They say all roads lead to Rome, and luckily, with the right points and miles strategy, yours can, too. Whether you’re working with a modest stash of credit card points or have enough for a business-class splurge, the Eternal City is more accessible than ever. Rome is a dream destination that doesn’t have to drain […]

Let’s talk all about Alaska Airlines’ Atmos™ Rewards Credit Cards. When it comes to maximizing travel value, airline credit cards can be a powerful tool in your wallet. For frequent flyers on the West Coast or anyone who loves exploring destinations across the U.S., Hawaii, Mexico, and beyond, the Alaska Airlines credit cards stand out.  […]

Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week’s episode, The Points Talk Squad digs into the true value behind four of the most popular premium cards: the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Citi Strata Elite℠. They look beyond the price […]

Southeast Asia offers a truly diverse range of travel experiences. From buzzing street markets in Bangkok to dreamy beaches in Bali, lantern-lit nights in Hoi An, and world-class food just about everywhere you turn.  The only catch? Getting there from the U.S. can be a little pricey when paying with cash.  Thankfully, points and miles […]

Anna sent in her reader success story about her anniversary trip to Cancun. She started using points and miles seriously in August of 2024 after watching the TMS Webinar. This was her first big redemption, and it was an unforgettable trip—and she’s already planning the next one. Here’s her story:   Our Points-Fueled Anniversary Trip […]

Ever since writing about The Chatwal hotel in New York City in a previous blog post, I’ve been wanting to stay at this high-end property with fascinating history and connections to Broadway. The problem: it’s a Category 8 property and costs a lot of Hyatt points. So I thought this aspirational property would always remain […]

The Edit by Chase Travel℠ is a new credit card benefit of the card_name and card_name.  The Edit is a collection of over 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. Both cards come with an total annual credit of $500 for stays of at least two consecutive nights at The Edit properties. How you use the $500 […]

Southwest Airlines® is my go-to choice for domestic travel, including flights to Hawaii. I have found huge value in using Southwest® Rapid Rewards to book flights. In my opinion, you really can’t beat Southwest Airlines® for family travel. Yes, there have been changes but it is still an amazing airline. Today, I will share with […]

Which premium credit card is really worth it for your travel style and spending habits? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad put four of the top-tier cards head-to-head. They break down the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the brand-new Citi Strata Elite℠, exploring the earning potential, perks, […]

So you have a stash of transferable points and are ready to book a flight, but where do you even start? In this post, we’ll help you answer the question of whether to book through your credit card’s travel portal or transfer your points to airline partners.  It can be a complex question, and the […]

One of our TMS dads, Nick, sent us this reader success story to Paris and Boston. Here is his story of learning about points and miles and then using that education for an amazing trip!   As I sit here at the Hôtel du Louvre in Paris, writing this, I can hardly believe this is […]

I just returned from an Alaska cruise on Princess Cruise Lines. I paid for the cruise outright and used points and miles to offset some of our other trip costs. Sure, it is possible to pay for a cruise. Some credit card issuers, like Chase, American Express, and Citi, allow you to book cruises through […]

My family might be addicted to streaming services. Seriously, I think we have them all! So when credit card benefits include credits for streaming services, I know those are benefits I’ll be able to take advantage of! Here are six streaming services covered by my credit cards (that I would 100% pay for regardless).   […]

Hotel credit cards often come with lucrative perks, like annual free-night certificates, automatic elite status, and high earning rates on hotel spend. While we encourage applying for credit cards with flexible points first, hotel credit cards are definitely part of our points and miles strategy. Here is information about how you may be able to […]

Short getaways don’t have to be stressful or require a full week off. In this episode, the Points Talk Squad explores the world of micro-trips: perfectly sized escapes that deliver maximum value and relaxation. Alex, Jess, and Pam share their experiences planning and enjoying these quick getaways, from domestic city breaks to international trips, and […]

For frequent diners, American Express® has quietly transformed Resy into more than just a restaurant reservation platform—it’s now a way to get a “free” meal.  However, like many credit card benefits, Resy credits can be confusing or underutilized unless you understand exactly how they work. Let’s break it down and talk about how to maximize […]

Kayla sent us our most recent reader success story: ten days in Italy. Here is her story: I just got back from my dream Italian vacation! I started this hobby in early 2024 and just spent ten days in Italy on points and miles. We spent three nights in Rome, three in Florence, three in […]

In a world where everyone is comparing themselves to one another because of social media and other factors, one of my favorite sayings is “you do you.” This also applies to the points-and-miles hobby. You do you! Please don’t compare yourself to others. There are countless strategies for earning points and miles, each with merit. […]

The world of points and miles can feel overwhelming when everyone has an opinion on the “right” way to do things. In this episode, the Points Talk Squad break down common award travel advice and show why it doesn’t always apply to every traveler. From what counts as smart redemptions to how to prioritize your […]

If you have ever stared longingly at those lie-flat business seats while trudging to your middle seat in the last row of economy with your kids, snacks, and sanity barely hanging on, then this post is for you. With the right stash of points and miles and everything you learned from Award Travel Academy, you […]

Carrie sent us this reader success story: Father’s Day in Chicago. She used points and miles to make her husband’s baseball dreams come true. Here’s her story: I used all the Points Talk Squad tips to turn a last-minute work trip into a fun Father’s Day weekend! For reference, my husband and I live in […]