The chase for top-tier hotel status can feel like running on a hamster wheel—lots of effort, not a lot of payoff. For years, I played the status game. I booked inconvenient hotels, paid inflated rates, and took the long way home just to rack up elite nights.
But as the years (and loyalty program “enhancements”) rolled by, I started to wonder: is top-tier status really worth it, or have I just been lured in by the myth of “free” perks? Why am I traveling in the first place? After a good look in the mirror, I changed my ways.
Be Your Own Elite (Hat Tip to Milenomics)
Here’s my travel philosophy: be your own elite (shoutout to Milenomics for coining BYOE). Instead of letting loyalty programs dictate where I stay, I make choices that actually suit my travel style and budget. I want to go where I want to go, not where a chain has a property. That’s how I’ve ended up discovering some of my favorite destinations—like Languedoc and Oaxaca—places I never would have visited if I’d been chained to a loyalty program’s map.
Let’s be honest: if I’d only chased status with one chain (looking at you, Hyatt), I’d have missed out on entire swaths of the globe. Some chains just don’t cover the places that call to my heart, and I refuse to let a points spreadsheet dictate my adventures.
What Does Being Your Own Elite Look Like?
- Picking the hotel or rental that fits your trip, not your points spreadsheet.
- Prioritizing local experiences, food, and culture over status perks.
- Booking luxury when you want it, budget when you don’t, and never feeling guilty about either.
I really want to dig into that “guilt” piece. Points and miles content is full of FOMO, and it’s easy to get sucked into thinking everyone else is having a better vacation than you. But as someone who has been in the game for over a decade, I can tell you that no one is showing their B-side on Instagram.
It’s about what matters to you. For me, it was realizing that once I hit a certain level of luxury the details are lost on me. Butler service comes to mind—the times I have had a butler I really didn’t know what to do with him. Unpack my suitcase? No, thanks, I’d rather not have a rando touching my underwear.
But one luxury that does matter to me, and that I’ll use every time, is late checkout. 11AM is just not enough time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast (in or out of the hotel), pack up, and hit the road if I’m on a restful respite.
Why I Joined TravelZork
This whole mindset is exactly why I joined TravelZork. I was a client first—drawn in by the freedom to book luxury hotels with all the perks, no status required. Now, I get to help others do the same. Through TravelZork, I can book luxury hotels for you, unlocking benefits like free breakfast, late checkout, upgrades, and resort credits—no loyalty hoops, no chain handcuffs.
TravelZork Benefits at a Glance
| Perk | TravelZork Benefit (No Status Needed) |
| Free Breakfast | Daily breakfast for two at many properties |
| Room Upgrades | Eligible for upgrades upon arrival (based on availability) |
| Late Checkout | Late checkout often included (subject to availability) |
| Resort Credits | Dining or spa credits at select hotels |
| VIP Service | Personalized booking and support |
No more settling for a hotel just because it’s part of your preferred chain. No more FOMO when your favorite destination doesn’t have a points property. With TravelZork, you can have your (free) breakfast and eat it too.
Go Where You Want to Go – Not Where Top-Tier Hotel Status Dictates
The bottom line: for me travel is about creating memorable experiences, not chasing status symbols. When you’re free from the gilded cage of loyalty programs, you can focus on what matters—exploring new destinations, enjoying local cuisine, and making memories with the people you love. And if you still want a little VIP treatment? Book with TravelZork and get the perks—no top-tier hotel status (or any status) required.
So next time you’re tempted to mattress-run your way to another year of elite status, ask yourself: is it really about the perks, or is it about the freedom to travel on your own terms? I know which one I’m choosing.
Join the TravelZork FB Group -> HERE
Visit: TravelZork Travel
Stay up to date with: ZorkFest
Also: Watch, Like, and Sub on YouTube
Check it out: The Yo-11 Minutes Playlist on YouTube
