In this episode of the Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down their all-time favorite travel gear—just in time for Black Friday. After years of testing backpacks, carry-ons, tech essentials, and outfit must-haves on real trips, they’re sharing only the items they truly can’t travel without. No random Amazon finds here—these picks are battle-tested.

They also highlight some exclusive Black Friday discounts on top award travel tools, including Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers, with all the codes and links waiting in the show notes. From choosing the perfect backpack and staying organized with a dedicated travel wallet, to packing smarter with toiletry kits, versatile clothing, and go-to airport outfits, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your next trip. Whether you’re a carry-on-only traveler or gearing up for a long-haul flight, Chris and Katie share clever, experience-driven advice that makes traveling smoother, lighter, and a whole lot easier.

If you like saving money and traveling smarter, this episode is for you. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app, and send your questions to [email protected]

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 33

01:00 Black Friday Sales: Seats.aero, Roame, and CardPointers

02:15 Favorite Travel Gear

09:27 Carry-on Luggage Tips

13:32 Travel Wallets

17:10 Toiletry Bag

21:54 Travel Wardrobe

32:55 Packing Cubes

36:00 Travel Tech We Love

41:46 Black Friday Shopping Tips

44:43 Listener Q&A

Black Friday Deals (Good through December 1, 2025)

• Save 30% on Seats.aero with code Friday2530:  upgradedpoints.com/go/SeatsAero
• Save 40% on Roame with code UPGRADED40: upgradedpoints.com/go/Roame
• Save 50% on CardPointers:- upgradedpoints.com/go/CardPointers
  
  

Backpacks and Weekender Bags:

• The Everywhere Bag - Away: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayEverywhere
• Tumi Voyageur Atlanta Backpack: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTumiVoyageurAtlantaBackpack
• Lululemon City Essentials Duffle Bag 28L: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonCityEssentialsDuffleBag28L

Carry-On Luggage

• Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiInternationalCarryOnMacys
• ROAM Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/RoamLuggageCarryOn
• Away Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/AwayCarryOnPocket
• Monos Carry-On: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCarryOnPro

Travel Accessories:

• TUMI Alpha Electronic Cord Pouch: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouch
• TUMI Small Madeline Cosmetic Case: upgradedpoints.com/go/TumiSmallMadelineCosmeticsCase
• Monos Compressible Packing Cubes: upgradedpoints.com/go/MonosCompressiblePackingCubes4Pack
• TUMI travel jewelry case: upgradedpoints.com/go/​​TumiJewelryCase
• TUMI electronic cord pouch at Saks: upgradedpoints.com/go/SaksTUMICordPouch
• Credit card wallet: upgradedpoints.com/go/AmazonCreditCardWallet

Travel Wardrobe

• Lululemon Be Calm Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/LululemonBeCalmMidRisePant
• Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pants: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonDanceStudioMidRisePant
• Lululemon Oversized Scuba Hoodie: upgradedpoints.com/go/lululemonScubaOversizedFullZipHoodie
• On Cloud 6 shoes: upgradedpoints.com/go/OnCloud6ShoesMens
• Insider T-shirts: https://insiderstore.com/

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com

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Are Citi ThankYou Points the most underrated currency in travel rewards? In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down why this overlooked points program might be the best-kept secret in the game. From transfer partners like American Airlines and Turkish to surprising hotel redemptions through Choice Privileges, they reveal how Citi quietly stacks up against Amex, Chase, and Capital One.

Plus, we dive into some travel news as Wyndham and Vacasa are ending their partnerships, and share a promo code for AwardTool... one of our favorite new search tools! 

Whether you’re a beginner building your first points strategy or a seasoned traveler looking for fresh value, this episode shows where Citi shines... and where it still lags behind.

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 32

00:48 Wyndham x Vacasa Partnership Ending

01:52 AwardTool Discount

03:20 Are Citi ThankYou Points Underrated?

06:40 Citi Credit Cards

16:40 Pros and Cons 

24:40 Listener Q&A

Use code UPGRADED20 to save 20% off all AwardTool plans for new subscribers

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

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In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie dive into Citi’s newest addition to the American Airlines credit card lineup — the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe Card. With a $350 annual fee, Admirals Club passes, and a tempting 90,000-mile welcome bonus, this mid-tier card is already making waves. But is it truly worth a spot in your wallet, or just filling the gap between Citi’s entry-level and premium AAdvantage cards?

The hosts break down everything you need to know — from earning structures and benefits to elite status boosts and that tricky companion certificate fine print.

Plus, they share fresh credit card news and travel promos, including Southwest’s elevated 85K bonus offers, new JetBlue transfer options with Wells Fargo, and valuable Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt promotions you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re chasing AAdvantage miles, eyeing a new signup bonus, or just want smarter ways to maximize your next trip, this episode is packed with insight and strategy.

00:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 31

01:02 Wells Fargo New Transfer Partner

01:50: Southwest Elevated Offers

06:55 Hilton, Hyatt, & Marriott Bonus Points

08:54 AAdvantage Globe Card

18:04 AA Globe Card vs. The Rest

31:41 Listener Q&A

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

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New AAdvantage Globe Card: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-aadvantage-globe-card-launches/

American Airlines Credit Card Comparison:

https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-american-airlines-credit-cards/

AAdvantage Globe Card Turo Credit:

https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/aadvantage-globe-card/turo-credit/

AAdvantage Globe Card Splurge Credit:

https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/aadvantage-globe-card/splurge-credit/

Elevated 85k Welcome Offer on Southwest Cards:

https://upgradedpoints.com/news/southwest-personal-cards-85k-sign-up-bonus/

Southwest Debit Card:

https://upgradedpoints.com/news/southwest-rapid-rewards-debit-card/

In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie dive into the ultimate showdown of premium travel credit cards — Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One. With four major cards and four hefty annual fees on the table, the hosts break down which one truly delivers the most value. From point-earning potential to exclusive perks, they compare every detail to help you decide which premium card deserves a spot in your wallet.

Stay tuned as they share personal travel updates, unpack card benefits like lounge access and trip protection, and answer a listener’s burning question about maximizing rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of points, this episode will help you make the most of your card strategy.

00:00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 30

01:05 Autocamp Cape Cod

04:05 Dreams Bahia Mita

10:54 Promo Codes: Seats.aero and Savewise

11:37 Battle of the Premium Cards

17:20 Earning points, Which Card is Best?

24:44 Travel Benefits and Protections

40:22 Listener Questions

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

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Amex vs. Chase vs. Capital One vs. Citi: Premium Card Comparison: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/premium-travel-credit-card-comparison-2025/

Save 20% on Savewise with promo code UPGRADEDPOINTS: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/savewise-promo-code/

Traveling doesn’t have to drain your wallet… if you know the right hacks! In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie break down the money-saving travel strategies that actually work. From booking hotels with breakfast included to getting a free eSIM and never paying for water at the airport again, these are the tips seasoned travelers swear by.

They’ll also cover underrated tools that save hundreds on flights and hotels, how to get real value from credit card perks, and more. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a quick weekend getaway, these insider hacks will help you travel smarter, spend less, and make every trip feel like a win.

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 29
00:48 Chase Sapphire Reserve changes
02:32 Seats.aero promo code
03:34 MaxMyPoint promo code
05:08 Money Saving Travel Hacks
33:26 Listener Q&A

Chase Unveils Major Overhaul of the Sapphire Reserve Card: New Perks, Higher Annual Fee: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-overhauls-sapphire-reserve-card/

Use this Seats.aero promo code to save 20% on an annual Pro subscription: UPGRADE3435 https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8196909-17075279

Use This MaxMyPoint Promo Code To Save 20% on an Annual Subscription: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/maxmypoint-promo-code/

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

Follow us!

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints 

On this week’s episode, Chris and Katie dive into one of the best-kept secrets in luxury travel: Leaders Club from Leading Hotels of the World. With the Platinum Card® from American Express now offering complimentary Leaders Club Sterling elite status, cardholders can unlock perks at more than 400 independent luxury hotels in 80 countries — from historic palaces to private island retreats.

They break down how this partnership works, what benefits you actually get (think upgrades, breakfast, and exclusive offers), and how to get the most value from Leaders Club stays — even when booking with points. You’ll also hear how Citi ThankYou Points can open the door to some surprisingly valuable redemptions.

Plus, Katie shares her experience at La Casa de la Playa, one of Mexico’s most stunning Leading Hotels of the World properties, and the duo wraps up with practical advice for beginners building a strong points and miles foundation.

Correction: In this episode, we mention that transferring Citi ThankYou Points to Leading Hotels of the World gives you a rate of 1,000 points = 140 Leaders Club points. However, if you have an eligible Citi card such as the Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Premier, Citi Prestige, or AT&T Access More, you actually get a better rate of 1,000 points = 200 Leaders Club points.

00:00: The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 28

01:15 Bilt adds Etihad

02:10 Amex Equinox benefit

03:55 Disney price increase

06:03 Leading Hotels of the World overview

07:40 Leaders Club Program

10:45 Sterling Elite Status

13:05 Earning and booking with points

20:32 La Casa de la Playa 

28:21 Listener Q&A

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

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Capital One just made a major move in the points and miles world by adding 3 new transfer partners — Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Chris and Katie break down what this means for your travel redemptions, why now might be the perfect time to use your Capital One miles, and how these changes could make Capital One one of the most valuable travel programs today.

They also share recent travel updates from São Paulo and Thailand, plus an amazing redemption story for an upcoming solar eclipse cruise in the Mediterranean, and answer some listener questions. 

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 27

01:01 The Westin São Paulo

02:50 The St. Regis Bangkok 

06:46 Capital One’s new transfer partners

14:15 The best program?

18:19 Listener Q&A

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

Follow us!

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Save 20% on Savewise: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/savewise-promo-code/

In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, we dive into the latest updates shaking up the  travel world, including the major refresh to the The Business Platinum Card from American Express. From new benefits to a bigger annual fee, we break down what these changes mean for cardholders and whether the updates make this card worth it for your business.

We’ll also cover Chase’s updates to The Edit, how to save 20% on a Savewise Pro account, and answer your burning listener questions during our Q&A segment. Whether you’re a points pro or just getting started, this episode gives you practical insights to help you get more value  out of your rewards.

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 26
01:00 Chase The Edit
07:37 Savewise 20% off code
10:42 Amex Business Platinum Refresh
22:08 1 Major Issue
25:17 Listener Q&A

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

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Traveling should be smooth, not stressful. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the differences between TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and Global Entry to help you decide which program is the right fit for your travel style. From skipping long security lines to breezing through customs, they’ll share the perks, drawbacks, and insider tips for each option.

You’ll also hear some of the unique ways Chris and Katie have earned American Airlines miles—and how you can use those same strategies to maximize your travel. 

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 25

01:00 Earning AA miles

06:40 TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry?

13:53 Get them for FREE!

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

Save 30% on CardPointers: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/cardpointers-discount/

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The Platinum Card® from American Express just got a massive refresh for 2025 — with new benefits, new perks, and yes, a higher annual fee. Chris and Katie break down everything you need to know, from the new and updated benefits to whether the card is still worth it after the fee increase.

00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 24
01:00 Universal Halloween Horror Nights
03:45 Flights to Thailand
08:00 Amex Platinum changes
11:30 NEW benefits
21:35 Amex vs. Chase vs. Citi
28:05 Our thoughts
30:09 Listener Q&A

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on UpgradedPoints.com.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints