Episodios

  • Are Points and Miles Losing Value? Real Talk with the 10x Team

    Are Points and Miles Losing Value? Real Talk with the 10x Team
    Jun 4 2025

    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 strategies to account for these shifts in the industry.

    Whether you’re new to points or a seasoned mile collector, this episode is packed with takeaways to help you earn smarter and redeem better in the current environment.

    00:00 – Episode Introduction

    02:00 – Are points worth less today? Personal takes

    07:00 – Airlines: devaluations vs. new sweet spots

    12:30 – Hotel certs & why they’re harder to use

    17:00 – Dynamic pricing: pros, cons & weird examples

    32:00 – Credit card bonuses & how inflation helped

    41:00 – What we’ll look back on in 10 years

    50:00 – Real talk: what changes your strategy today?

    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

    10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

    Join us at an upcoming Meetup

    Stay Connected:

    Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

    Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

    Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

    Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

    Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Would You Rather [Points & Miles Edition]

    Would You Rather [Points & Miles Edition]
    May 21 2025
    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.

    They debate the trade-offs every points and miles pro faces—quantity vs. quality, domestic weekend trips vs. international dream vacations, hotel perks vs. local experiences, and much more.

    Whether you’re team “maximize value” or “maximize vibes,” this episode is packed with practical insights and a few hot takes that’ll make you rethink your next redemption!

    00:00 Introduction and Game Setup 00:55 First 'Would You Rather' Scenario: Podcast Fame or Virality 01:50 Quick Notes and Recommendations 02:52 Travel Dilemmas: Flights Edition 10:29 Travel Dilemmas: Hotels Edition 19:13 Lifestyle and Redemption Strategies 24:32 Chasing Travel Deals 25:29 Places We Wouldn't Visit 27:07 Domestic vs. International Travel 29:46 Lightning Round: Travel Preferences 36:43 Would You Rather: Travel Scenarios 41:53 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    Links and Resources from this Episode: How to Keep Your Points From Expiring 12 Common Beginner Points and Miles Mistakes How to Plan a Family Vacation Using Points & Miles Our Favorite Credit Card Combos Take Our Free Points and Miles Course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today
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    44 m
  • Points & Miles Unfiltered: Our Most Controversial Hot Takes

    Points & Miles Unfiltered: Our Most Controversial Hot Takes
    May 7 2025

    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 laugh along the way. Tune in, and let us know your own hot takes on YouTube or Instagram!

    In this episode:

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings

    01:48 Diving into Unconventional Takes

    12:40 Category Spend Optimization Debate

    23:53 Inconveniences in Points and Miles Travel

    31:34 Travis's Hot Take on Point Hoarding

    35:23 The Risks of Point Hoarding

    40:54 Psychological Aspects of Point Hoarding

    44:39 Bryce's Second Hot Take: Valuing Points and Miles

    52:38 Emily's Second Hot Take: Free Night Certificates

    56:55 Travis's Controversial Take on Flexible Pricing

    01:02:39 Lightning Round of Hot Takes

    01:04:07 Engaging with the Audience

    01:04:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Links and Resources from this Episode:

    Top Five Credit Myths Debunked

    Best Cards for Bonus Categories April Through June 2025

    Three Types of Points: Which One Should You Prioritize?

    Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

    Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

    My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

    10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

    Join us at an upcoming Meetup

    Stay Connected:

    Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

    Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

    Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube:

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    1 h y 4 m
  • Airport Lounges Decoded: Best, Worst, and How to Get Access

    Airport Lounges Decoded: Best, Worst, and How to Get Access
    Apr 23 2025
    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.

    The team shares their best and worst lounge experiences across the globe, from exceptional lounge showers to disappointing food and less-than-desirable spaces. They also cover how to access airport lounges using points, elite status, or premium travel credit cards.

    Plus, get a sneak peek at the brand new My 10x Lounge Finder tool, making it easier than ever to find the best lounge options for your trip!

    In this episode: 00:00 – Welcome + travel plans 02:00 – What airport lounges are and why they matter 05:00 – Who gets access (and how YOU can too) 08:00 – Credit card perks and priority pass explained 13:00 – Best lounge experiences: Europe, Asia, Middle East 19:00 – Worst and most overrated lounges (let's be honest) 27:00 – How to maximize lounge perks like showers, dining & space 38:00 – New Lounge Finder tool walkthrough 45:00 – Tips for families, solo travelers, and road warriors

    Links and Resources from this Episode: 7 Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access How to Get Access to Airport Lounges (With or Without a Premium Ticket) Check Out the New Lounge Finder Feature in My10x! 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
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    51 m
  • American Airlines AAdvantage Explained: Best Redemptions & Earning Tips

    American Airlines AAdvantage Explained: Best Redemptions & Earning Tips
    Apr 9 2025
    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 Airlines AAdvantage is for you, and how you can take advantage of this program today! Figure out where to credit your flights: wheretocredit.com 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:07 Discussing American Airlines AAdvantage Program 00:19 Fun Banter and Personal Updates 02:21 Deep Dive into AAdvantage Program 07:24 Earning AAdvantage Miles 16:08 Redeeming AAdvantage Miles 24:36 Award Booking Tips and Strategies 28:07 Understanding Hold Policies 29:15 Sweet Spots in the AAdvantage Program 29:18 Qatar Airways QSuites 31:30 Flying to Japan with JAL 33:53 Traveling to Australia and Beyond 35:24 Etihad Airways Redemptions 37:20 Short-Haul Economy Sweet Spots 38:25 Caribbean and Mexico Routes 40:45 Flagship First Transcontinental 45:03 Off-Peak Economy Awards to Europe 46:58 Booking Tips and Avoiding Surcharges 50:36 Family Travel Considerations 53:04 Conclusion and Resources Links and Resources from this Episode: American Airlines AAdvantage: Everything You Need to Know Which American Airlines Credit Card Is Best? American Airlines AAdvantage Award Charts Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
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    55 m
  • Maximizing Credit Card Points: The 3 Types You Need to Know

    Maximizing Credit Card Points: The 3 Types You Need to Know
    Mar 26 2025

    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 points and miles earning strategy, this episode is a must-listen!

    Protect Your Points: https://go.10xtravel.com/protectyourpoints

    In this episode:
    00:00 Welcome to Take Off: Meet the Hosts
    00:15 Behind the Scenes: Recording Realizations
    02:02 Introduction to Credit Card Points
    03:47 Deep Dive: Bank Transferable Points
    19:15 Understanding Airline and Hotel Points
    20:53 Flexible Points vs. Co-Branded Points
    23:07 Fun Analogies and Closing Thoughts
    25:37 Buffets and Travel Value
    26:07 Hotel Points Comparison
    27:52 Risks of Points Devaluation
    28:37 Bank Transferable Points vs. Hotel Points
    29:33 Introduction to Cashback and Fixed Value Points
    30:07 Cashback vs. Travel Points
    31:36 Cashback Card Strategies
    38:47 Business Spend and Cashback
    43:01 Personal Points Strategy
    50:41 Final Thoughts and Resources

    Links and Resources from this Episode:
    Three Types of Points: Which One Should You Prioritize?
    Cash Back or Points: How to Choose the Right Card for You
    Should You Use Airline Cards To Pay For Flights?
    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
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    53 m
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How To Maximize Your Points & Miles

    Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How To Maximize Your Points & Miles
    Mar 12 2025

    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 Atlantic is a must-know program for affordable family travel and once-in-a-lifetime trips.

    Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out in the points and miles space, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar. Tune in to this episode for tips to help you turn your points into unforgettable adventures with this program.


    In this episode:

    00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings
    00:41 Travel Plans and Antarctica Adventure
    02:18 Bucket List Travel Experiences
    04:50 Virgin Atlantic Travel Club Overview
    13:05 Earning Virgin Points
    18:23 Redeeming Virgin Points
    25:16 Changes to Virgin Atlantic Program
    30:22 Maximizing Virgin Atlantic Points
    30:36 Award Seat Availability and Elite Status Perks
    31:39 Economy and Premium Economy Redemptions
    39:34 Sweet Spots for Virgin Atlantic Redemptions
    39:41 Partner Airlines and Award Charts
    54:15 Tips for Booking with Virgin Atlantic
    58:38 Conclusion and Additional Resources

    Links and Resources from this Episode:

    Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Your Ultimate Guide
    Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Award Charts
    The Complete Guide to Virgin Atlantic Companion Seats
    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

    Stay Connected:
    Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
    Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
    Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

    Subscribe for more tips on trav...
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    59 m
  • Travel Smarter: How the My10x Redemption Tracker Transforms Points & Miles Management

    Travel Smarter: How the My10x Redemption Tracker Transforms Points & Miles Management
    Feb 26 2025

    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 points and miles for incredible travel experiences.

    Tune in to learn more about how to efficiently manage your travel plans and share your own redemption stories with the My10x Redemption Tracker!

    Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway!

    In this episode:

    00:00 Welcome and Announcements
    01:12 Crew Banter and Catching Up
    02:00 Introducing the Redemption Tracker
    05:33 How the Redemption Tracker Works
    13:08 User Feedback and Future Plans
    26:52 Analyzing Card Usage and Points Redemption
    27:31 Real-Life Redemption Examples: Emily's Australia Trip
    33:56 Bryce's Family Trip to Portugal
    37:33 Matt's Hawaiian Adventure
    45:34 Introducing the Redemption Tracker Tool
    46:03 Giveaway and How to Participate
    47:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    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

    Check out the Redemption Tracker in action:
    Emily's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/24502290-af3d-49fa-8102-13c20bb823d5
    Bryce's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/f5649fa1-0768-4837-b576-af004c94d41b
    Matt's Trip: https://my.10xtravel.com/trip/shared/acc39391-d23e-4575-85e4-886ecd7530ab

    Stay Connected:
    Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
    Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
    Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTub...
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    49 m
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