Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Miles and Points with Ronnie Dunston

Jan 7, 2026
Guest
Ronnie Dunston
In this conversation, Ronnie Dunston, a miles-and-points enthusiast who has traveled to over 100 countries, shares his secrets for budget-friendly travel. He delves into effective strategies for booking award flights and maximizing credit card rewards while managing family travel. Ronnie emphasizes the benefits of premium experiences, like airport lounges, and provides practical tips for flying with kids. He also highlights the importance of community meetups in mastering the points game and gives insights on transforming everyday expenses into travel points.
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ADVICE

Begin With One Versatile Card

  • Start small with one versatile card like the Capital One Venture X and use it for most spending to watch points accumulate.
  • Then add category cards (e.g., Amex Gold for restaurants) when you see missed points potential.
ADVICE

Use Sign‑Up Bonuses Strategically

  • Chase signup bonuses and multiple cards are the primary way Ronnie earns big point balances.
  • Apply strategically for sign-up bonuses and employee or authorized-user cards to capture extra bonuses.
INSIGHT

Points Deliver Real Dollar Value

  • Ronnie estimates he saved over $1 million using points for upgrades and stays.
  • Large point balances are practical when you travel frequently and redeem for premium experiences.
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