Points and Miles Travel Chats

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 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/c1vb/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=capital-one-venture-business] Thrifty Traveler Alert - this link saves $20 on 1st year premium subscription [http://www.thriftytraveler.com/a/fancy] Family Photoshoot in Bruges - Who we recommend (FIVE stars) [https://brugesphotosessions.com/bruges-photography/] New to points? Start with this card [https://fancytravelpointers.com/csp/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=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 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/best-offers/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=current-best-offers] - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide [https://fancytravelpointers.com/free-points-miles-guide/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=free-points-amp-miles-guide] – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fancytravelpointers/] – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1174230817453285] – great place to share wins, ask questions  Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter [https://fancytravelpointers.kit.com/2b6672fe76] – 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 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/aebpc/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=massive-offer-1] Massive offer #2 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/aebgc/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=massive-offer-2] Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakuten [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2025/11/06/earn-bilt-points-with-rakuten/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=earning-bilt-points-via-rakuten] seats.aero - My #1 search tool [https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101488164-17072392] 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers [https://fancytravelpointers.com/best-offers/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=current-best-offers] - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide [https://fancytravelpointers.com/free-points-miles-guide/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=free-points-amp-miles-guide] – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fancytravelpointers/] – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1174230817453285] – great place to share wins, ask questions  Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter [https://fancytravelpointers.kit.com/2b6672fe76] – 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 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2024/04/17/1-travel-points-card-chase-sapphire-preferred-card/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=my-go-to-card] 4x dining & grocery - this one is a forever keeper [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2025/10/21/the-card-all-families-should-have/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=this-one-is-a-forever-keeper] Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakuten [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2025/11/06/earn-bilt-points-with-rakuten/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=earning-bilt-points-via-rakuten] Rakuten - Earning more points via Rakuten [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2023/04/04/earn-amex-points-with-rakuten/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=earning-more-points-via-rakuten] Shopping portals - Overview, shopping portals explained [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2023/09/18/how-to-use-shopping-portals-for-extra-points-miles/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=overview-shopping-portals-explained] Calculating your 5/24 - Everything you need to know [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2024/10/03/chase-5-24-rule-explained/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=everything-you-need-to-know] Hilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out there [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2025/02/28/hilton-free-night-rewards-faqs/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=these-free-night-certificates-are-the-best-out-there] 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? https://fancytravelpointers.com/best-offers/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=current-best-offers 👋 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 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2026/03/12/elevated-marriott-card-offers/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=great-options-for-diversifying-point-earning] Hilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out there [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2025/02/28/hilton-free-night-rewards-faqs/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=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 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/c1vr/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=my-go-to-card-for-costco-or-sam-s] 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers [https://fancytravelpointers.com/best-offers/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=current-best-offers] - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide [https://fancytravelpointers.com/free-points-miles-guide/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=free-points-amp-miles-guide] – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fancytravelpointers/] – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1174230817453285] – 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 [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2025/02/18/capital-one-miles-for-disney-park-tickets/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=using-venture-miles-for-theme-park-tickets] Rakuten - Earn Bilt Points [https://fancytravelpointers.com/2025/11/06/earn-bilt-points-with-rakuten/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=earn-bilt-points] Earn the best transferable points and airline points [https://fancytravelpointers.com/instabio/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=transferable-points-and-airline-points] 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers [https://fancytravelpointers.com/best-offers/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=current-best-offers] - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide [https://fancytravelpointers.com/free-points-miles-guide/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=s0e0&utm_content=free-points-amp-miles-guide] – PDF downloaded over 17K times Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fancytravelpointers/] – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1174230817453285] – great place to share wins, ask questions  Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter [https://fancytravelpointers.kit.com/2b6672fe76] – 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.