Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

10xTravel
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL
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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. 5 NOV

    How to Travel to Thailand Using Points and Miles

    Dreaming of Thailand’s golden temples, street food, and island sunsets, and want to get there using points and miles? In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Matt share exactly how they did just that, from finding award flights to booking dream hotels on points.   You’ll learn: How Bryce’s original $20K Thailand redemption turned into 10xTravel’s viral success story Emily’s experience recreating that trip years later (and what’s changed since) The best airline programs for Thailand (ANA, Air Canada, Alaska, and more) Which hotel redemptions deliver the most luxury for the fewest points How to plan multi-stop routes and avoid 30-hour economy journeys Insider tips for Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and the southern islands What to know before you go: best months, routes, and realistic costs   Stay to the end for a listener spotlight featuring a honeymoon booked entirely with points, plus details on the next 10xTravel group trip to Thailand!   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:44 Meetups and Community Stories 02:50 Thailand: A Popular Destination 03:36 Favorite Thailand References in Pop Culture 09:20 Planning Your Trip to Thailand 09:47 Best Airline Programs for Thailand 13:10 Air Canada and Other Airline Options 14:59 Alaska Airlines and Emirates 18:49 Flying Blue and Premium Cabin Considerations 25:05 Booking Tips for Thailand 25:54 Travel Experiences in Thailand 26:57 Hotel Recommendations in Thailand 35:13 Exploring Northern Thailand 38:35 Exploring Central and Southern Thailand 41:01 Listener Spotlight and Upcoming Trips 45:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast 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

    47 min

  2. 22 OCT

    Family Travel Tips: Best Hotel Loyalty Programs for Parents

    Planning a family trip? In this episode, Bryce and Travis dive into the real challenges of traveling with kids, and how to use hotel loyalty programs to make it smoother (and cheaper). From Hyatt’s family plan rates to Hilton’s free breakfast perks, they reveal which brands actually deliver value for parents and which ones miss the mark.   You’ll learn how to: Maximize your hotel points for multi-room family stays Decide when to book suites vs. separate rooms Leverage Hilton’s family connecting room guarantee Find the best all-inclusive resorts that actually take points Stretch your points with smart Hilton and Hyatt strategies Balance hotel perks with real-world family needs   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 01:20 Traveling with Kids: Challenges and Strategies 02:20 Hotel Pools: Separate or Shared? 06:21 Best Hotel Programs for Family Perks 06:25 Hyatt: Top Choice for Family Travelers 17:15 Hilton: Reliable Breakfast and Family-Friendly Options 21:39 Marriott: Mixed Bag for Family Travel 24:44 IHG: Holiday Inn and Family Travel 28:27 All-Inclusive Resorts: Options and Tips 29:28 Family-Friendly Resort Recommendations 30:15 Exploring International DoubleTree Properties 31:23 All-Inclusive Options with Major Brands 31:43 Hyatt Ziva: Top Choice for Family Resorts 34:20 Booking Tips for Family Travelers 35:05 Hilton's Family Connecting Room Guarantee 39:23 Luxury Hotel Partners and Perks 44:28 Choosing Between Hotels and Airbnbs 46:46 Maximizing Points for Family Travel 51:58 Listener Win Stories and Final Thoughts   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast 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 Join us at an...

    55 min

  3. 8 OCT

    How Dining & Shopping Portals Can Boost Your Travel Rewards Fast

    You don’t have to step on a plane or check into a hotel to rack up serious points and miles. In this episode of Takeoff: A Points & Miles Podcast by 10xTravel, Bryce, Emily, and Matt break down the hidden value of airline and hotel shopping and dining portals, and how you can use them to turn everyday purchases into free travel.   The episode covers: ✅ How shopping portals like Rakuten & airline programs actually work ✅ Dining programs that give you bonus miles every time you eat out ✅ Smart stacking strategies with credit cards & seasonal promos ✅ Common mistakes that can cost you points (and how to avoid them) ✅ Real success stories, like turning Apple purchases into free flights   Wherever you are on your points and miles journey, this episode will help you earn more without spending more.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker 00:58 Unusual Ways to Earn Points and Miles 05:34 Introduction to Shopping and Dining Portals 06:20 Exploring Shopping Portals 07:36 Exploring Dining Programs 09:33 Rakuten and Hybrid Programs 11:24 Maximizing Points with Shopping Portals 15:31 Tips for Using Shopping and Dining Portals 21:24 Seasonal Promotions and Advanced Strategies 25:39 Common Pitfalls in Using Shopping Portals 27:14 Maximizing Rewards with Dining Programs 28:02 General Points and Miles Strategies 31:18 Effort vs. Reward in Points and Miles 42:02 Listener Success Stories and Tips 44:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts     Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast 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 Join us at an upcoming Meetup

    46 min

  4. 24 SEPT

    Premium Cabin Flights to Asia: Best Programs, Prices & Booking Tips

    Want to fly to Asia in business or first class without breaking the bank? In this episode of Takeoff by 10xTravel, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt reveal the exact strategies, airlines, and loyalty programs that unlock luxury premium cabin flights across the Pacific, all with points and miles.   The crew covers: ✈️ The best loyalty programs for booking premium cabins to Asia Insider tips on snagging rare award availability Which airlines offer the best first & business class products When to book for the highest chance of success ⚡ Pro tools and award booking services that save time (and frustration)   Whether you’re after ANA’s world-class service, JAL’s new first-class suites, or EVA Air’s Hello Kitty flight, this guide will help you turn points into unforgettable journeys.   In this episode: 0:00 Introduction 4:10 Why premium cabins to Asia are the holy grail 8:00 ANA via Virgin Atlantic (unicorn deal) 15:00 Cathay Pacific, JAL & EVA Air highlights 25:00 StarLux & emerging premium options 32:00 Singapore Airlines quirks & waitlisting 42:00 Availability trends + when to book 50:00 Best overall products & value redemptions 57:00 Listener win: first business class redemption 59:00 Wrap-up & resources   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast 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 Join us at an upcoming Meetup Learn How To Search ANA Availability Master ANA Sweet Spot Awards

    59 min

  5. 10 SEPT

    Underrated Travel Destinations You Can Book With Points & Miles

    Tired of hearing about the same points and miles hot spots like Japan, Italy, and the Maldives? In this episode, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt reveal the underrated destinations that should be on your radar, and how to get there with points and miles.   From Nicaragua’s volcano adventures to Belize’s reef diving, Valencia’s family-friendly beaches, and even wine country in South Australia, the crew shares the hidden gems that offer incredible experiences with better availability, fewer crowds, and excellent redemption value.   They'll take you through the best points and miles strategies to book these destinations, surprising hotel options in each spot, and pro tips for maximizing award flights, boutique hotels, and portal bookings. Tune in, and get ready for your next, unexpected adventure!   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Reunion 01:02 Travis' European Adventures 02:30 Diving in Northern Ireland 04:42 Bryce's Chaotic Return from Europe 09:13 Underrated Destinations Overview 10:57 Travis' Pick: Nicaragua 25:16 Emily's Pick: Belize 37:56 Matt's Pick: Adelaide and Southern Australia 44:56 Bryce's Pick: Valencia, Spain 47:36 Travel Tips: Points, Miles, and Booking Strategies 56:22 Underrated Destinations: Hidden Gems Around the World 57:48 Honorable Mentions: More Hidden Treasures 01:00:57 Final Thoughts and Fun Banter 01:14:25 Wrapping Up   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast 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 Join us at an upcoming Meetup Book ANA Business Class with Points and Miles

    1h 17m

  6. 27 AUG

    How to Book an African Safari with Points & Miles featuring 10xTravel's Lovan Edwards

    Dreaming of an African safari but think it’s out of reach? In this episode Bryce and Travis welcome back 10xTravel’s social media manager, Lovan Edwards, to share his recent safari adventure in Kenya and the role that points and miles played in the bookings!   In the episode, Lovan reveals: How he scored Emirates First Class to Nairobi on short notice What safari lodges really cost and how to book them affordably The unforgettable wildlife encounters in Masai Mara Insider tips on choosing safari operators and what’s included Which credit card points transfer best for African travel Tips on timing your trip around the Great Migration Practical advice on visas, vaccinations, tipping, travel insurance, and packing This is one of the most-requested topics from our listeners, and for good reason: a safari is one of the most unforgettable trips you can take. And with the right strategy, you can do it for a fraction of the usual cost.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome: Lovan 01:23 Today's Topic: Safaris on Points and Miles 02:56 Planning a Last-Minute Safari 08:32 Booking Flights with Points 19:38 Safari Experience in Kenya 23:31 Booking and Costs of a Safari 30:16 Wildlife Encounters and Game Drives 32:29 Elephant Mud Bathing and Lion Tracking 33:32 Private Game Drives Experience 35:05 Camp Accommodations and Safety 38:29 Dangerous Animals on Safari 39:47 Using Points for Safari Lodges 44:13 Visa and Health Requirements 46:20 Travel Insurance for Safari 49:11 Practical Travel Tips and Packing 53:24 Best Times for Safari and Great Migration 56:44 Lightning Round: Safari Myths and Facts 01:01:42 Final Thoughts and Recommendations   Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast 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 me...

    1h 8m

  7. 13 AUG

    What Not To Do While Traveling [Faux Pas Round 2]

    In this hilarious and honest follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, Bryce, Emily, and Travis tackle a brand-new batch of travel faux pas submitted by listeners and inspired by their own recent adventures.   From the fiery debate over kids in premium cabins to the eternal question of whether it's ever okay to go barefoot on a plane, the 10xTravel crew breaks down the weirdest, worst, and most relatable travel etiquette dilemmas out there.   You'll hear: Airplane seat etiquette Who really owns the overhead bin? Controversial takes on lounge hogs, gate lice, and tuna sandwiches Ethical gray zones in points & miles, including award booking tactics and status sharing Real confessions from the crew on their most questionable in-flight behaviors   Before you go, tell us: What’s YOUR biggest travel pet peeve? Drop a comment or leave us a review with your favorite (or most infuriating) travel faux pas!   In this episode: 00:00 Intro & pet peeves (including roundabouts) 04:50 Kids in business class 13:10 Bare feet on planes 20:55 Overhead bin wars & lounge space hoarders 30:40 Taking hotel amenities: classy or klepto? 36:00 Sharing elite status: smart or shady? 44:45 Booking multiple award flights: fair game or foul? 47:00 Friends & points 51:00 Gate lice, lounge to-go food, and taking plane selfies 57:00 Faux Pas Confession Time!     Links and Resources from this Episode: Take Our Free Points and Miles Course New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast 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 Join us at an upcoming Meetup Plan your family travel redemption strategy

    1h 6m

  8. 30 JUL

    Wild Award Wins: Our Most Unexpected Points & Miles Successes

    Ever wondered what happens when you take a wild chance on a points and miles booking? In this fun, story-packed episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis share the most unexpected wins they’ve had using miles — including last-minute upgrades, miracle customer service saves, and zero-cost first class flights that shouldn't have worked, but did.   From how Travis saved his honeymoon with one phone call to the Emirates upgrade trick Bryce used for his entire family, you'll be shocked at these successes. Plus, you'll hear how Emily's flexibility and mid-trip rebooking paid off!   Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this episode proves that sometimes the best redemptions are the ones you didn’t plan.   In this episode: 00:00 Intro & Weekend Recaps 04:00 Why This Episode Is Different 05:00 Travis Saves His Honeymoon with One Bold Ask 23:00 Emily’s Mid-Trip Award Rebooking Win 30:00 Bryce Upgrades His Whole Family to First Class 38:00 The Virgin Atlantic Award Space “Magic Trick” 43:00 What Makes a Redemption Truly Surprising 48:00 Tips to Engineer Your Own Points Surprises   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 Join us at an upcoming Meetup How To Book Premium Economy Flights with Points and Miles Best Award Search Tools When Buying Miles Makes Sense (And Doesn’t)   Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Wa...

    54 min
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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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