… 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.
What you’ll find behind each country
- Trip report: routes, airlines, cabins, hotels, on-the-ground tips.
- Points & miles breakdown: earning strategy, transfer partner, fees, CPM value.
- How-to replicate: step-by-step instructions and alternatives if availability is tight.
My approach to award travel
I optimize for value per point, not just saving cash. That means flexible points, transfer bonuses, sweet spots, and booking at the right time. Typical tactics include:
- Flexible currencies with multiple transfer partners for optionality.
- Searching alliance partners to unlock long-haul premium cabins.
- Using stopovers / open-jaws where programs allow them.
- Leveraging transfer bonuses and off-peak pricing to cut the total cost.
FAQ
How often is the map updated?
Whenever a new trip goes live. New countries are added as soon as their story is published.
Which programs do you use most?
Primarily flexible points with major airline and hotel partners, chosen per route value and availability.
Can I copy these trips?
Yes. Each story includes a repeatable playbook and backup options if the exact award isn’t available.