Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Ever thought about quitting your job to travel the world? Then you won’t want to miss this episode! In this episode, long-time 10xTravel group member Michelle joins us to share her inspiring story of leaving her teaching career, living out of a backpack, and traveling the globe using points and miles. Listen as she recounts her unforgettable safari adventure in Cape Town, her favorite points and programs, and how you can learn from her early mistakes. We’ll also dive into Michelle’s top tips for seeing more places by combining a budget travel attitude with points and miles knowledge. New to the world of points and miles? Start your journey with our foundational episodes! Our early episodes of Takeoff by 10XTravel are your ultimate guide to mastering the basics of travel rewards. Whether you’re looking to earn more points, redeem them for maximum value, or simply understand the ins and outs of the points game, these episodes are your go-to resource. Don’t miss out – get caught up now! Chapters: (00:00) Intro and Answering 10xTravel+ Member Questions (07:14) Michelle’s Journey from Teaching to Traveling (10:17) Parental Resistance to Delta Cards (17:15) Travel Decisions Based on Budget (27:15) Flexible Travel (30:19) Flexible and Cheap Travel Booking (35:40) Earn and Burn Strategy for Travel (48:15) Card Opening and Referral Success (54:23) Local Transportation as Cultural Experience (57:30) Budget Travel Tips and Experiences 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   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...

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In this lively episode recorded in Salt Lake City, Bryce, Matt, Emily, and Travis offer a Thunderdome-style face-off on major hotel loyalty programs. Each host champions a different program—Bryce for IHG, Matt for Marriott, Emily for Hyatt, and Travis for Hilton. They dive into the global reach and quality of properties, hotel credit card portfolios, and elite benefits. The debate highlights the importance of flexibility in travel rewards, encouraging listeners to hop between brands to up their travel game. The episode is full of insights, strategies, and humor, aiming to help listeners make savvy hotel loyalty decisions. New to the world of points and miles? Start your journey with our foundational episodes! Our early episodes of Takeoff by 10XTravel are your ultimate guide to mastering the basics of travel rewards. Whether you’re looking to earn more points, redeem them for maximum value, or simply understand the ins and outs of the points game, these episodes are your go-to resource. Don’t miss out – get caught up now!   Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and meet the hosts (05:43) Global Footprint of IHG Hotels (08:20) Marriott Credit Card Options and Restrictions (17:08) Hotel Chain Brand Consistency  (24:51) IHG and Kempton Hotel Comparison (30:05) Marriott’s Diverse Hotel Brand Variety (40:13) IHG Status Levels and Benefits (44:53) Unique Value of Hilton Rewards Program (53:28) Benefits of Hilton Honors Rewards (59:08) Closing Thoughts: Brand Loyalty vs. Value Maximization Links and Resources from this Episode: Our Monthly Best Cards List Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads   Take Our Free Points and Miles Course   Marriott Card Eligibility Rules   My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place   Let us book your 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 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 f...

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In this episode of Takeoff by 10XTravel, stand-in host Emily, Matt, and podcast newcomer Zach explore the digital nomad lifestyle with Zach, who has been on the road since 2018. Plus, we introduce our newest segment, where we answer your top points and miles questions-from Amex strategies and managing business cards to planning a luxury staycation in Portugal’s wine country using points and miles. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of points and miles, this episode has something for everyone. Hit play, take notes, and get ready to take your travel game to the next level! New to the world of points and miles? Start your journey with our foundational episodes! Our early episodes of Takeoff by 10XTravel are your ultimate guide to mastering the basics of travel rewards. Whether you’re looking to earn more points, redeem them for maximum value, or simply understand the ins and outs of the points game, these episodes are your go-to resource. Don’t miss out-get caught up now! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and meet the hosts 00:42 Beginner’s guide to points and miles (episodes 1-6) 01:29 The digital nomad lifestyle explained 04:22 NEW: Listener Q&A segment 04:57 Voicemail 1: Amex card strategies 09:50 Voicemail 2: Canceling business cards 11:38 Voicemail 3: Year 2 points and miles strategy 18:21 Zach’s first business class experience 28:46 Is the Capital One Venture X worth it? 33:31 Best hotel credit cards for nomads 42:43 Airline loyalty vs. flexibility 48:09 Planning a luxury European vacation with points 55:51 Closing thoughts and resources Links and Resources from this Episode: Our Monthly Best Cards List: Learn more about the credit cards mentioned in this episode Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch 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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. What’s better than finally getting to visit Australia and New Zealand? Doing it on points and miles. In this 1-on-1 episode, Travis and Emily compare notes from their trips down under. From debating first vs. business class to the nicest hotel Emily’s ever stayed at, you’ll get all of their best tips for visiting Oceania in style.   In This Episode:  Finding award flights to Australia and New Zealand Beating jet lag on a 17+ hour journey Reviewing the Park Hyatt Sydney American Airlines first vs. business class Making the most of an IHG free night Resources & Links: Got a question for the podcast? Submit it here!   Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)   My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Take our free points and miles course   Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Let us book your award flight for you  Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card  10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today  10xTravel Facebook Group   10xTravel Instagram   10xTravel TikTok  https://www.tiktok.com/@10xtravel.com Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube    The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles. 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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Five airlines. One currency. Endless ways to spend.  That’s the beauty of Avios points. But with this many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why this episode covers everything you need to know about Avios, followed by some of our favorite “sweet spots” that let you maximize their value. In This Episode:  The best ways to earn and use Avios Using Avios to book business class to Europe and the Caribbean Which Avios-fueled airline is best? What cards offer Avios? Are they worth it? Distance-based vs. dynamic award charts Resources & Links: Got a question for the podcast? Submit it here!  https://forms.gle/Qjj8CTVuYyZYWVhJ6 How to combine Avios  Avios Credit Card Roadmap  Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place   Take our free points and miles course   Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube  Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program   Let us book your award flight for you Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card  10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today  10xTravel Facebook Group   10xTravel Instagram   10xTravel TikTok   The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles. 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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. You asked, and the gang is finally answering the question we get the most at our meetups and in our Facebook group: Which cards are actually in our wallets? Tune in as Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis crack open their wallets and share the cards they love, the cards they think are underrated, and the ones they’re about ready to ditch altogether. In This Episode:  The top favorite cards Answering listener questions from The Lost Tapes How we organize and maximize the cards in our wallets Hotel cards for every budget The cards we’ll be applying for next Resources & Links: Got a question for the podcast? Submit it here! Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)  My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place  Take our free points and miles course Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program  Let us book your award flight for you Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today 10xTravel Facebook Group 10xTravel Instagram 10xTravel TikTok   The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles. 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.

  Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In this highly requested episode, the team breaks down the ins and outs of earning and spending American Express Membership Rewards (AKA Amex Points). But the real fun begins when Bryce, Travis, Emily, and Matt face off to see who can book the best trip for 150,000 Amex Membership Rewards. And once again, we’ll need your vote on our YouTube channel to help determine the winner. So whether you’ve waited this long to take the Amex leap or you just need some inspiration for spending your stash of points, you won’t want to miss this episode. In This Episode:  The true value of Amex Membership Rewards Using Amex points to book epic trips to places like Rome and Hawaii The best way to use Amex points for hotel stays Determining which Amex card is right for you How to navigate the dreaded Amex pop-up Resources & Links: How to earn Amex points and cash back with Rakuten Why you should transfer your Membership Rewards to Hilton How to beat the dreaded Amex popup Cast your vote for this episode’s winner on Youtube! Take our free points and miles course! This month’s best credit cards Let us book your award flight for you Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card  My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

   Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.  For most of us, traveling on points and miles isn’t all champagne and showers in first class. Sure, those elite perks motivate us to rack up points so we can brag to our friends — and in the 10xTravel Insiders Group — about our luxurious vacation. But sometimes, you just need to get from A to B on short notice or find enough seats for your family of four. That’s why today’s episode is all about those often overlooked “unsexy redemptions” that most of us make. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team share their favorite unsexy redemptions, how they came to be, and how they determine when it’s worth it to splurge on a fancy trip vs. when to just appreciate being able to travel for free. In This Episode: Unsexy redemptions in the Maldives, at famous music festivals, and more Does it ever actually make sense to use the travel portal? How positioning flights affect otherwise flashy redemptions Ignoring “absolutisms” in the points and miles hobby Getting off the “maximum value” hamster wheel Resources & Links: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Limited Time Offer: 75k Bonus Points! 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credit Cards 10xTravel Award Booking Service 10xTravel Credit Card Consultation My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles 10xTravel Plus Membership

   Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. You asked, we listened! After our first listener mailbag episode was unfortunately sacrificed to the podcast gods, we’re back to do it right. Listen in as the team answers the 10xTravel Facebook Group’s top questions about points and miles, hotels, tips for traveling with a family, the true value of cashback cards, and so much more! In This Episode:  Traveling with a family on points and miles Saving on airline/airport taxes and fees What’s going on with one of the top business cards? Tips and tricks for better positioning flights Busting one of the biggest flight booking myths Resources & Links: 10xTravel Boarding School for Children of Points-Obsessed Parents Find a 10xTravel Meetup Near You! 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credit Cards 10xTravel Award Booking Service 10xTravel Credit Card Consultation My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles 10xTravel Plus Membership

   Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In this episode, you’ll hear how a college student used points and miles to take an incredible trip around the world in business class. Proving that you don’t need years of experience to take legendary trips on points and miles, 10xTravel reader Serena joins us to discuss the Round the World trip she booked for her very first redemption. Explaining everything from what cards she used for her trip to which airline had the best food, Serena tells Bryce and Emily how she planned her Round the World trip in business class and how others can do the same, even if they’re just getting started. In This Episode:  How Serena’s first redemption took her to Thailand, Spain, Turkey, and beyond The importance of Saver Awards in booking her trip The biggest obstacles she faced while planning her Round the World trip The advice she’d give to those just getting started in points and miles Other notable redemptions she’s made since her trip Resources & Links: Read about Serena’s Round the World Trip ANA Mileage Club: Everything You Need to Know 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credit Cards 10xTravel Award Booking Service 10xTravel Credit Card Consultation My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles 10xTravel Plus Membership

  Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.  In today’s episode, the 10x team tells you everything you need to know about these valuable points before breaking down how they’d each use them to book their own next-level trip. Armed with 135,000 hypothetical Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis each pitch their best trip and leave it up to you to decide who got the best value. And who knows? Listen now, find out how to cast your vote, and you might even win something yourself…  In This Episode:   Booking epic ski trips, European escapes, and Caribbean getaways with Chase Ultimate Rewards points  The true value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points  When (if ever) is it ok to use the travel portal to book your trip?  The best Chase transfer partners to use  An easy way for you to win some 10xTravel swag of your own  Resources & Links:  Chase Ultimate Rewards: Everything You Need to Know  Which Chase Ink is Right For Your Small Business 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course  10xTravel Best Credit Cards  10xTravel Award Booking Service  10xTravel Credit Card Consultation   My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles   10xTravel Plus Membership   10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program  10xTravel Facebook Group  10xTravel Instagram  10xTravel TikTok  The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a...

  Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. It’s that time of year again! For most of us, spring means cleaning out our houses, cars, and… wallets? In this special episode, Travis gives us a peek into his My10x wallet and walks us through his process for “spring cleaning” his points and miles. We also discuss the things you should evaluate when cleaning up your own points stash, such as annual fees, unused perks and benefits, airline elite status, and more. Listen now and learn how to use My10x to keep your points and miles strategy on track. In This Episode:  How to use My10x to track your points and miles in one place How much is too much to pay in annual fees? When does it make sense to chase airline or hotel elite status? Evaluating the actual value of your cards’ perks and benefits Does it make sense to open cards for specific trips or redemptions? Resources & Links: 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credit Cards 10xTravel Award Booking Service 10xTravel Credit Card Consultation My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles 10xTravel Plus Membership 10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program Rakuten Cash Back TopCashback 10xTravel Facebook Group 10xTravel Instagram

 Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the StarAlliance United MileagePlus program. We have a bunch of tips and tricks that will help anyone become an expert flyer. We’re going to show you how to get the most out of your United miles, and introduce you to the great Excursionist Perk. We’ll discuss United’s co-branded credit cards and consider the benefits of having elite status. We’ll even share some funny stories about first-time experiences in business class. So, whether you’re dreaming of visiting Sydney or trying to earn that Global Services status, this episode is full of useful tips for savvy travelers.  In This Episode:  Would you consider yourself a lemon or a lime? Star Alliance partners Free legs on United between Australia and New Zealand The United MileagePlus excursionist perk Benefits of United Mileage plus Award seat booking flexibility Flying to Hawaii Airport lounge pass limitations Comparing United Business Card benefits United Miles Award redemption favorites Benefits of United Status Resources & Links: United Excursionist Perk Underrated United Card Strategy 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credit Cards 10xTravel Award Booking Service 10xTravel Credit Card Consultation My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles

   Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Hey, we all start somewhere. Whether you’re new to this game or you’re a seasoned points veteran, there will always be a couple of lessons you wish you learned sooner. That’s why this week’s episode is all about the things we wish we knew when we got into points and miles. Some are straightforward, like learning how to trust your instincts when choosing your next card. But other wisdom in this episode can only be gained from experience, like appropriately handling that uncle who “forgot” to use your referral link.   So tune in, learn from our mistakes, and then come share your own lessons in our Facebook group! In This Episode:  How sustainable is this hobby in the long term? The lessons that truly humbled us early on How to spot the difference between a great offer and clever advertising Tackling the points and miles conversation with family members How this hobby has impacted Emily’s RSVP’s to destination weddings Resources & Links: 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credit Cards 10xTravel Award Booking Service 10xTravel Credit Card Consultation My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles 10xTravel Plus Membership 10xTravel Facebook Group 10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program 10xTravel Instagram

 Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure We know, we know. No one likes tax season. But if you’ve gotta pay ’em, you might as well be rewarded for it. That’s why this episode is all about paying your taxes on a credit card to earn major points and miles.   Join us as we explain how to do it, which cards you should use, and how to split the payments between cards to rack up even more points. We’ll also cover how to earn points and miles on other large expenses, like property taxes and tuition.   Finally, Bryce serenades the listeners with what might be 10xTravel’s new official jingle. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!  In This Episode:   How to pay your taxes on a credit card  When do you have to pay taxes on your points and miles?  The best personal and business cards you should use  Using PayPal Bill Pay for utilities, tuition, and other major expenses  Mistakes to avoid when paying your taxes with a card  Resources & Links:  How to Pay Taxes With a Credit Card  Do I Need to Claim Points and Miles On My Taxes?  IRS Tax Payment Limit Chart  10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course  10xTravel Best Credit Cards  10xTravel Award Booking Service  10xTravel Credit Card Consultation   My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles   10xTravel Plus Membership   10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program  10xTravel Facebook Group  10xTravel Instagram  10xTravel TikTok  <...