Points and Miles Travel Chats

In today's episode, we're chatting about

Episode overview

• How I booked Qatar Qsuites for a family of three — and averaged just 72K points per person
• Using a 30% transfer bonus to British Airways to book Qatar Airways
• Why Singapore Airlines is my go to option when booking for families
• Booking Cathay Pacific business class from Hong Kong to Los Angeles 
• Using Alaska Atmos miles to book short haul Cathay Pacific business class for a steal!
• Release dates, transfer bonuses, repositioning flights, and other strategies that helped make these bookings work

📋 SHOW NOTES

Airline Rankings - Best Business Class Airlines

Favorite Transferable Points - Top 5 fav card options

Underrated Airline Miles - The recent deals I've gotten

📋 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. 

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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 about...

• How we planned a two-week family trip to Koh Samui, Thailand and Bali for three, and why I started planning it almost a year ahead
• Flying Singapore Airlines Business Class to/from Asia using  points instead of paying the $28,000+ cash price
• How I booked Bangkok Airways via Qatar Airways with points
• Our three-night stay at Conrad Koh Samui, including the private pool villas, incredible breakfast using 120,000 Hilton points per night
• Using a Marriott 85K free night certificate + 184,000 Marriott points for three nights at Vana Belle Koh Samui
• Our one-night strategy at Alila Ubud 
• The absolute showstopper: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, including our massive private pool villa and how we booked two nights for 280,000 Marriott points + $490 instead of $5500+
• Exploring Ubud, the Monkey Forest, rice fields, temples and Balinese villages
• Our two-night stay at Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, including the huge villa, private pool, ocean views and beach club using 120K Hilton points per night
• Using Fine Hotel + Resort credit at Jimbaran Puri, for our final night in Bali 
• My biggest takeaways for families who want to use points for premium-cabin flights and luxury hotels in Asia

📋 SHOW NOTES

Full Trip Report - 2 weeks in Asia on 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 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 about

Episode overview

• Why Hilton is becoming a larger part of our points travel strategy 
• The reason Hilton’s free night certificates are incredible and how we used ours at a $2,000+ per night resort
• How, when and why buying Hilton points could be part of your travel strategy
• The Hilton fifth-night-free benefit makes Hilton points stays even more attractive
• How Hilton’s dynamic pricing can be addressed with free night certificates
• Some of our favorite Hilton stays so far, including Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos, Conrad Koh Samui and LXR Bali — plus which ones I'd actually go back to.

📋 SHOW NOTES

All about Hilton Free Night Certificates

📋 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. 

In today's episode, we're chatting about

• The 5 cards we’ve opened so far in 2026 and the 760,000 points those welcome offers earned us
• How transferable points + diversifying points give us more options
• The 3 cards on my radar to open next
• Why airline cards are becoming essential for getting the best deal
• The Qatar Qsuites + Maldives trip I absolutely did NOT need to book…but did anyway when a 30% transfer bonus came along 😂 

📋 SHOW NOTES

New card in 2026 - Capital One Venture Business

Got this card again with EIN - 100K points

I got this with 200K points welcome offer - But you may be able to get up to 300K!

Great hotel option - love the free night certificates

I used the 30% transfer bonus to British Airways to book Qatar - current transfer bonuses

📋 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. 

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. 

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. 

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?

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!

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.