Points Too Paradise

Megan Lanford
  • 4.6 (12)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Points Too Paradise, the podcast that shows you how to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable vacations—all using credit card points and travel rewards! Hosted by Megan Lanford, a travel points expert and mom who went from barely affording one vacation a year to taking six+ luxury trips annually—saving over $20,000 a year on travel. In each episode, you’ll get insider travel tips, credit card strategies, and real-life redemption hacks to help you: -Earn free flights and hotel stays with points & miles - Find the best travel credit cards for your lifestyle - Unlock first-class upgrades & VIP experiences - Plan bucket-list trips without breaking the bank Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned points pro, Points Too Paradise will teach you how to maximize your rewards, travel more, and spend less. Ready to start booking your dream vacations for (nearly) free? Subscribe now and let’s turn your points into paradise!

  1. 2D AGO

    How Real Women Are Using Points to Travel More (Not Just Me)

    You hear me talk a lot about how I use points to travel, but today I wanted to do something different. I’m sharing the stories of four real women inside the Travel Points Academy so you can see what this looks like in real life. These aren’t influencers or professional travelers. They’re moms, business owners, and everyday women with families, busy lives, and normal schedules who decided to do travel differently. In this episode, you’ll hear: What each woman does for a livingTheir family size and lifestyleWhen they joined the Travel Points AcademyWhat their travel looked like before pointsWhat they’ve been able to book since learning how to use themThis episode is about showing you what’s possible when you stop guessing and start using a real strategy. In this episode, we talk about: How different lifestyles use points differentlyWhy you don’t need to be wealthy or travel full-time to use pointsHow long it actually takes to start seeing resultsThe kinds of trips real women are booking with pointsWhat changes when you finally understand how the system worksIf you’ve ever thought: “This probably only works for her”“My family is too big”“I don’t spend enough”“I started too late”These stories will show you that there is no one “type” of person who succeeds with points. There are just people who have a plan and people who don’t. Why I’m sharing this I wanted you to hear voices besides mine. I want you to see how women with different incomes, families, and lifestyles are all using the same system to travel more without spending more. That’s what the Travel Points Academy is really about: not just teaching you which card to get, but giving you a way to turn your real life into real trips. Want to be one of these stories? If you’re ready to stop watching other people travel and start planning your own trips, you can join us inside Travel Points Academy.

    20 min

  2. FEB 3

    100 Episodes In: Your Top Travel Questions & What's in my Wallet

    We made it to episode 100 🎉 and I wanted to do something fun and personal to celebrate. So, I opened up my Instagram and let you ask me anything about travel points, credit cards, and the way I actually travel. In this episode, I’m answering some of the most common (and honest) questions I get, including: What card you should use for airport lounge access now that Capital One dropped free guestsWhat’s currently in my walletMy travel bucket listHow I personally decide which cards to keep, cancel, or upgrade and more!This episode is a mix of strategy, personal insight, and real-life travel talk so you can see how this all plays out beyond the spreadsheets and card comparisons. If listening to this made you think, “I have no idea what should be in my wallet,” I’ve got you. You can work with me inside: Travel Points Lounge for live coaching & personalized credit card recommendationsTravel Points Academy to learn the full systemOther Resources: Travel Freely AppBest Credit Card Offers

    19 min

  3. JAN 27

    Destination Day: Fort Myers, Florida

    In today’s Destination Day episode, I’m taking you to sunny Fort Myers, Florida and sharing all about the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. This is one of those properties that is small but has a lot to do. We’re talking lazy river, multiple pools, private island beach, boat shuttle, on-site water slides, golf, spa, and so many dining options. It’s the kind of place that normally costs hundreds of dollars per night, but can be booked for free! In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why Fort Myers is such an underrated Florida destinationAll you need to know about the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point How many points it typically costs per nightAnd how I would personally strategize booking this trip for a familyWant to learn how to take trips like this for almost free? Here are the exact ways I help women start traveling for less: ✨ Vacations for Less Than $100 My beginner-friendly guide that shows you how to take your first nearly-free trip using travel points. Perfect if you’re brand new and want something simple and actionable. ✨ The Lounge My monthly membership where you get access to trainings, resources, and live support to help you actually use your points and plan real trips. ✨ Travel Points Academy My signature step-by-step program that teaches you how to pick the right cards, earn points fast, and book luxury trips for your family without wrecking your credit or budget.

    20 min

  4. JAN 20

    Bilt 2.0 Explained: What’s New, How It Works, & The New Credit Cards Coming

    Bilt just dropped a major overhaul to its credit card lineup and rewards program, and there’s a lot to unpack. In this episode we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Bilt 2.0, including the new card options launching February 7, 2026, changes to how you earn points on rent and mortgages, the new Bilt Cash system, and what this means for both new and existing cardholders. Whether you’re a current Bilt member, thinking about using Bilt to earn points on rent or mortgage, or just curious about how this impacts your travel credit card strategy, this episode will give you clarity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What Bilt 2.0 actually is and why it’s such a big change from the old Bilt card system. A rundown of the three new Bilt credit cards being introduced and who each card is designed for:Bilt Blue — no annual fee, everyday earnings + Bilt Cash rewards. Bilt Obsidian — mid-tier card with bonus categories and travel credits. Bilt Palladium — premium option with generous welcome bonus, hotel credits, travel perks, and status. How the new Bilt Cash reward currency works Things you need to watch out for — like how earning points on rent and mortgage now depends on Bilt Cash earned from everyday spend.Why This Matters Bilt 2.0 isn’t just a refresh — it’s a complete overhaul of how the program works. Instead of automatically earning points on rent just for having the card, you now earn Bilt Cash on everyday purchases that unlocks points on your housing payments. It changes the math a lot, and it’s something every renter and homeowner thinking about rewards credit cards should understand before applying. Resources: Your First 150K Points GuideJoin the Travel Points Lounge MembershipFollow Megan over on IG

    19 min

  5. JAN 13

    This Marriott Card Comes With 5 Free Nights (Here’s How to Use Them Right)

    What if one credit card could cover five nights of hotel stays? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the elevated offer on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, which is currently offering 5 free night certificates when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. And no—this isn’t one of those offers you want to grab without a plan. In this episode, I cover: • What the 5 free night certificates actually are • How much they’re worth (and how people accidentally waste them) • Where you can use them for luxury stays • Real examples of trips you could book with this offer • The common mistakes I see people make with Marriott certificates • How to stack and stretch these nights for maximum value I’ll also walk you through how to think strategically about these certificates—because five free nights can mean: • A luxury beach resort • A European city stay • A family-friendly vacation with zero hotel costs • Or multiple shorter trips if you plan it right And here’s the key part most people miss: Getting the certificates is the easy part. Using them well is where people get stuck. That’s why I also share how women inside the Lounge get hands-on help using offers like this—so they don’t let certificates expire, book low-value stays, or feel overwhelmed trying to figure it out alone. Inside the Lounge, members can: • Ask questions anytime • Get help deciding where to use their free nights • See how others are booking real trips with points • Get support planning and booking their stays • Learn how to stack offers like this with other cards and points Resources: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit CardJoin us Inside the Membership

    16 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Destination Day: Sedona, AZ — A Luxury Stay at Enchantment Resort

    Have you ever visited a place that immediately makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and feel completely present? That’s exactly what Sedona, Arizona did for us—especially while staying at the stunning Enchantment Resort. In this Destination Day episode, I’m taking you inside one of the most magical red-rock destinations in the U.S. and sharing what it’s really like to stay at Enchantment, a luxury resort tucked into Boynton Canyon. From jaw-dropping views to peaceful desert energy, this trip was equal parts rest, adventure, and luxury—and yes, we used points to make it happen. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a wellness-focused escape, or a family trip that still feels elevated, this episode will help you decide if Sedona (and Enchantment) belongs on your travel bucket list. In this episode, you’ll hear: What makes Enchantment Resort so special (location, vibes, and amenities)Who this resort is best for: couples, families, or solo travelersWhat we did in Sedona beyond the resort (easy adventures + relaxation)This episode is perfect if you love: Luxury resorts with nature viewsUnique U.S. destinations that feel otherworldlyWellness, hiking, and slow travelResources: Travel Points Academy – Learn my full step-by-step system for earning and using points Best Credit Card Offers Right Now- Take a look at all the card offers to find your next card Follow Along on Instagram

    18 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    How Many Points Do You Actually Need for Luxury Hotels?

    Luxury hotels look incredible online… but when it comes to points, most people are left wondering: How many points do I really need to stay there? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real numbers behind luxury hotel stays on points — without the overwhelm. We’re talking actual ranges, real examples, and the biggest mistakes I see people make when trying to book elevated hotels with their points. If you’ve ever thought: “I probably don’t have enough points”“Luxury hotels must take millions of points”“I’ll just save my points for flights instead”This episode will completely change how you think about hotel redemptions. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “luxury” actually means in the world of points (and what it doesn’t)Why cash price and point price rarely tell the same storyHow many points luxury hotels typically cost per nightReal Hyatt luxury hotel examples and why Hyatt is a favorite for points usersReal Marriott luxury hotel examples — and when they make senseHow to book luxury hotels without hotel-specific pointsYou don’t need a million points — but you do need a plan. In this episode, I walk through realistic point ranges for weekend getaways, resort stays, and longer city trips so you can stop guessing and start planning intentionally. Why strategy matters more than your point balance Luxury travel doesn’t come from randomly earning points — it comes from knowing which points to earn, when to earn them, and how to use them. I’ll show you how flexible points, hotel programs, and timing all work together to unlock high-end stays for far fewer points than most people expect. Want help planning your luxury hotel stay? If you’re ready to stop Googling and want personalized guidance, here are a few ways I can help: Elevated Escape – Personalized help choosing the right cards and points strategyBest Credit Card Offers- Grab the cards to get you the points needed for a luxury stayTravel Points Academy – Learn my full step-by-step system for earning and using pointsIf this episode helped you, be sure to save it, share it with a friend, and leave a review — it helps more women and families learn how to travel luxuriously without blowing their budget.

    21 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    AMEX Gold Deep Dive: Is This the Best Card for Groceries & Eating Out?

    The AMEX Gold Card is one of the cards that I don't think gets talked about enough... In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how the AMEX Gold Card works, who it’s best for, and who should skip it. If you spend a lot on groceries and dining and dream of turning everyday purchases into luxury travel, this episode will help you decide if this card deserves a spot in your wallet. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the AMEX Gold Card really is (and what it’s not)How AMEX Membership Rewards points actually turn into free or luxury travelWhy this card is considered an earning powerhouse for groceries and diningHow to use AMEX points for flights and elevated travel experiencesThe truth about AMEX Gold credits — and whether they truly offset the annual feeWho the AMEX Gold Card is perfect for (especially families and everyday spenders)Who should not get this cardHow the AMEX Gold fits into a smart, long-term travel credit card strategyThe AMEX Gold Card can be incredibly powerful, but only when it’s used intentionally. I’ll walk you through how this card fits alongside other popular travel cards and why combining cards often unlocks better trips, better redemptions, and more flexibility. If you’ve ever wondered: “Is the AMEX Gold worth the annual fee?”“Can I really use grocery and dining points for luxury travel?”“Should I get the AMEX Gold or something else first?”This episode is for you. Want help deciding if the AMEX Gold Card is right for you? If you’re ready to stop guessing and want a personalized plan, here are a few ways I can help: Elevated Escape – One-on-one help choosing the right credit card and building your strategyCredit Card Offers-Top OffersTravel Points Academy – Learn the full system for earning and using points for free travel

    14 min
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About

Welcome to Points Too Paradise, the podcast that shows you how to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable vacations—all using credit card points and travel rewards! Hosted by Megan Lanford, a travel points expert and mom who went from barely affording one vacation a year to taking six+ luxury trips annually—saving over $20,000 a year on travel. In each episode, you’ll get insider travel tips, credit card strategies, and real-life redemption hacks to help you: -Earn free flights and hotel stays with points & miles - Find the best travel credit cards for your lifestyle - Unlock first-class upgrades & VIP experiences - Plan bucket-list trips without breaking the bank Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned points pro, Points Too Paradise will teach you how to maximize your rewards, travel more, and spend less. Ready to start booking your dream vacations for (nearly) free? Subscribe now and let’s turn your points into paradise!

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Lanford
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Points Too Paradise 2024
  • Show Website
    Points Too Paradise

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