Most impressive about Lavallo is that he used SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) points to make his dream of visiting 193 countries a reality. Marriott Rewards and SPG Moments and Master Classes are available for over 100 million Marriott Rewards and SPG members. They are redeemable using loyalty points, these experiences are designed to be highly personal interactions with superstars in sports, culinary, entertainment and lifestyle.
On his partnership with SPG, he said, “I have been a platinum member for the past six years. When I left college, I started working in Abu Dhabi as a management consultant and I would travel four days a week for the job, and I would stay at an SPG hotel. I would use my own points to keep that status. It has been a great partnership!”
“This partnership was completely natural,” he admitted. “It is fun that it worked out.”
For Lavallo, visiting 193 countries was an “amazing” experience. “Honestly, for me, travel is about learning about new people, seeing new things, and really expanding your mind. A lot of my travel was for work and for school,” he said. “I have a story from every country. I learned from every country.”
On his plans for the future, he said, “I always plan a lot of crazy, fun things, ranging from getting a normal job, to doing more traveling and doing more photos. I’ll pursue all of them, and whatever happens, I’m sure it will be fun.”
Digital transformation of travel industry
On the impact of technology on traveling, he said, “It has definitely helped and I learned from people that traveled in the ’80s. I am in constant communication with my family, so we are able to share our stories more quickly. I am able to upload a photo immediately to show where I am and what I am doing. If something goes wrong, you can call your credit card or insurance company immediately. That’s definitely a difference from before.”
Out of all the places that he has visited, he listed the (United Arab Emirates) UAE as his favorite. “I really like it there since it’s in the center of the world,” he said. “That’s why I was able to do so many fun weekend trips. It’s the most international country on Earth. You get a microcosm of the world, and you are able to meet people from all over.”
For aspiring global travels, he said, “Focus on your passion. Traveling is a unique experience for each person. You are learning a lot of things that you are interested in. Decide what you want to get out of it, and travel for that purpose.”
To learn more about Marriott Rewards, check out their official website.
For more information on world traveler Sal Lavallo, visit his official homepage, and follow him on Instagram.
