Episode Description

Have you ever wondered how two points and miles experts actually use their points to book travel? In this episode, I’m joined again by Dr. Sujatha Murali for part two of our 2024 points recap. Last week, we dove into how many points we earned in 2024 and the strategies we used.

This week, the fun continues as we reveal exactly how we redeemed those points. Sujatha and I share our most memorable award trips, our highest value redemptions, and the trips we already have planned for 2025 using points.

Get ready for an inside look at how we plan our award travel, the programs we rely on most, and our best tips for maximizing your own points redemptions. Whether you’re looking for practical advice or just some vicarious travel thrills, this episode has you covered.

Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don’t miss out! Click here to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode

• How Sujatha and Devon approach award travel planning differently based on their travel styles and constraints.
• The most valuable points programs and award sweet spots for Sujatha and Devon’s 2024 and 2025 trips.
• How Sujatha scored an incredible redemption at the Hilton Lake Como during peak summer dates.
• Devon’s strategy for booking aspirational first class flights using points from multiple programs.
• Tips for finding award availability and leveraging points for family travel during school breaks.
• Why “cents per point” isn’t everything and how to decide when points are worth spending.
• How emailing a hotel can sometimes open up elusive award availability.

Featured on the Show:

• Follow me on Instagram
• Send me an email
• Get on the waitlist for the Points Made Easy Course here!
• Get My Cash-Back Credit Card Cheat Sheet!
• If you have any questions or you want me to dive deeper into a specific topic, email me here: podcast@pointmetofirstclass.com
• Download Your Guide to Credit Card Eligibility Rules here!
• Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
• Park Hyatt Paris 
• The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
• Park Hyatt Aviara
• Lufthansa Miles & More
• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
• 97. 2024 Year in Review: Points Earning Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 1)

Click here to download full episode transcript

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