Wild Award Wins: Our Most Unexpected Points & Miles Successes

Ever wondered what happens when you take a wild chance on a points and miles booking? In this fun, story-packed episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis share the most unexpected wins they’ve had using miles — including last-minute upgrades, miracle customer service saves, and zero-cost first class flights that shouldn't have worked, but did.   From how Travis saved his honeymoon with one phone call to the Emirates upgrade trick Bryce used for his entire family, you'll be shocked at these successes. Plus, you'll hear how Emily's flexibility and mid-trip rebooking paid off!   Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this episode proves that sometimes the best redemptions are the ones you didn’t plan.   In this episode: 00:00 Intro & Weekend Recaps 04:00 Why This Episode Is Different 05:00 Travis Saves His Honeymoon with One Bold Ask 23:00 Emily’s Mid-Trip Award Rebooking Win 30:00 Bryce Upgrades His Whole Family to First Class 38:00 The Virgin Atlantic Award Space “Magic Trick” 43:00 What Makes a Redemption Truly Surprising 48:00 Tips to Engineer Your Own Points Surprises   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup How To Book Premium Economy Flights with Points and Miles Best Award Search Tools When Buying Miles Makes Sense (And Doesn’t)   Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.   Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

P2s Tell All: Life, Love & Loyalty Points with the 10xTravel Crew's Partners

Ever wonder what it’s like being married to a points & miles fanatic? In this special episode, Bryce hands the mic to the real MVPs: the P2s, or the partners of the 10xTravel crew. Get an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt look at what it’s really like to live with someone obsessed with airline redemptions, hotel upgrades, and stacking signup bonuses.   You’ll hear from: Ashley (Matt’s wife), who’s gone from extreme couponing to lay-flat luxury Miryea (Travis’s wife), whose Maldives honeymoon kickstarted a travel-filled decade Michael (Emily’s husband), who's more than happy to go where the points and miles take them Alexandra (Bryce’s wife), who might not love flying, but who loves the travel perks   They share the wildest redemptions, the awkward dinner party moments, how they actually feel about last-minute travel, and why trust (and maybe mild bribery) is key to surviving the points game together. For seasoned P1s and skeptical P2s, this episode is full of insightful travel takeaways to help you level up in points and miles!   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to a Special Episode 01:34 Meet the P2s: Quick Introductions 05:56 First Encounters with Points and Miles 09:42 Skepticism and Trust in the Points Game 14:27 Learning the Ropes: P2 Experiences 33:26 Planning and Booking Strategies 43:14 Advice for New P2s 46:01 Financial Transparency in Points and Miles 46:52 Favorite Trips and Memorable Experiences 49:18 Traveling with Kids and Family Dynamics 55:21 Navigating Social Dynamics and Perceptions 01:19:21 P2 Power Moves and Contributions 01:28:27 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course   Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)   My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place   Let us book your next award flight for you   Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program   Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card   10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today   Join us at an upcoming Meetup Experience Two-Player Mode Listen to Episode 12 - The Art of Teaming Up: Two-Player Mode in Points & Miles     Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.   Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.    

Destination Showdown: Italy vs. Japan for Points & Miles Travelers

Welcome to the ultimate destination face-off for award travelers: Italy vs. Japan. In this episode, the 10xTravel team compares two of the most sought-after dream trips in the points and miles world. From premium flight redemptions and train travel to luxury hotels and authentic food experiences, which destination gives you more value?   Join Bryce, Travis, Emily, and Matt as they pit ravioli against ramen, bullet trains against cobblestone streets, and Park Hyatts against Amalfi coast villas. No fence-sitting allowed: in the end, you'll hear each team member casts their vote on which destination reigns supreme for 2025 points & miles travel.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 01:32 Episode Overview: Italy vs. Japan 02:20 Listener Engagement and Points & Miles Basics 03:09 Travel Predictions and Membership Program 03:55 Italy vs. Japan: Flights and Award Redemptions 12:02 Personal Experiences and Flight Options 28:02 In-Country Travel: Italy vs. Japan 36:10 Debating Train Travel in Japan vs. Italy 37:14 The Convenience of Public Transit 37:50 Overnight Ferries and Transportation Experiences 40:49 Comparing Hotel Options in Japan and Italy 41:52 Booking High-End Properties with Points 43:16 Challenges of Booking in Italy 44:32 The Value of Authentic Experiences 47:53 Skiing and Unique Stays in Japan 50:55 Experience Value: Italy vs. Japan 01:00:57 Final Verdict: Italy or Japan? 01:08:32 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts     Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you  Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup  Plan a Points Redemption to Italy Visit Japan on Points with Two Cards     Stay Connected:Join our Community: 10xTravel InsidersFollow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblogWatch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravelSubscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Behind the Bookings: Real Trips We're Planning with Points & Miles

Ever wonder what award travel pros actually book with their points and miles? In this behind-the-scenes episode, the 10xTravel team pulls back the curtain on their real travel plans, giving an inside look at the strategies and considerations behind their trips. From spring break in The Bahamas to a dive trip in Italy and Ireland, you’ll hear the exact routes, programs, challenges, and creative booking strategies our team is using. Plus, find out which airlines the crew absolutely avoids. This episode is packed with practical tips and booking insights that will help you think like a points & miles pro. In this episode:00:00 Introduction and Crew Greetings00:21 Weather Woes and Fun Facts02:10 Current Bookings and Travel Plans02:48 Points and Miles Basics Reminder03:51 Bryce's Spring Break 2026 Plans20:19 Emily's Upcoming Europe Trip31:45 Cheering for Your Success32:02 Travis's Upcoming Europe Trip34:01 Booking Flights and Accommodations35:30 Airport Celebrity Spotting37:53 Planning for Ireland and Italy42:14 Future Travel Plans and Dive Trips44:30 Matt's Flexible Travel Planning48:12 California Alila Tour55:12 The Thrill of Booking with Points55:12 The Thrill of Booking with Points01:00:46 Final Thoughts and Resources Links and Resources from this Episode:Take Our Free Points and Miles CourseOur Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayJoin us at an upcoming MeetupHow to Book Your First Flight with Points & MilesPartner Award Bookings: Everything You Need to KnowHow to Plan a Family Vacation Using Points and MilesMapping a Trip to Italy: How to Plan Your Points Redemption Stay Connected:Join our Community: 10xTravel InsidersFollow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblogWatch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Are Points and Miles Losing Value? Real Talk with the 10x Team

Are points and miles worth less than they used to be—or are they just different? In this episode, Bryce is joined by Emily, Travis, and Matt to break down how the value of travel rewards has evolved in 2025. They unpack shifting airline award charts, hotel certificate struggles, and why dynamic pricing isn’t necessarily the end of the world.   Hear what the crew thinks about points and miles devaluation over the years, and catch their opinions on what's better today than in the past. Plus, learn how they are adjusting their points and miles strategies to account for these shifts in the industry.   Whether you’re new to points or a seasoned mile collector, this episode is packed with takeaways to help you earn smarter and redeem better in the current environment.   00:00 – Episode Introduction 02:00 – Are points worth less today? Personal takes 07:00 – Airlines: devaluations vs. new sweet spots 12:30 – Hotel certs & why they’re harder to use 17:00 – Dynamic pricing: pros, cons & weird examples 32:00 – Credit card bonuses & how inflation helped 41:00 – What we’ll look back on in 10 years 50:00 – Real talk: what changes your strategy today?   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming Meetup     Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel   Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.   Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.