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.

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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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

Five airlines. One currency. Endless ways to spend. 

That’s the beauty of Avios points. But with this many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why this episode covers everything you need to know about Avios, followed by some of our favorite “sweet spots” that let you maximize their value.

In This Episode: 

• The best ways to earn and use Avios
• Using Avios to book business class to Europe and the Caribbean
• Which Avios-fueled airline is best?
• What cards offer Avios? Are they worth it?
• Distance-based vs. dynamic award charts

Resources & Links: Got a question for the podcast? Submit it here!  https://forms.gle/Qjj8CTVuYyZYWVhJ6 How to combine Avios 

Avios Credit Card Roadmap 

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place  

Take our free points and miles course   Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube 

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  

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.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

You asked, and the gang is finally answering the question we get the most at our meetups and in our Facebook group: Which cards are actually in our wallets? Tune in as Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis crack open their wallets and share the cards they love, the cards they think are underrated, and the ones they’re about ready to ditch altogether.

In This Episode: 

• The top favorite cards
• Answering listener questions from The Lost Tapes
• How we organize and maximize the cards in our wallets
• Hotel cards for every budget
• The cards we’ll be applying for next

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 Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube

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

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.