Welcome to the Points and Miles Travel Chats podcast. I'm Michele from Fancy Travel Pointers, and I believe your everyday spend is the secret to extraordinary travel. If you’ve ever worried that points are too complicated, or wondered if a busy family with public school schedules and competitive sports could really travel with points — I’m here to show you it’s absolutely possible. Here’s what I know for sure: it’s not about spending more, and keeping my credit score sky-high is always front and center. I’ll give you actionable steps and teach real, repeatable strategies that transform the way you earn points and the value you get from them.
We Saved $15,000 On Our Europe Christmas Market Trip Using Points
In today's episode, we're chatting about Finding business class flights to Europe over Thanksgiving break for 115K points ROUND TRIP Piecing together flights, trains, and hotels - my best points saving tips The unexpected theme park day that was a major highlight Real talk: train strikes, airport chaos, and what to do when plans fall apart How we covered $15,000+ in travel with points The exact booking timeline (and why waiting will cost you) 📋 SHOW NOTES BRAND NEW Card - Capital One Venture Business Thrifty Traveler Alert - this link saves $20 on 1st year premium subscription Family Photoshoot in Bruges - Who we recommend (FIVE stars) New to points? Start with this card (3x dining & 3x online grocery) or this card (4x dining & 4x grocery) 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Deep Dive: Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards
In today's episode, we're chatting about Why Alaska’s Atmos Rewards program is a total sleeper hit in award travel Alaska miles (Atmos Points) can be harder to earn - how we've changed our strategy to earn more Real examples of business class award flights to Tahiti and Europe booked via Alaska Don't sleep on the Global Companion Certificates The exact sweet spots (like 4,500-point flights 😳) you should be looking for The “phantom availability” issue—and how to avoid getting burned 📋 SHOW NOTES Just released (from Q2 in podcast).... Massive offer #1 Massive offer #2 Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakuten seats.aero - My #1 search tool 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
3 Ways We Maximize Points Earning - Without Signing Up For a New Card
In today's episode, we're chatting about Don’t want to open more credit cards? These 3 strategies still stack serious points Simple “2-card combo” that maximizes everyday spending without overthinking it Why shopping portals are the most overlooked (and easiest) way to earn extra points The mistake almost everyone makes with everyday spending—and how to fix it How “player 2 mode” and referrals can double your points (and free hotel nights) 📋 SHOW NOTES 3x dining & online grocery - my go-to card 4x dining & grocery - this one is a forever keeper Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakuten Rakuten - Earning more points via Rakuten Shopping portals - Overview, shopping portals explained Calculating your 5/24 - Everything you need to know Hilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out there 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
My Hyatt Award Change Game Plan - Panic Booking and Diversifying
In today's episode, we're chatting about Hyatt is moving from 3 pricing tiers → 5 tiers (and yes… it’s a big deal) Why luxury redemptions (Category 7–8) are getting hit the hardest The exact bookings I made before the changes hit (and why) A simple trick to lock in lower rates even if your plans aren’t set The underrated Globalist benefit most people aren’t using right now I’m officially diversifying into Marriott, Hilton, and IHG The truth: Hyatt isn’t dead… but your strategy needs to change 📋 SHOW NOTES Marriott - Great options for diversifying point earning Hilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out there Shop a lot at Costco or Sam's? - My go to card for Costco or Sam's 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
How We Save Thousands on Disney & Universal Trips Using Points
In today's episode, we're chatting about How to save money on theme park trips to Disney and Universal using points and credit card perks Strategies for finding the best award flights to Orlando When to check airline alliance partners for cheaper award pricing Why hotel points and free night certificates can make theme park stays much more affordable How to stay on Disney property using points or travel portal bookings The strategy for booking Universal hotels that include Express Passes Ways to reduce the cost of park tickets using credit card miles When a Universal annual pass might actually be cheaper than regular tickets 📋 SHOW NOTES Step-by-step - Using Venture Miles for theme park tickets Rakuten - Earn Bilt Points Earn the best transferable points and airline points 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K poin 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Bora Bora on Points: Using points for Business Class Flights & Overwater Bungalows
In today's episode, we're chatting about How we flew business class to Tahiti for 120,000 points per person roundtrip The “loophole” that sparked this trip — and how to book award flights now that it’s gone St. Regis Bora Bora vs. Westin Bora Bora — which one felt magical and why How we upgraded to an overwater bungalow Smart Marriott strategies (including transfer bonuses + buying points on sale) What Bora Bora actually costs once you’re there (real food & drink prices) Tips to save money on dining in Bora Bora 📋 SHOW NOTES Step-by-step - How to book Bora Bora with points Bora Bora trip breakdown plus reviews and overall tips - article Rakuten - Earn Bilt Points Earn the best transferable points and airline points 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Curre 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Southwest Companion Pass Deep Dive: Timing, Strategy & Big Savings
In today's episode, we're chatting about What the Southwest Companion Pass actually is Different ways to earn it Timing strategy to maximize nearly 2 full years of use The most common mistake people make How to earn two Companion Passes with the right player strategy The shortened “mini” Companion Pass offers and when they make sense How to add and switch companions (without accidentally removing someone from a flight) Easy ways to top off your account if you’re just short of 135,000 points Who this pass is best for (and when it’s NOT worth it) 📋 SHOW NOTES FREE Southwest Companion Pass Guide - (you'll get this via email after signing up - check your spam folder if you don't see it) Southwest Companion Pass FAQs with current offer info 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Current Best Offers - Curated by spend, annual fees and travel style 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Italy at Christmas on Points: Flight Cancellations, Rebookings, and Big Wins
In today’s episode, we’re chatting about How multiple flight cancellations months before departure turned into better flights Virgin Atlantic vs. Air France/KLM: flexibility differences you must know before booking How we flew round-trip business class to Europe over Christmas for under 90,000 points per person Tips for surviving tight international connections (Amsterdam’s short-connection line) The magic of Italy in winter: fewer crowds, better weather, and unforgettable experiences Excursions worth splurging on (and one expensive food tour I wouldn’t repeat) How a mix of points + cash covered nearly $20,000 in flights and hotels Why flexibility—not perfection—is the real secret to booking peak-season award travel SHOW NOTES Tours we booked & recommend from this trip: Tours of the Real Hidden Venice Venice pasta & tiramisu making class Tuscany Bike Tours Hunt for truffles in the Tuscan woods 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Hyatt Deep Dive – Why Hyatt Is the Best Hotel Program for Award Stays on Points
In today's episode, we're chatting about Why Hyatt is the best hotel program for points (yes, even if you’re a Marriott loyalist) The magic of Hyatt’s award chart — and why it saves you thousands of points per stay Hyatt elite status explained (Discoverist → Explorist → Globalist) and what perks actually matter A deep dive into Hyatt Milestone Rewards (Guest of Honor, Suite Upgrades, Free Nights) How Hyatt free night certificates work (and the expiration gotchas to watch for) My favorite Hyatt stays booked on points — from Maui to Kyoto to Hong Kong The smartest way to earn Hyatt points without putting everyday spend on hotel cards 📋 SHOW NOTES The secret to more free Hyatt stays - exactly how I earn all those points One of the best helpers for earning status 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Current Best Offers - Curated by spend, annual fees and travel style 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
How We Saved $20,000 on a London & Paris Family Trip Using Points
In today's episode, we're chatting about How our family pulled off London & Paris in peak summer using mostly points The exact business class flights we booked (102K points roundtrip per person!) & hotel award nights Real talk about Europe hotel occupancy rules for families Niche but gold tips: Eurostar mistakes to avoid, laundry hacks in Europe, plus tour wins (and fails) A full look at what we used cash for vs what we used points for 📋 SHOW NOTES Booking JetBlue Mint via Qatar - including step by step how to move Avios from British Airways to Qatar Points we use for Hyatt award stays - earning transferable points (not hotel specific points) is key Thrifty Travel Premium Newsletter - use "fancy" at checkout for $20 off 1st year MaxMyPoint - Set up hotel alerts for award availability New to points & Miles? Start with my favorite card! 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
How I’m Planning 2026 Travel on Points (Without Overdoing It)
In today's episode, we're chatting about Why 2025 was an “amazing but too much” travel year—and the hard family conversations that forced a reset for 2026 The mindset shift from chasing every deal to deciding what “enough” travel actually looks like A full breakdown of what’s booked for 2026—including Bora Bora, Asia, Mexico, Disney, and luxury US stays How points, free night certificates, companion passes, and credits are being stacked to save tens of thousands Why opening fewer cards can still unlock incredible travel—and how comparison culture gets this wrong Why diversifying hotel points and leaning into credits matters more than ever going forward Proof that you don’t need nonstop luxury travel to “do points right”—you just need a strategy that fits your life 📋 SHOW NOTES Elevated Marriott Offer - And how to get the most from it Ritz Carlton card - How to access via product change Love luxury travel perks & credits? This card is my fav for lux travel How to earn Bilt points via Rakuten Rakuten Sign Up Bonus - New sign ups get $50 off after making $50 purchase in 1st 90 days 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
2025 Business Class Flight Recap: How we scored points deals during peak travel multiple times
In today's episode, we're chatting about How I booked three business-class seats to Africa in peak summer — and why I locked in the return flights before even knowing how we’d get there The exact search tools I use (and how I search broadly to uncover rare availability) Why I chose to book through a partner airlines instead of direct , and where I want my points to land if plans change Reviews of Emirates A380, Singapore Airlines, JetBlue Mint, Turkish Airlines, and Condor — including which lived up to the hype and which didn’t How transfer bonuses quietly shaved tens of thousands of points off multiple flights The role paid flight alerts played in saving the day — twice Why I always book long-haul trips as one-way awards (and why it gives you way more flexibility) The mindset shift that made this year possible: finding the deal first, then building the trip around it 📋 SHOW NOTES Thrifty Traveler Premium Newsletter: $20 off 1st year with my link at checkout Seats.aero - This is the only search tool I pay for How I booked JetBlue Mint via Qatar, using a British Airways transfer bonus How to earn Bilt points via Rakuten Rakuten Sign Up Bonus - New sign ups get $50 off after making $50 purchase in 1st 90 days 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Trav 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
2025 Hotel Recap: 45 nights using points & free night certificates
In this episode, I unpack the exact mix of free night certificates, points, and card perks that helped us stretch our hotel budget farther than ever. You’ll hear the wins, the surprises, the splurges — and the one stay that just didn’t hit the mark. In today's episode, we're chatting about • The big-picture recap: How we managed 60 total hotel nights this year — with 45 booked using points or free night certificates . • Hyatt strategy deep dive: Our five Hyatt free night certificates, how we earned them, and why the Hyatt Milestone Rewards program is one of my favorites. • Marriott wins: How we ended up with nine Marriott free night certificates , including multiple 50K, 35K, and 85K nights — and the strategy that lets us repeat that welcome offer cycle. • Hilton points strategy: Why we bought 960,000 Hilton points this year and how buying points can be a smart move with the right redemption. • Using premium card credits strategically: How using travel credits that come with our premium credit cards covered part of our stays at Universal, Epic Universe, and more. • Our favorite luxury redemptions, stays that didn't work, and hidden gems • Final reflections: 2025 felt like a “pinch me” year — and what this year taught me about smart earning, strategic booking, and maximizing every certificate. 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Current Best Offers - Curated by spend, annual fees and travel style 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Ask Me Anything: Points & Miles Travel Edition
This episode pulls back the curtain on the real-life systems we use as a family to earn and stretch our points. It’s full of practical answers, honest numbers, and lessons learned the hard way—so you can shortcut your own strategy. In today’s episode, we’re chatting about How many personal and business credit cards I actively keep open Why my credit score stays above 800—even with frequent applications What I do with cards after the first year (your 4 options) The real (and shocking) number I pay in annual fees each year The always “annual spend” question debunked How I think about using points vs cash for flights and hotels The #1 item I will not travel without The biggest mistake I made when I started—and how it held us back for years 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Earn & Use Capital One Miles Like a Pro
In today’s episode, we’re chatting about Comparing personal Venture cards – which one is actually worth it The new Capital One welcome offer eligibility rules — and the order they want you to apply in Venture X Business: huge welcome bonus, no 5/24 impact, and how it compares to the personal card Lounge access changes coming Feb 1, 2026 — how to pivot Why my husband and I both keep the Venture X Capital One’s strongest transfer partners and my favorite ways to use the miles How to combine miles with anyone who also has miles Cash-back cards (Spark, Quicksilver, Savor) that secretly earn miles if you know the trick The obscure referral rule that burned me — so you don’t repeat my mistake Capital One Shopping Portal's underrated multipliers (and why it can beat Rakuten) Using Capital One miles to cover Disney/Universal tickets — and the coding mistake to avoid FROM THIS EPISODE Comparing Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Current Best Offers - Curated by spend, annual fees and travel style 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Thailand & Hong Kong Luxury Vacation with Points
In this episode, we're chatting about... How we planned a Christmas/New Year’s Asia itinerary despite zero date flexibility The exact routes we booked —including our long-haul KLM business class flights and how we secured three seats at once How we avoided $35k+ cash prices by using transferable points What to do when award space disappears Why searching manually—smartly—matters , and the tools that helped us narrow down valid routes How early-morning arrivals, club lounges, and Hyatt status shaped the trip Reviews of each hotel we stayed at , including Hong Kong, Phuket, Bangkok, and Taipei The mindset shift for planning high-demand award trips , and how to build multiple backup plans Whether luxury or quantity is right for your points strategy , and how I make that choice for our family 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? 🫶🏼 Free points & miles guide - PDF downloaded over 17K times 🫶🏼 Best card offers - tailored by category for your needs 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram - keep up to date on all the latest points news 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook - great place to share wins, ask questions 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter - sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
We Saved 87K Points with this Award Flight Tip
In this episode, we’re chatting about… Why booking one-way award flights gets you a better deal than round-trip The key airline alliances — and how to use partner programs like Air Canada or Virgin Atlantic to save tens of thousands of points Real-life examples of booking premium flights (like Singapore Airlines business class) for 60K instead of 89K points How to find hidden award availability and when it’s worth “repositioning” to another airport The best times to book award flights — and why early (or super late) searches often win Michele’s favorite award search tools — including Thrifty Traveler Premium, Seats.aero, and AwardTool — plus how to use them effectively Why flexibility, realistic expectations, and a little curiosity can unlock huge value from your points 📋 FROM THIS EPISODE Get $20 off your 1st year subscription with Thrifty Traveler Premium Newsletter Overview of 4 great search tools to help you find the best award flights Tutorial for best result driven searches on seats.aero 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? 🫶🏼 Free points & miles guide - PDF downloaded over 17K times 🫶🏼 Best card offers - tailored by category for your needs 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram - keep up to date on all the latest points news 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook - great place to share wins, ask questions 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Using Southwest/Hyatt Points to Visit Hawaii on Repeat + Maui Hotel Reviews
Hawaii is the dream vacation — but that $10K+ price tag? Hard pass. The good news: Hawaii is actually one of the easiest places to use your points. We’ve been using the same Southwest + Hyatt combo points strategy for years — and it’s taken us to Hawaii five times since 2019 , with next year’s trip already booked. 🏝️ This is my favorite rinse & repeat strategy for family travel — simple, realistic, and crazy rewarding. Today, we're chatting about... The Southwest + Hyatt combo we use for 90% of our domestic trips — including Hawaii. 4 tips to always get the best Southwest deals. The magic of the Southwest Companion Pass (my son flies for $5.60 each way! ). Why I love Hyatt redemptions in Hawaii — no resort fees, lower point prices, and easy-to-earn transferable points. Our Maui trip recap — hotel reviews, favorite restaurants, and top excursions you’ll love. Why luxury doesn’t have to mean spending big — how we stayed at the Andaz Maui for 45K points a night instead of $1K cash. 📋 FROM THIS EPISODE How we earn so many points to transfer to Hyatt 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? 🫶🏼 Free points & miles guide - PDF downloaded over 17K times 🫶🏼 Best card offers - tailored by category for your needs 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram - keep up to date on all the latest points news 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook - great place to share wins, ask questions 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter - sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
Best Strategies for Leveling Up Your Hotel Points Stays
In this episode, we're chatting about... ✨ Which hotel brands are best for booking on points (and which luxury brands fall under them) 💳 The three ways to earn hotel points — and why “buying” them can actually save you hundreds 🏖️ How to score the 4th or 5th night free (and the rules that make it work) 🏨 The “hidden trick” for larger families when the room says it only fits two 📅 How to use award calendars and tools to find the best availability and stretch your points 🥇 Why Hyatt is the “GOAT” for hotel points — and how to use its category page to plan smarter stays 💡 How Michele booked a $2,000-a-night Paris hotel for zero dollars Whether you’re planning a big family trip or a luxury couple’s escape, this episode will show you how to book smarter, spend less, and travel better — all while creating the kind of memories you’ll talk about for years. 📋 FROM THIS EPISODE Hyatt Category Page - search by category and location 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? 🫶🏼 Free points & miles guide - PDF downloaded over 17K times 🫶🏼 Best card offers - tailored by category for your needs 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram - keep up to date on all the latest points news 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook - great place to share wins, ask questions 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter - sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
3 Points & Miles Mistakes - And How to Easily Overcome Them
Welcome to Points and Miles Travel Chats ! I’m Michele from Fancy Travel Pointers , and I believe your everyday spending is the secret to extraordinary travel . In this first episode, I’ll walk you through how I turned everyday spending into bucket-list travel for my family — all while keeping my credit score sky-high and never spending more than we normally would. We’ll talk about the three most common mistakes people make with points (I’ve made them all 🙋🏻♀️) and how to fix them so you can start seeing real results fast. In this episode, we're chatting about... The #1 mistake that keeps people stuck earning too few points — and how to fix it without overspending. The difference between “branded” and “transferable” points (and why one of them is the secret to amazing redemptions). How to stop being afraid to use your points and start booking those dream trips — whether that’s a family getaway or business class to Europe. How we’ve kept our credit scores over 800 while opening multiple cards each year — and the three simple rules that make it possible. The real story of how I went from earning a couple of roundtrips in coach to flying in lie-flat seats for nearly free. 📋 FROM THIS EPISODE Airlines that will hold award flights 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? 🫶🏼 Free points & miles guide - PDF downloaded over 17K times 🫶🏼 Best card offers - tailored by category for your needs 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram - keep up to date on all the latest points news 🫶🏼 Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook - great place to sha 👋 Hi! I'm Michele! A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more. I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them. With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fancy Travel Pointers is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as Bankrate.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information was correct to the best of my knowledge at time of recording. Always double check/verify information about cards and or bookings.
