Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

10xTravel

Takeoff is a podcast that will teach you how to save money and travel better. Join Travis, Emily, and Matt 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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83 episodes
Updated July 29

Episodes83

Newest first

July 29 · 27 min
What Can 100,000 Points REALLY Buy? (We Booked It All)
In this episode we cover: points and miles for beginners, how to use credit card points for travel, award travel explained, maximizing transfer bonuses, airline transfer partners, business class on points, economy award redemptions, repositioning flights, how to book flights with points, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, British Airways Avios, Iberia Avios off-peak, Avianca LifeMiles, Air France Flying Blue, Aeroplan, Aeromexico, Wyndham Rewards hotel points, Hilton points transfer, how far 100,000 p
July 15 · 57 min
Points & Miles Strategies That Can Save You Thousands on Travel
Looking for smarter ways to earn and use travel rewards? In this episode, the 10xTravel team is sharing some of our favorite points and miles strategies to help you get more value from every point you earn.Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayFrom choosing the right credit card for your spending, to overlooked earning opportunities and advanced booking techniques, this episode is packed with practical strategies that can h
July 1 · 41 min
The Best Places to Use Your Points & Miles
Where should you travel next with points and miles? In this compilation episode, we're bringing together some of the best destination recommendations from past 10xTravel episodes to help you plan your next award trip.Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayFrom luxury resorts in the Bahamas to affordable adventures in Indonesia and Thailand, African safaris in Kenya, wine country in Australia, island hopping in Greece, and cl
June 17 · 38 min
Lessons From Our Biggest Travel Close Calls and Near Misses
Some of our favorite trips nearly never happened! This episode is exposing the 10xTravel team's biggest travel close calls, near misses, and last-minute saves.Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayFrom a honeymoon flight that was canceled just weeks before departure to weather disruptions, repositioning flight risks, missed opportunities, and last-minute award booking victories, these stories highlight the realities of poin
June 3 · 40 min
Traveling With Kids on Points & Miles: Our Top Family Travel Tips
In this special episode, we’re revisiting some of our best conversations and segments focused on family travel with points and miles.Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayFrom booking award flights for a family of five to hotel strategies, travel planning tips, and surviving long-haul flights with kids, this episode brings together practical advice and real-world experiences from multiple past episodes into one packed resou
May 20 · 43 min
The New 10xTravel+: Award Alerts, Tools & Community
We rebuilt 10xTravel+ from the ground up, and now we're sharing everything you need to know before you join!Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayIn this episode, the 10xTravel team is pulling back the curtain on the brand-new 10xTravel+, explaining why they decided to redesign the experience around the biggest pain points travelers face today.From missing valuable award space to forgetting monthly card credits, Travis, Mat
May 6 · 52 min
100K Points Challenge: Plan Trips for Solo, Couples & Families
How far can 100,000 points really go? In this episode, the 10xTravel crew put this question to the test by planning three completely different trips using the same points budget: One for a solo traveler, one for a couple, and one for a family of four. And the results might surprise you!Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayListen as Travis, Matt, and Emily break down a European solo trip built on budget-friendly award fligh
April 22 · 59 min
All-Inclusive Resorts with Points: Best Programs & Hidden Costs
Are all-inclusive resorts actually the best way to use your points? In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt break down everything you need to know about booking all-inclusive resorts with points and miles.Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayFrom Hyatt’s massive all-inclusive portfolio to underrated options with Wyndham, they're diving into the best programs, pricing strategies, and the hidden details most travelers overl
April 8 · 52 min
Are Repositioning Flights Worth It? Risks, Rewards, and Real Stories
Repositioning flights can unlock massive points savings, but they can also derail your entire trip if you’re not careful. In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt break down one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) strategies in points and miles. From near-miss travel disasters to smart ways to protect your itinerary, you’ll learn when repositioning flights are worth it and when they’re not. Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place If you’ve ever struggled to find award avail
March 25 · 1 hr 8 min
United & Hyatt Loyalty Changes: What Travelers Need to Know
Hyatt just devalued its points system, and it could impact your next trip more than you think. In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt break down the 2026 loyalty program shakeup affecting World of Hyatt and United MileagePlus. They're getting into specific program shifts and what it actually means for your points strategy.Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one placeFrom Hyatt’s move toward dynamic-style pricing to United doubling down on rewarding cardholders, this episode uncovers wh
March 11 · 51 min
How to Fly Business Class to Italy Using Points and Miles
Dreaming about sipping espresso in Milan, exploring the lakes of Northern Italy, or wandering the historic streets of Rome without paying thousands for airfare? In this episode, Travis is joined by Matt and Emily to break down some of the best ways to fly business class to Italy using points and miles. From nonstop routes to creative partner bookings, they explore multiple strategies that can help travelers reach Italy in comfort without paying business class cash prices.Join My10x: Manage your
February 25 · 1 hr 4 min
Warm Weather Destinations You Can Book With Points
Ready to escape the cold and head to somewhere with sunshine? In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt reveal their favorite warm weather destinations you can book using points and miles, getting into the details of travel to Mexico, Greece, Costa Rica and more. Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or planning a bigger international trip, this episode covers destinations that are both aspirational and surprisingly accessible -
February 11 · 55 min
Last-Minute Family Travel with Points: Ryan's Real-World Strategies
Does family travel with points really require planning years in advance? In this episode of Takeoff, Travis and Emily sit down with Ryan Fernandez, a longtime 10xTravel reader and mom who proves that last-minute family travel on points is not only possible, but actually practical! Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place In the episode, Ryan shares how she books premium cabin flights for the whole family, pivots plans when trips fall apart, and travels with kids despite tight sc
January 28 · 1 hr 19 min
Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program for 2026: Alaska vs United vs American
Which U.S. airline loyalty program delivers the most value in 2026? In this roundtable discussion, the 10xTravel crew debates Alaska Airlines, United MileagePlus, and American AAdvantage to determine which program stands out for earning miles, redeeming points, elite status perks, and partner networks. Travis, Emily, and Matt each defend one airline program, breaking down recent changes, hidden strengths, and real world tradeoffs travelers need to understand before committing their loyalty. Th
January 14 · 52 min
Travel Emergencies: How Points & Miles Can Save the Day
Flight canceled? Missed connection? Weather delays or last-minute emergency travel? Travel doesn’t always go according to plan. But Travis, Emily, and Matt are here to show how points and miles can help! In this episode, the crew shares real stories of canceled flights, unexpected reroutes, and last-minute bookings, plus the strategies they use to stay calm and get where they need to go without paying outrageous cash prices. From travel insurance to considering point value in emergencies, they'
Dec 31, 2025 · 52 min
2025 Points & Miles Recap: Top Trends from the 10xTravel Community
2025 was anything but boring for points and miles. In this episode, the 10xTravel team reflects on the biggest wins, losses, and debates that dominated the 10xTravel Facebook Group this past year. From controversial airline changes to once-in-a-lifetime wins, the community had a lot to say - and not everyone agreed. You'll hear community takes on: Southwest’s major changes and why travelers are divided ANA ending its legendary Round the World award The actual state of points and miles What a
Dec 17, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Essential Travel Gear We Never Fly Without (Featuring Lovan Edwards)
Looking for the best travel gear for all your 2026 travel? Travis and Emily are joined by 10xTravel’s social media manager and resident packing expert, Lovan Edwards, to unpack the exact items they bring on every trip. The crew covers luggage picks, backpack setups, flight accessories, and more! From heated vests to Bluetooth-enabled sleep masks to ultra-efficient backpacks, they're breaking down what actually works after hundreds of flights, international trips, and long travel days. Whether y
Dec 3, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Inside the 10xTravel Origin Story: Bryce’s Farewell Episode
In this special episode, the team sits down together in person as Bryce records his final conversation as CEO of 10xTravel. For the first time, you’ll hear the full origin story in one place, starting with the moment a college kid with no travel budget stumbled into a hobby that changed his life - and the lives of so many others! You'll hear about:• How one spring break search sparked the idea• The early days of the ebook and the first affiliate conversations• The ABC News moment that caused the
Nov 19, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
A Business Owner’s Guide to Turning Company Spend Into Free Travel
How do business owners actually use credit cards, points, and miles to get the most travel out of their spend? In this episode, the 10xTravel crew sits down with Neill Drake, owner of Antarctica Travel Group, to explore how business owners can use credit cards, strategic spend, and loyalty programs to unlock massive value inside their companies. Neill shares how his agency grew from a small Facebook group to a thriving operation handling multimillion-dollar seasonal spend, and how he thinks ab
Nov 5, 2025 · 47 min
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,