Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

Welcome to the ultimate destination face-off for award travelers: Italy vs. Japan. In this episode, the 10xTravel team compares two of the most sought-after dream trips in the points and miles world. From premium flight redemptions and train travel to luxury hotels and authentic food experiences, which destination gives you more value? Join Bryce, Travis, Emily, and Matt as they pit ravioli against ramen, bullet trains against cobblestone streets, and Park Hyatts against Amalfi coast villas. No fence-sitting allowed: in the end, you'll hear each team member casts their vote on which destination reigns supreme for 2025 points & miles travel. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 01:32 Episode Overview: Italy vs. Japan 02:20 Listener Engagement and Points & Miles Basics 03:09 Travel Predictions and Membership Program 03:55 Italy vs. Japan: Flights and Award Redemptions 12:02 Personal Experiences and Flight Options 28:02 In-Country Travel: Italy vs. Japan 36:10 Debating Train Travel in Japan vs. Italy 37:14 The Convenience of Public Transit 37:50 Overnight Ferries and Transportation Experiences 40:49 Comparing Hotel Options in Japan and Italy 41:52 Booking High-End Properties with Points 43:16 Challenges of Booking in Italy 44:32 The Value of Authentic Experiences 47:53 Skiing and Unique Stays in Japan 50:55 Experience Value: Italy vs. Japan 01:00:57 Final Verdict: Italy or Japan? 01:08:32 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup Plan a Points Redemption to Italy

Ever wonder what award travel pros actually book with their points and miles? In this behind-the-scenes episode, the 10xTravel team pulls back the curtain on their real travel plans, giving an inside look at the strategies and considerations behind their trips. From spring break in The Bahamas to a dive trip in Italy and Ireland, you’ll hear the exact routes, programs, challenges, and creative booking strategies our team is using. Plus, find out which airlines the crew absolutely avoids. This episode is packed with practical tips and booking insights that will help you think like a points & miles pro. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Crew Greetings 00:21 Weather Woes and Fun Facts 02:10 Current Bookings and Travel Plans 02:48 Points and Miles Basics Reminder 03:51 Bryce's Spring Break 2026 Plans 20:19 Emily's Upcoming Europe Trip 31:45 Cheering for Your Success 32:02 Travis's Upcoming Europe Trip 34:01 Booking Flights and Accommodations 35:30 Airport Celebrity Spotting 37:53 Planning for Ireland and Italy 42:14 Future Travel Plans and Dive Trips 44:30 Matt's Flexible Travel Planning 48:12 California Alila Tour 55:12 The Thrill of Booking with Points 55:12 The Thrill of Booking with Points 01:00:46 Final Thoughts and Resources Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup How to Book Your First Flight with Points & Miles Partner Award Bookings: Everything You Need to Know How to Plan a Family Vacation Using Points and Miles Mapping a Trip to Italy: How to Plan Your Points Redemption Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bel...

Are points and miles worth less than they used to be—or are they just different? In this episode, Bryce is joined by Emily, Travis, and Matt to break down how the value of travel rewards has evolved in 2025. They unpack shifting airline award charts, hotel certificate struggles, and why dynamic pricing isn’t necessarily the end of the world. Hear what the crew thinks about points and miles devaluation over the years, and catch their opinions on what's better today than in the past. Plus, learn how they are adjusting their points and miles strategies to account for these shifts in the industry. Whether you’re new to points or a seasoned mile collector, this episode is packed with takeaways to help you earn smarter and redeem better in the current environment. 00:00 – Episode Introduction 02:00 – Are points worth less today? Personal takes 07:00 – Airlines: devaluations vs. new sweet spots 12:30 – Hotel certs & why they’re harder to use 17:00 – Dynamic pricing: pros, cons & weird examples 32:00 – Credit card bonuses & how inflation helped 41:00 – What we’ll look back on in 10 years 50:00 – Real talk: what changes your strategy today? Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

What would you do with your points—book Emirates First Class for a one-time luxury experience or stretch them for two roundtrips in business class to Europe? In this special “Would You Rather?” episode, Bryce and Emily put common points and miles dilemmas to the test. They debate the trade-offs every points and miles pro faces—quantity vs. quality, domestic weekend trips vs. international dream vacations, hotel perks vs. local experiences, and much more. Whether you’re team “maximize value” or “maximize vibes,” this episode is packed with practical insights and a few hot takes that’ll make you rethink your next redemption! 00:00 Introduction and Game Setup 00:55 First 'Would You Rather' Scenario: Podcast Fame or Virality 01:50 Quick Notes and Recommendations 02:52 Travel Dilemmas: Flights Edition 10:29 Travel Dilemmas: Hotels Edition 19:13 Lifestyle and Redemption Strategies 24:32 Chasing Travel Deals 25:29 Places We Wouldn't Visit 27:07 Domestic vs. International Travel 29:46 Lightning Round: Travel Preferences 36:43 Would You Rather: Travel Scenarios 41:53 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up Links and Resources from this Episode: How to Keep Your Points From Expiring 12 Common Beginner Points and Miles Mistakes How to Plan a Family Vacation Using Points & Miles Our Favorite Credit Card Combos Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

It's time to turn up the heat! In this special hot takes episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis are dishing out their most unfiltered opinions on points and miles travel, credit card strategies, and everything in between. From questioning the true value of “free night” certificates to debating whether optimizing every point is really worth it, nothing is off-limits. You’ll hear where the crew agrees, where they clash, and where you might want to rethink your entire strategy. This spicy episode will challenge your points and miles assumptions—and probably give you a good laugh along the way. Tune in, and let us know your own hot takes on YouTube or Instagram! In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:48 Diving into Unconventional Takes 12:40 Category Spend Optimization Debate 23:53 Inconveniences in Points and Miles Travel 31:34 Travis's Hot Take on Point Hoarding 35:23 The Risks of Point Hoarding 40:54 Psychological Aspects of Point Hoarding 44:39 Bryce's Second Hot Take: Valuing Points and Miles 52:38 Emily's Second Hot Take: Free Night Certificates 56:55 Travis's Controversial Take on Flexible Pricing 01:02:39 Lightning Round of Hot Takes 01:04:07 Engaging with the Audience 01:04:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links and Resources from this Episode: Top Five Credit Myths Debunked Best Cards for Bonus Categories April Through June 2025 Three Types of Points: Which One Should You Prioritize? Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube:

Thinking about airport lounge access for your next trip, or wondering if it’s actually worth it? In this episode Bryce, Matt, Emily, and Travis share everything you need to know about airport lounges, from stand-out experiences (both good and bad) to how to gain lounge access on your next trip. The team shares their best and worst lounge experiences across the globe, from exceptional lounge showers to disappointing food and less-than-desirable spaces. They also cover how to access airport lounges using points, elite status, or premium travel credit cards. Plus, get a sneak peek at the brand new My 10x Lounge Finder tool, making it easier than ever to find the best lounge options for your trip! In this episode: 00:00 – Welcome + travel plans 02:00 – What airport lounges are and why they matter 05:00 – Who gets access (and how YOU can too) 08:00 – Credit card perks and priority pass explained 13:00 – Best lounge experiences: Europe, Asia, Middle East 19:00 – Worst and most overrated lounges (let's be honest) 27:00 – How to maximize lounge perks like showers, dining & space 38:00 – New Lounge Finder tool walkthrough 45:00 – Tips for families, solo travelers, and road warriors Links and Resources from this Episode: 7 Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access How to Get Access to Airport Lounges (With or Without a Premium Ticket) Check Out the New Lounge Finder Feature in My10x! Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Have you taken flight with the American Airlines AAdvantage program yet? In this episode, Bryce is joined by Emily and Matt to unpack the program details—from earning and redeeming miles to status tiers and program quirks. Earning AAdvantage miles can be tricky, so the crew is breaking down their thoughts on how to maximize the benefits of the program, including partner information to get the most of your miles. They're also sharing favorite sweet spots, clever redemption strategies, and a few laughs along the way (including a debate on how "AAdvantage" is pronounced). Tune in to learn if American Airlines AAdvantage is for you, and how you can take advantage of this program today! Figure out where to credit your flights: wheretocredit.com 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:07 Discussing American Airlines AAdvantage Program 00:19 Fun Banter and Personal Updates 02:21 Deep Dive into AAdvantage Program 07:24 Earning AAdvantage Miles 16:08 Redeeming AAdvantage Miles 24:36 Award Booking Tips and Strategies 28:07 Understanding Hold Policies 29:15 Sweet Spots in the AAdvantage Program 29:18 Qatar Airways QSuites 31:30 Flying to Japan with JAL 33:53 Traveling to Australia and Beyond 35:24 Etihad Airways Redemptions 37:20 Short-Haul Economy Sweet Spots 38:25 Caribbean and Mexico Routes 40:45 Flagship First Transcontinental 45:03 Off-Peak Economy Awards to Europe 46:58 Booking Tips and Avoiding Surcharges 50:36 Family Travel Considerations 53:04 Conclusion and Resources Links and Resources from this Episode: Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosin...

When it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel, not all credit card rewards are created equal. In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the 3 main types of credit card points—bank transferable points, airline and hotel-specific points, and cashback—to help you optimize your points and miles strategy. From which types of points to prioritize based on travel goals to why flexible bank points often offer the best value, this episode will help you get clear on how to make the most of your credit cards. If you're looking to optimize your points and miles earning strategy, this episode is a must-listen! Protect Your Points: https://go.10xtravel.com/protectyourpoints In this episode: 00:00 Welcome to Take Off: Meet the Hosts 00:15 Behind the Scenes: Recording Realizations 02:02 Introduction to Credit Card Points 03:47 Deep Dive: Bank Transferable Points 19:15 Understanding Airline and Hotel Points 20:53 Flexible Points vs. Co-Branded Points 23:07 Fun Analogies and Closing Thoughts 25:37 Buffets and Travel Value 26:07 Hotel Points Comparison 27:52 Risks of Points Devaluation 28:37 Bank Transferable Points vs. Hotel Points 29:33 Introduction to Cashback and Fixed Value Points 30:07 Cashback vs. Travel Points 31:36 Cashback Card Strategies 38:47 Business Spend and Cashback 43:01 Personal Points Strategy 50:41 Final Thoughts and Resources Links and Resources from this Episode: Three Types of Points: Which One Should You Prioritize? Cash Back or Points: How to Choose the Right Card for You Should You Use Airline Cards To Pay For Flights? Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

Are you taking advantage of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club yet? In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the program's sweet spots and the incredible value it offers for points and miles enthusiasts. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:41 Travel Plans and Antarctica Adventure 02:18 Bucket List Travel Experiences 04:50 Virgin Atlantic Travel Club Overview 13:05 Earning Virgin Points 18:23 Redeeming Virgin Points 25:16 Changes to Virgin Atlantic Program 30:22 Maximizing Virgin Atlantic Points 30:36 Award Seat Availability and Elite Status Perks 31:39 Economy and Premium Economy Redemptions 39:34 Sweet Spots for Virgin Atlantic Redemptions 39:41 Partner Airlines and Award Charts 54:15 Tips for Booking with Virgin Atlantic 58:38 Conclusion and Additional Resources In the episode, the crew discusses everything from flying to London for just 6,000 points to booking business class flights to Japan or New Zealand at unbeatable rates. They explore how Virgin Atlantic's partnerships benefit travelers, and share real life examples of trips that can be booked in 2025. They also discusses recent program changes, dynamic pricing, and strategies for navigating partner bookings. Plus, they highlight why Virgin Atlantic is a must-know program for affordable family travel and once-in-a-lifetime trips. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out in the points and miles space, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar. Tune in to this episode for tips to help you turn your points into unforgettable adventures with this program. Links and Resources from this Episode: Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some o...

Get ready to track your points and miles redemptions like never before! In this episode, Matt joins Bryce and Emily to introduce the My10x Redemption Tracker, the new tool he developed to help travelers keep track of how they've used their points and miles. In the episode, the crew dives into the innovative features of the new Redemption Tracker and guides listeners through the functionality of the tracker, which revolutionizes how travelers can organize and assess their trips with ease. The discussion includes detailed personal examples from Bryce, Matt, and Emily, showcasing how they maximize their points and miles for incredible travel experiences. Tune in to learn more about how to efficiently manage your travel plans and share your own redemption stories with the My10x Redemption Tracker! Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway! In this episode: 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 01:12 Crew Banter and Catching Up 02:00 Introducing the Redemption Tracker 05:33 How the Redemption Tracker Works 13:08 User Feedback and Future Plans 26:52 Analyzing Card Usage and Points Redemption 27:31 Real-Life Redemption Examples: Emily's Australia Trip 33:56 Bryce's Family Trip to Portugal 37:33 Matt's Hawaiian Adventure 45:34 Introducing the Redemption Tracker Tool 46:03 Giveaway and How to Participate 47:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links and Resources from this Episode: Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Check out the Redemption Tracker in action: Emily's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/24502290-af3d-49fa-8102-13c20bb823d5 Bryce's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/f5649fa1-0768-4837-b576-af004c94d41b Matt's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/acc39391-d23e-4575-85e4-886ecd7530ab Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTub...

This week the 10xTravel team tackles the most controversial topics in air travel. From the great seat recline debate to the dreaded barefoot passenger, Travis, Bryce, and Emily discuss the most shocking faux pas they've come across in their own travels. Should you put your personal item in the overhead bin? Is it okay to take off your shoes? And who really gets the middle armrest? Tune in as Travis, Bryce, and Emily share their pet peeves, hot takes, and a few tips to practice your best plane etiquette on your next flight. Got a strong opinion of your own? Let us know in the comments! Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway! 00:00 Introduction: Travis Takes The Lead 01:55 Episode Overview and Travel Faux Pas 04:14 Airline Seat and Cabin Etiquette 04:25 The Great Seat Recline Debate 08:59 Middle Seat Armrest Dilemma 10:36 Barefoot on Planes: Yay or Nay? 15:52 Overhead Bin Etiquette 21:32 Standing Up When the Seatbelt Sign Turns Off 22:53 Gate Lice and Boarding Procedures 27:02 In-Flight Behaviors: Headphones and More 31:18 Headphones and In-Flight Entertainment 32:24 Flighty App and Flight Tracking Fun 34:16 Window Shade Etiquette: Short Haul vs Long Haul 42:40 Airport Security Line Etiquette 45:55 Food and Drink Etiquette on Planes 51:00 Lounge Etiquette and Final Thoughts Links and Resources from this Episode: Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today 2025 Meetup Dates: Houston: April 12th Chicago: April 13th Columbus, OH: May 17th San Diego: June 27th San Francisco: June 28th Seattle: June 29th DC: October 10th Tampa: October 11th Atlanta: October 12th More information for the meetups can be found here: http://10xtravel.com/events Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel i...

Distance-based awards programs may seem like a thing of the past, but not for Alaska Airlines! In this episode, Travis is joining Bryce to uncover the unique details and perks of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. Bryce and Travis jump into a discussion on the unique aspects of Alaska's Mileage Plan, including its distance-based earning structure, a rarity in an industry that’s largely shifted to revenue-based systems. They break down the best ways to earn Alaska miles and discuss the program’s key partnerships with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. They also share examples of how to maximize the value of your miles and cover recent changes to Alaska's program, the mileage expiration policy, and the program's standout features that make it a favorite among frequent flyers.If you're a frequent domestic traveler, this episode will inspire you to take full advantage of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. Tune in and get ready to take off with Alaska! In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:03 Travis's Trip to The Seychelles 04:39 Bryce's Portugal Adventure 06:44 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Overview 16:30 Earning Alaska Miles 22:53 Caution on Transferring Points 26:30 Alaska Airlines Credit Cards Overview 26:37 Earning Alaska Miles 27:35 Redeeming Alaska Miles 27:56 Alaska's Partner Airlines 29:00 Domestic Award Tickets 30:18 International Award Tickets 37:37 Pro Tips for Alaska Miles 42:32 Sweet Spots for Alaska Miles 47:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links and Resources from this Episode: Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as

In this episode of Takeoff by 10xTravel, Bryce and Travis share their top travel superlatives for 2024, diving into the best of airline and hotel loyalty programs, redemptions, lounges, and more. Bryce and Travis discuss their top picks for airline loyalty programs, with Bryce favoring Air France’s Flying Blue for its family-friendly benefits and Travis backing United for its extensive partner network. They also discuss the most improved programs, with Alaska Airlines and Virgin Atlantic leading the charge. For redemptions, they highlight international airline perks like ANA business class to Japan and Qatar Qsuites. They cover everything from unsexy redemptions to family-friendly loyalty programs. Bryce and Travis wrap up the episode with fun categories like “Worst Dining Experience” and “End of an Era Award.” Join them to see which programs made their 2024 superlative lists and see if you agree. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 02:22 Course Refresh and My10x Tool 03:32 Superlatives and Awards Overview 06:43 Best Airline Loyalty Program 2024 12:23 Most Improved Loyalty Program 2024 18:28 Best Redemption Sweet Spot 2024 22:08 Most Reliable Airline for Award Availability 26:05 Best International Airline Cabin 32:21 Top Bucket List Airline Redemption 2024 34:24 Most Exciting New Hotel Bookable with Points 38:28 Best Value Destination Bookable with Points 42:52 Best Unsexy Redemption 46:26 Most Exciting New Feature or Trend 51:30 Best Program for Newbies 54:43 Best Family Friendly Loyalty Program 56:28 Best Airport Lounge Experience 01:01:09 Saddest Lounge Experience 01:04:19 MVP of the Year 01:07:14 Worst Dining Experience 01:11:25 Fun Superlative Awards 01:17:00 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive Benefits Links and Resources from this Episode: Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected:

It's officially 2025, and in this episode Bryce and Travis are sharing their points and miles reflections, accomplishments, and resolutions for the New Year! Bryce and Travis start by discussing their major highlights from 2024, including some fantastic trips and notable points wins. They also each share their biggest learnings and mistakes over the past year and what they would have done differently. Looking ahead, Bryce and Travis outline their 2025 points and miles goals, from achieving Hyatt Globalist status to potentially pursuing more business class bookings. They also share predictions for industry trends in 2025, speculating about better award pricing between North America and Europe and increased travel to Thailand with the impending release of White Lotus Season 3. Start the year off right and tune into this episode packed with valuable lessons and insightful forecasts for what's to come in 2025! In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:55 Housekeeping and Updates 01:36 Reflecting on 2024 Resolutions 04:12 Card Portfolio Adjustments 12:09 Travel Highlights of 2024 15:33 Biggest Mistakes of 2024 20:59 Lessons Learned and 2025 Resolutions 29:43 Unconventional Resolutions and Final Thoughts 35:57 Engage with Us: Share Your Resolutions 36:37 New Card Strategy for 2025 37:28 Travel Habits and Points Strategy 40:54 Upcoming Travel Plans for 2025 41:11 Travis' Travel Plans for 2025 49:11 Bryce's Travel Plans for 2025 55:23 Predictions for Points and Miles in 2025 01:05:33 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead 01:06:22 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive Benefits Links and Resources from this Episode: Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram:

Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean sacrifice, especially when you know how to leverage points and miles for the whole family! In this episode, host Bryce is joined by seasoned family travelers Katie and Raya, who share their wealth of knowledge about navigating the world of points and miles with kids in tow. Throughout the episode, Raya, Katie, and Bryce share essential tips and strategies for booking award flights for families, maximizing hotel redemptions, and preparing for long flights with kids. From tackling school schedules to managing car seat challenges, Katie and Raya break down practical advice to make family travel smoother and more enjoyable. Hear about their highlight trips, upcoming plans, and how they strategically earn points to keep traveling as a family without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a parent looking to plan your next getaway or just starting your points journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your family travel game. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guests 00:38 Exciting Updates from 10xTravel 02:41 Meet Katie and Raya 05:03 Family Travel Tips and Strategies 08:20 Booking Award Flights for Families 19:05 Navigating School Schedules and Travel Planning 31:25 Repositioning Flights and Car Seat Challenges 37:04 Maximizing Hyatt Redemptions 38:03 Using Portals for Hotel Bookings 39:20 Exploring Airbnb Options 40:32 Family Travel Tips and Experiences 44:59 Highlight Trips and Upcoming Plans 54:34 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks 01:00:35 Earning Points for Family Travel 01:06:17 Final Thoughts and Advice Links and Resources from this Episode: How to take a family vacation using points and miles Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Known for its flexibility and valuable redemption options, Flying Blue is quickly becoming a favorite among points enthusiasts. In this episode, Bryce, Travis, and Matt take you on a deep dive into Flying Blue, Air France, and KLM’s loyalty program. Tune in and learn how to score incredible deals on Europe flights with Flying Blue Promo Rewards, why it’s so easy to earn Flying Blue Miles, some of the best sweet spots in economy and business class, and more! In this episode: (00:00) What is Flying Blue? (13:49) Stopover Benefit (18:54) Flying Blue Award Pricing and Fees (29:33) Sweet Spot Strategies (36:09) Flying Blue Destinations (40:48) French Caribbean and Tahiti (51:28) Insider Community Discussion Links and Resources from this Episode: Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue Program: Your Ultimate Guide How We’d Use 100k Flying Blue Miles Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Japan is on everyone’s bucket list—and for good reason. With world-class food, fascinating culture, and a blend of ancient and modern cities, it’s a dream destination for travelers. But how can you make the long-haul trip to Japan without spending a fortune? In this episode, Bryce and Travis walk you through everything you need to know to fly to Japan using points and miles. From luxury options like flying business class in ANA’s “The Room” to budget-friendly economy seats, you’ll learn the most efficient ways to book award travel, including the best programs, transfer partners, and tools to use. Plus, they share hotel recommendations that cater to every budget, from iconic luxury properties to mid-range stays, all bookable with points. In this episode: (00:00) Traveling to Japan With Points (08:22) Flying to Japan With ANA (17:16) Best Business Class Options for Japan (28:00) Booking Japan Flights With Partner Airlines (38:55) Alternative Options for Flying to Japan (49:27) Luxury and Budget Options in Japan Links and Resources from this Episode: Best Ways to Visit Japan with Points and Miles ANA Mileage Club: Everything You Need to Know Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: Everything You Need to Know Exploring Japan with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) Podcast: From Credit Repair to ANA First Class: A 10xTravel Success Story Two-Card Trip: Explore the Wonder of Japan Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

You already know how valuable Southwest’s 2-for-1 Companion Pass is. But what’s the best way to fully unlock that value? Well, it depends on who you ask… In this episode, the team goes head to head as they debate the best trips to take with your Southwest Companion pass. Should you take your travel partner on a luxurious island escape, a charming city break, or something in between? Listen as Bryce, Travis, and Matt each make their case for the very best ways to maximize the value of your Southwest Companion Pass and help us crown a winner! In this episode: (00:00) Southwest Companion Pass Trip Ideas (03:56) Southwest Companion Pass Booking Tips (12:54) Washington DC Travel and Accommodations (20:24) Transportation Options and Travel Tips (28:03) Luxury Costa Rica Hyatt Resort (40:45) Southwest Travel Tips and Comparison Links and Resources from this Episode: How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass Amazing Places to Visit with the Southwest Companion Pass Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Private Suites. Double Beds. Caviar. And that’s just the beginning… Considered by many travelers (and Skytrax) to be the best business class in the world, Qatar Airways’ Qsuites can be a tough ticket to book on points and miles. Fortunately, today’s episode will tell you how to do just that. Listen as Bryce, Matt, and Travis discuss their own luxurious experiences flying in QSuites, whether or not the double bed is worth the hype, and how to avoid the nightmare of getting switched to a non-QSuite aircraft at the last minute. If you’ve got Qatar Airways QSuites on your business class bucket list, you won’t want to miss this episode! In this episode: (0:00:00) Why QSuites feel more like flying first class class than business class. (0:13:11) Learn about the best seat selection for optimal comfort. (0:18:51) Discover tips for booking QSuites with points and miles. (0:30:40) Understand Qatar Airways’ extensive route coverage and partnerships. (0:39:00) Maximize your lounge experience during Middle Eastern layovers. (0:48:10) Join our community of points and miles enthusiasts for free. Links and Resources from this Episode: How to Combine Avios points Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@10xTravel Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The conten...

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. A 2-for-1 plane ticket that lets you bring a friend on your next trip? Nope, it’s not too good to be true. It’s the Southwest Companion Pass, and we’re telling you exactly how to get it. In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis delve into the easiest ways to easily earn and maximize this industry-leading companion pass. From the importance of strategically timing your spending to choosing the right cards, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and secure your own Southwest Companion Pass in no time! In this episode: (00:00) Southwest Companion Pass Benefit Guide (03:50) Understanding the restrictions of the pass, changing your companion (13:56) Earning the Companion Pass – two different methods (24:38) Maximizing Pass Benefits (32:44) Strategies for Using the Pass (49:52) Maximizing Southwest Companion Pass Value (55:26) Optimizing Benefits (43:12) Final Thoughts Links and Resources from this Episode: How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.