You don’t have to step on a plane or check into a hotel to rack up serious points and miles. In this episode of Takeoff: A Points & Miles Podcast by 10xTravel, Bryce, Emily, and Matt break down the hidden value of airline and hotel shopping and dining portals, and how you can use them to turn everyday purchases into free travel.

The episode covers:

✅ How shopping portals like Rakuten & airline programs actually work

✅ Dining programs that give you bonus miles every time you eat out

✅ Smart stacking strategies with credit cards & seasonal promos

✅ Common mistakes that can cost you points (and how to avoid them)

✅ Real success stories, like turning Apple purchases into free flights

Wherever you are on your points and miles journey, this episode will help you earn more without spending more.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker

00:58 Unusual Ways to Earn Points and Miles

05:34 Introduction to Shopping and Dining Portals

06:20 Exploring Shopping Portals

07:36 Exploring Dining Programs

09:33 Rakuten and Hybrid Programs

11:24 Maximizing Points with Shopping Portals

15:31 Tips for Using Shopping and Dining Portals

21:24 Seasonal Promotions and Advanced Strategies

25:39 Common Pitfalls in Using Shopping Portals

27:14 Maximizing Rewards with Dining Programs

28:02 General Points and Miles Strategies

31:18 Effort vs. Reward in Points and Miles

42:02 Listener Success Stories and Tips

44:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Join us at an upcoming Meetup

Want to fly to Asia in business or first class without breaking the bank? In this episode of Takeoff by 10xTravel, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt reveal the exact strategies, airlines, and loyalty programs that unlock luxury premium cabin flights across the Pacific, all with points and miles.

The crew covers:

Whether you’re after ANA’s world-class service, JAL’s new first-class suites, or EVA Air’s Hello Kitty flight, this guide will help you turn points into unforgettable journeys.

In this episode:

0:00 Introduction

4:10 Why premium cabins to Asia are the holy grail

8:00 ANA via Virgin Atlantic (unicorn deal)

15:00 Cathay Pacific, JAL & EVA Air highlights

25:00 StarLux & emerging premium options

32:00 Singapore Airlines quirks & waitlisting

42:00 Availability trends + when to book

50:00 Best overall products & value redemptions

57:00 Listener win: first business class redemption

59:00 Wrap-up & resources

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Join us at an upcoming Meetup

Learn How To Search ANA Availability

Master ANA Sweet Spot Awards

Tired of hearing about the same points and miles hot spots like Japan, Italy, and the Maldives? In this episode, Bryce, Emily, Travis, and Matt reveal the underrated destinations that should be on your radar, and how to get there with points and miles.

From Nicaragua’s volcano adventures to Belize’s reef diving, Valencia’s family-friendly beaches, and even wine country in South Australia, the crew shares the hidden gems that offer incredible experiences with better availability, fewer crowds, and excellent redemption value.

They'll take you through the best points and miles strategies to book these destinations, surprising hotel options in each spot, and pro tips for maximizing award flights, boutique hotels, and portal bookings. Tune in, and get ready for your next, unexpected adventure!

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Reunion

01:02 Travis' European Adventures

02:30 Diving in Northern Ireland

04:42 Bryce's Chaotic Return from Europe

09:13 Underrated Destinations Overview

10:57 Travis' Pick: Nicaragua

25:16 Emily's Pick: Belize

37:56 Matt's Pick: Adelaide and Southern Australia

44:56 Bryce's Pick: Valencia, Spain

47:36 Travel Tips: Points, Miles, and Booking Strategies

56:22 Underrated Destinations: Hidden Gems Around the World

57:48 Honorable Mentions: More Hidden Treasures

01:00:57 Final Thoughts and Fun Banter

01:14:25 Wrapping Up

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Join us at an upcoming Meetup

Book ANA Business Class with Points and Miles