Churn and Burn End of Year Recap and 2026 Predictions with Branden and surprise guests
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Jan 4, 2026 This discussion dives into the chaotic year of 2025 in travel, highlighting standout trips from Japan to South America. They explore whether it was the worst year for points and miles, along with predictions for airline shifts and mergers in 2026. The hosts debate valuable airline programs and their evolving redemptions, give insights into the rising popularity of Central Asia, and weigh in on luxury credit cards. With recommendations for tools and strategies, they set the stage for an exciting travel year ahead.
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Branden's Whirlwind 2025 Travel
- Branden recapped a busy 2025 with Carnival in Brazil, Qatar, Turkey, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Krakow, Budapest, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, and Laos.
- He emphasized a heavy fall travel stretch with many new countries visited.
2025 Was A Low Water Mark
- 2025 was the worst year Branden has seen for points and miles since he started tracking the hobby.
- He earned roughly one-third the points in 2025 compared to 2024 due to closed loopholes and restrictive changes.
Devaluations Likely Slow And Ongoing
- Airline and program devaluations will likely continue slowly over years rather than overnight.
- Branden expects redemptions to rise and hopes earning opportunities remain viable.