Tokyo, Japan
Ramen crawls, the Shinkansen to Kyoto, and a lie-flat seat across the Pacific.
- Flight
- Business class, round trip
- Cost
- 110,000 miles + $120
Hi, I'm Joe
I'm a regular person with a not-so-regular hobby: turning everyday spending into flights and hotel stays around the world. Every trip on this site was booked mostly with points and miles. Here I share where I went, how I booked it, and what I'd do differently next time.
Where I've been
Every pin is a trip booked with points. Select one to see what it cost.
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Recent trips
A few favorite redemptions. Prices are what I actually paid in points plus taxes and fees.
Lisbon, Portugal
Pastéis de nata, Tram 28, and sunsets over the Tagus from a hilltop miradouro.
- Flight
- Economy, round trip
- Cost
- 40,000 miles + $85
The Maldives
An overwater villa on free-night certificates. Worth every point I saved for it.
- Hotel
- 4 nights, overwater villa
- Cost
- 3 free nights + 1 paid
Cusco, Peru
Acclimatizing with coca tea, then the early train to Machu Picchu.
- Flight
- Economy, round trip
- Cost
- 35,000 points + $60
Points 101
How I go from swiping a card to boarding a plane.
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Earn
Pick a card or two whose bonus categories match what you already spend on, like groceries, dining or travel. Never carry a balance; interest wipes out the value of the points.
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Transfer
Flexible bank points can move to many airline and hotel partners. Only transfer once you've found award space, because transfers usually can't be undone.
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Book
Search award availability early or right before departure, when airlines often release seats. Be flexible on dates and the deals show up.
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Fly
Enjoy the lounge. Then start planning the next one.
Say hello
Have a question about a redemption or a destination you'd like me to cover? Send me a message on Instagram @joetravelsonpoints.