Points and Miles Travel Chats

Michele - Fancy Travel Pointers
  • 4.9 (52)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

Welcome to the Points and Miles Travel Chats podcast. I'm Michele from Fancy Travel Pointers, and I believe your everyday spend is the secret to extraordinary travel. If you’ve ever worried that points are too complicated, or wondered if a busy family with public school schedules and competitive sports could really travel with points — I’m here to show you it’s absolutely possible. Here’s what I know for sure: it’s not about spending more, and keeping my credit score sky-high is always front and center. I’ll give you actionable steps and teach real, repeatable strategies that transform the way you earn points and the value you get from them.

  1. 3D AGO

    Deep Dive: Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards

    In today's episode, we're chatting about Why 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 NOTES Just released (from Q2 in podcast).... Massive offer #1 Massive offer #2 Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakuten seats.aero - My #1 search tool 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Free online, self-paced course – join over 2000 students Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy 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.

    27 min

  2. APR 1

    3 Ways We Maximize Points Earning - Without Signing Up For a New Card

    In today's episode, we're chatting about Don’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 NOTES 3x dining & online grocery - my go-to card 4x dining & grocery - this one is a forever keeper Rakuten - Earning Bilt Points via Rakuten Rakuten - Earning more points via Rakuten Shopping portals - Overview, shopping portals explained Calculating your 5/24 - Everything you need to know Hilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out there 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Free online, self-paced course – join over 2000 students Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy 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.

    24 min

  3. MAR 24

    My Hyatt Award Change Game Plan - Panic Booking and Diversifying

    In today's episode, we're chatting about Hyatt 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 NOTES Students who registered for course previously will need to re-register - Free online, self-paced course Marriott - Great options for diversifying point earning Hilton - These Free Night Certificates are the best out there Shop 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 month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Free online, self-paced course – join over 2000 students Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy 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.

    21 min

  4. MAR 10

    How We Save Thousands on Disney & Universal Trips Using Points

    In today's episode, we're chatting about How 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 NOTES Step-by-step - Using Venture Miles for theme park tickets Rakuten - Earn Bilt Points Earn the best transferable points and airline points 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Current Best Offers - My top choices this month Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Free online, self-paced course – join over 2000 students Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy 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.

    25 min

  5. FEB 24

    Bora Bora on Points: Using points for Business Class Flights & Overwater Bungalows 

    In today's episode, we're chatting about How we flew business class to Tahiti for 120,000 points per person roundtripThe  “loophole” that sparked this trip — and how to book award flights now that it’s goneSt. Regis Bora Bora vs. Westin Bora Bora — which one felt magical and whyHow we upgraded to an overwater bungalowSmart Marriott strategies (including transfer bonuses + buying points on sale)What Bora Bora actually costs once you’re there (real food & drink prices)Tips to save money on dining in Bora Bora 📋 SHOW NOTES Step-by-step - How to book Bora Bora with points Bora Bora trip breakdown plus reviews and overall tips - article Rakuten - Earn Bilt Points Earn the best transferable points and airline points 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Free online, self-paced course – join over 2000 students Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions  Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Current Best Offers - Curated by spend, annual fees and travel style 👋 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.

    33 min

  6. FEB 18

    Southwest Companion Pass Deep Dive: Timing, Strategy & Big Savings

    In today's episode, we're chatting about What the Southwest Companion Pass actually is Different ways to earn itTiming strategy to maximize nearly 2 full years of useThe most common mistake people make How to earn two Companion Passes with the right player strategyThe shortened “mini” Companion Pass offers and when they make senseHow to add and switch companions (without accidentally removing someone from a flight)Easy ways to top off your account if you’re just short of 135,000 pointsWho this pass is best for (and when it’s NOT worth it) 📋 SHOW NOTES FREE Southwest Companion Pass Guide - (you'll get this via email after signing up - check your spam folder if you don't see it) Southwest Companion Pass FAQs with current offer info 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Free online, self-paced course – join over 2000 students Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions  Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Current Best Offers - Curated by spend, annual fees and travel style 👋 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.

    30 min

  7. FEB 3

    Italy at Christmas on Points: Flight Cancellations, Rebookings, and Big Wins

    In today’s episode, we’re chatting about How multiple flight cancellations months before departure turned into better flightsVirgin Atlantic vs. Air France/KLM: flexibility differences you must know before bookingHow we flew round-trip business class to Europe over Christmas for under 90,000 points per personTips for surviving tight international connections (Amsterdam’s short-connection line)The magic of Italy in winter: fewer crowds, better weather, and unforgettable experiencesExcursions worth splurging on (and one expensive food tour I wouldn’t repeat)How a mix of points + cash covered nearly $20,000 in flights and hotelsWhy flexibility—not perfection—is the real secret to booking peak-season award travel SHOW NOTES Tours we booked & recommend from this trip: Tours of the Real Hidden Venice Venice pasta & tiramisu making class Tuscany Bike Tours Hunt for truffles in the Tuscan woods 👋 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.

    33 min

  8. JAN 27

    Hyatt Deep Dive – Why Hyatt Is the Best Hotel Program for Award Stays on Points

    In today's episode, we're chatting about Why Hyatt is the best hotel program for points (yes, even if you’re a Marriott loyalist)The magic of Hyatt’s award chart — and why it saves you thousands of points per stayHyatt elite status explained (Discoverist → Explorist → Globalist) and what perks actually matterA deep dive into Hyatt Milestone Rewards (Guest of Honor, Suite Upgrades, Free Nights)How Hyatt free night certificates work (and the expiration gotchas to watch for)My favorite Hyatt stays booked on points — from Maui to Kyoto to Hong KongThe smartest way to earn Hyatt points without putting everyday spend on hotel cards 📋 SHOW NOTES The secret to more free Hyatt stays - exactly how I earn all those points One of the best helpers for earning status 📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL? Free points & miles guide – PDF downloaded over 17K times Free online, self-paced course – join over 2000 students Fancy Travel Pointers Instagram – keep up to date on all the latest points news Fancy Travel Pointers Facebook – great place to share wins, ask questions  Fancy Travel Pointers Newsletter – sent weekly to over 24K points lovers! Current Best Offers - Curated by spend, annual fees and travel style 👋 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.

    28 min
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4.9
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Points and Miles Travel Chats podcast. I'm Michele from Fancy Travel Pointers, and I believe your everyday spend is the secret to extraordinary travel. If you’ve ever worried that points are too complicated, or wondered if a busy family with public school schedules and competitive sports could really travel with points — I’m here to show you it’s absolutely possible. Here’s what I know for sure: it’s not about spending more, and keeping my credit score sky-high is always front and center. I’ll give you actionable steps and teach real, repeatable strategies that transform the way you earn points and the value you get from them.

Information

  • Creator
    Michele - Fancy Travel Pointers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Points and Miles Travel Chats
  • Show Website
    Points and Miles Travel Chats

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