show episodes
 
Want to make more family travel memories without breaking the bank? Longtime travel journalist Lyn Mettler shares her top tips to help families quickly and easily travel for less using rewards points and inspires you with ideas of where to travel on your next vacation.
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Travel isn’t just for the rich. I teach people how to supercharge their credit card points so they can pay for entire family vacations every year. I've been redeeming miles and points to pay for travel for over a decade. Points have taken our family around the world. But one thing sets me apart -- our family flies economy because business class isn't worth the extra effort for us. But this podcast isn't about me and where I've been -- it's about you and your goals. I focus on "normal" and st ...
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Takeoff is a podcast that will teach you how to save money and travel better. Join Bryce, Emily, Matt, and Travis 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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show series
 
Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to introduce you to the three different families of cards within the Chase Ultimate Rewards universe. I’ll show you how to earn the most points over the long run and how to do this in single player or two player households. There are a lot of Chase cards available…
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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…
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Learn all about my favorite travel card, Chase Sapphire Preferred. I explain the offer, the card's features, how you can earn $1100+ in FREE travel, why it's my favorite travel card and walk you through how to fill out the card application. Thanks for using my affiliate link if you decide to apply in support of my small business and free podcast: h…
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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 o…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures UPDATE: this offer has now ended. But even at it's standard offer, I think this card is still the best beginners card. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I have an exciting bonus episode for you, because the Chase Sapphire Preferred currently has an even better welcome offer for you, and I’ve got all the det…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I want to show you how I use my Chase Ultimate Rewards for Hyatt. I book Hyatt regularly to simplify my decision making process and to save me a lot of time! So let me introduce you to all the ways you can make the most of your points with Hyatt. If you’re worried about Hya…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. 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 …
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’ll be introducing you to the easiest way to use your Ultimate Rewards points! I’ll be talking about how to use points for hotels, how my family has used it, and how you can get the most out of your points. Remember that using points is most rewarding when you get to use i…
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(Click MORE to see Ad disclosure) Welcome to Points for Normal People! Thanks for joining me again for Part 2 as I share about all of the great travel benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. I’ve read all of the details so that you don’t have to! Let me fill you in and help you get the most out of your card. If you missed Part 1, be sure to …
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. 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 f…
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Monica Marino shares how implementing a simple system to use miles and points enabled her to visit her son as much as she wanted, as well as enjoy some vacations. She also explains how teachers can fly for free using travel rewards despite being on a traditional school schedule. Learn how to fly for free like Monica by joining Families Fly Free. Le…
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Andrew and Kiana Joyner share their journey from travel rewards beginners to getting free flights for life! The couple share their best tips, including what to watch out for when booking with third-party vendors and why you need TSA PreCheck, as well as how they use travel rewards to fly for free. Check out their YouTube channel at: https://www.you…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Join me today for a conversation about the shopping and purchase benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. It offers so much more than points, and I have all the details to help you make the most of your card. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on next…
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(Click MORE to see Ad Disclosures) Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’ll share mistakes I’ve made when I didn’t have a system to track my credit cards and points. Then I’ll give you the information and resources you need to stay organized, getting the most out of your points. ACTION STEPS: Set up a system to track your credit c…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. 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…
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Have you ever considered traveling with a tour company to a particular destination? Christine Sarkis, with TourScoop.com and FamilyVacationist.com, gives us some tips for how to decide if a tour is a good fit for your family and if so, how to choose among the many tour companies like Backroads, Road Scholar, Go Adventures, Intrepid, Wilderness Trav…
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(Click "MORE" to see Ad Disclosure) Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today we're diving into mindset around booking trips. We'll explore the switch from cash bookings to points--and how some shifts in the way you think can help you plan your points trips with less stress. We'll also discuss how valuable tools like transfer partners and sweet sp…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’m sharing everything you need to know about the Chase 5/24 rule, and teach you all the best tips on how to navigate it. If you’re getting started, understanding the Chase 5/24 rule will help you develop the best strategy to travel more with points. ACTION STEPS…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! If you’re wondering where to begin when it comes to picking the right credit cards for travel points, I am here to be your guide. In this episode, I help show you how to choose the right cards, tune out the marketing noise, and let you know exactly where to start. Choosing the ri…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. 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 cleanin…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! This episode has everything you need to know about credit scores and points. I share my credit scores, lay out key habits to keep your score high while opening cards for points, and help you understand the factors that influence your credit score. Enjoying the benefits of travel …
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In today’s episode, I share the benefits of opening multiple credit cards each year. I help you understand the time investment and I’ll give you an overall strategy to earn points the easy way. Opening multiple cards doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to be your guide. Let…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this very first episode, I'll be sharing more about what exactly I mean by "Points for Normal People," and some of the methodology I've developed in my past 13 years in the travel points and miles hobby. Points and miles isn't just for people flying business class -- it's for …
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The value of focusing on the most impactful travel rewards strategies to not only save you money, but tons of time, as well from someone who once flew free as an airline employee. Plus, he shares many great travel tips that we all should take to heart. Resources: Email Jesse about his Lake Tahoe vacation rental at bobalinresort AT outlook.com Want …
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Planning a trip to Hawaii but not sure about bringing young kids? Marcie Cheung of HawaiiTravelWithKids.com has taken her children, now 7 and 10, at least 10 times and shares how it's doable, along with some of her best tips to navigate Hawaii with kids. Check out Marcie's Hawaii Travel Guides: https://www.familiestravelfree.com/hawaii-travel-guide…
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Welcome to Points for Normal People! This podcast aims to teach you the easiest ways to earn and redeem points for travel. Because travel isn't just for the rich. And travel points can be used by normal people who just want to devote a few hours a month to this hobby -- and still pay for entire vacations every year. New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Kat…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. 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 c…
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It's a great idea for all couples to get away together without the kids from time to time. Here are 10 recommendations for fun romantic getaways for a couple's getaway. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... Lea…
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While discounted Southwest gift cards SEEM like a good deal, they're actually not. Here's why... Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... Learn more Download Lyn's FREE list of 7 INSIDER hacks she uses to personal…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. 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 learn…
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Do you ever feel alone in your love of collecting miles and points and scoring a great travel deal? Lyn sees this a lot and shares some quick advice. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... Learn more Download Ly…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. 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 be…
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In Part 2 of listener questions answered, Lyn explains why the current Southwest personal card offer is NOT good, when and how you should use a Costco card, if devaluation of airline points is a problem, if shopping portals are key to her strategy and if it's too late to get a Southwest Companion Pass now. Want to get on the fast-track to always fl…
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Lyn answers some great questions from listener Jamie about options if you don't want to fly Southwest out of your home airport, how you really can pay 7,500-10,000 points per flight and if you should use Chase Freedom Unlimited for your everyday spend. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fl…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and all things love, we’re bringing our “2-Card Trips” series to the podcast — this time with a romantic twist. Listen in as we put together the best Romantic Getaways using points and miles earned from just 2 credit cards. From Paris and Greece all the way to an island escape…
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Amanda's family of 4 has a goal to visit all 50 states before her daughters graduate high school. She shares how learning how to earn and use travel rewards has saved them thousands on trips to places like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Utah, Niagara Falls and more. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Famili…
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Don't be intimidated to visit our National Parks for any reason, including crowds, knowledge, equipment or planning. Bryanna Royal of Crazy Family Adventure explains how you can enjoy the National Parks this year without overwhelm and make memories in some of America's most amazing landscapes. She shares some of her favorites and tips for making th…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Ever wonder which credit cards are truly the MVPs of the travel rewards world and which are just riding the hype train? Then this is one awards show you won't want to miss. Join Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt as they hand out awards to your favorite cards, loyalty programs, lounges, and more. From the everyda…
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Just a few years ago Chase Sapphire Reserve was THE luxury travel card to own, but these days, there are better options that offer the same perks for a lower cost. Lyn explains why she doesn't recommend getting Chase Sapphire Reserve, except for a rare group of people. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us insid…
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What's in store for us when it comes to travel in 2024? Lyn identifies 9 trends she expects to see this year including continued revenge travel, international travel, more and better travel rewards, better wifi, hotels versus vacation rentals and much more. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Famili…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. To prepare for the year ahead, we’re answering 2024’s biggest travel questions. What travel trends can you expect to see this year? Which points currency should you be trying to earn more of? And what the heck does “Set Jetting” and “Gig Tripping” even mean!? To bring you the cold hard facts (and a healthy do…
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Where should you travel in 2024? Lyn together with Lesli Peterson of 365AtlantaTraveler.com share their picks for 6 great US destinations for families in 2024 including Colorado, Hawaii, Glacier National Park, Huntsville Alabama, Las Vegas and San Diego. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families …
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What international destinations should you consider visiting in 2024? Lyn shares her recommendations including Costa Rica, Paris, Grand Cayman, Ireland and Sicily. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... https://…
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Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure. Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2024! To kick off the year, we’re reflecting on our 2023 points and miles journeys before breaking down all of the changes we’ll be making going into 2024 — our New Year’s Points and Miles Resolutions. In this episode, we discuss learning from last year’s mis…
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How much did Lyn's family save flying and staying free in 2023? She totals up their savings across 10 trips to 8 different destinations for you in this episode and explains how you can do the same. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly fre…
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Caroline Makepeace has traveled the world since 1997, visiting nearly 60 countries and living in 5. She shares her inspiring story about how she got out of the "rat race" and opted for a different way of life for herself, her husband and her two daughters. Get ready to be inspired!By Lyn Mettler
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Travel blogger Pam Howard shares how she uses travel rewards for everything from weekend getaways to day trips and from Disney visits to travel sports for her family of 4 without ever running out of points. Check out Pam's blog at ouradventureiseverywhere.com Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Fami…
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There's 1 mistake that Lyn sees travel hackers make again and again that complicates travel rewards and prevents them from taking as many free trips as possible. She reveals this very common mistake in this episode... Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to …
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Click "See More" to see Ad Disclosure. We’re back with another episode of our “Destination Spotlight” series! This time we take a look at how to book the best trip to Hawaii on points and miles. Join us as we break down how we’ve booked trips to the Aloha State, the best hotels you can book on points, the most unique hotel perks we've seen (includi…
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Are you traveling as much as you could be or want to be? Lyn explains the concept of "under-traveling" and encourages you to truly consider this question. If you aren't traveling as much as you want, consider using travel rewards to bring your family up to the level you DO want to travel. She shares inspiring stories of families who have done that …
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