Points and Miles Travel Chats
Points and Miles Travel Chats
Michele - Fancy Travel Pointers
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.
We Saved $15,000 On Our Europe Christmas Market Trip Using Points
In today's episode, we're chatting about Finding business class flights to Europe over Thanksgiving break for 115K points ROUND TRIP Piecing together flights, trains, and hotels - my best points saving tipsThe unexpected theme park day that was a major highlightReal talk: train strikes, airport chaos, and what to do when plans fall apartHow we covered $15,000+ in travel with pointsThe exact booking timeline (and why waiting will cost you) 📋 SHOW NOTES BRAND NEW Card - Capital One Ventur...
Apr 17
36 min
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 📋 ...
Apr 8
27 min
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 g...
Apr 1
23 min
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...
Mar 24
21 min
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 re...
Mar 10
24 min
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 mone...
Feb 24
32 min
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 poi...
Feb 18
29 min
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 w...
Feb 3
33 min
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 sta...
Jan 27
27 min
How We Saved $20,000 on a London & Paris Family Trip Using Points
In today's episode, we're chatting about How our family pulled off London & Paris in peak summer using mostly pointsThe exact business class flights we booked (102K points roundtrip per person!) & hotel award nights Real talk about Europe hotel occupancy rules for families Niche but gold tips: Eurostar mistakes to avoid, laundry hacks in Europe, plus tour wins (and fails)A full look at what we used cash for vs what we used points for📋 SHOW NOTES Booking JetBlue Mint via Qata...
Jan 20
29 min
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