Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

10xTravel
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Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

Takeoff is a podcast that will teach you how to save money and travel better. Join Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis from 10xTravel as they teach you the fundamentals of points & miles and dive into the latest strategies, deals, and news in the industry. If you want to travel more (and better) without spending more money, this show is for you.

  1. 2D AGO

    Maximizing Credit Card Points: The 3 Types You Need to Know

    When it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel, not all credit card rewards are created equal. In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the 3 main types of credit card points—bank transferable points, airline and hotel-specific points, and cashback—to help you optimize your points and miles strategy. From which types of points to prioritize based on travel goals to why flexible bank points often offer the best value, this episode will help you get clear on how to make the most of your credit cards. If you're looking to optimize your points and miles earning strategy, this episode is a must-listen! Protect Your Points: https://go.10xtravel.com/protectyourpoints In this episode:00:00 Welcome to Take Off: Meet the Hosts00:15 Behind the Scenes: Recording Realizations02:02 Introduction to Credit Card Points03:47 Deep Dive: Bank Transferable Points19:15 Understanding Airline and Hotel Points20:53 Flexible Points vs. Co-Branded Points23:07 Fun Analogies and Closing Thoughts25:37 Buffets and Travel Value26:07 Hotel Points Comparison27:52 Risks of Points Devaluation28:37 Bank Transferable Points vs. Hotel Points29:33 Introduction to Cashback and Fixed Value Points30:07 Cashback vs. Travel Points31:36 Cashback Card Strategies38:47 Business Spend and Cashback43:01 Personal Points Strategy50:41 Final Thoughts and Resources Links and Resources from this Episode:Three Types of Points: Which One Should You Prioritize?Cash Back or Points: How to Choose the Right Card for YouShould You Use Airline Cards To Pay For Flights?Take our free points and miles courseOur Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)My10x: Manage your points and miles in one placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

    53 min

  2. MAR 12

    Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How To Maximize Your Points & Miles

    Are you taking advantage of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club yet? In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the program’s sweet spots and the incredible value it offers for points and miles enthusiasts. Listen in as the crew discusses everything from flying to London for just 6,000 points to booking business class flights to Japan or New Zealand at unbeatable rates. They also explore Virgin Atlantic’s recent program changes, how to use their partnerships to your benefit, and share real-life examples of trips that can be booked in 2025. Finally, you’ll learn why Virgin Atlantic is a must-know program for affordable family travel and once-in-a-lifetime trips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out in the points and miles space, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar. Tune in to this episode for tips to help you turn your points into unforgettable adventures with this program. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings00:41 Travel Plans and Antarctica Adventure02:18 Bucket List Travel Experiences04:50 Virgin Atlantic Travel Club Overview13:05 Earning Virgin Points18:23 Redeeming Virgin Points25:16 Changes to Virgin Atlantic Program30:22 Maximizing Virgin Atlantic Points30:36 Award Seat Availability and Elite Status Perks31:39 Economy and Premium Economy Redemptions39:34 Sweet Spots for Virgin Atlantic Redemptions39:41 Partner Airlines and Award Charts54:15 Tips for Booking with Virgin Atlantic58:38 Conclusion and Additional Resources Links and Resources from this Episode: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Your Ultimate Guide Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Award Charts The Complete Guide to Virgin Atlantic Companion Seats Take our free points and miles courseOur Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)My10x: Manage your points and miles in one placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today 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 trav...

    59 min

  3. FEB 26

    Travel Smarter: How the My10x Redemption Tracker Transforms Points & Miles Management

    Get ready to track your points and miles redemptions like never before! In this episode, Matt joins Bryce and Emily to introduce the My10x Redemption Tracker, the new tool he developed to help travelers keep track of how they've used their points and miles. In the episode, the crew dives into the innovative features of the new Redemption Tracker and guides listeners through the functionality of the tracker, which revolutionizes how travelers can organize and assess their trips with ease. The discussion includes detailed personal examples from Bryce, Matt, and Emily, showcasing how they maximize their points and miles for incredible travel experiences. Tune in to learn more about how to efficiently manage your travel plans and share your own redemption stories with the My10x Redemption Tracker! Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway! In this episode: 00:00 Welcome and Announcements01:12 Crew Banter and Catching Up02:00 Introducing the Redemption Tracker05:33 How the Redemption Tracker Works13:08 User Feedback and Future Plans26:52 Analyzing Card Usage and Points Redemption27:31 Real-Life Redemption Examples: Emily's Australia Trip33:56 Bryce's Family Trip to Portugal37:33 Matt's Hawaiian Adventure45:34 Introducing the Redemption Tracker Tool46:03 Giveaway and How to Participate47:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   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 placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today   Check out the Redemption Tracker in action:Emily's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/24502290-af3d-49fa-8102-13c20bb823d5Bryce's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/f5649fa1-0768-4837-b576-af004c94d41bMatt's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/acc39391-d23e-4575-85e4-886ecd7530ab   Stay Connected:Join our Community: 10xTravel InsidersFollow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblogWatch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTub...

    49 min

  4. FEB 12

    Travel Faux Pas: The Unwritten Rules of Flying

    This week the 10xTravel team tackles the most controversial topics in air travel. From the great seat recline debate to the dreaded barefoot passenger, Travis, Bryce, and Emily discuss the most shocking faux pas they've come across in their own travels.   Should you put your personal item in the overhead bin? Is it okay to take off your shoes? And who really gets the middle armrest? Tune in as Travis, Bryce, and Emily share their pet peeves, hot takes, and a few tips to practice your best plane etiquette on your next flight.   Got a strong opinion of your own? Let us know in the comments!   Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway!   00:00 Introduction: Travis Takes The Lead 01:55 Episode Overview and Travel Faux Pas 04:14 Airline Seat and Cabin Etiquette 04:25 The Great Seat Recline Debate 08:59 Middle Seat Armrest Dilemma 10:36 Barefoot on Planes: Yay or Nay? 15:52 Overhead Bin Etiquette 21:32 Standing Up When the Seatbelt Sign Turns Off 22:53 Gate Lice and Boarding Procedures 27:02 In-Flight Behaviors: Headphones and More 31:18 Headphones and In-Flight Entertainment 32:24 Flighty App and Flight Tracking Fun 34:16 Window Shade Etiquette: Short Haul vs Long Haul 42:40 Airport Security Line Etiquette 45:55 Food and Drink Etiquette on Planes 51:00 Lounge Etiquette 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   2025 Meetup Dates: Houston: April 12th Chicago: April 13th Columbus, OH: May 17th San Diego: June 27th San Francisco: June 28th Seattle: June 29th DC: October 10th Tampa: October 11th Atlanta: October 12th More information for the meetups can be found here: http://10xtravel.com/events   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 i...

    1h 2m

  5. JAN 29

    Master the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Tips to Maximize Rewards

    Distance-based awards programs may seem like a thing of the past, but not for Alaska Airlines! In this episode, Travis is joining Bryce to uncover the unique details and perks of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.Bryce and Travis jump into a discussion on the unique aspects of Alaska's Mileage Plan, including its distance-based earning structure, a rarity in an industry that’s largely shifted to revenue-based systems. They break down the best ways to earn Alaska miles and discuss the program’s key partnerships with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.They also share examples of how to maximize the value of your miles and cover recent changes to Alaska's program, the mileage expiration policy, and the program's standout features that make it a favorite among frequent flyers.If you're a frequent domestic traveler, this episode will inspire you to take full advantage of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.Tune in and get ready to take off with Alaska!In this episode:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:03 Travis's Trip to The Seychelles04:39 Bryce's Portugal Adventure06:44 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Overview16:30 Earning Alaska Miles22:53 Caution on Transferring Points26:30 Alaska Airlines Credit Cards Overview26:37 Earning Alaska Miles27:35 Redeeming Alaska Miles27:56 Alaska's Partner Airlines29:00 Domestic Award Tickets30:18 International Award Tickets37:37 Pro Tips for Alaska Miles42:32 Sweet Spots for Alaska Miles47:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks 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 placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayStay 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

    50 min

  6. JAN 15

    2024 Best of Travel: Awards for Airlines, Loyalty Programs, and Hotels

    In this episode of Takeoff by 10xTravel, Bryce and Travis share their top travel superlatives for 2024, diving into the best of airline and hotel loyalty programs, redemptions, lounges, and more.Bryce and Travis discuss their top picks for airline loyalty programs, with Bryce favoring Air France’s Flying Blue for its family-friendly benefits and Travis backing United for its extensive partner network. They also discuss the most improved programs, with Alaska Airlines and Virgin Atlantic leading the charge. For redemptions, they highlight international airline perks like ANA business class to Japan and Qatar Qsuites.They cover everything from unsexy redemptions to family-friendly loyalty programs. Bryce and Travis wrap up the episode with fun categories like “Worst Dining Experience” and “End of an Era Award.” Join them to see which programs made their 2024 superlative lists and see if you agree.In this episode:00:00 Introduction and Greetings02:22 Course Refresh and My10x Tool03:32 Superlatives and Awards Overview06:43 Best Airline Loyalty Program 202412:23 Most Improved Loyalty Program 202418:28 Best Redemption Sweet Spot 202422:08 Most Reliable Airline for Award Availability26:05 Best International Airline Cabin32:21 Top Bucket List Airline Redemption 202434:24 Most Exciting New Hotel Bookable with Points38:28 Best Value Destination Bookable with Points42:52 Best Unsexy Redemption46:26 Most Exciting New Feature or Trend51:30 Best Program for Newbies54:43 Best Family Friendly Loyalty Program56:28 Best Airport Lounge Experience01:01:09 Saddest Lounge Experience01:04:19 MVP of the Year01:07:14 Worst Dining Experience01:11:25 Fun Superlative Awards01:17:00 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive BenefitsLinks 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 placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayStay Connected:

    1h 19m

  7. JAN 1

    2024 in Review: Points Wins, Mistakes, and 2025 Goals

    It's officially 2025, and in this episode Bryce and Travis are sharing their points and miles reflections, accomplishments, and resolutions for the New Year!Bryce and Travis start by discussing their major highlights from 2024, including some fantastic trips and notable points wins. They also each share their biggest learnings and mistakes over the past year and what they would have done differently. Looking ahead, Bryce and Travis outline their 2025 points and miles goals, from achieving Hyatt Globalist status to potentially pursuing more business class bookings. They also share predictions for industry trends in 2025, speculating about better award pricing between North America and Europe and increased travel to Thailand with the impending release of White Lotus Season 3. Start the year off right and tune into this episode packed with valuable lessons and insightful forecasts for what's to come in 2025!   In this episode:00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:55 Housekeeping and Updates01:36 Reflecting on 2024 Resolutions04:12 Card Portfolio Adjustments12:09 Travel Highlights of 202415:33 Biggest Mistakes of 202420:59 Lessons Learned and 2025 Resolutions29:43 Unconventional Resolutions and Final Thoughts35:57 Engage with Us: Share Your Resolutions36:37 New Card Strategy for 202537:28 Travel Habits and Points Strategy40:54 Upcoming Travel Plans for 202541:11 Travis' Travel Plans for 202549:11 Bryce's Travel Plans for 202555:23 Predictions for Points and Miles in 202501:05:33 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead01:06:22 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive Benefits   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 placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayStay Connected:Join our Community: 10xTravel InsidersFollow us on Instagram:

    1h 10m
  8. Making the Most of Family Travel with Points & Miles

    12/18/2024

    Making the Most of Family Travel with Points & Miles

    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

    1h 15m
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    4.8
    out of 5
    341 Ratings

    About

    Takeoff is a podcast that will teach you how to save money and travel better. Join Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis from 10xTravel as they teach you the fundamentals of points & miles and dive into the latest strategies, deals, and news in the industry. If you want to travel more (and better) without spending more money, this show is for you.

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