Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

A Business Owner’s Guide to Turning Company Spend Into Free Travel

Nov 19, 2025
Neill Drake, owner of Antarctica Travel Group and an experienced expedition guide, delves into turning business expenses into unforgettable travel experiences. He shares how his business skyrocketed from a Facebook group to a multimillion-dollar operation, leveraging credit cards and loyalty programs effectively. Neill offers insights on balancing points versus cash, maximizing employee rewards, and the importance of flexibility in spending strategies. Plus, he shares tips for planning a memorable trip to Antarctica, set for February 2027.
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ANECDOTE

Emotional Moments On Expeditions

  • Neill cried when he dropped a passenger, Debbie, on the Antarctic continent and she thanked him for making her dream come true.
  • He also described a personal highlight: close orca encounters while alone in a Zodiac boat.
ANECDOTE

Leopard Seal Sighting Complexity

  • Travis watched three leopard seals feeding on penguins for hours and found it emotionally challenging but fascinating.
  • Guides framed the experience as rare and educational, which changed the emotional reaction to it.
INSIGHT

Community To Company Evolution

  • Neill built Antarctica Travel Group from a Facebook community into an agency by becoming an authoritative voice.
  • His guiding experience became the company's unique selling point and led to charters and partnerships.
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