Which is best for annual 1 Y trip to europe/usa from sydney + domestic & TT

[modandm]

Im 25 and will be travelling to europe return this year + a few domestic and maybe a trip over the ditch. I think I will do a trip like europe south america or usa about every year or so for the foreseeable future. All flights will be self funded so economy.

I would love some advice on what FF programme to join and how to maximise the benifits.

Re credit cards I am not a big spender (probabally $100pw on credit card) so don't imagine I would earn much with one but would get one and use it if it helped towards the programme. Particulalry the ones with a joining bonus may help with getting points/status. I also don't shop at woolies.

Should I be pursuing status first - to earn at a higher rate? Or is earn and burn more important? What is earn and burn?
What should be my objectives?
What other questions should I be asking?

And finally what programme should I join?

 

[newformula]

Given that you'll be trying to gain as many points as possible from economy flying and minimal CC spend, I would focus on one program only.

- Stick with Qantas or Oneworld airlines for your travel - Virgin I don't believe have any South American connections, and QF will give the most choice internationally for redemption. The QF 1000 pt minimum earn on domestic QF bookings makes this especially appealing, assuming you will not be flying Jetstar or Tiger domestically to maximise $$ savings (but with no FF points) when travelling domestically.
- As such, go for the Woolies or ANZ signup offers available at the minute. Woolworths is 16k pts for $85 annual fee, and 1pt per $ on spend. ANZ is 20k points for $95 on spend, with 0.5pt/$ earn on the Mastercard and 1pt/$ earn on the Amex. For simplicity, you could forsake the extra 4k points from ANZ and go with Woolies in order to carry only one card.

Status is essentially worthless unless you are travelling frequently. It's also hard to get unless travelling a lot in premium cabins. Concentrate on earning points and using them for new travel experiences. And don't be tempted to redeem them in bits and pieces for domestic flights - keep saving until you have a decent amount for something bigger and better. You'll remember that more than time in an Airport lounge, compared to chasing status.