Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

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 timi...

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:

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!

Whethe...

Ever wonder what it’s like being married to a points & miles fanatic? In this special episode, Bryce hands the mic to the real MVPs: the P2s, or the partners of the 10xTravel crew. Get an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt look at what it’s really like to live with someone obsessed with airline redemptions, hotel upgrades, and stacking signup bonuses.

Welcome to the ultimate destination face-off for award travelers: Italy vs. Japan. In this episode, the 10xTravel team compares two of the most sought-after dream trips in the points and miles world. From premium flight redemptions and train travel to luxury hotels and authentic food experiences, which destination gives you more value?

Join Bryce, Travis, Emily, and Matt as they pit ravioli against ramen, bullet trains against cobblestone streets, and Park Hyatts against Amalfi coast villas. No fence-sitting allowed: in the end, you'll hear each team member casts their vote on which destination reigns supreme f...

Ever wonder what award travel pros actually book with their points and miles? In this behind-the-scenes episode, the 10xTravel team pulls back the curtain on their real travel plans, giving an inside look at the strategies and considerations behind their trips.

From spring break in The Bahamas to a dive trip in Italy and Ireland, you’ll hear the exact routes, programs, challenges, and creative booking strategies our team is using. Plus, find out which airlines the crew absolutely avoids.

This episode is packed with practical tips and booking insights that will help you think li...

Are points and miles worth less than they used to be—or are they just different? In this episode, Bryce is joined by Emily, Travis, and Matt to break down how the value of travel rewards has evolved in 2025. They unpack shifting airline award charts, hotel certificate struggles, and why dynamic pricing isn’t necessarily the end of the world.

Hear what the crew thinks about points and miles devaluation over the years, and catch their opinions on what's better today than in the past. Plus, learn how they are adjusting their points and miles strat...

What would you do with your points—book Emirates First Class for a one-time luxury experience or stretch them for two roundtrips in business class to Europe? In this special “Would You Rather?” episode, Bryce and Emily put common points and miles dilemmas to the test.

It's time to turn up the heat! In this special hot takes episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis are dishing out their most unfiltered opinions on points and miles travel, credit card strategies, and everything in between.

From questioning the true value of “free night” certificates to debating whether optimizing every point is really worth it, nothing is off-limits. You’ll hear where the crew agrees, where they clash, and where you might want to rethink your entire strategy.

This spicy episode will challenge your points and miles assumptions—and probably give you a good...

Thinking about airport lounge access for your next trip, or wondering if it’s actually worth it? In this episode Bryce, Matt, Emily, and Travis share everything you need to know about airport lounges, from stand-out experiences (both good and bad) to how to gain lounge access on your next trip.

Have you taken flight with the American Airlines AAdvantage program yet? In this episode, Bryce is joined by Emily and Matt to unpack the program details—from earning and redeeming miles to status tiers and program quirks.   Earning AAdvantage miles can be tricky, so the crew is breaking down their thoughts on how to maximize the benefits of the program, including partner information to get the most of your miles. They're also sharing favorite sweet spots, clever redemption strategies, and a few laughs along the way (including a debate on how "AAdvantage" is pronounced).   Tune in to learn if American Airli...

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...

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 Atlanti...

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...

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.

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 h...

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 cove...

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...

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 ad...

Known for its flexibility and valuable redemption options, Flying Blue is quickly becoming a favorite among points enthusiasts.

In this episode, Bryce, Travis, and Matt take you on a deep dive into Flying Blue, Air France, and KLM’s loyalty program. Tune in and learn how to score incredible deals on Europe flights with Flying Blue Promo Rewards, why it’s so easy to earn Flying Blue Miles, some of the best sweet spots in economy and business class, and more!

In this episode:

(00:00) What is Flying Blue?

(13:49) Stopover Benef...

Japan is on everyone’s bucket list—and for good reason. With world-class food, fascinating culture, and a blend of ancient and modern cities, it’s a dream destination for travelers. But how can you make the long-haul trip to Japan without spending a fortune?

In this episode, Bryce and Travis walk you through everything you need to know to fly to Japan using points and miles. From luxury options like flying business class in ANA’s “The Room” to budget-friendly economy seats, you’ll learn the most efficient ways to book award travel, including the best programs, tran...

You already know how valuable Southwest’s 2-for-1 Companion Pass is. But what’s the best way to fully unlock that value?

Well, it depends on who you ask…

In this episode, the team goes head to head as they debate the best trips to take with your Southwest Companion pass. Should you take your travel partner on a luxurious island escape, a charming city break, or something in between? Listen as Bryce, Travis, and Matt each make their case for the very best ways to maximize the value of your Southwest Companion Pass and help u...

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Private Suites. Double Beds. Caviar. And that’s just the beginning…

Considered by many travelers (and Skytrax) to be the best business class in the world, Qatar Airways’ Qsuites can be a tough ticket to book on points and miles. Fortunately, today’s episode will tell you how to do just that.

Listen as Bryce, Matt, and Travis discuss their own luxurious experiences flying in QSuites, whether or not the double bed is worth the hype, and how to avoid the nightmare of getting switched to a non-QS...

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A 2-for-1 plane ticket that lets you bring a friend on your next trip? Nope, it’s not too good to be true. It’s the Southwest Companion Pass, and we’re telling you exactly how to get it.

In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis delve into the easiest ways to easily earn and maximize this industry-leading companion pass. From the importance of strategically timing your spending to choosing the right cards, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and secure your own Southwest Companion Pass in no ti...

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In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Morgan—one of 10X Travel’s top award booking experts. 

In addition to detailing her epic world travels, Morgan offers valuable insights into the art of award booking. She also gives her top tips for strategically redeeming points and miles, from minimizing taxes and fees to finding hidden award space and maximizing the value of your rewards.

Morgan and the team also share some practical advice on navigating award bookings, uncovering the best routes, and crafting memorable trips...

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Ever thought about quitting your job to travel the world? Then you won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode, long-time 10xTravel group member Michelle joins us to share her inspiring story of leaving her teaching career, living out of a backpack, and traveling the globe using points and miles.

Listen as she recounts her unforgettable safari adventure in Cape Town, her favorite points and programs, and how you can learn from her early mistakes. We’ll also dive into Michelle’s top tips for se...

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In this lively episode recorded in Salt Lake City, Bryce, Matt, Emily, and Travis offer a Thunderdome-style face-off on major hotel loyalty programs. Each host champions a different program—Bryce for IHG, Matt for Marriott, Emily for Hyatt, and Travis for Hilton. They dive into the global reach and quality of properties, hotel credit card portfolios, and elite benefits. The debate highlights the importance of flexibility in travel rewards, encouraging listeners to hop between brands to up their travel game. The episode is full of insights, strategies, and humor, aiming to...

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In this episode of Takeoff by 10XTravel, stand-in host Emily, Matt, and podcast newcomer Zach explore the digital nomad lifestyle with Zach, who has been on the road since 2018.

Plus, we introduce our newest segment, where we answer your top points and miles questions-from Amex strategies and managing business cards to planning a luxury staycation in Portugal’s wine country using points and miles.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of points and miles, this episode has something for ever...

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What’s better than finally getting to visit Australia and New Zealand? Doing it on points and miles.

In this 1-on-1 episode, Travis and Emily compare notes from their trips down under. From debating first vs. business class to the nicest hotel Emily’s ever stayed at, you’ll get all of their best tips for visiting Oceania in style.

In This Episode: 

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Five airlines. One currency. Endless ways to spend. 

That’s the beauty of Avios points. But with this many options, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why this episode covers everything you need to know about Avios, followed by some of our favorite “sweet spots” that let you maximize their value.

In This Episode: 

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You asked, and the gang is finally answering the question we get the most at our meetups and in our Facebook group: Which cards are actually in our wallets? Tune in as Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis crack open their wallets and share the cards they love, the cards they think are underrated, and the ones they’re about ready to ditch altogether.

In This Episode: 

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In this highly requested episode, the team breaks down the ins and outs of earning and spending American Express Membership Rewards (AKA Amex Points).

But the real fun begins when Bryce, Travis, Emily, and Matt face off to see who can book the best trip for 150,000 Amex Membership Rewards. And once again, we’ll need your vote on our YouTube channel to help determine the winner.

So whether you’ve waited this long to take the Amex leap or you just need some inspiration for spending your...

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For most of us, traveling on points and miles isn’t all champagne and showers in first class.

Sure, those elite perks motivate us to rack up points so we can brag to our friends — and in the 10xTravel Insiders Group — about our luxurious vacation. But sometimes, you just need to get from A to B on short notice or find enough seats for your family of four.

That’s why today’s episode is all about those often overlooked “unsexy redemptions” that most of us make. Tune in to hear the 10xTravel team...

  

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You asked, we listened! After our first listener mailbag episode was unfortunately sacrificed to the podcast gods, we’re back to do it right.

Listen in as the team answers the 10xTravel Facebook Group’s top questions about points and miles, hotels, tips for traveling with a family, the true value of cashback cards, and so much more!

In This Episode: 

In this episode, you’ll hear how a college student used points and miles to take an incredible trip around the world in business class.

Proving that you don’t need years of experience to take legendary trips on points and miles, 10xTravel reader Serena joins us to discuss the Round the World trip she booked for her very first redemption.

Explaining everything from what cards she used for her trip to which airline had the best food, Serena tells Bryce and Emily how she planned her Round the World trip in business class and how...



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 In today’s episode, the 10x team tells you everything you need to know about these valuable points before breaking down how they’d each use them to book their own next-level trip. Armed with 135,000 hypothetical Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis each pitch their best trip and leave it up to you to decide who got the best value. And who knows? Listen now, find out how to cast your vote, and you might even win something yourself… 

In This Episode:  



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It’s that time of year again! For most of us, spring means cleaning out our houses, cars, and… wallets?

In this special episode, Travis gives us a peek into his My10x wallet and walks us through his process for “spring cleaning” his points and miles. We also discuss the things you should evaluate when cleaning up your own points stash, such as annual fees, unused perks and benefits, airline elite status, and more.

Listen now and learn how to use My10x to keep your points and m...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the StarAlliance United MileagePlus program. We have a bunch of tips and tricks that will help anyone become an expert flyer. We’re going to show you how to get the most out of your United miles, and introduce you to the great Excursionist Perk. We’ll discuss United’s co-branded credit cards and consider the benefits of having elite status. We’ll even share some funny stories about first-time experiences in business class. So, whether you’re dreaming of visiting Sydney or trying to earn that Global Services status, this episode is f...

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Hey, we all start somewhere. Whether you’re new to this game or you’re a seasoned points veteran, there will always be a couple of lessons you wish you learned sooner.

That’s why this week’s episode is all about the things we wish we knew when we got into points and miles. Some are straightforward, like learning how to trust your instincts when choosing your next card. But other wisdom in this episode can only be gained from experience, like appropriately handling that uncle who “forgot” to use your referral l...

We know, we know. No one likes tax season. But if you’ve gotta pay ’em, you might as well be rewarded for it. That’s why this episode is all about paying your taxes on a credit card to earn major points and miles.  

Join us as we explain how to do it, which cards you should use, and how to split the payments between cards to rack up even more points. We’ll also cover how to earn points and miles on other large expenses, like property taxes and tuition. 

 Finally, Bryce serenades the listener...