find super attractive.
“Sure, you should be attracted to your partner, but many people focus on the flaws and have this image in their mind of this perfect, flawless partner that simply isn’t out there because we’re all human and have flaws.”
19. Paying Credit Card Interest
One user shared, “Paid a penny of credit card interest.”
Another user also added, “Same here. I was always taught credit cards are for building credit and getting points. Never actually treat them as buying something on credit.”
One commenter replied, “Same. I use my credit card a lot because I want that cash back, but it’s always paid off at the end of the month.”
20. Going On TikTok
One Redditor shared, “Been on Tiktok.”
Another added, “Never have and never will.”
One commenter replied, “Yeah, I am trying to leave half of the social media, not join more.”
Another user said, “I agree. I quit FB a couple of years ago. I’ve never had anything else. I’ve been on Reddit a lot the last couple of days. Maybe I’m getting lonely. lol.”
Do you have a common thing you haven’t done and would like to share? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
10 Actors Perfectly Cast for Their Character Roles
Have you ever watched a movie or show and been completely lost in it because of how well an actor or actress became their character? Check out this article for a whole list of actors who were perfectly cast!
11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More
You know that feeling where you’re on a movie kick in a certain genre, but you seem to run out of good movies to watch? Well, if you’re down for a vampire movie or three, check out this article for the best ones out there!
10 Incredible Movies That People Rated 10 Out of 10
It’s pretty hard to replicate the experience of watching your favorite movie for the first time, but we’ve put together a list of movies that people have rated at a perfect 10/10. Next time you need a good movie to watch, check this out!
10 Famous People Who Canceled Themselves With Their Own Stupidity
We’ve all been there: you make a comment you haven’t thought through at all, and the whole room goes silent at what you’ve just said. But can you imagine doing that as a famous person—and getting canceled? Check out this list of celebrities who did just that!
13 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re in the US
Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) has announced the 2024 Retailer of the Year winners. Furniture industry companies earning recognition include Ashley Furniture Industries, J.B. Hunt, Mueller Furniture & Mattress, and Raymour & Flanagan Furniture. The HFA also awarded two industry executives for their work, Jeff Child of RC Willey Furniture and Shane Pohlman of NFM.
Presented by the Home Furnishings Association, Retailer of the Year Awards are an annual recognition of the home furnishings industry’s highest achievers. Nominated by the industry and judged by an industry panel, these awards honor professionals in several distinct categories: Retailer of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, HFA Partner of the Year, Trailblazer and Emerging Star.
The official announcement was made during the HFA annual membership meeting held virtually on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Each will receive their awards in stores or showrooms so HFA can celebrate with each winner and their teams.
2024 HFA Retailer of the Year Winners
HFA Retailer of the Year with 50 or more employees: Raymour & Flanagan Furniture, headed by Seth Goldberg
HFA Retailer of the Year for fewer than 50 employees: Mueller Furniture & Mattress, headed by Mark Mueller
HFA Manufacturer of the Year: Ashley Furniture Industries
HFA Partner of the Year: J.B. Hunt Transportation
HFA Trailblazer: Jeff Child, President of RC Willey Furniture
HFA Emerging Star: Shane Pohlman, Director of Furniture, NFM
“Our Retailers of the Year all reflect a high level of excellence in their work. The judges felt this group exemplifies innovation, determination and unwavering strength in the face of industry challenges for all retailers. I can’t wait to celebrate with them at their stores in the coming weeks,” says Mark Schumacher, Home Furnishings Association CEO.
Imagine this: After spending 12 long years of education, it’s finally time to head to college. But hang on, because there’s a catch — tuition is much higher than you thought, and the school didn’t offer an academic scholarship.
One alternative for students can be to find a non-academic scholarship and keep pushing toward that dream. Here are tips on finding non-academic scholarships to help pay for a college education.
What Is a Non-Academic Scholarship?
Scholarships are one type of financial aid available to students that don’t need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on merit — that is, being especially knowledgeable or skilled in one area. Grants, which also do not need to be repaid, are typically awarded based on need and not based on academic or athletic merit. For example, Pell Grants are federal grants awarded to undergraduate students who exhibit exceptional financial need.
Scholarships can be awarded for many different reasons, including academic achievement. However, just because someone isn’t an A+ student doesn’t mean they can’t qualify for a scholarship. There are non-academic scholarships that are based on athletic or artistic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and more. Students may just need to put in a bit of legwork to find ones they qualify for and apply.
Recommended: Finding Free Money for College
Where to Find Non-Academic Scholarships
Often, the first step in getting a scholarship is to find it. Here are a few places to start your search.
School Counselor’s Office
High school students can check in with their high school counselor to see about any non-academic scholarship they may know about. The office may have a list of options available to students, and, because they may know the student, their skills, and their future aspirations, they may be able to hone in on the right scholarship for them.
School counselors may also have helpful information on navigating the financial aid process. One piece of the funding puzzle may be undergraduate loans if scholarships don’t cover all of the costs. Students may consider private student loans after exhausting federal aid, including federal student loans. This comprehensive private student loan guide dives into more detail.
College Admissions Website
If a high school student has already been accepted to school, they may check in with the college’s admission website. There, they could find a list of potential scholarships offered directly by the school. Students should also reach out directly to the admissions office or future academic counselors for assistance.
As the school year nears, you may consider checking in with your college’s financial aid office to see if they can guide you to unclaimed scholarships.
Scholarship Listing Websites
There are several scholarship search tools out there that roundup available scholarships to students, including destinations like FastWeb or CollegeBoard. Here, students can sift through hundreds of available scholarships and find help with the application process, as well.
Professional Associations and Clubs
Another place to find scholarships includes professional associations and clubs, such as churches, your parent’s employers, local businesses, minority groups, and more.
A quick Google search on professional organizations in your chosen field of study can lead to scholarships, too. Most are free to join and include fields such as marketing, engineering, graphic arts, law, and more.
Friends and Family
Sure, it may not seem as obvious, but merely asking around for scholarship opportunities can’t hurt. Students should reach out to their network and let everyone know they are on the hunt for financial assistance. Someone may know of a specific scholarship that could be the perfect fit for the student.
Connect With the Community
Explore connections with local religious groups, business, and other organizations. Having an existing connection can potentially improve an applicant’s chances of securing a scholarship. Plus, students may face less competition when they apply for more local scholarships. 💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.
Types of Non-Academic Scholarships
Need a little help thinking about what type of non-academic scholarship may fit? Here are a few types of scholarship ideas to get students started.
Talents
Have a unique talent? There’s probably a scholarship available for it. For example, you can find scholarships for duck calling, dancing, drawing, and much more.
Athletics
Each year, there are more than 180,000 athletic scholarships awarded to students. Scholarships are available for a wide variety of sports to both men and women, including volleyball, tennis, swimming & diving, skiing, lacrosse, golf, fencing, and more.
Heritage
Students may also find non-academic scholarships based on their heritage. Students from minority groups may find additional opportunities, including scholarships for African American or Hispanic students.
Some scholarships may be available through churches, while others can be found on websites like College Board. There, students of various backgrounds can search for a suitable match.
Interests
Students can apply to non-academic scholarships based on their various interests, too. For example, those interested in cars can apply for the National Corvette Club scholarship. Those students that love to cook can apply for the AAC Culinary Scholarships for High School Seniors .
Know a student who spends their Sundays completing The New York Times crossword puzzle in pen? Have them apply to the Crossword Hobbyist Crossword Scholarship . No matter the interest, odds are there is a scholarship out there for it.
Area of Study
Future and current college students may be able to find a scholarship that suits their future area of study. Students hoping to become their own CEOs can apply for The National Association for the Self-Employed ’s Future Entrepreneur Scholarships, which helps promote “entrepreneurial thinking among aspiring business students.”
Again, if there’s an area of study, odds are there’s a scholarship available for it.
Area Code
Students looking for a non-academic scholarship can search for regional scholarships on many online databases. SoFi runs a state-by-state grant and scholarship database, so you can take a look at what is available in your area.
Other sources for regional or location-based scholarships may include local nonprofits and businesses.
Other, Outlandish Options
There are scholarships available for less obvious reasons, too. One of the more famous wacky scholarships is the Stuck at the Prom Scholarship Contest sponsored by Duck brand duct tape. Each year, the company awards a $5,000 scholarship to a teen who designs and wears a dress or tuxedo made out of their duct tape.
How to Get a Non-Academic Scholarship
There are thousands of non-academic scholarships available each year. In order to get a non-academic scholarship, you should first look for scholarships in line with your talents and career interests. From there, you can look to local businesses, friends and family, and your community to find other non-academic scholarships.
And finally, do a Google search for non-academic scholarships you think you may qualify for. There are scholarships available for almost every type of person and every interest, including scholarships for minorities, scholarships for people who dance, religious scholarships, first-generation scholarships, and more.
Tips for Finding & Applying for Non-Academic Scholarships
If you’re hoping to find and apply for non-academic scholarships to help pay for college, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting one.
Start Early
Starting your search early is one of the best things you can do to land a scholarship. Since many scholarships come from the school you’re attending, it’s recommended to fill out the FAFSAⓇ as soon as possible. Some grants and scholarships offered by schools are on a first-come, first-served basis.
It’s also a good idea to start your search early so you can make sure you can meet all the deadlines for the scholarships you hope to apply for. Many will require essays, and the sooner you know which scholarships you want to apply for, the sooner you can get your essays completed and submitted.
Read the Fine Print
Make sure to read the fine print of all scholarship applications. This will ensure you won’t miss any deadlines or important information regarding the scholarship.
Showcase Your Personality
When applying for scholarships and writing essays, it’s important to showcase your personality through your written word. Most non-academic scholarships are fun, so feel free to express yourself and make it so your application stands out from the rest.
Proofread Your Application
Proofreading your application is a great way to catch any grammar errors or application mistakes prior to submission. If it comes down to you and one other candidate, you don’t want to miss out because of easy grammatical errors you could have caught by simply proofreading your application beforehand.
Don’t Give Up
And finally, keep searching and applying for scholarships until you receive the amount of money you’re hoping for. Scholarships can be competitive, so don’t get down on yourself if you’re struggling to get one. Instead, keep the momentum going by continually searching and applying for new opportunities as they arise.
The Takeaway
Non-academic scholarships can be awarded based on talent, skill, interest, and more. Some scholarships may even be regional or location based. To find non-academic scholarships, consult with your guidance counselor, your college’s financial aid office, local business and nonprofits, and online scholarship databases.
If scholarships and federal financial aid aren’t enough to cover college costs, private student loans can help fill in the gaps.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
SoFi Private Student Loans Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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The desire to get a good deal unites practically all travelers. Whether you’re looking for a cheap getaway or a luxury vacation, no one wants to spend more than necessary. When it comes to booking flights, travelers may naturally head to an airline’s website. However, that’s not always the best site to book flights.
Whether it’s taking advantage of credit card perks, earning bonus miles or saving money, the best flight booking site can vary depending on your situation and willingness to get creative. Let’s take a look at six of the best sites to book flights and when each is the best option.
The best flight booking sites
1. Google Flights
For ease, speed and features, Google Flights is arguably the best website for flight searches. Search results appear almost instantly. Filters let you narrow down to nonstop options, select a subset of airlines, limit by price or factor in the price of a bag. Similarly, you can use Google Flights filters to avoid certain airlines, multi-stop itineraries, long layovers, early flights or pretty much whatever you might want to avoid.
You can easily check flexible dates, and if you’re flexible on where you go you can use the Explore map to see prices for a variety of destinations for certain dates, a certain month or anytime in the next six months.
Google Flights partners with hundreds of airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) to pull current flight prices. That way you don’t have to search each of these sites to be able to see the options. Once you select your preferred trip, Google Flights links you to the top booking options for actually booking your flight — including the airline itself and the best OTA booking options.
The downsides of Google Flights are few. One is the lack of Southwest flight prices. Although Southwest flight schedules will show in flight search results, Southwest flight prices aren’t available. That’s because Southwest chooses to publish flight prices only on its website.
Another downside is that Google Flights doesn’t always show the cheapest prices — particularly for international flights. That means it’s worth double-checking prices on another site before booking through Google Flights.
2. Kayak
Like Google Flights, Kayak searches hundreds of other websites and flight booking platforms to find the best deal. Kayak generally doesn’t let you book flights directly. However, one benefit of Kayak is the streamlined process. Rather than having to click through several pages to confirm your selection, clicking “view deal” on the results page can take you right to the cheapest booking option.
Also, some travelers may find Kayak’s flexible date search a bit easier to work with as you can see results from several days in the search results — eliminating the need to check each day’s results separately.
But perhaps the most important reason to use Kayak instead of Google Flights is that it can catch better deals. For example, we found a $550 round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Barcelona using Google Flights. Kayak found a way to lower that price to just $472 round-trip — at least once you scroll past an advertisement.
Note that Kayak manages other flight search sites — including Momondo and Cheapflights — so the results may be very similar between these sister sites.
3. Expedia
So far, we’ve focused on ease in flight searching, and that’s going to be enough for many travelers. However, now let’s add in some additional elements to consider when choosing the best flight booking site: earning rewards and saving by booking packages. Expedia excels at both of these.
Through the new One Key rewards program, travelers can earn 0.2% in OneKeyCash from flight bookings made through Expedia. That’s not much, but it can stack on top of the awards you earn from the airline and those that you earn on your credit card purchase.
Even better, you’ll earn credits toward One Key elite status by booking your flight through Expedia. As you climb up the tiers, you’ll unlock up to 20% savings on hotels, get hotel upgrades, priority support and even price drop protection.
Plus, Expedia boasts that travelers can “save up to 30%” when bundling a hotel with a flight booking — although actual discounts are likely to vary.
4. Capital One Travel
For many Capital One cardholders, Capital One Travel might just be the best flight booking site. Part of this is to take advantage of cardholder benefits. For example, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders earn 5x Capital One miles when booking flights through the Capital One Travel portal. Plus, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders get up to $300 off travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal each cardholder year.
Also, Capital One Travel can help you truly get the best price for your flight. Capital One partnered with travel data company Hopper to show suggestions about when it’s the best time to book.
Capital One backs up these recommendations with money. If you book a flight through Capital One Travel when Hopper recommends doing so, you’ll get up to a $50 credit toward future travel if the price drops within the next 10 days.
5. Kiwi
Would you be willing to book a trip as two separate tickets in order to save money? That’s the idea behind Kiwi. Instead of simply searching flights from your home airport to your destination, Kiwi checks all potential options to get between A and B. That could mean taking a bus or train from your home city to another to catch a flight to your destination. Or, Kiwi might pair a low-cost domestic flight with a cheap international flight from another city to lower your total cost.
For example, when we priced out a round-trip flight from Phoenix to Tokyo, the cheapest option when booked as one ticket cost $1,353 round-trip — and that’s with an overnight stay in Vancouver.
Pricing out the same itinerary and dates through Kiwi drops the price to just $789 round-trip. The secret? Booking this as two round-trip flights: One from Phoenix to Los Angeles on Frontier and a separate round-trip from Los Angeles to Tokyo on Zipair.
Keep in mind that there are risks with booking separate tickets to get where you want to go. If a delay or cancellation causes you to miss your connection, the second airline/bus/train company isn’t obligated to honor your ticket and rebook you on the next option. So make sure to factor in all of the risks of booking travel like this.
6. BookWithMatrix
ITA Matrix is a very powerful and ultra-customizable search platform for finding exactly the flight itinerary you want — whether that’s booking a longer layover, avoiding certain aircraft types or booking nerdy trips such as the Alaska Milk Run.
The catch: Travelers can’t actually book flights through ITA Matrix. And, unlike Google Flights, ITA Matrix doesn’t even link to the best flight booking site for that itinerary. Instead, travelers are left to attempt to re-create the same itinerary through another flight booking website — which can be hard in the case of certain complex itineraries.
Enter BookWithMatrix. Travelers can copy-paste their perfect itinerary from ITA Matrix into BookWithMatrix to get bookable links through the airline or select OTAs.
Alternatively, travelers have the option to install the PowerTools extension in Google Chrome. This extension adds booking links right on the ITA Matrix itinerary page, avoiding the need to browse to another page.
Final thoughts on the best flight booking site
There’s not a one-size-fits-all best website for booking flights. Instead, the best flight booking site for you is going to depend on how simple you want the process to be, whether you’re willing to get creative with your booking, and even which credit cards you have.
For most travelers, the simplicity of Google Flights is going to make it the best one-stop shop for searching and booking flights. However, it’s worth considering other options if you’re flying internationally, want to book a flight-and-hotel package or have a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for: