Travel points don’t have to mean flying first class around the world. Most of my trips happen somewhere in the middle—using points where they provide the biggest value, paying cash when it makes sense, and focusing on making travel more affordable without turning it into a second job. These guides cover the strategies, mistakes, and credit cards that have helped me travel more while staying realistic.
Getting Started
New to travel rewards? Start here. These guides explain the philosophy behind how I use points and why I think there’s a middle ground between paying cash for everything and chasing luxury redemptions.
- The Middle Ground Between Cash Travel and Travel Hacking
- Are You Building, Earning, or Burning Points?
Credit Cards
Not every travel credit card is worth carrying forever. These reviews focus on how I personally use each card, who I think it makes sense for, and when it might be worth upgrading your wallet.
- Could the Chase Sapphire Preferred Be the Best Way to Start Earning Travel Points Right Now?
- Ready to Level Up? Why the Capital One Venture X Might Be Your Next Travel Card
Award Booking Strategies
Sometimes points are best used for flights. Other times, hotels offer far better value. These guides walk through the real decisions behind my bookings instead of only highlighting the “perfect” redemption.
- Using Points for Hotels Instead of Flights: My Egypt and Jordan Strategy
- How a Business Class Redemption Turned Into a Two-Week Central Europe Trip
- Why I Almost Never Book Roundtrip Flights (And Why You Might Want to Stop, Too)