Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean sacrifice, especially when you know how to leverage points and miles for the whole family! In this episode, host Bryce is joined by seasoned family travelers Katie and Raya, who share their wealth of knowledge about navigating the world of points and miles with kids in tow.

Throughout the episode, Raya, Katie, and Bryce share essential tips and strategies for booking award flights for families, maximizing hotel redemptions, and preparing for long flights with kids. From tackling school schedules to managing car seat challenges, Katie and Raya break down practical advice to make family travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Hear about their highlight trips, upcoming plans, and how they strategically earn points to keep traveling as a family without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a parent looking to plan your next getaway or just starting your points journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your family travel game.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests 00:38 Exciting Updates from 10xTravel 02:41 Meet Katie and Raya 05:03 Family Travel Tips and Strategies 08:20 Booking Award Flights for Families 19:05 Navigating School Schedules and Travel Planning 31:25 Repositioning Flights and Car Seat Challenges 37:04 Maximizing Hyatt Redemptions 38:03 Using Portals for Hotel Bookings 39:20 Exploring Airbnb Options 40:32 Family Travel Tips and Experiences 44:59 Highlight Trips and Upcoming Plans 54:34 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks 01:00:35 Earning Points for Family Travel 01:06:17 Final Thoughts and Advice

Links and Resources from this Episode: How to take a family vacation using points and miles 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 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

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.

Known for its flexibility and valuable redemption options, Flying Blue is quickly becoming a favorite among points enthusiasts.

In this episode, Bryce, Travis, and Matt take you on a deep dive into Flying Blue, Air France, and KLM’s loyalty program. Tune in and learn how to score incredible deals on Europe flights with Flying Blue Promo Rewards, why it’s so easy to earn Flying Blue Miles, some of the best sweet spots in economy and business class, and more!

In this episode:

(00:00) What is Flying Blue?

(13:49) Stopover Benefit

(18:54) Flying Blue Award Pricing and Fees

(29:33) Sweet Spot Strategies

(36:09) Flying Blue Destinations

(40:48) French Caribbean and Tahiti

(51:28) Insider Community Discussion

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue Program: Your Ultimate Guide

How We’d Use 100k Flying Blue Miles

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

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Japan is on everyone’s bucket list—and for good reason. With world-class food, fascinating culture, and a blend of ancient and modern cities, it’s a dream destination for travelers. But how can you make the long-haul trip to Japan without spending a fortune?

In this episode, Bryce and Travis walk you through everything you need to know to fly to Japan using points and miles. From luxury options like flying business class in ANA’s “The Room” to budget-friendly economy seats, you’ll learn the most efficient ways to book award travel, including the best programs, transfer partners, and tools to use. Plus, they share hotel recommendations that cater to every budget, from iconic luxury properties to mid-range stays, all bookable with points.

In this episode:

(00:00) Traveling to Japan With Points

(08:22) Flying to Japan With ANA

(17:16) Best Business Class Options for Japan

(28:00) Booking Japan Flights With Partner Airlines

(38:55) Alternative Options for Flying to Japan

(49:27) Luxury and Budget Options in Japan

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Best Ways to Visit Japan with Points and Miles

ANA Mileage Club: Everything You Need to Know

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: Everything You Need to Know

Exploring Japan with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

Podcast: From Credit Repair to ANA First Class: A 10xTravel Success Story

Two-Card Trip: Explore the Wonder of Japan

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

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.

You already know how valuable Southwest’s 2-for-1 Companion Pass is. But what’s the best way to fully unlock that value?

Well, it depends on who you ask…

In this episode, the team goes head to head as they debate the best trips to take with your Southwest Companion pass. Should you take your travel partner on a luxurious island escape, a charming city break, or something in between? Listen as Bryce, Travis, and Matt each make their case for the very best ways to maximize the value of your Southwest Companion Pass and help us crown a winner!

In this episode:

(00:00) Southwest Companion Pass Trip Ideas

(03:56) Southwest Companion Pass Booking Tips

(12:54) Washington DC Travel and Accommodations

(20:24) Transportation Options and Travel Tips

(28:03) Luxury Costa Rica Hyatt Resort

(40:45) Southwest Travel Tips and Comparison

Links and Resources from this Episode:

How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Amazing Places to Visit with the Southwest Companion Pass 

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) 

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube 

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

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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

Private Suites. Double Beds. Caviar. And that’s just the beginning…

Considered by many travelers (and Skytrax) to be the best business class in the world, Qatar Airways’ Qsuites can be a tough ticket to book on points and miles. Fortunately, today’s episode will tell you how to do just that.

Listen as Bryce, Matt, and Travis discuss their own luxurious experiences flying in QSuites, whether or not the double bed is worth the hype, and how to avoid the nightmare of getting switched to a non-QSuite aircraft at the last minute. If you’ve got Qatar Airways QSuites on your business class bucket list, you won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode:

(0:00:00) Why QSuites feel more like flying first class class than business class.

(0:13:11) Learn about the best seat selection for optimal comfort.

(0:18:51) Discover tips for booking QSuites with points and miles.

(0:30:40) Understand Qatar Airways’ extensive route coverage and partnerships.

(0:39:00) Maximize your lounge experience during Middle Eastern layovers.

(0:48:10) Join our community of points and miles enthusiasts for free.

Links and Resources from this Episode:

How to Combine Avios points 

Take our free points and miles course  

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) 

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/@10xTravel

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 

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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

A 2-for-1 plane ticket that lets you bring a friend on your next trip? Nope, it’s not too good to be true. It’s the Southwest Companion Pass, and we’re telling you exactly how to get it.

In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis delve into the easiest ways to easily earn and maximize this industry-leading companion pass. From the importance of strategically timing your spending to choosing the right cards, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and secure your own Southwest Companion Pass in no time!

In this episode:

(00:00) Southwest Companion Pass Benefit Guide

(03:50) Understanding the restrictions of the pass, changing your companion

(13:56) Earning the Companion Pass – two different methods

(24:38) Maximizing Pass Benefits

(32:44) Strategies for Using the Pass

(49:52) Maximizing Southwest Companion Pass Value

(55:26) Optimizing Benefits

(43:12) Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass  

Take our free points and miles course 

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) 

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube 

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

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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Morgan—one of 10X Travel’s top award booking experts. 

In addition to detailing her epic world travels, Morgan offers valuable insights into the art of award booking. She also gives her top tips for strategically redeeming points and miles, from minimizing taxes and fees to finding hidden award space and maximizing the value of your rewards.

Morgan and the team also share some practical advice on navigating award bookings, uncovering the best routes, and crafting memorable trips, including tips on booking around-the-world itineraries.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:31 Morgan’s Journey to Becoming an Award Booker

04:20 Award Booking Tips and Strategies

07:35 Challenges in Award Booking

14:44 Practicing Award Booking Skills

18:44 Morgan’s Personal Travel Experiences

23:37 Booking Flights Within Europe

24:00 Open Jaws and Flexibility

24:19 Maximizing Points and Lessons Learned

24:54 Understanding Stopovers and Rules

26:22 Booking Process and Backup Plans

28:58 Advice for Award Booking Service Users

30:39 Tips for Successful Award Bookings

35:15 Rewarding Experiences and Memorable Trips

37:57 Third-Party Search Tools and Favorite Routes

43:12 Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Airline Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet

Take our free points and miles course 

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) 

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube  

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  

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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

Ever thought about quitting your job to travel the world? Then you won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode, long-time 10xTravel group member Michelle joins us to share her inspiring story of leaving her teaching career, living out of a backpack, and traveling the globe using points and miles.

Listen as she recounts her unforgettable safari adventure in Cape Town, her favorite points and programs, and how you can learn from her early mistakes. We’ll also dive into Michelle’s top tips for seeing more places by combining a budget travel attitude with points and miles knowledge.

New to the world of points and miles? Start your journey with our foundational episodes! Our early episodes of Takeoff by 10XTravel are your ultimate guide to mastering the basics of travel rewards. Whether you’re looking to earn more points, redeem them for maximum value, or simply understand the ins and outs of the points game, these episodes are your go-to resource. Don’t miss out – get caught up now!

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro and Answering 10xTravel+ Member Questions

(07:14) Michelle’s Journey from Teaching to Traveling

(10:17) Parental Resistance to Delta Cards

(17:15) Travel Decisions Based on Budget

(27:15) Flexible Travel

(30:19) Flexible and Cheap Travel Booking

(35:40) Earn and Burn Strategy for Travel

(48:15) Card Opening and Referral Success

(54:23) Local Transportation as Cultural Experience

(57:30) Budget Travel Tips and Experiences

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  

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube  

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  

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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

In this lively episode recorded in Salt Lake City, Bryce, Matt, Emily, and Travis offer a Thunderdome-style face-off on major hotel loyalty programs. Each host champions a different program—Bryce for IHG, Matt for Marriott, Emily for Hyatt, and Travis for Hilton. They dive into the global reach and quality of properties, hotel credit card portfolios, and elite benefits. The debate highlights the importance of flexibility in travel rewards, encouraging listeners to hop between brands to up their travel game. The episode is full of insights, strategies, and humor, aiming to help listeners make savvy hotel loyalty decisions.

New to the world of points and miles? Start your journey with our foundational episodes! Our early episodes of Takeoff by 10XTravel are your ultimate guide to mastering the basics of travel rewards. Whether you’re looking to earn more points, redeem them for maximum value, or simply understand the ins and outs of the points game, these episodes are your go-to resource. Don’t miss out – get caught up now!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and meet the hosts

(05:43) Global Footprint of IHG Hotels

(08:20) Marriott Credit Card Options and Restrictions

(17:08) Hotel Chain Brand Consistency 

(24:51) IHG and Kempton Hotel Comparison

(30:05) Marriott’s Diverse Hotel Brand Variety

(40:13) IHG Status Levels and Benefits

(44:53) Unique Value of Hilton Rewards Program

(53:28) Benefits of Hilton Honors Rewards

(59:08) Closing Thoughts: Brand Loyalty vs. Value Maximization

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Our Monthly Best Cards List

Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads  

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course  

Marriott Card Eligibility Rules  

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place  

Let us book your 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 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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

In this episode of Takeoff by 10XTravel, stand-in host Emily, Matt, and podcast newcomer Zach explore the digital nomad lifestyle with Zach, who has been on the road since 2018.

Plus, we introduce our newest segment, where we answer your top points and miles questions-from Amex strategies and managing business cards to planning a luxury staycation in Portugal’s wine country using points and miles.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of points and miles, this episode has something for everyone. Hit play, take notes, and get ready to take your travel game to the next level!

New to the world of points and miles? Start your journey with our foundational episodes! Our early episodes of Takeoff by 10XTravel are your ultimate guide to mastering the basics of travel rewards. Whether you’re looking to earn more points, redeem them for maximum value, or simply understand the ins and outs of the points game, these episodes are your go-to resource. Don’t miss out-get caught up now!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and meet the hosts

00:42 Beginner’s guide to points and miles (episodes 1-6)

01:29 The digital nomad lifestyle explained

04:22 NEW: Listener Q&A segment

04:57 Voicemail 1: Amex card strategies

09:50 Voicemail 2: Canceling business cards

11:38 Voicemail 3: Year 2 points and miles strategy

18:21 Zach’s first business class experience

28:46 Is the Capital One Venture X worth it?

33:31 Best hotel credit cards for nomads

42:43 Airline loyalty vs. flexibility

48:09 Planning a luxury European vacation with points

55:51 Closing thoughts and resources

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Our Monthly Best Cards List: Learn more about the credit cards mentioned in this episode

Best Credit Cards for Digital Nomads

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch 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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

What’s better than finally getting to visit Australia and New Zealand? Doing it on points and miles.

In this 1-on-1 episode, Travis and Emily compare notes from their trips down under. From debating first vs. business class to the nicest hotel Emily’s ever stayed at, you’ll get all of their best tips for visiting Oceania in style.

In This Episode: 

• Finding award flights to Australia and New Zealand
• Beating jet lag on a 17+ hour journey
• Reviewing the Park Hyatt Sydney
• American Airlines first vs. business class
• Making the most of an IHG free night

Resources & Links: Got a question for the podcast? Submit it here!   Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)  

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Take our free points and miles course   Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Let us book your award flight for you 

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today  10xTravel Facebook Group  

10xTravel Instagram  

10xTravel TikTok  https://www.tiktok.com/@10xtravel.com

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube 

The Takeoff podcast is brought to you by 10xTravel – a website and community with one simple goal: To help you travel more while spending less. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team give you a clear path to entering the exciting world of traveling with points and miles.

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.