Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter! In this episode, Brooke chats with Brian Kelly, the renowned founder of The Points Guy, a leading authority on travel, points, and miles. Brian shares invaluable insights into mastering loyalty programs, maximizing credit card rewards, and building a travel strategy that saves money while delivering unforgettable experiences. From his journey of turning a side hustle into a global brand to personal anecdotes about traveling with kids, Brian offers listeners both practical tips and inspiring stories. Perfect for anyone looking to up their travel game or curious about the behind-the-scenes of luxury travel on a budget. Key Takeaways

• [3:40] Family-Friendly Travel Tips: Advice on traveling internationally with children and how cultures outside the U.S. are often more welcoming to families.
• [13:30] The Evolution of The Points Guy: How Brian transitioned from a corporate job to building a global brand, including key moments like a feature in The New York Times.
• [21:28] Overcoming Travel Anxiety: Brian's insights on the rising fear of flying and practical advice for staying calm and informed.
• [24:20] Maximizing Credit Cards: Why U.S.-based travelers have unparalleled opportunities for credit card rewards and how to leverage them effectively.
• [39:55] Resilience in Travel: How to handle unexpected travel disruptions with patience and strategy.
• [47:08] Bucket List Destinations: Brian shares his dream of visiting Antarctica and his love for wildlife-centered adventures.

Notable Quotes

• (7:07) "Travel is the only expense that makes you richer."
• (22:52) "Winning at travel is winning at life because it translates into being smarter and more strategic in other areas."
• (31:55) "Loyalty needs to go both ways. Take a cold hard look at what you're getting from your airline or credit card."

Resources

• Visit the official The Points Guy website
• Get a Brian's book, How to Win at Travel
• Follow Brian Kelly on Instagram
• Follow The Points Guy on Instagram
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram