Navigating the Points vs. Cash Dilemma in Travel

In today's podcast episode, we're sharing our favorite travel gear (like Nick's Japanese nail clippers), and we'll explain why a UK power adapter is especially useful, and why we carry backpacks in our backpacks.

Giant Mailbag

(01:18) - One reader writes in about their first big redemption

(03:14) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts safari lodges, bookable with iPrefer points, hiccups and all

Read more about Preferred Hotels & Resorts with points here.

(07:28) - Mother and son plan a 9-country, 1-month itinerary booked on points

Main Event: Our favorite travel gear

(11:40) - Which backpacks and go bags do we like best?

(17:57) - Our favorite luggage and toiletries

(33:38) - Which tech gear do we keep in our backpacks?

(45:50) - Why we carry backpacks inside of backpacks

(48:28) - Travel Wallet

(52:25) - Misc weather gear

(58:45) - Miscellaneous clothing tips

Question of the Week

(1:05:40) - When deciding between an option that costs more miles and less cash, or more cash and fewer miles...how do you decide?

Want some of these products for yourself?

Disclosure: With the following product links, Frequent Miler will earn a commission for qualifying purchases.

Greg's Tumi backpack: https://amzn.to/4gvAiiL

Greg's Briggs & Riley carry on suitcase: https://amzn.to/4mcnG1i

Packing cubes with compression zipper (similar to cubes Greg uses): https://amzn.to/4ghB5nc

Greg's toiletry bag: https://amzn.to/45ZR3Pw

Nick Stick (for shaving cuts): https://amzn.to/3KhkX9k

Greg's travel-size antiperspirant roll-on: https://amzn.to/3JZzIgX

Greg's tiny usb-c charging brick: https://amzn.to/46v7sM1

Greg's magsafe wireless charging battery: https://amzn.to/462ad7x

International power adapter that won't fall out of wall socket: https://amzn.to/3VhirlU (this is not one we have, but it looks useful!)

UK adapter: good for staying put in airplane power sockets (Greg uses similar item): https://amzn.to/45ZyICe

Kindle paperwhite (Greg has an older model): https://amzn.to/3VhirlU

Greg's portable laptop stand: https://amzn.to/4gli9nR

Greg's magnetic phone holders for selfie photos and videos:

• Clamp style: https://amzn.to/3Im3wUD
• Suction cup: https://amzn.to/4nstX9V

Greg & Nick's backpack inside backpack: https://amzn.to/47BUcq1

Greg's passport wallet: https://amzn.to/4mZHQwy

Greg's travel raincoat: https://amzn.to/42coyMn

Greg's microfiber towel: https://amzn.to/3VhkBSy

Greg's quick dry boxer shorts: https://amzn.to/4mhddll

Greg's quick dry t-shirts: https://amzn.to/4mYjcfI

Greg's slip-in Sketchers shoes: https://amzn.to/4ghMmE8

Nick's Tumi Alpha Brief Pack: https://amzn.to/42uQnPR

Nick's Muji Carry-On (not available at Amazon): https://www.muji.us/collections/luggage/products/adjustable-handle-hard-shell-suitcase-36l-carry-on-eee02a4s

Nick's 200W 4-port wall charger with detachable cord: https://amzn.to/4ps1AuD

Nick's bigger power bank (no longer available new, so when he needs to replace it he'll look to buy something similar): https://amzn.to/41QJ8l5

Nick's Anker magsafe charger: https://amzn.to/4mgUqGt

Nick's right-angle USB-C adapters (bought as fillers when using a Dell credit, but he uses them): https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/visiontek-usb-c-right-angle-adapter/apd/ab647234/monitors-monitor-accessories

USB-C extension cable: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/c2g-3ft-usb-c-extension-cable-usb-c-to-usb-c-extension-cable-usb-31-gen-2-10gbps-m-f/apd/aa561282/pc-accessories

Nick's laptop stand: https://amzn.to/47FiZcP

Nick's prescription medicine tracker/reminder: https://amzn.to/3VJuxEv

Nick's Pixel Buds Pro (note that these are his model, but Pixel Buds Pro 2 are also out): https://amzn.to/4n0jFhz

Nick's Bose over-ear headphones: https://amzn.to/3VJuRTJ

Nick's Logitech MX Vertical Mouse: https://amzn.to/4ggHjDS

Nick's laptop (same model and core specs): https://amzn.to/4mV6uyt

Cadence Capsules for toiletries: https://amzn.to/4guqlSQ

Zip off pants similar to Nick's (his are from L.L. Bean, but same idea. Of key importance, these have a number of zip pockets, which Nick prefers for money/wallet/etc: https://amzn.to/46fJ8fQ

Nick's merino wool stuff has been Wool & Prince. Note that wool is quick-dry, but not moisture-wicking. What he likes is that it picks up no odor, so if you can't wash it right away it won't make everything in your bag stink, and it dries quickly (so easy to wash, hang, and dry by morning). He's tried a few brands but likes Wool & Prince the most so far:

https://woolandprince.com/products/signature-standard-v-neck-tee-iron-gray

https://woolandprince.com/collections/boxer-briefs

Nick loves this for cooler weather: https://woolandprince.com/products/knit-button-down-charcoal-heather

Nick's large carabiner clip used to attach water bottles to backpack:

https://amzn.to/3Kid4R2

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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder