… countries visited — and still counting
Behind every highlighted country on the map is a real journey, powered by the same points and miles strategies I share on Pointalize. This is where I prove the methods work. My adventure to … countries is far from over—I’m always chasing the next destination and perfecting the art of smart travel.
Click any country to see the playbook behind the trip.
Authentic Trip Reports
Real-world journeys, not just theories. See how these strategies perform in practice.
Points & Miles Optimized
Detailed breakdowns of the redemptions used for flights, hotels, and experiences.
Repeatable Playbooks
Actionable strategies you can copy and adapt for your own adventures.
About This Interactive Travel Map
After traveling to 62 countries, I realized my travel logs were more than just memories—they were a database of real-world solutions. This interactive map is the front-end to that database. Each highlighted country is a case study, linking to a detailed breakdown of how I planned and executed the trip from a logistical standpoint.
My goal is to give you the actionable data. For many of these trips, I leveraged points and miles for huge savings, and I’ll show you the exact redemptions. But not always. When a budget airline’s cash fare was the more logical choice, I’ll show you why. Click a country to access the playbook and see the most efficient path forward, whether it’s with points or cash.
What you’ll find behind each country
- Trip report (Still in progress): A complete breakdown of the journey, including routes, airlines, cabin classes, hotels, and essential on-the-ground tips that you won’t find anywhere else.
- How-to replicate: A step-by-step playbook with instructions on how to find similar award availability (if booked with points/miles) and what backup options to consider if your first choice isn’t available.
My approach to award travel
My philosophy is simple: I optimize for value per point, not just saving cash. That means I prioritize experiences that would be prohibitively expensive otherwise, like business and first-class flights. This is achieved through a systematic approach based on a few core tactics:
- Flexible Currencies: I focus on earning transferable points like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards®, and Capital One Miles. They provide the ultimate flexibility and protection against devaluations.
- Partner Awards are Key: The best value is almost never found by booking directly with an airline’s own program. I leverage the power of airline alliances (like Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam) to book flights on world-class carriers by transferring points to their partners.
- Sweet Spots and Inefficiencies: Every loyalty program has “sweet spots”—specific routes or partners that offer outsized value. I identify and exploit these market inefficiencies to maximize every point.
- Systematic Searching: I use a methodical process to search for award availability, often using multiple tools and looking at alternate airports or dates to find the best deals. Patience and process are everything.
FAQ
How often is the map updated?
The map is a living document, updated whenever a new trip report and travel guide goes live on the site. New countries are highlighted and linked as soon as their story is published, ensuring the content is always current.
Which loyalty programs do you use most?
I am program-agnostic and focus on the best value for a specific trip. However, my primary tools are flexible bank points that transfer to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, chosen per route value and availability.
Can I really copy these trips?
Yes, absolutely. The entire purpose of this map and the linked guides is to provide a repeatable playbook. While exact award availability fluctuates, the underlying strategy and methods are timeless.
What if a country I want to visit isn’t highlighted?
If a country isn’t highlighted, it means I haven’t published a guide for it yet. However, the strategies detailed in the existing guides are often applicable to other destinations.
