Point Me To First Class

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of award travel, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples. I break down complex topics like transferable points currencies, positioning flights, and maximizing leftover gift card balances in a way that's easy to understand and apply to your own travel goals. So grab a pen and paper (or just hit that bookmark button) because you won't want to miss a single nugget of wisdom in this value-packed episode. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for earning and redeeming points like a pro, plus some insider secrets for booking those elusive award flights. Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/top-award-travel-questions-listener-q-a Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Are you a medical professional looking for ways to leverage your CME funds for travel? I'm joined by Dr. Courtney Downes, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, Points and Travel strategist, and founder of Prescription to Travel MD. She helps healthcare professionals optimize credit card points and travel hacks for accessible leisure, adventure, wellness retreats, and CME. Discover how to tap into your CME allowance for unforgettable trips, from wellness retreats to international adventures. Dr. Courtney breaks down the options available and shares tips for navigating employer restrictions. She also reveals her favorite credit card perks and benefits that can elevate your travel experiences. Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/cme-secrets-dr-courtney-downes Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

From finding award availability to navigating the unique transportation logistics of getting to and from the Maldives, I walk you through everything that went into planning this ambitious trip. I also share my honest review of the flights we took, what it was like staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt Maldives, and how I kept food costs under control at the resort. If the Maldives is on your travel wish list, you won't want to miss this jam-packed episode. With the right combination of points, creativity, and planning, you too can experience the unparalleled beauty of this island paradise. Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/maldives-dream-vacation Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

The Travel Mom Squad shares their journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential voices in the award travel industry. We dive into the challenges they faced along the way, the strategies they used to overcome them, and the lessons they learned as they grew their business. Get ready for an inside look at how these three powerhouse women are changing the face of award travel education. Plus, they're sharing their top tips and tricks for making your dream trips a reality using points and miles. If you've ever wanted to travel more without breaking the bank, this episode is a must-listen! Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/behind-the-points-travel-mom-squad Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Dive into a celebration of travel and community as the hosts reflect on their journey through 100 successful episodes. They share personal stories and reveal surprising statistics showcasing the podcast's growth. Emphasizing the importance of empowering women in finance and travel, they acknowledge listener support while hinting at thrilling future plans. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this milestone is filled with appreciation and promises of exciting content to come!

Discover how to evaluate your credit card portfolio with a simple 5-step process. Learn why an annual checkup is vital for aligning your cards with your evolving spending goals and travel aspirations. Get insider tips on managing fees and safeguarding your credit score while deciding whether to keep, cancel, or change cards. Plus, find out the key questions to assess your cards effectively and why retaining rewards is crucial before making any moves. Transform your credit card strategy into a powerful tool for unforgettable experiences!

Dr. Sujatha Murali, a physician and points-and-miles strategist, returns to share her experiences in redeeming travel rewards. She discusses planning award travel for her family 18 months in advance, balancing scheduling constraints, and calculating value for points. Sujatha reveals her memorable trips, like the Maldives escapade and an Emirates A380 journey, while providing tips on maximizing points usage. Insights include strategies for 2025 trips and the emotional versus monetary value of redemptions, making this a treasure trove for travel enthusiasts.

Join Dr. Sujatha Murali, a physician turned points-and-miles enthusiast, as she dives into the intricacies of 2024's points-earning landscape. Discover her innovative strategies for optimizing credit card portfolios and leveraging transfer bonuses. Dr. Murali shares her successful methods for earning over 5 million points in a year, detailing how family bill payments and shopping portals contributed significantly. Prepare for insights on the importance of partner programs like Hyatt and American Airlines as they discuss what to expect in the evolving points ecosystem for 2025.

As another year comes to a close, I have a tradition of looking back and taking stock of how many points I earned, how I earned them, and the value I got from redeeming them. It's an enlightening and even surprising exercise that I believe every points and miles enthusiast should do. I invite you to conduct your own points year in review and even give you a process for getting clear on what went right and what maybe went wrong in 2024 for you. I walk you through my process step-by-step and share some of my own key takeaways from this year's analysis. By the end, you'll be equipped to evaluate your own points performance and make data-driven decisions for your 2025 points strategy. Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/step-by-step-points-review-guide Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

We're almost at the end of 2024, which means it's the season to start laying the foundation for earning one of the most extraordinary perks in points travel: the Southwest Companion Pass. With that in mind, it's time to revisit a conversation from this time last year with Southwest expert Lyn Mettler. A longtime travel journalist, Lyn has been writing about travel and interviewing experts for years. She now teaches hundreds of families this same simple system through her Families Fly Free membership, where her mission is to bring families together through travel. Discover how to qualify for unlimited flights through the Southwest Companion Pass. We discuss how to decide if the Southwest Companion Pass should be part of your award travel strategy for the upcoming year, and you'll learn about all the mistakes you need to avoid if you want to qualify for your own Southwest Companion Pass. Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/snagging-southwest-companion-pass-lyn-mettler Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy