221. Brian Kelly: The Points Guy breaks down how to win at travel! From mastering miles to maximizing the potential of points, the expert tips YOU need to know before your next trip.

Feb 10, 2025

Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, shares his journey from a blog to a travel empire. He reveals why travel costs are soaring and common pitfalls to avoid when booking trips. Brian emphasizes the importance of booking directly with airlines for flexibility and navigates the complexities of airline compensation and consumer rights. He provides smart tips for maximizing credit card rewards and travel insurance. Plus, get a sneak peek into his upcoming book, packed with invaluable travel hacks!

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INSIGHT

Rising Travel Costs

Travel prices are increasing across the board, including airfare, lodging, and food.
Airlines are adding fees for services that used to be free, like seat assignments and baggage.

ADVICE

Common Travel Mistakes

Avoid booking the cheapest flight without considering extra fees or connections.
Look beyond just the airfare and factor in baggage fees, seat selection costs, and potential delays.

ADVICE

Using Travel Advisors

Use travel advisors for complex trips, luxury bookings, or when expert guidance is needed.
They can secure upgrades, perks, and provide support if travel issues arise, often at the same price.

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Episode Description:
This week, Jason is joined by entrepreneur, author, travel expert, and founder of The Points Guy, Brian Kelly!

Brian started The Points Guy as a humble blog while working as an IT recruiter for Morgan Stanley, where he shared his thoughts and insights on maximizing credit card rewards and frequent flyer miles. Over the years, The Points Guy has grown into the leading voice in loyalty programs. Brian has transformed The Points Guy into a powerhouse travel and lifestyle media platform, now reaching millions of people around the world each month.

In this episode, Brian shares the inspiration behind his new book, How to Win at Travel, and dives into a wide range of travel tips and strategies. He discusses why travel is becoming more expensive, what common mistakes people make when planning their trips, and how to navigate the complexities of booking and using frequent flyer miles. Brian also explores the role of travel advisors, how they make their money, and why it's important to know when and how to book travel insurance. Additionally, he explains how starting your journey abroad can save you money, why kindness matters when dealing with airline agents, and practical advice for what to do if you get bumped from your flight. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights for making the most of your travels.

Brian reveals all that and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss!

Travel Resources:
Google.com/flights
Point.me

Host: Jason Tartick
Co-Host: David Arduin
Audio: John Gurney
Guests: Brian Kelly + ThePointsGuy.com

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