Points and Miles Travel Chats

In today's episode, we're chatting about:How shopping portals work and why you should be using themRakuten vs. Capital One Offers vs. Capital One Shopping: what's the difference?How to choose between cash back, transferable points, and airline milesWhy I'm saving some of my biggest purchases for Black FridayMy favorite tools for finding the highest points multipliersHow I earned nearly 30,000 Capital One miles for just $16Stacking rewards to earn points and miles in multiple ways on one purchaseImportant exclusions and mistakes that could cost you your rewards📋 SHOW NOTESRakuten New User Referral LinkRove New User Referral LinkCashback Monitor LinkSaveWise LinkHow to Set Up Rakuten to Earn Points Post📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutEpisode overviewHow I booked Qatar Qsuites for a family of three — and averaged just 72K points per personUsing a 30% transfer bonus to British Airways to book Qatar AirwaysWhy Singapore Airlines is my go to option when booking for familiesBooking 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 NOTESAirline Rankings - Best Business Class AirlinesFavorite Transferable Points - Top 5 fav card optionsUnderrated Airline Miles - The recent deals I've gotten📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 we planned a two-week family trip to Koh Samui, Thailand and Bali for three, and why I started planning it almost a year aheadFlying Singapore Airlines Business Class to/from Asia using  points instead of paying the $28,000+ cash priceHow I booked Bangkok Airways via Qatar Airways with pointsOur three-night stay at Conrad Koh Samui, including the private pool villas, incredible breakfast using 120,000 Hilton points per nightUsing a Marriott 85K free night certificate + 184,000 Marriott points for three nights at Vana Belle Koh SamuiOur 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 villagesOur 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 nightUsing 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 NOTESFull Trip Report - 2 weeks in Asia on points📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutEpisode overviewWhy 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 resortHow, when and why buying Hilton points could be part of your travel strategyThe Hilton fifth-night-free benefit makes Hilton points stays even more attractiveHow Hilton’s dynamic pricing can be addressed with free night certificatesSome 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 NOTESAll about Hilton Free Night Certificates📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutThe 5 cards we’ve opened so far in 2026 and the 760,000 points those welcome offers earned usHow transferable points + diversifying points give us more optionsThe 3 cards on my radar to open nextWhy airline cards are becoming essential for getting the best dealThe Qatar Qsuites + Maldives trip I absolutely did NOT need to book…but did anyway when a 30% transfer bonus came along 😂 📋 SHOW NOTESNew card in 2026 - Capital One Venture BusinessGot this card again with EIN - 100K pointsI got this with 200K points welcome offer - But you may be able to get up to 300K!Great hotel option - love the free night certificatesI 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 monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutFinding business class flights to Europe over Thanksgiving break for 115K points ROUND TRIP Piecing together flights, trains, and hotels - my best points saving tipsThe unexpected theme park day that was a major highlightReal talk: train strikes, airport chaos, and what to do when plans fall apartHow we covered $15,000+ in travel with pointsThe exact booking timeline (and why waiting will cost you)📋 SHOW NOTESBRAND NEW Card - Capital One Venture BusinessThrifty Traveler Alert - this link saves $20 on 1st year premium subscriptionFamily 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 monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutWhy 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 moreReal examples of business class award flights to Tahiti and Europe booked via AlaskaDon't sleep on the Global Companion Certificates The exact sweet spots (like 4,500-point flights 😳) you should be looking forThe “phantom availability” issue—and how to avoid getting burned📋 SHOW NOTESJust released (from Q2 in podcast)....Massive offer #1Massive offer #2Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakutenseats.aero - My #1 search tool📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutDon’t want to open more credit cards? These 3 strategies still stack serious pointsSimple “2-card combo” that maximizes everyday spending without overthinking itWhy shopping portals are the most overlooked (and easiest) way to earn extra pointsThe 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 NOTES3x dining & online grocery - my go-to card4x dining & grocery - this one is a forever keeperRakuten - Earning Bilt Points via RakutenRakuten - Earning more points via RakutenShopping portals - Overview, shopping portals explainedCalculating your 5/24 - Everything you need to knowHilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out there📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutHyatt 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 hardestThe exact bookings I made before the changes hit (and why)A simple trick to lock in lower rates even if your plans aren’t setThe underrated Globalist benefit most people aren’t using right nowI’m officially diversifying into Marriott, Hilton, and IHGThe truth: Hyatt isn’t dead… but your strategy needs to change📋 SHOW NOTESMarriott - Great options for diversifying point earningHilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out thereShop 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 monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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 aboutHow to save money on theme park trips to Disney and Universal using points and credit card perksStrategies for finding the best award flights to OrlandoWhen to check airline alliance partners for cheaper award pricingWhy hotel points and free night certificates can make theme park stays much more affordableHow to stay on Disney property using points or travel portal bookingsThe strategy for booking Universal hotels that include Express PassesWays to reduce the cost of park tickets using credit card milesWhen a Universal annual pass might actually be cheaper than regular tickets📋 SHOW NOTESStep-by-step - Using Venture Miles for theme park ticketsRakuten - Earn Bilt PointsEarn the best transferable points and airline points📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?Current Best Offers - My top choices this monthFree points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K timesFancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points newsFancy 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.