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#27: The Points Guy, Brian Kelly, joins Chris to share tons of points tips and tricks. There are more opportunities today than ever before to earn points. In their conversation, they talk about travel in our post-pandemic world, the best credit cards you can get, how to get the most out of your points and Brian’s favorite travel tips and destinations.
Brian Kelly (@briankelly) founded The Points Guy (TPG) in 2010. TPG is one of the largest authority sites in the world focused on maximizing points and miles. Before TPG Brian worked on Wall Street at Morgan Stanley.
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Selected Links From The Episode (Advertiser Disclosure)
Connect with Brian Kelly: Instagram
The Points Guy: App | Website | Twitter
Point.me Award Search: $1 trial w/ this link (and the code HACKS)
Bora Bora Hotels: Conrad | St. Regis
Moorea Hotels: Hilton | Sofitel
Changing Award Travel: TPG Guide
Earn Bilt Points on rent: Bilt Rewards
Southwest Companion Pass: How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass | Card Signups
Award Booking Services: PointsPros | Point.me (formerly Juicy Miles)
Should you get Amex Centurion (black) card: TPG Article
Lonely Planet: Website
Meet locals when you travel: Couchsurfing | With Locals
Full Show Notes
Who is Brian Kelly? [00:17]
Brian’s trips during the pandemic. [01:30]
Places that haven’t opened up yet. [03:30]
Is travel in COVID-19 actually unsafe? [03:56]
How have points changed in the pandemic? [05:20]
How rich do you have to be to earn lots of points? [07:55]
A way you can stay organized if you have many credit cards. [09:42]
Should you use a points booking company or book flights yourself with points? [11:47]
How you can keep track of all your airline points. [13:57]
Should you use a portal to help you spend your points? [15:00]
Should you transfer your credit card points to hotels? [16:19]
Chris’ bad relationship with American (founders card). [20:40]
When you should cancel or downgrade a credit card. [21:51]
One of the best credit card perks out there (get free flights for your travel partner). [23:12]
Awesome lounges by Capital One opening soon. [24:53]
Should you get Amex Centurion (black) card and other premium cards? [25:26]
The Points Guy’s addiction to points and miles. [28:28]
The inconvenience of checking bags. [29:58]
Getting destination tips from SMART and seasoned travelers. [32:46]
A mask trick for long flights (and an eating one too). [35:04]
What to do in a city you’ve never visited before. [35:48]
Advice for growing a community-based business. [37:08]
Should you get travel insurance? [40:12]
Top destinations for people who are new to points. [41:16]
Why you should read the travel guide for your OWN city. [44:30]
How to keep in touch with The Points Guy. [46:21]
Connect with Chris
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