Points and Miles Travel Chats

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutFinding business class flights to Europe over Thanksgiving break for 115K points ROUND TRIP Piecing together flights, trains, and hotels - my best points saving tipsThe unexpected theme park day that was a major highlightReal talk: train strikes, airport chaos, and what to do when plans fall apartHow we covered $15,000+ in travel with pointsThe exact booking timeline (and why waiting will cost you)📋 SHOW NOTESBRAND NEW Card - Capital One Venture BusinessThrifty Traveler Alert - this link saves $20 on 1st year premium subscriptionFamily 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 monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutWhy 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 moreReal examples of business class award flights to Tahiti and Europe booked via AlaskaDon't sleep on the Global Companion Certificates The exact sweet spots (like 4,500-point flights 😳) you should be looking forThe “phantom availability” issue—and how to avoid getting burned📋 SHOW NOTESJust released (from Q2 in podcast)....Massive offer #1Massive offer #2Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakutenseats.aero - My #1 search tool📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutDon’t want to open more credit cards? These 3 strategies still stack serious pointsSimple “2-card combo” that maximizes everyday spending without overthinking itWhy shopping portals are the most overlooked (and easiest) way to earn extra pointsThe 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 NOTES3x dining & online grocery - my go-to card4x dining & grocery - this one is a forever keeperRakuten - Earning Bilt Points via RakutenRakuten - Earning more points via RakutenShopping portals - Overview, shopping portals explainedCalculating your 5/24 - Everything you need to knowHilton - 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutHyatt 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 hardestThe exact bookings I made before the changes hit (and why)A simple trick to lock in lower rates even if your plans aren’t setThe underrated Globalist benefit most people aren’t using right nowI’m officially diversifying into Marriott, Hilton, and IHGThe truth: Hyatt isn’t dead… but your strategy needs to change📋 SHOW NOTESMarriott - Great options for diversifying point earningHilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out thereShop 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 monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutHow to save money on theme park trips to Disney and Universal using points and credit card perksStrategies for finding the best award flights to OrlandoWhen to check airline alliance partners for cheaper award pricingWhy hotel points and free night certificates can make theme park stays much more affordableHow to stay on Disney property using points or travel portal bookingsThe strategy for booking Universal hotels that include Express PassesWays to reduce the cost of park tickets using credit card milesWhen a Universal annual pass might actually be cheaper than regular tickets📋 SHOW NOTESStep-by-step - Using Venture Miles for theme park ticketsRakuten - Earn Bilt PointsEarn the best transferable points and airline points📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutHow we flew business class to Tahiti for 120,000 points per person roundtripThe  “loophole” that sparked this trip — and how to book award flights now that it’s goneSt. Regis Bora Bora vs. Westin Bora Bora — which one felt magical and whyHow we upgraded to an overwater bungalowSmart 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 NOTESStep-by-step - How to book Bora Bora with pointsBora Bora trip breakdown plus reviews and overall tips - articleRakuten - Earn Bilt PointsEarn the best transferable points and airline points📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutWhat the Southwest Companion Pass actually is Different ways to earn itTiming strategy to maximize nearly 2 full years of useThe most common mistake people make How to earn two Companion Passes with the right player strategyThe shortened “mini” Companion Pass offers and when they make senseHow 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 pointsWho this pass is best for (and when it’s NOT worth it)📋 SHOW NOTESFREE 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 timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today’s episode, we’re chatting aboutHow multiple flight cancellations months before departure turned into better flightsVirgin Atlantic vs. Air France/KLM: flexibility differences you must know before bookingHow we flew round-trip business class to Europe over Christmas for under 90,000 points per personTips for surviving tight international connections (Amsterdam’s short-connection line)The magic of Italy in winter: fewer crowds, better weather, and unforgettable experiencesExcursions 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 hotelsWhy flexibility—not perfection—is the real secret to booking peak-season award travel SHOW NOTESTours we booked & recommend from this trip:Tours of the Real Hidden VeniceVenice pasta & tiramisu making classTuscany Bike ToursHunt 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutWhy 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 stayHyatt elite status explained (Discoverist → Explorist → Globalist) and what perks actually matterA 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 KongThe smartest way to earn Hyatt points without putting everyday spend on hotel cards📋 SHOW NOTESThe secret to more free Hyatt stays - exactly how I earn all those pointsOne of the best helpers for earning status📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutHow our family pulled off London & Paris in peak summer using mostly pointsThe 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 NOTESBooking JetBlue Mint via Qatar - including step by step how to move Avios from British Airways to QatarPoints we use for Hyatt award stays - earning transferable points (not hotel specific points) is keyThrifty Travel Premium Newsletter - use "fancy" at checkout for $20 off 1st yearMaxMyPoint - 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 timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutWhy 2025 was an “amazing but too much” travel year—and the hard family conversations that forced a reset for 2026The mindset shift from chasing every deal to deciding what “enough” travel actually looks likeA full breakdown of what’s booked for 2026—including Bora Bora, Asia, Mexico, Disney, and luxury US staysHow points, free night certificates, companion passes, and credits are being stacked to save tens of thousandsWhy opening fewer cards can still unlock incredible travel—and how comparison culture gets this wrongWhy diversifying hotel points and leaning into credits matters more than ever going forwardProof that you don’t need nonstop luxury travel to “do points right”—you just need a strategy that fits your life📋 SHOW NOTESElevated Marriott Offer - And how to get the most from itRitz Carlton card - How to access via product changeLove luxury travel perks & credits? This card is my fav for lux travelHow 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 timesFancy 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting aboutHow 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 thereThe 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 changeReviews of Emirates A380, Singapore Airlines, JetBlue Mint, Turkish Airlines, and Condor — including which lived up to the hype and which didn’tHow transfer bonuses quietly shaved tens of thousands of points off multiple flightsThe role paid flight alerts played in saving the day — twiceWhy 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 NOTESThrifty Traveler Premium Newsletter: $20 off 1st year with my link at checkoutSeats.aero - This is the only search tool I pay forHow I booked JetBlue Mint via Qatar, using a British Airways transfer bonusHow 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 timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

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 timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

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 aboutHow many personal and business credit cards I actively keep openWhy my credit score stays above 800—even with frequent applicationsWhat I do with cards after the first year (your 4 options)The real (and shocking) number I pay in annual fees each yearThe always “annual spend” question debunkedHow I think about using points vs cash for flights and hotelsThe #1 item I will not travel withoutThe 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. 

In today’s episode, we’re chatting aboutComparing personal Venture cards – which one is actually worth itThe new Capital One welcome offer eligibility rules — and the order they want you to apply inVenture X Business: huge welcome bonus, no 5/24 impact, and how it compares to the personal cardLounge access changes coming Feb 1, 2026 — how to pivotWhy my husband and I both keep the Venture XCapital One’s strongest transfer partners and my favorite ways to use the milesHow to combine miles with anyone who also has milesCash-back cards (Spark, Quicksilver, Savor) that secretly earn miles if you know the trickThe obscure referral rule that burned me — so you don’t repeat my mistakeCapital 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 EPISODEComparing Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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. 

In this episode, we're chatting about...How we planned a Christmas/New Year’s Asia itinerary despite zero date flexibilityThe exact routes we booked—including our long-haul KLM business class flights and how we secured three seats at onceHow 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 routesHow early-morning arrivals, club lounges, and Hyatt status shaped the tripReviews of each hotel we stayed at, including Hong Kong, Phuket, Bangkok, and TaipeiThe mindset shift for planning high-demand award trips, and how to build multiple backup plansWhether 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. 

In this episode, we’re chatting about…Why booking one-way award flights gets you a better deal than round-tripThe key airline alliances — and how to use partner programs like Air Canada or Virgin Atlantic to save tens of thousands of pointsReal-life examples of booking premium flights (like Singapore Airlines business class) for 60K instead of 89K pointsHow to find hidden award availability and when it’s worth “repositioning” to another airportThe best times to book award flights — and why early (or super late) searches often winMichele’s favorite award search tools — including Thrifty Traveler Premium, Seats.aero, and AwardTool — plus how to use them effectivelyWhy flexibility, realistic expectations, and a little curiosity can unlock huge value from your points📋 FROM THIS EPISODEGet $20 off your 1st year subscription with Thrifty Traveler Premium NewsletterOverview of 4 great search tools to help you find the best award flightsTutorial 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. 

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 EPISODEHow 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. 

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 dollarsWhether 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 EPISODEHyatt 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. 

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 EPISODEAirlines 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.