Podcasts about travel hacking

Send us a textHave you ever started to plan a trip and immediately felt overwhelmed with all the hotel choices? Are you nervous that you aren't going to pick the correct accommodation or that you're going to miss out on an even better choice because there's just too much to search through? Well we've got you covered. In today's episode, we're going to break down our step by step strategy for booking a great hotel, every time.  In today's episode, we talk about: How we find great hotels in every city- the steps we take and the things we look for in reviewsHow to search for the best hotels Tips and tricks on how to find affordable hotels that you actually want to stay in When to consider AirBnB or VRBO home rentalsGondola.aiSupport the showSubscribe to our Newsletter for a bi-weekly points and miles tip, an update on the best current travel deals, points and miles transfer bonuses and interesting places we've found in our travels. Join our Travel Community on Facebook to connect with other like minded travelers, share stories, tips, tricks and travel hack wins- Travel More Insiders Visit our Website https://travelmorepodcast.com/ Join Going (Scott's Cheap Flights) Use code: MAGIC20 for 20% off your first year! Check out our travels in real time and get additional tips on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmorepodcast/ Get in touch with us at contact@travelmorepodcast.com Disclosure: We only recommend products we would or do use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.

✈️ What if you could visit a second country on your next trip without paying extra?  Charlotte Gage joins us to share how stopovers can unlock free bonus destinations on your next vacation. Learn the difference between a layover and a stopover, how to book them, and which airlines offer the best deals — plus insider tips to make the most of your time on the ground. Charlotte Gage is what she calls a “professional traveler.” She helps make travel safer, more cost-effective, and more accessible. So far, she has been to over 50 countries and all 50 US states. She is a passionate public speaker and licensed drone pilot, and loves to make friends in unexpected places.

Have you been wondering what's really happening in the world of credit card points and award travel this year? In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly, The Points and Miles Doc to break down the biggest shifts in 2025 so far. From major devaluations to standout sweet spots, we're giving you an honest look at what's working now—and what's not. We also dive into how international programs are outperforming U.S.-based ones, which transfer partnerships are showing real value, and why flexibility is more important than ever. Whether you've been feeling excited by the new opportunities or frustrated by unexpected roadblocks, this conversation will help you reset your strategy for the second half of the year and beyond. Want more help using your Alaska miles wisely? Join me for a live workshop on June 21st at 10am CDT where I'll walk you through the best Alaska Airlines sweet spots and the tools I use to find them fast—so you can stop second-guessing and start booking. Click here to save your spot - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/offers/g9uBpeJK   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mid-year-award-travel-review-2025/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

College visits, auditions, move-in weekends and campus drop-offs — they're all part of the college journey… and they can get really expensive, really fast. But what if you didn't have to stress about the cost?In this episode, I share how I recently visited Notre Dame using points and stayed right on campus without spending a dime — plus how Club members like Heather, Amylee and Yolanda have used my system to fly their kids to and from college, tour campuses across the country and show up when it matters most — all without blowing their budget.You'll hear:How one mom booked 7 college audition trips using her Companion PassWhy flying kids home from college — even on short notice — can be stress-freeHow I used points to fly my son to UCLA for a summer program and internshipA smart strategy to erase campus hotel costs using a Chase transfer bonusThe emotional (and financial) payoff of having points ready when college travel callsIf college is anywhere on your family's horizon, this is one of the smartest ways to use your miles — and I'll show you how to make it happen.

Nick Hopwood, CFP® of Peak Wealth and host of the Trust the Plan Podcast, is joined once again by Evan Chopp—points enthusiast and all-around knowledgeable guy—for a deep dive into the Chase Sapphire 100k offer and why it's one of the best in the game. In this episode, they break down how to follow Evan's proven strategy to maximize credit card points, redeem them for top-tier travel experiences, and get the most value out of every point. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting started, this conversation will help you make the most of your rewards. Check out Evan's first episode with us in 2024. — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providing education and guidance, we inspire our clients to make great decisions so they can Retire With Peace of Mind. Stay Connected With Us: Podbean: findingtruewealth.podbean.com YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast) Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1 www.peakwm.com

Send us a textHave you heard the best time to buy plane tickets is on a Tuesday, or that you should buy your tickets at least 6 months or more in advance? Has your first search for a flight abroad discouraged you from continuing to plan the trip at all and made you feel that you could never afford to go anywhere? On today's episode we dispel old myths about buying plane tickets and bring you our data driven tips on how to get the cheapest airfare for whenever and wherever you want to go next. In this episode we cover:When is the best time to buy plane tickets according to price data across different platformsTools for finding the best flight prices Myths around the time to buy plane tickets and why buying plane tickets too early could be costing you hundreds of dollars! The difference in buying plane tickets with "cash" vs points and milesSupport the showSubscribe to our Newsletter for a bi-weekly points and miles tip, an update on the best current travel deals, points and miles transfer bonuses and interesting places we've found in our travels. Join our Travel Community on Facebook to connect with other like minded travelers, share stories, tips, tricks and travel hack wins- Travel More Insiders Visit our Website https://travelmorepodcast.com/ Join Going (Scott's Cheap Flights) Use code: MAGIC20 for 20% off your first year! Check out our travels in real time and get additional tips on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmorepodcast/ Get in touch with us at contact@travelmorepodcast.com Disclosure: We only recommend products we would or do use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.

Credit card points are more powerful than most travelers realize, often worth five times more when used strategically rather than cashed out for statement credits. • Points strategy coach Julia Menez transitioned from actuary to travel hacking expert during the pandemic• Credit card companies intentionally make it easy to redeem points for low-value options like statement credits• The most valuable strategy is transferring points to airline partners rather than using credit card travel portals• Flexible, transferable points (Chase, Amex, Capital One) offer more options than airline-specific cards• Book travel 10-11 months in advance for best award availability• Use "positioning flights" to access better deals from major hub airports• Don't avoid all annual fees – analyze whether the benefits outweigh the cost• Business class offers the best balance between points required and comfort received• Alaska and American Airlines programs offer excellent value for booking partner airlines• Consider underrated options like Choice Hotels for international stays, especially in Scandinavia and Japan Visit geobreezetravel.com/freecourse to access Julia's free beginner course on travel hacking. This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.===========================⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.comOur mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

Chase Sapphire Preferred is my FAVORITE Travel card — and right now, it's offering a limited-time 100,000-point bonus (worth at least $1,250 in free travel) that ends May 15 at 9am ET. Thanks for using my personal affiliate link to support the podcast if you decide to apply for the card: https://www.familiesflyfree.com/favorite-cardBut beyond the big bonus, this card quietly packs in some powerful perks that most people overlook.In this episode, I'll break down the lesser-known features that make this my #1 recommended travel card — including a $50 hotel credit, hidden travel protections, a way to “erase” any purchase with your points and more. Whether you already have the card or are thinking of applying before the offer ends Thursday at 9am ET, you'll learn how to get the most value from every benefit it offers.

Headed abroad and do not speak the local language fluently? Curious about learning languages for travel? Whether you're a planner who starts learning months in advance or someone who wings it with Google Translate, this episode is for you. Lindsay Dow of Lindsay Does Languages, a language educator who has studied over 15 languages, shares practical, low-pressure tips to help you build the confidence to learn a new language before your trip.   We cover: How much of the language you really need to know before you go Essential phrases every traveler should learn Affordable resources and tools to help you get started Whether translation apps are helpful on the go  

Travel hacking sounds complicated—points, miles, credit cards... where do you even start? In this episode, I'm joined by Ben from Ben's Big Deal, a seasoned travel hacker who breaks it all down in a way that's clear, doable, and perfect for beginners.We cover which credit cards to start with, how to actually use points to fly for free (yes, really), and the common mistakes that cost people thousands. Whether you're planning a move abroad or just want to stop overpaying for travel, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you use your spending power smarter—not harder.Spoiler: This isn't just for finance bros or frequent flyers. It's for anyone who wants to travel more and spend less.**Of course Ben and I agree that this is the travel card with the best benefits! Click for my affiliate link:Capital One Venture XWant to join FLE and catch the live workshop with Ben later this month? Hop on a call with Violet to talk more about the program or send us a DM on Instagram→ Ben's Big Deal → Ben's Big Deal IG→ roame.travel→ Points.yeah→ Chat About Our Program Options → Follow Move Abroad Coach on Instagram→ Follow Move Abroad Coach on Facebook

Travelhacking von Luxusreisen zum Eco-Preis! Fabian Hilpert reist, seit er 18 Jahre alt ist, um die Welt. Als günstige Alternative hat es ihn anfangs als Ultralight‑Abenteurer in den Norden Europas verschlagen, da man dort mit dem Zelt quasi umsonst reisen konnte. So entwickelte es sich, dass Fabian schon in jungen Jahren mehrere Jahre lang mehr als 6 Monate im Jahr im Zelt unterwegs war. Neben einem intensiven Reiseleben hat Fabian mit einem Ingenieurstudium in Wien begonnen und es schließlich mit drei Auslandssemestern in Moskau und Peking als Diplomingenieur abgeschlossen. Um sich das Studium im Ausland finanzieren zu können, hat Fabian früh nach Wegen gesucht, online zu arbeiten, und schließlich 2012 eine Werbeagentur für Google Ads gegründet, um mit einem Laptop von unterwegs aus zu arbeiten. Noch bevor der Name „Digital Nomad“ im deutschsprachigen Raum so richtig bekannt wurde, hat Fabian sich mit Leuten zusammengetan, um gemeinsam als reisende Unternehmer an Projekten zu arbeiten und sich die Arbeit in der neuen digitalen Economy zu teilen. So bestand die Werbeagentur am Höhepunkt aus über 10-15 reisenden Mitarbeitern, die oft gemeinsam Workations organisierten. Getrieben von dem Gedanken, Neues zu entdecken, hat sich Fabian dann für einen Auslandszivildienst in Riga, Moskau und Shanghai entschieden und konnte so neben neuen Erfahrungen auch die Fremdsprachen Russisch und Chinesisch vertiefen. Durch ein gutes Netzwerk in der damals neuen Digital Nomad‑Szene im deutschsprachigen Raum fand Fabian früh den Weg als Speaker zu Konferenzen und positionierte sich als einer der Pioniere der Szene. 2017 gründete er zusätzlich das Projekt „Business2travel“, um anderen Menschen diesen Lifestyle näherzubringen. Neben dem Coaching und Training für Leute, die auf Reisen arbeiten möchten, hat Fabian schließlich auch Unternehmen und Regierungen beraten, welche systemischen Voraussetzungen und Infrastruktur nötig sind, um digitale Nomaden anzuziehen. In seiner Zeit an den Universitäten hat Fabian mehrere wegweisende wissenschaftliche Arbeiten rund um das Thema digitales Nomadentum veröffentlicht und diese auf zahlreichen Konferenzen in der deutschen und internationalen Community präsentiert. Dadurch hat er diesen Lifestyle einer neuen Zielgruppe nähergebracht, die damit zuvor noch nicht vertraut war. Da das Budget anfangs begrenzt war, hatte er schon früh das Bedürfnis, auch mit wenig Geld bequem und luxuriös zu reisen. Deshalb suchte er nach Tricks und Hacks, um gratis Upgrades beim Fliegen und in Hotels zu erhalten sowie durch Punkte und Meilen günstiger zu reisen. Da Fabian schon früh präsent auf Social Media war und stets über sein Reiseleben informierte, kamen immer öfter die Fragen, wie es für einen Studenten möglich sei, in Luxussuiten an den schönsten Orten der Welt zu leben und immer luxuriöser zu reisen. Daraus entwickelte sich früh ein Coaching für digitale Nomaden, das den Teilnehmern die Statusprogramme und Punktesysteme der Reiseindustrie näherbringen sollte. Da die Nachfrage nach diesem Wissen stieg, legte Fabian immer mehr Fokus auf die Vermarktung dieses Wissens – noch bevor Begriffe wie „Travelhacking“ und „Lifehacking“ richtig bekannt wurden. Seit 2020 bietet Fabian sein Programm Elite Travelhacking an, in dem er sein Wissen zur Verfügung stellt. Das Programm ist mittlerweile stark gewachsen und gilt heute als das umfassendste Travelhacking‑Programm im deutschsprachigen Raum. In der Community versammeln sich namhafte Extremreisende, Abenteurer und einige der bekanntesten Online-Unternehmer der Szene. Es gibt verschiedene Angebote für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene. Das Programm wird laufend weiterentwickelt und wurde mittlerweile auch um den „Elite Travelhacking Platinum Circle“, einen Concierge‑Service für anspruchsvolle Reisende, sowie um ein eigenes US‑Kreditkartenprogramm erweitert. Fabian widmet sein Leben im Moment intensiv dem Elite Travelhacking Programm, hat inzwischen mehr als 100 Länder bereist, lebt fast durchgehend in Hotels und testet ständig neue Travelhacks für und mit der Elite Travelhacking Community. Dein größter Fehler als Unternehmer?: Eventuell zu viele Projekte nebenbei. Deine Lieblings-Internet-Ressource?: Verschiedene Social Media Kanäle die gut sortiert sind und ausgewählte klassische Medien global ausgewählt. Fürs Travelhacking unzählige Tools. Link zur Ressource: Flightradar24   Deine beste Buchempfehlung: Buchtitel 1: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich; Timothy Ferriss   Kontaktdaten des Interviewpartners: www.elitetravelhacking.de Instagram: fabitravel Youtube: fabian.hilpert ++++++++++++++++++++++++   Hol Dir jetzt Dein Hörbuch "Selfmade Millionäre packen aus" und klicke auf das Bild!   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mehr Freiheit, mehr Geld und mehr Spaß mit DEINEM eigenen Podcast. Erfahre jetzt, warum es auch für Dich Sinn macht, Deinen eigenen Podcast zu starten. Jetzt hier zum kostenlosen Podcast-Workshop anmelden: https://Podcastkurs.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++   So fing alles an. Hier geht´s zur allerersten Episode von TomsTalkTime.com – DER Erfolgspodcast. Und ja, der Qualitätsunterschied sollte zu hören sein. Aber hey, das war 2012…

Send us a textThis week on the Travel More Podcast, we are breaking down the best ways to find cheap hotels (or accomodations) in expensive cities. We have traveled to some of the most expensive destinations in the world and have had to get creative with finding places to sleep! We are not the type of budget travelers to couch surf or share bunks with strangers, so we had to go outside the box on some of these! In this episode we cover: Where to start when looking for hotels or accommodations in expensive citiesSome creative ways to find unique and trendy places to stay in expensive cities When to look outside the cities, and what to keep in mind when searchingSome incredible stays we've had while staying on a budget in big citiesHow to use points and miles to find great deals in big cities Support the showJoin our Travel Community on Facebook to connect with other like minded travelers, share stories, tips, tricks and travel hack wins- Travel More Insiders Subscribe to our Newsletter for access to our giveaways and travel hacking tips Visit our Website https://travelmorepodcast.com/ Join Going (Scott's Cheap Flights) Use code: MAGIC20 for 20% off your first year! Check out our Travels in real time on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelmores/ Get in touch with us at contact@travelmorepodcast.com Disclosure: We only recommend products we would or do use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.

Think luxury travel is out of reach? Think again. In this episode, I'm joined by Megan Lanford, travel rewards coach and host of the Points to Paradise podcast, who breaks down exactly how she went from barely affording one vacation a year to taking six luxury trips annually—saving over $20,000 a year—using credit card points. We talk through the step-by-step process of travel hacking, including the smartest cards to use, how to avoid debt, and how to earn major sign-up bonuses that can cover full vacations. Megan shares how she shifted from a scarcity mindset to an abundant life full of travel, family memories, and five-star experiences—without breaking the bank. If you've got travel on your vision board but your budget hasn't caught up yet, this episode is full of doable strategies to get you flying first class faster than you think. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Megan went from saving for one trip a year to traveling six times annually for free ✅ Why you should stop using your debit card and use strategic travel credit cards instead ✅ The #1 travel rewards mistake most people make ✅ How to maximize sign-up bonuses and earn free vacations fast ✅ Tools and apps that make managing multiple cards simple ✅ How to travel with toddlers without losing your mind (or your bags!) ✅ Why abundance in travel can shift your entire money mindset Resources & Links:

We tend to ignore Wells Fargo cards because there are so many other great credit cards out there, but they actually do have some compelling cards out there. In today's episode we'll discuss which ones you might want in your wallet. (01:47) - Re: Clarifying our "Beyond 100K Sapphire Preferred" episode, which you can read more about here. (19:33) - Bigger Capital One VentureX Business Card offer via private banker Listen to the podcast episode about the public Capital One VentureX Business card offer here. (22:49) - Citi decreasing redemption rates on emirates starting 7/27 (26:24) - Read more about the OneKey Cash devaluation for Vrbo stays here. (29:10) - A top up fee for priority pass lounge access (32:10) - Read more about the Japan Airlines devaluation here. (35:26) - More Japan Airlines (JAL) news Learn about how to Book JAL with JetBlue points here. (39:29) - More Bilt news (44:55) - Learn how to use Bilt to pay student loans with points here. (46:24) - United MileagePlus Showing More Awards After Changing Settings (49:51) - Wyndham Points + Cash reservations now bookable with as few as 750 points (51:12) - Learn more about Gondola here: https://frequentmiler.com/gondola/ Main Event: A World-Class Wells Fargo Wallet (57:04) - Transferable points (59:27) - Notable Wells Fargo credit cards which have transfer abilities (1:01:07) - Notable Wells Fargo cash back cards, which can be moved to a transferrable point card (1:04:33) - Here's how you can build a world-class Wells Fargo wallet (1:07:44) - Downsides (and fun hypotheticals) (1:13:32) - See our current transfer bonuses resource here. (1:16:22) - How many of your millions of miles come from sign up bonuses vs credit card spending, and where does most of your credit card spend come from? Read more about how to increase credit card spend here, and watch our episode 197 about increasing spend here. Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Celebrate spring with breathtaking flowers, creative topiaries, and tasty treats at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Striking a perfect balance between nostalgia and fun new surprises, discover why attending this festival is one of the best times of year to visit Walt Disney World.  Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process with EPCOT Chef de Cuisine, Kevin Downing, and Disney Proprietors of Festivals, Rick DiCicco, and Tom Kovacs.   A special thank you to Walt Disney World for sponsoring this episode!  Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to relive the magic, Walt Disney World is the perfect destination for families, adventure seekers, and Disney fans of all ages.  With four theme parks, endless attractions, dining experiences, and accommodations for every budget, plan your magical getaway by visiting DisneyWorld.com today!    ➡️ Don't head to Disney without this! The Disney With Toddlers Bundle includes must-have packing and grocery checklists every parent needs to stay organized, stress less, and soak up more magical moments with your little one.   Read the blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/flower-and-garden-festival/    Want more Disney World tips, cheap flights, points and miles, and money-saving strategies? Below are all my best episodes neatly organized in Spotify playlists. Enjoy!

Episode 165 - all notes from the show can be found at www.zippingaroundtheworld.com on the home page.  Scroll to find Episode 165.   Don't forget to subscribe to the show!  Tell your friends and social media. Help the show, at no cost to you! Use my travel credit card links, which are always found on my website show notes. Leave me a comment on my website under the comments tab if you have ever used any of my travel tips or locations.  Also, leave me a rating and kind comment in Itunes or where ever you download this podcast.

Planning a trip to Disney World that includes multiple generations can be rewarding and involves unique considerations (and challenges). Here are our best Disney tips to help you create a magical experience that everyone, from grandparents to grandkids, will cherish. This podcast episode is made possible with the support of Walt Disney World, the sponsor of this episode. Start planning your next Disney World vacation today by visiting DisneyWorld.com.    Read the blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/multigenerational-disney-world-trip/    Want more Disney World tips, cheap flights, points and miles, and money-saving strategies? Below are all my best episodes neatly organized in Spotify playlists. Happy listening!   

On a recent podcast episode, we talked about all the important considerations when you're just getting start in the points and miles game. But in this episode, we'll go one step further and talk about which credit cards you might want to consider as someone just getting started. (00:10) - Listen to our "Getting started with points & miles" Ep298 here. (01:12) - Some of the things you might ideally look for are: great welcome bonuses, transferable points, a good way to use points without transferring, and maybe a card that's good for everyday spend... (02:00) - For those who want to go even further with hobby, you may want the many options to expand point earnings (02:39) - Read about the offer here. (07:01) - Read our review of the Capital One Venture card here. (10:25) - Read our review of the Citi Strata Premier card here. (13:27) - Read more about the Bilt card here. Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

There are some creative ways to use airline miles to fly further with less miles. In other words, you can see more and spend less. We'll talk about these fun tricks in today's episode. (01:00) - The validity of Etihad Guest Miles will be extended by 18 months based on qualifying member flight activity. We thought this means you have to credit paid flights to Etihad to extend your miles...but is that true? (04:20) - How do you handle domestic positioning flights? See our "Tips for booking positioning flights" episode 253 here. (09:30) - Amex targeted referral +5 points on travel & transit (11:21) - Learn more about Amex multi-referrals here. (11:27) - Amex Membership Rewards: You don't need a credit card to transfer to some partners Read more about this here. (15:10) - Chase: 80% transfer bonus to IHG through 4/30 (18:26) - Transfer bonuses (21:14) - Updates to popular award tools (22:56) - National Car Rental's One Two Free Promo Returns (27:43) - Virgin Atlantic jacks up Delta One surcharges departing Europe to more than $1,000 one-way Read more about dumping fees when booking Delta One here. (31:05) - Cautions about skiplagging / hidden city ticketing, etc... (37:34) - Married Segment Logic (42:23) - Start to End Distance Based/ Zone Based Award Pricing (47:25) - Mixed cabin award pricing (51:53) - Multi-partner awards (52:57) - Read Nick's post about Air Canada's United devaluation relief with multi-partner awards here. (58:59) - Creative routing (1:04:40) - Should people wait to get the other Hawaiian Airlines credit card (if they have one of the personal Hawaaiin credit cards already)? (There are two different consumer Hawaiian Airlines cards - one with Bank of Hawaii and one by Barclays (though confusingly both are issued by Barclays)). 

Your suitcase is late—but what if I told you that's a good thing?In this week's Travel Talk episode, host Kim Anderson shares a little-known travel hack that could score you free airline miles—all for waiting at baggage claim. Inspired by her conversation with Betsy (Episode #164), an Alaska Airlines points and miles expert, Kim breaks down exactly how this perk works, who's eligible, and how to make sure you don't miss out on easy miles the next time your bag takes its sweet time arriving.In this episode, you'll learn:The airline policies that reward you for delayed baggage.How to claim your miles (and the key deadlines you can't miss!).Pro tips to make sure you always get the compensation you deserve.So, the next time your suitcase is MIA at baggage claim, don't stress—get rewarded. Tune in now!Like this and want more? Check out these episodes for more travel hacking tips & inspiration!Travel More, Spend Less: The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel Hacking w/ Kendyl Grender #58 Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: From Corporate Girlie to Full-Time Travel Creator w/ Janelle on a Jet #129SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter and get exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from each episode!Want travel tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast? SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter here! It's just the good stuff, I promise. No spam here. Support the showMore Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring! Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

On this episode of Financially Naked: Stories from The Financial Gym, two of our Trainer Advisors Garrett & Tina are here to talk about the world of travel hacking. They break down what it is, how to get started, and key strategies to maximize points and miles for discounted travel. Whether you're new to travel hacking or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers information, practical tips, and tricks to help you travel for less in style.   For more details check out our show notes  here! If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help navigate your finances, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.    

There's been a trend where credit card issuers increase annual fees on rewards cards, and attempt to make up for it by adding credits and rebates for somewhat random things (which often require a lot of mental effort and organization to put to use.) Today, we'll speculate how far this trend is going to go... (01:03) - Recent history of couponization (05:51) - Expected refresh of Platinum card Check out the Coffee Break episode 47 where we discussed an expected refresh here, or read more about even more refreshed Platinum card predictions here. (06:43) - Next Airline Card(s) (12:14) - Next Hotel Card(s) (15:20) - Next Consumer Transferable Points Card(s) (17:35) - Next Business Transferable Points Card(s) Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Ever wish you could fly business class without paying business class prices?In this episode of Design Her Travel, host Kim Anderson sits down with Betsey, an Alaska Airlines points and miles expert who's cracked the code on how to travel in luxury without draining your bank account. From grocery store hacks to unexpected redemption perks, you'll learn how to stretch every dollar into travel rewards—especially if you're flying Alaska Airlines.Whether you're completely new to the travel hacking game or you're ready to level up your strategy, this episode will teach you smart, repeatable, and surprisingly easy ways to earn and redeem Alaska Airlines miles for maximum value.You'll learn:Why Alaska Airlines is one of the hottest loyalty programs right nowHow to earn miles on groceries, gift cards, and even late luggageHow to book premium travel without spending premium moneyThis episode is for you if you're ready to stop watching everyone else fly first class and start doing it yourself—without spending more than you already are. Seriously, if you can buy a coffee, you can earn miles. Press play and prepare to be blown away.RESOURCES:Connect with Betsey on Instagram @heralaskatravels⚡ROUND Book: We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel RodgersLooking for that carryon with a seat? Check it out here: MiaMillyEPISODES MENTIONED: Behind the Scenes of a Delta Brand Ambassador: From Corporate Girlie to Full-Time Travel Creator w/ Janelle on a Jet #129EPISODE DETAILS:13:56 - Alaska and Hawaiian airlines recently merged16:33 - If you are an Alaskan native 18:57 - Amex platinum cards are a great way to get 5  points20:08 - There are lots of ways to stack points and  milesWant travel tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast? SIGN UP for our weekly newsletter here! It's just the good stuff, I promise. No spam here. Support the showMore Travel, Less Money—Download Your FREE GUIDE & Start Exploring! Let's connect on Instagram! @DesignHerTravel Get $20 when you Sign-Up for Buzzsprout Please Note: I may earn a small commission when purchasing through these links. It doesn't cost you anything extra but does help support the show.

Send us a textWe're back- and it's no April Fools! After a 6 month hiatus, we are more than ready to bring you up to speed on all things travel that have been happening over here. First up, travel hacking fails and how to avoid them. No matter how much you learn about travel hacking, there's always going to be some missteps as you start implementing some of the strategies. In this episode, we bring you through our *fails* and what you can do to avoid them! In this episode, we cover: Transfer partner missteps- things to remember when transferring points to partners and a BIG mistake that could cost you thousands of points Booking fails- how to make sure that your calculating the correct number of points for your booking and a very easy mistake to make, and how to avoid it.When and how to buy plane tickets so that you don't get stuck paying for the most expensive flightsPlus we are launching a new live Q and A. We will start this up in the coming weeks but until then, email your questions or upcoming trips itineraries to contact@travelmorepodcast.com to be included in our first ever chat. We are taking a VERY small number of questions to start so email now to make sure you're included! Support the showJoin our Travel Community on Facebook to connect with other like minded travelers, share stories, tips, tricks and travel hack wins- Travel More Insiders Subscribe to our Newsletter for access to our giveaways and travel hacking tips Visit our Website https://travelmorepodcast.com/ Join Going (Scott's Cheap Flights) Use code: MAGIC20 for 20% off your first year! Check out our Travels in real time on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelmores/ Get in touch with us at contact@travelmorepodcast.com Disclosure: We only recommend products we would or do use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.

Have you ever stood in front of your suitcase, overwhelmed, unsure what to pack—or panic-ordered outfits days before a trip that you'll never wear again? You're not alone. In fact, this episode might be exactly what your suitcase (and closet) needs. In this episode, I'm joined by Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe, who shares her system for making packing simple, efficient, and actually fun. We talk about how to get more outfits with fewer pieces, avoid the most common packing mistakes, and how to feel stylish and comfortable—whether you're heading to Paris or just to the airport. If travel packing always feels like a puzzle you can't solve, this episode will help you finally crack it.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/stylist-travel-packing-guide/   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!  

Wyndham is having an excellent point sale that lasts until April 15th (2025). Read more about it here or listen to this episode for details.  (01:15) - Wyndham point sale: Through April 15th, if you buy 3,000 or more points, you get up to an 80% bonus. (01:47) - Simultaneously, all 3 Wyndham Earner cards have increased welcome bonuses Learn more about the increased bonuses for all 3 Wyndham credit cards here. (02:55) - Vacasa Vacation Rental Learn about Wyndham and Vacasa here. (05:55) - Wyndham Grand Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads  

As someone who has booked over $192,000 worth of travel using points just this year, I've learned that mastering the art of points transfers is the key to unlocking incredible travel experiences. But knowing when and where to transfer your points isn't always straightforward or intuitive, especially when you're new to this hobby.    In this episode, I share 10 do's and don'ts of credit card points transfers. You'll hear my hard-won wisdom on everything from transfer ratios to avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced award traveler, you'll come away with actionable tips to help you book your dream trips using points.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/credit-card-points-transfers-tips   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Episode 163 - all notes from the show can be found at www.zippingaroundtheworld.com on the home page.  Scroll to find Episode 163.   Don't forget to subscribe to the show!  Tell your friends and social media. Help the show, at no cost to you! Use my travel credit card links, which are always found on my website show notes. Leave me a comment on my website under the comments tab if you have ever used any of my travel tips or locations.  Also, leave me a rating and kind comment in Itunes or where ever you download this podcast.

Winning the game doesn't have to be hard. Points & miles is like complicated board game -- seems overwhelming at first. But the rewards for winning are incredible. In today's main event we'll show you how to get started. (02:09) - Tyler writes in about success with Chase travel insurance Read more about Chase Sapphire Reserve & Ritz-Carlton cards' excellent travel protections here. (03:58) - Bilt rent payment method is changing - read more about it here. (07:27) - Chase biz cards: Pre-approved offers showing when logged in - read more about it here. (09:43) - Wyndham launches debit card, which you can read about here. (12:24) - Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard increased to 40k points, which you can read about here. (14:17) - Citi Rewards+ card may be discontinued soon (16:47) - Read more about the Wyndham point sale here. (17:53) - A listener writes in to say, "I feel like I Bonvoyed Marriott last month" by using a 35K cert for a Marriott in Guyana worth $675/night! (21:09) - Expires April 15, 2025.Hyatt Homes & Hideaways 3x promo (23:04) - Delta eliminates surcharges from Europe (25:07) - Frontier offering free Economy Bundle + free checked bag with promo code FREEBAG, which you can read about here. (26:45) - Get GigSky 15 day international data plan free w/ Visa Infinite & Signature cards + 10% off plans with a promo code, which you can read more about here. (28:50) - Redeem 2,000 Wyndham Rewards points for 2 Minor League Baseball tickets (Book by 3/26/25) - read more about it here. (30:35) - Use Hilton for Business for better cancellation terms and no deposits, which you can read more about here. (32:12) - Savewise: compare portals + find stacks - read more about it here. (41:05) - Earn credit card rewards (big picture) (42:47) - Check out Episode 214 about how to earn millions of points from credit card welcome offers here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-earn-millions-of-points-from-credit-card-welcome-offers/ (43:43) - Visit our Best Offers resource here: https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-offers/ (44:08) - Check out Greg's picks for the best current credit card bonuses here: https://frequentmiler.com/top-current-credit-card-offers/ (45:45) - Don't do this unless you pay in full monthly (48:35) - What about credit score? (51:33) - Three types of cards, welcome bonus only, "sock drawer" cards, wallet cards (55:44) - Consider Travel Freely (which you can learn more about here: frequentmiler.com/travelfreely ) (1:01:09) - Learn ways to increase your spend (without really increasing your spend) Listen to this "13 ways to increase credit card spend" podcast Episode197 for more: https://frequentmiler.com/13-ways-to-increase-credit-card-spend-and-get-most-of-it-back/ (1:03:40) - More rewards with Shopping Portals and bank offers (e.g. Amex Offers, Chase Offers) (1:06:03) - Spend your points for travel! (1:09:58) - Use tools to find valuable ways to use your points - read this post for which award search tool is best: https://frequentmiler.com/which-award-search-tool-is-best/ (1:14:53) - Check out our post about which hotel award tool is best: https://frequentmiler.com/which-hotel-award-search-tool-is-best/ (1:15:27) - Keep track of your points with AwardWallet, which you can read more about here: https://frequentmiler.com/awardwallet/ (1:18:38) - Multi-Player Listen to podcast episode 292 "Points & Miles 2 Player Mode" here: https://frequentmiler.com/points-miles-2-player-mode-frequent-miler-on-the-air-ep292-1-31-25-podcast/ (1:20:55) - Greg did a long weekend trip to London using points (flying Delta One) which sounded like a lot of effort (and points) for such a short trip. Is there an ideal? Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

(00:10) - In this episode we talk about the airline rewards programs and hotel rewards programs that seem to be changing in value. Some of them are going up in value and some are going down.  (00:42) - Alaska Mileage Plan miles are going up in value (02:08) - Southwest points are going down Listen to our episode about these Southwest changes here. (02:45) - Avianca Lifemiles are going down (04:43) - Hilton points are going up (06:12) - Hyatt points are going down (10:36) - Which transferable points are going up or down? Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Do you feel confident in your points redemption skills, or do you suspect you might be missing out on better deals? With a little knowledge and practice, you can learn to stack the key skills needed to get incredible value from your points, and I'm showing you how this week.    Tune in as I break down the six key levels of points redemption skill stacking. I explain how to know which level you're at currently, the specific skills to focus on building, and how to reach the next level so you can unlock incredible travel opportunities!   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/skill-stacking-better-points-redemption   Get your copy of the Award Booking Calendars: Your Airline-by-Airline Guide here!   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Bilt Rewards is a program that became famous for giving you rewards for your rent payments, but these days there are many ways to earn Bilt rewards. In this episode, we'll pay special attention to how you might want to use your Bilt points. (01:15) - John writes in with a correction for Nick's statement that there's a "zero percent chance" the tax payment won't count toward the bonus. (06:57) - Andrew writes in about applying for an Amex card by opening up a Private Browser and searching for the card there can bring up a higher offer. (08:49) - Bilt 5x offers (targeted after asking for credit increase) Learn more about the Bilt offer here. Learn more about the Bilt spending offer for groceries, gas, and dining here. (10:38) - Amex coupon credits and bonuses posting slowly (relax / don't panic) Learn more about Amex coupon credits and bonuses posting slowly here. (13:30) - Marriott cracking down on "additional guest" reservations, which you can read more about here. (20:47) - Southwest for the "win". Read about Southwest's disappointing updates here. (23:28) - Check out our recent podcast episode about these Southwest changes here. (23:38) - Nick finally gets his million (25:14) - Reader winner updates (28:38) - Excellent Virgin Atlantic business class availability as low as 29K points + $254 (31:26) - Aviator companion tickets for the win! Read more about this here. (35:56) - Up to 40% transfer bonus from Capital One Miles to Etihad Guest (41:25) - How not to use your Bilt points (43:46) - 1.25 cpp: book travel through their portal (44:41) - 1.5 cpp: Use points for house down payment (46:23) - Transfer to partners (1:16:55) - Here are the partners you shouldn't transfer to... (1:18:20) - Wait for great Rent Day transfer bonuses (1:20:26) - One reader asks about the Capital One pre-approval tool and whether or not it would cause a hard pull.

What do we think are the best hotel programs for outsized value? Have we noticed some of the same Alaska Airlines quirks that our listeners have? What have our experiences with the EVA Air program been (if any)? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on March 5th, 2025. 00:40 - What's the most meaningful miles and points trip you've had? 03:16 - Inspired by Nick's “falling in love with Alaska” post… Let's play a miles themed version of the old FMK game (the acronym will make sense in a moment, Carrie!) We'll call it lust, marry, kill rather than the original name. Between Alaska, Aeroplan, and Avios, which is your torrid love affair, which would you settle down with, which ends up left behind? 05:47 - What's the teams thoughts on how long this Amex to Hawaii to Alaska gravy train will last? 10:56 - Were any of the frequent milers effected by the recent Amex shutdowns? 12:55 - Any tips to reduce/avoid parking fees at airports? I live far enough away that Uber or shuttles are just as much(or more), so is there anything I'm not thinking of? 17:15 - ​​Which airlines offer lie flat seats from the eastern half of the USA to Hawaii with at least some availability via points at a reasonable cost? 19:21 - ​​I don't have any business spend so I'm hesitant to apply for business cards and use it for personal expenses. Is it legal/allowed to put personal spend on business cards? 21:28 ​​Is the 15% Delta Amex discount a real discount or Delta increased the redemption rate before the discount is applied. Their miles seem to be $.012/mile after the 15%. Is their miles really that bad? 24:01 - hey everyone! have any of you ever booked an award flight with EVA? so many quirks to that program but 75-80k to Asia is a good deal. Would love to hear any if your experiences if you have. Thanks! 28:29 - what's up with Alaska's phantom award availability? I've noticed this especially with AA, award space will show in Alaska, sometimes other partners, then Alaska won't ticket. And on Alaska - have you noticed Alaska semi-dynamically pricing AA routes? IE award chart says route should be 7.5k but all routes instead price at 10k or 12.5k? 33:50 - ​​if I took a retention offer to keep amex gold. Will amex take back points if I take an upgrade to platinum offer? 34:31 - ​​I received an offer for the Caesars no annual fee card. with 5000 spend in three months giving me diamond status. Am I crazy for wanting to get it for the free parking, no resorts fee, and food credit 37:45 - When checking if a layover will offer enough time, how can I know in advance if I may be forced to pickup + recheck my bags? Either with a single or multiple carriers? 38:56 - I'm trying to potentially book a Maldives trip with Hilton FNC but I'd like to connect there in style on Qatar and/or Emirates. Considering free night certificates only last a year and flights often are best booked a year out, how would you navigate a trip where flights and hotels might both be high demand options or timelines 44:25 - Which hotel rewards program would you say lately offers the highest probability for outside value? To me, it's not close I believe Hilton shines in this respect. 51:45 - Have you ever gotten weird looks from the clerk while buying gift cards? 55:03 - ​​I found lots of availability at a SLH thru Hilton. Four nights bookable, but when I went to 5 nights, availability vanished. Is the hotel playing games to avoid 5th night free? Any workaround ideas

Starting May 28 of this year, Southwest will be making some major changes to the things we've known and loved. For example Most people will be losing free checked bags on Southwest starting May 28 of this year, they'll be introducing basic economy, flight credits will now expire (after 6-12 months depending on what type of fare you bought) and the value of points will become much more variable. (01:49) - Commenter Brad says: "I'm an accountant who completely understands the math of cutting expenses or raising revenues to increase profit... I don't understand, though, what the business strategy is here. Building a strategy that revolves around hoping customers won't notice you're charging them more for a worse product doesn't seem like the kind of pitch that would get you an A in an MBA strategy class." Read the original post where this comment appeared here. (03:38) - 2 Bags No longer Fly Free for Most (pricing not yet disclosed) (05:58) - Basic economy fares (06:33) - Flight credits will expire (From May 28, 2025) (08:29) - Variable redemption rates Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

I share my top tips for running successful award flight searches gleaned from years of experience booking award travel.   Let's dive into the key differences between searching for cash flights versus award flights, and how to overcome the challenges of information overload and limited award seat inventory. I break down the most important mindset shifts and practical strategies you can start using today to increase your chances of finding your dream award flights.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/lessons-learned-top-tips-award-searches   Get your copy of the Award Booking Calendars: Your Airline-by-Airline Guide here!   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Word on the street is the Amex Platinum card is going to be "refreshed" which may mean new benefits, new cost, new rebates, and more. In this episode, we'll make some predictions about what we might see. (01:06) - Predicting the Refreshed Platinum Card annual fee (02:55) - Earning rate change? (04:04) - Coupon changes? (06:49) - Will the airline incidental fees credit change? (11:57) - Perk changes? Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

In this episode, I'm joined by DeAndre Coke, a financial advisor and an avid traveler who was ranked by Forbes as one of Virginia's top financial security professionals for two consecutive years. DeAndre shares his experience using an innovative platform called Zil Money to pay payroll with his credit card, racking up huge amounts of valuable rewards points in the process.   Discover which credit cards offer the best earning rates when paying payroll through Zil, and how to think about the cost-benefit analysis of the processing fees. DeAndre breaks down his exact process for maximizing payroll points and shares some of the amazing trips he's taken and has planned by strategically leveraging this expense.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/turn-payroll-into-points-deandre-coke   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Many of us love to travel but imagine we don't have the money to do it as much as we'd like. Our guests on this episode traveled to 30 countries for under $10k.  This is our conversation about their tips and tricks and how they did it!  Come join their adventure!  https://www.youtube.com/@benalaina @the_blaylocks @otagocoffeeco https://otagocoffeeco.com/

With a $350 annual fee, the Delta Platinum credit card is not cheap. But like most of these more expensive cards, it comes with perks and credits that help off-set that cost. Since Greg has this card, we'll find out how he makes use of these various perks and credits. Learn more about the Delta Platinum card here and the Delta Platinum Business card here. (00:15) - $350 (00:55) - 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) (02:22) - Annual $2,500 MQD Headstart (04:49) - Companion ticket each year upon card renewal Learn more about Delta Companion Certificates here. (07:36) - Delta Stays rebate (09:14) - $10/Month Rideshare (14:12) - $10/Month US Resy restaurants (16:58) - Priority boarding, first checked bag free on Delta flights, and complimentary upgrade list: get added to the complimentary upgrade list after Delta elite members and Reserve cardmembers (17:53) - Cell phone protection Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of award travel, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples. I break down complex topics like transferable points currencies, positioning flights, and maximizing leftover gift card balances in a way that's easy to understand and apply to your own travel goals.   So grab a pen and paper (or just hit that bookmark button) because you won't want to miss a single nugget of wisdom in this value-packed episode. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for earning and redeeming points like a pro, plus some insider secrets for booking those elusive award flights.    Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/top-award-travel-questions-listener-q-a   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Are you a medical professional looking for ways to leverage your CME funds for travel? I'm joined by Dr. Courtney Downes, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, Points and Travel strategist, and founder of Prescription to Travel MD. She helps healthcare professionals optimize credit card points and travel hacks for accessible leisure, adventure, wellness retreats, and CME.   Discover how to tap into your CME allowance for unforgettable trips, from wellness retreats to international adventures. Dr. Courtney breaks down the options available and shares tips for navigating employer restrictions. She also reveals her favorite credit card perks and benefits that can elevate your travel experiences.    Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/cme-secrets-dr-courtney-downes   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Travel hacking allows you to fly and travel for free, often in luxury, without spending tens of thousands of dollars on flights or hotels. So, how do you do it without managing thirty different credit cards in your wallet? Brian Kelly, AKA The Points Guy, world-renowned travel hacking expert and author of the new book How to Win at Travel, is here to show you as we rapid-fire our top credit card rewards questions at him. In this show, you'll learn how to fly to Europe, Asia, and beyond for FREE, even in business class, all by spending the same amount of money you typically would every month. These cards can turn your weekly grocery run into free flights, hotel stays, cashback, and more, plus give you huge perks like airport lounge access, travel protection, and even a credit to spend on your next trip. Love free money? This is how you get it. Plus, we're asking The Points Guy what cards he has in HIS wallet, what he spends on which card, and why he does NOT recommend staying loyal to a specific airline, even if you travel often. These tips alone could save you thousands of dollars this year while turning your economy seat into a lie-flat first-class experience. Don't let your money go to waste; start travel hacking! In This Episode We Cover How to travel for free by spending money on groceries, eating out, and business expenses The Points Guy's three favorite credit cards that everyone should keep in their wallet Why you (probably) shouldn't stay loyal to a specific airline, even if you have their credit card Why Chase points can get you even MORE free travel than American Express points Evaluating annual credit card fees and whether a $300+/year credit card is worth it Best credit cards for renters and those who live a frugal lifestyle (but still want to travel!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook Point.me Seats.aero Get Early Access to Real Estate's Biggest Event of the Year, BPCON2025 Learn to Save and Spend the Right Way with “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area How to Earn Free Vacations With Travel Rewards Credit Cards (00:00) Intro (01:39) Travel for FREE! (06:06) Best Credit Cards for Beginners (13:48) Annual Fees (17:56) Brian's Favorite Credit Cards (20:51) Airline and Hotel Partner Cards (27:49) Keeping Track of Cards (29:34) Best First Card? (31:21) Cards for Low-Spenders (34:03) Inheriting Points? (36:52) WIN at Travel! (39:01) Get Your Points! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-606 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From finding award availability to navigating the unique transportation logistics of getting to and from the Maldives, I walk you through everything that went into planning this ambitious trip. I also share my honest review of the flights we took, what it was like staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt Maldives, and how I kept food costs under control at the resort.   If the Maldives is on your travel wish list, you won't want to miss this jam-packed episode. With the right combination of points, creativity, and planning, you too can experience the unparalleled beauty of this island paradise.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/maldives-dream-vacation   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

On today's episode the fellas chat about how to get the Southwest Companion Pass with just one card, whether or not your Marriott points just became more valuable, and how to get great value out of Capital One miles. (01:17) - One of our younger readers talks about a huge award booking success, all achieved without pro award booking tools. (05:40) - Quick overview of the Million Mile Madness challenge Watch our Ask Us Anything, Live here. Rewatch the entire Million Mile Madness Challenge in one video here. (10:27) - Get Southwest Companion Pass through 2/28/26 Learn more about this here. (13:25) - Frontier Platinum status fast track: Earn 20k Elite Status Points by 4/30/25 Learn more here. (18:46) - Transfer bonuses (21:13) - Earn 20x Avios on hotel bookings & 15x on car hire (book by 2/24/25) Learn more about this here. (23:58) - Use JetBlue points to book TAP (25:04) - Refreshing posts about award booking tools (30:50) - Are Marriott points more valuable? Learn more about the value of Marriott points here. (33:54) - My experience applying for the UK's electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Learn more about the UK ETA here. (36:15) - Capital One Miles usually worth exactly 1 cent each (37:21) - Get more than 1 cent per mile via transfer partners (38:49) - Real-life examples... (49:04) - Cardholder exclusives (51:00) - Capital One cash back can be converted to miles (53:08) - Which flight reward search tool is best if I need specific dates and locations?

We love how Hilton incorporates partners like SLH and Autocamp for example. But there are things we don't love about Hilton too. Today we'll talk about the ways they could win our loyalty. (00:00) - We love how Hilton incorporates partners: SLH and Autocamp for example (00:25) - But here's what we don't love... (04:18) - Greg's suggestions for Hilton (05:04) - Hilton's meaningful milestone benefits start way too late (at 40 nights) (06:36) - Milestone benefits of early check-in certificates would really wow us Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

The Travel Mom Squad shares their journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential voices in the award travel industry. We dive into the challenges they faced along the way, the strategies they used to overcome them, and the lessons they learned as they grew their business.   Get ready for an inside look at how these three powerhouse women are changing the face of award travel education. Plus, they're sharing their top tips and tricks for making your dream trips a reality using points and miles. If you've ever wanted to travel more without breaking the bank, this episode is a must-listen!   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/behind-the-points-travel-mom-squad   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

On this episode, we'll talk about a crazy new premium credit card, we'll debate double elite night hotel promotions to see if they're mattress run worthy, talk about a nice new way to use JetBlue points, and discuss how to double your rewards with a partner. (01:15) - One reader writes in about booking their family with roundtrip business class flights to Australia for Christmas and New Years!!! (05:00) - New JetBlue Premier Card... Learn more about the premier card here. (12:13) - IHG Premier offer up to 170K after $4K spend in 3 months Learn more about the IHG Premier card here. (13:33) - IHG overlapping promos Learn more about the targeted double elite nights here. (14:58) - Learn more about Double points here. (19:10) - Marriott's overlapping promos: Learn more about Double elite nights + 1K bonus per night here. (25:58) - Marriott increases top-end point prices Read our Marriott Complete Guide here. (30:30) - CardPointers Learn more about CardPointers here CardPointers here. (32:48) - Book TAP Air with JetBlue points (39:13) - More rewards Check out our How to video for maximizing rewards with Amex referrals here. (43:38) - More spend (44:56) - Companion Flights Find our How your Southwest Companion can fly 4 free | Coffee Break Ep32 here. Find our Complete Guide to the Southwest Companion Pass here. Find our Two for the price of one: How to get a free companion ticket | Ep218 here. (46:10) - Find our How to Use Delta Companion Certificates Video here. (47:33) - Free weekends (50:50) - One reader has One Amex Platinum Card and one Amex Business Platinum Card. If they cancel or downgrade one of the cards, how does that impact their Delta lounge access for the calendar year?

In this special 100th episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the podcast's journey. I share why I started this venture, reveal surprising statistics about the show, and discuss how I use what I've learned to make the next 100 episodes even better for you.   Whether you're a long-time listener who's been here since day one or you just found your way to the podcast, there's something for everyone in this episode. I genuinely appreciate each and every one of you for being part of the Point Me To First Class community and for supporting the show. Let's celebrate this milestone together!   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/podcast-turns-100   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

In this episode, I walk you through my simple 5-step process for evaluating which rewards credit cards deserve to keep their coveted spots in your wallet for another year. I explain why regularly assessing your card lineup is crucial for aligning your strategy with your evolving points goals and spending patterns.   By the end, you'll know exactly how to decide whether to keep, cancel, or product change every card in your portfolio. I also share my top tips for safeguarding your points and your credit score before making any big moves. If a credit card checkup isn't part of your yearly financial routine yet, this episode will convince you to make it a habit!   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/annual-credit-card-checkup   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy