Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

2025 was a rollercoaster year for points and miles enthusiasts. The community debated controversial changes from Southwest Airlines and the end of ANA’s legendary Round the World award. They shared wild stories of extreme lengths for points and discussed what winning a million points really means. With strategies evolving, the hosts ponder if the credit card points game is fading or just adapting. Listeners also got insights into maximizing point balances for future travel adventures.

Lovan Edwards, a travel content creator and social media manager at 10xTravel, joins the hosts to share essential travel gear that elevates any journey. They delve into carry-on versus checked luggage strategies, highlighting why the right style makes a difference. Lovan reveals his favorite backpack features, in-flight comfort items, and must-have wellness tools for long flights. From heated vests to innovative tech gadgets, the trio offers practical packing tips and effective organization methods to enhance your travel experience.

In a heartfelt farewell, Bryce recounts his journey from a college student discovering points and miles to becoming CEO of a thriving travel resource. The story includes a serendipitous feature on ABC News that skyrocketed traffic and nearly shut the site down due to demand. Insightful tales of community growth, creative hiring, and the challenges of COVID reveal the resilience of the team. As Bryce steps back, the future looks bright with Travis at the helm, promising to uphold the values that transformed countless travel dreams into reality.

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.

Explore the vibrant world of Thailand through points and miles! Discover how Bryce's original $20K redemption turned into a travel phenomenon. Learn about the best airline programs, including ANA and Air Canada, for navigating to this exotic destination. Get insider tips on luxury hotel redemptions and how to plan a seamless multi-stop journey. Plus, delight in travel stories from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and get excited about a group trip on the horizon!

Get the lowdown on navigating family travel with kids! Discover which hotel loyalty programs truly cater to families, from Hyatt's generous family plan rates to Hilton's reliable free breakfasts. Learn how to maximize points for multi-room stays, choose between suites or separate rooms, and explore all-inclusive resorts that accept points. Plus, find out why connecting room guarantees can be a game changer. It’s all about making family travel smoother and more enjoyable!

You don’t have to step on a plane or check into a hotel to rack up serious points and miles. In this episode of Takeoff: A Points & Miles Podcast by 10xTravel, Bryce, Emily, and Matt break down the hidden value of airline and hotel shopping and dining portals, and how you can use them to turn everyday purchases into free travel.   The episode covers: ✅ How shopping portals like Rakuten & airline programs actually work ✅ Dining programs that give you bonus miles every time you eat out ✅ Smart stacking strategies with credit cards & seasonal promos ✅ Common mistakes that can cost you points (and how to avoid them) ✅ Real success stories, like turning Apple purchases into free flights   Wherever you are on your points and miles journey, this episode will help you earn more without spending more.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker 00:58 Unusual Ways to Earn Points and Miles 05:34 Introduction to Shopping and Dining Portals 06:20 Exploring Shopping Portals 07:36 Exploring Dining Programs 09:33 Rakuten and Hybrid Programs 11:24 Maximizing Points with Shopping Portals 15:31 Tips for Using Shopping and Dining Portals 21:24 Seasonal Promotions and Advanced Strategies 25:39 Common Pitfalls in Using Shopping Portals 27:14 Maximizing Rewards with Dining Programs 28:02 General Points and Miles Strategies 31:18 Effort vs. Reward in Points and Miles 42:02 Listener Success Stories and Tips 44:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts     Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup Learn How to Use Rakuten Sign Up for Rakuten and Earn Membership Rewards or Cash Back from Shopping Sign Up for Mesa to Earn Points on Mortgage Payments     Stay Connected: Join our Community:   / 10xtravel Follow us on Instagram: / 10xtravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: / @10xtravel   Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.     Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Discover the secrets to flying in style to Asia without breaking the bank! Learn about the best loyalty programs and insider tips for snagging rare award seats. Hear highlights on top airlines like ANA, JAL, and EVA Air, along with their luxurious offerings. Get insights on when to book for the most success and explore new players like Starlux. Plus, practical tools and services to simplify award booking are shared, along with listener success stories in business class redemptions. Your dream trip awaits!

Tired of the usual travel hotspots? Discover hidden gems like Nicaragua's volcanoes and Belize's stunning reefs. Dive into the beauty of Adelaide's wine country and Valencia's family-friendly beaches. The hosts share top strategies for booking these underrated destinations with points and miles, ensuring you find amazing accommodations and experiences without the crowds. They also provide pro tips on maximizing your travel rewards, making your next adventure both unique and budget-friendly!

Lovan Edwards, the social media manager at 10xTravel, shares his thrilling experience booking an African safari in Kenya using points and miles. He reveals how he scored Emirates First Class tickets on short notice and offers insider tips on affordable safari lodges and choosing operators. Listeners will be captivated by his unforgettable wildlife encounters, practical advice on visas and travel insurance, and insights into timing trips around the Great Migration. Lovan's strategies make dreaming of an African adventure accessible to all!