Ep 24: Round the World Redemption: 5 Countries. 1 Trip. All Business Class.

EP 01 From Local to Luxury - Hot Takes from 10xTravel: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure. Welcome to the first episode of Takeoff: a points and miles podcast - brought to you by 10xTravel. In each episode, host Bryce Conway, Founder and CEO of 10xTravel, will help you save money and travel better with points and miles. In this episode, you’ll get to know some members of the 10xT team – Bryce Conway, Emily Jaeckel, Matt Brown, and Travis Cormier. They share their personal experiences using points and miles for some incredible travel. From their favorite redemptions, biggest mistakes, and “hot takes” (insider tips in the world of points and miles), the 10xT team is full of knowledge and experience, and they want to help YOU become a points and miles expert too. 10xTravel helps people learn the tips and tricks, that Bryce and the 10xT team have curated, to fund their own trips. Solo travelers, families, college students, retirees - anyone who has an appetite for travel will find valu by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

68 min listen

Ep 03 - Beyond Bonus Offers - Earning Points in Other Ways: In this episode, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt share their tips on how to earn points with methods other than credit card bonus offers. The team will dispel some of the myths around opening credit cards, carrying balances, paying interest, and your credit score, share their day-to-day spending habits that earn points, and review other points offers such as dining, shopping portals, hotel nights, referrals, and more. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less. 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle. Host Bryce Conway launched 10xT in 2014, but has been a fan and member of the points and miles community since 2011. He is the author of “Takeoff: How to Travel the World for Next to Nothing and How to Fix Your Credit: Do it Once. Do it Right. Get on with Your Life”, and his wo by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

59 min listen

Ep 04 - If Redeeming Points and Miles Was Easy, Everyone Would Be Doing It: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure. This episode gets into the context of what it's like to redeem miles. We set the scene by talking about how award tickets are priced, what it means to have flexibility when booking, and what obstacles you might encounter. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less. 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle. Host Bryce Conway launched 10xT in 2014, but has been a fan and member of the points and miles community since 2011. He is the author of “Takeoff: How to Travel the World for Next to Nothing and How to Fix Your Credit: Do it Once. Do it Right. Get on with Your Life”, and his work has been featured in multiple national media outlets including Good Morning America, Money Magazine, and ABC Nightline News. Tune in to hear t by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

64 min listen

Ep 02 Getting Started - First Steps for the Points & Miles Hobby: In this episode, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt share their tips on how to get started with the points and miles hobby. You’ll hear about the best and worst credit cards and offers, how to redeem points for your first trip, and advice on being careful with your debt and credit. The 10xTravel team gives you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less. 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle. Host Bryce Conway launched 10xT in 2014, but has been a fan and member of the points and miles community since 2011. He is the author of “Takeoff: How to Travel the World for Next to Nothing and How to Fix Your Credit: Do it Once. Do it Right. Get on with Your Life”, and his work has been featured in mul by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

43 min listen

Ep 09 - Spilling the Ink on the Inks: In this episode, the 10x team members provide an in-depth analysis of the world of business credit cards, specifically focusing on the family of Chase Ink business cards. They discuss the qualification process for these financial tools and share personal experiences to help listeners navigate this space. The conversation also highlights the benefits of these cards, such as points-earning potential and travel protection. They dissect aspects like bonus categories, transfer partners, minimum spends, and annual fees to help listeners maximize the value of their business cards. Elevate your points and miles game with business cards! The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle Host Bryce Conway launched 10xT in 2014, but has been a fan and member of the points by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

51 min listen

Ep 10 - Unlocking the Power of the Southwest Companion Pass: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure In this episode, the 10x team members discuss the Southwest Companion Pass and how to maximize its benefits. The Companion Pass is basically a two-year ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ deal for airplane tickets, offering incredible perks. The team debunks misconceptions about Southwest being a low-cost carrier, reveals how to accumulate qualifying points, and discusses the potential of Southwest's credit cards. They also strategize how to maximize the value of the Companion Pass, discuss its pros and cons, and consider its potential as a backup option for flights. They delve into Southwest's credit cards, important rules for applying, and timing considerations. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

69 min listen

Ep 06 - Advanced Credit Card Tactics: Mastering Points and Miles: In this episode, the 10x team delves into advanced strategies for maximizing credit card points and miles, discussing credit card denials, the psychology around them, and how to navigate the Chase 5/24 rule. The discussion also covers business credit cards, explaining the nuances and grey areas around eligibility and responsible usage. You can also hear about non-public targeted credit card offers and how to recognize “shiny object syndrome” when assessing card offers. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle Host Bryce Conway launched 10xT in 2014, but has been a fan and member of the points and miles community since 2011 He is the author of “Takeoff: How to Travel the World for Next to Nothing and How to Fix Your Credit: D by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

53 min listen

EP 07 - Living Large in Europe: Unleashing the Global Power of Points and Miles: In this episode, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt share their experiences and strategies on leveraging travel points and miles for luxurious European vacations. They discuss their trips to the Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland, Lisbon, Paris, and Puglia in Italy, and share their experiences flying with Emirates, British Airways, United, Lufthansa, and Air France. They also discuss their stays in various European hotels and give tips on maximizing the use of points and miles. They explore the process of booking flights with points and miles and how to get the most value from them. The hosts also share their experiences with airport lounges and provide a guide to European travel using points and miles. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal financ by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

79 min listen

Ep 05 - Maximizing Points and Miles Through Airline Alliances: In this episode, the 10X team unlocks the world of airline alliances and how to turn your points and miles into free travel opportunities. Delve into the complexities of booking awards using points and miles from one airline to book a flight operated by another airline in the same alliance Learn about the challenges of limited partner award space and the shift from traditional award pricing charts to dynamic pricing models Discover advanced strategies, tips, and tricks to navigate alliance award bookings and avoid common pitfalls. Go beyond just booking flights and explore the world of transferable points, different cabin classes, and calculating the value of your points and miles The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle Hos by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

69 min listen

Ep 08 - From Credit Repair to ANA First Class: A 10xTravel Success Story with Lovan Edwards: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure. Bryce and Travis welcome guest Lovan Edwards, a physical therapist and travel enthusiast who has made a BIG splash on our social media pages with his transformative journey in the world of points and miles. Despite initial obstacles like a low credit score and skepticism from family, Lovan managed to overcome these challenges and achieve his dream of traveling the world. He discusses how understanding and effectively utilizing points and miles can turn travel dreams into reality, sharing his experiences from a trip to Japan and his plans of exploring other personal “bucket list” locations with his wife. The episode provides valuable insights into credit scores, overcoming skepticism, and leveraging points and miles for memorable travel experiences. Lovan’s story should serve as an inspiration for both seasoned travelers and beginners alike in the points an by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

64 min listen

Ep 11 - Destination Spotlight: Planning the Perfect Mexico Trip Using Points and Miles: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure In this episode, the 10x team members share their insider knowledge on traveling to Mexico using points and miles. They cover everything from the best airlines and airports to the most effective loyalty programs. You’ll hear about personal experiences, including navigating through a hurricane in Playa del Carmen, and offer tips on obtaining first-class upgrades and accessing exclusive lounges. The team discusses accommodation options ranging from budget airlines and discounted points to luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Throughout the episode, the team delves into the best ways to utilize points and miles to maximize your Mexican adventure, with a special focus on the advantages of all-inclusive resort bookings. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less 10xT publi by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

65 min listen

Ep 17 - The Awards Show: Most Overrated Card, MVP, Saddest Lounge, and More!: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Ever wonder which credit cards are truly the MVPs of the travel rewards world and which are just riding the hype train? Then this is one awards show you won't want to miss. Join Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt as they hand out awards to your favorite cards, loyalty programs, lounges, and more. From the everyday earners worthy of the coveted "Workhorse" award to the big-name cards that simply don't live up to the hype, this episode is your ticket to understanding the true value of the cards in our wallets - and yours. In This Episode: A surprising pick for the year's MVP (Most Valuable Program) The program that saw the biggest upgrade this year Things get spicy between Travis and Matt over the most overrated card The airline card that impressed - and the ones that underwhelmed Bryce brings back his famously brutal teardown of a certain premium card This year's wi by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

70 min listen

Ep 12 - The Art of Teaming Up: Two-Player Mode in Points and Miles: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure. Two is always better than one in the points and miles space. But how do you present the potential of ‘two-player mode’ in points and miles to a skeptical partner? In this episode, the 10x team members tackle the complexities of introducing points and miles to your travel partner, and the unique dynamics and potential challenges of points and miles partnerships. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned points and miles player, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you maximize your journey. The team also shares amusing personal anecdotes that provide an entertaining glimpse into their own journeys. The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: to help you travel more while spending less 10xT publishes content related to credit card rewards, personal finance, travel, and lifestyle Host Bryce Conway launched 10xT in by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

70 min listen

Ep 18 - Perfect Pairs: Romantic Getaways You Can Book with Just 2 Cards: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and all things love, we’re bringing our “2-Card Trips” series to the podcast — this time with a romantic twist. Listen in as we put together the best Romantic Getaways using points and miles earned from just 2 credit cards. From Paris and Greece all the way to an island escape in French Polynesia, we’ll show you how to book a honeymoon-worthy vacation for you and your P2. In This Episode: Booking romantic vacations to Costa Rica, The Bahamas, and more The crew hands out their own points and miles Valentines Use Matt’s secret Bahamas daiquiri hack to get a free 10xTravel shirt! The everyday cards you can use to book the trip of a lifetime The business card that can help you book a next-level vacation for 2 Resources & Links: Introducing P2: The Dating App for Points People Show your love with these cards on "P2 Day" 10xTravel Free Points an by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

71 min listen

Ep 15 - Looking Ahead: Our Travel and Points Resolutions for 2024: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2024! To kick off the year, we’re reflecting on our 2023 points and miles journeys before breaking down all of the changes we’ll be making going into 2024 — our New Year’s Points and Miles Resolutions. In this episode, we discuss learning from last year’s mistakes, how we plan our strategy for the upcoming year, and some major changes to our personal approaches. Listen and hear why Bryce’s points and miles journey is at the end of an era, why Matt may be done with hotel cards altogether, and more! Excited for the year ahead, we also dive into the trips we’re taking — including Emily’s upcoming Hyatt “Guest of Honor” stay in Australia and Bryce’s Spring Break in the Bahamas — and how you can better travel on points and miles in 2024. In This Episode: Reviewing our 2023 points and miles performance Our 2024 New Year’s Points and by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

69 min listen

Ep 14: Destination Spotlight: The Ultimate Hawaiian Experience on Points and Miles: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure. We’re back with another episode of our “Destination Spotlight” series! This time we take a look at how to book the best trip to Hawaii on points and miles. Join us as we break down how we’ve booked trips to the Aloha State, the best hotels you can book on points, the most unique hotel perks we've seen (including an on-site penguin paradise!), and more. Plus, things get interesting as Travis and Matt each pitch their best Hawaii itinerary to Emily — the only one who’s never been — and ask her to crown the winner. Listen in and let us know if she chose correctly! In This Episode: How we’ve booked Hawaii trips on points and miles Our favorite Hawaiian hotels for every budget The best airlines and premium cabins to book for your trip Running award searches for flights to Hawaii How to avoid overspending on your vacation The hotels where you’ll find penguins and mant by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

62 min listen

Ep 16 - 2024’s Top Travel Trends, Destinations, and Predictions: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. To prepare for the year ahead, we’re answering 2024’s biggest travel questions. What travel trends can you expect to see this year? Which points currency should you be trying to earn more of? And what the heck does “Set Jetting” and “Gig Tripping” even mean!? To bring you the cold hard facts (and a healthy dose of opinions), we rounded up trend reports from major brands like Expedia, Hilton, and Lonely Planet and distilled them into a handful of key takeaways to help you plan your 2024 travel. From the global Taylor Swift Effect to Travis’ interest in Hobbit hospitality, we take a look at some of the truly unique reasons people are hitting the road this year. We’ll also discuss 2024’s top travel destinations, alternatives to some of the more popular (and overcrowded) locales, and how you can visit them using points and miles. Finally, we give our own travel and points predictions fo by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

75 min listen

Ep 13 - Holiday Shopping: Earning Bonus Points, Miles, and Cashback: Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure. Thanks to all those extra gifts and get-togethers, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of year to rack up extra points and miles. So today, we’re decking the halls with our best advice on how to earn more cashback, points, and miles for the purchases you’re already going to make. Join us as we debate the pros and cons of using different cashback sites and shopping portals, discuss our favorite ways to “double dip” to earn 2x the points, examine when it actually makes sense to use an airline’s shopping portal, and more. In Today’s Episode: Tips for earning 2x, 3x, or even 10x the points on your holiday purchases Our favorite cashback and shopping portals Set it and forget it – adding bonus offers to your card for easy earning The best cashback and airline browser extensions to download by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

65 min listen

Ep 20 - Things We Wish We Knew When We Started: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Hey, we all start somewhere. Whether you’re new to this game or you’re a seasoned points veteran, there will always be a couple of lessons you wish you learned sooner. That’s why this week’s episode is all about the things we wish we knew when we got into points and miles. Some are straightforward, like learning how to trust your instincts when choosing your next card. But other wisdom in this episode can only be gained from experience, like appropriately handling that uncle who “forgot” to use your referral link. So tune in, learn from our mistakes, and then come share your own lessons in our Facebook group! In This Episode: How sustainable is this hobby in the long term? The lessons that truly humbled us early on How to spot the difference between a great offer and clever advertising Tackling the points and miles conversation with family members How this hobby has impacted Emily’s RSVP’s to de by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

79 min listen

Ep 19 - Why You Should Pay Your Taxes on a Credit Card: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. We know, we know. No one likes tax season. But if you’ve gotta pay ’em, you might as well be rewarded for it. That’s why this episode is all about paying your taxes on a credit card to earn major points and miles. Join us as we explain how to do it, which cards you should use, and how to split the payments between cards to rack up even more points. We’ll also cover how to earn points and miles on other large expenses, like property taxes and tuition. Finally, Bryce serenades the listeners with what might be 10xTravel’s new official jingle. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it! In This Episode: How to pay your taxes on a credit card When do you have to pay taxes on your points and miles? The best personal and business cards you should use Using PayPal Bill Pay for utilities, tuition, and other major expenses Mistakes to avoid when paying your taxes with a card Resources & Links: by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

49 min listen

Ep 24: Round the World Redemption: 5 Countries. 1 Trip. All Business Class.: Hear how a college student used points and miles to take a trip around the world in business class. Proving that you don’t need years of experience to take legendary trips on points and miles, 10xTravel reader Serena joins us to discuss her Round the World trip she took in Business Class — for her very first redemption. Covering how she got into points and miles, what cards she used for her trip, which airline had the best food, and more, Serena tells Bryce and Emily the ins and outs of her trip and how others can do the same, even if they’re just getting started. In This Episode: How Serena’s first redemption took her to Thailand, Spain, Turkey, and beyond The importance of Saver Awards in booking her trip The biggest obstacles she faced while planning her Round the World trip The advice she’d give to those just getting started in points and miles Other notable redemptions she’s made since her trip Resourc by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

59 min listen

Ep 21 - The Ultimate Guide to Mastering United MileagePlus: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the StarAlliance United MileagePlus program. We have a bunch of tips and tricks that will help anyone become an expert flyer. We’re going to show you how to get the most out of your United miles, and introduce you to the great Excursionist Perk. We’ll discuss United’s co-branded credit cards and consider the benefits of having elite status. We’ll even share some funny stories about first-time experiences in business class. So, whether you’re dreaming of visiting Sydney or trying to earn that Global Services status, this episode is full of useful tips for savvy travelers. In This Episode: Would you consider yourself a lemon or a lime? Star Alliance partners The United MileagePlus excursionist perk Benefits of United Mileage plus Award seat booking flexibility Flying to Hawaii Airport lounge pass limitations Comparing United Business Card benefits by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

67 min listen

Ep 22 - Spring Cleaning Your Points and Miles with My10x: Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. It’s that time of year again! For most of us, spring means cleaning out our houses, cars, and… wallets? In this special episode, Travis gives us a peek into his My10x wallet and walks us through his process for “spring cleaning” his points and miles. We also discuss the things you should evaluate when cleaning up your own points stash, such as annual fees, unused perks and benefits, airline elite status, and more. Listen now and learn how to use My10x to keep your points and miles strategy on track. In This Episode: How to use My10x to track your points and miles in one place How much is too much to pay in annual fees? When does it make sense to chase airline or hotel elite status? Evaluating the actual value of your cards’ perks and benefits Does it make sense to open cards for specific trips or redemptions? Resources & Links: 10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credi by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

66 min listen

Ep 23 - How We'd Spend 135,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: In today’s episode, the 10x team tells you everything you need to know about these valuable points before breaking down how they’d each use them to book their own next-level trip. Armed with 135,000 hypothetical Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis each pitch their best trip and leave it up to you to decide who got the best value. And who knows? Listen now, find out how to cast your vote, and you might even win something yourself… In This Episode: Booking epic ski trips, European escapes, and Caribbean getaways with Chase Ultimate Rewards points The true value of Chase Ultimate Rewards points When (if ever) is it ok to use the travel portal to book your trip? The best Chase transfer partners to use An easy way for you to win some 10xTravel swag of your own Resources & Links: Chase Ultimate Rewards: Everything You Need to Know Which Chase Ink is Right For Your Small Business 10xTravel Fr by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

63 min listen

Ep 25: Mailbag: You asked, we listened! After our first listener mailbag episode was unfortunately sacrificed to the podcast gods, we’re back to do it right. Listen in as the team answers the 10xTravel Facebook Group’s top questions about points and miles, hotels, tips for traveling with a family, the true value of cashback cards, and so much more! In This Episode: Traveling with a family on points and miles Saving on airline/airport taxes and fees What’s going on with one of the top business cards? Tips and tricks for better positioning flights Busting one of the biggest flight booking myths Resources & Links:10xTravel Boarding School for Children of Points-Obsessed Parents Find a 10xTravel Meetup Near You!10xTravel Free Points and Miles Course 10xTravel Best Credit Cards 10xTravel Award Booking Service 10xTravel Credit Card Consultation My10x: Manage Your Points and Miles 10xTravel Plus Membership 10xTravel Luxury Hotel Program10xTravel Facebook Group 10xTravel Instagram 10xTr by Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

72 min listen

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Ep 24: Round the World Redemption: 5 Countries. 1 Trip. All Business Class.

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