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PODCAST

Rewarding Routes

Rewarding Routes is the podcast that helps you turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips to Japan and Asia. Learn how to use points and miles, create fun itineraries, and explore cultural experiences without overspending. Whether you"re planning your first trip or your fifth, get inspired to make travel more rewarding.

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All Episodes

24:04

The Hyatt Devaluation: What's Changing, What It Costs...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/04/09

#31 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're breaking down the biggest Hyatt news in years the World of Hyatt award chart overhaul. In this episode, we're talking about what's changing in May 2026 and what it means for anyone using Hyatt points for Japan travel. We'll break down the new five-tier pricing system, discuss how the changes hit peak travel seasons like cherry blossom and Golden Week the hardest, and share a real example using our upcoming Hyatt Place Kyoto stay to show exactly what th...

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29:29

How I Actually Start Planning Every Japan Trip

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/04/02

#30 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're getting into one of my favorite parts of the whole travel process, the early stages of planning a trip to Japan. In this episode, we're talking about how to start planning your trip to Japan before you even think about building an itinerary. We'll break down how I use Google Maps to save locations and visually spot the neighborhoods that have my interest, discuss how learning about Japan's different regions and prefectures completely changes the way yo...

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41:42

What to Book in Advance for Japan (And How Far Out)

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/03/26

#29 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're diving deep into trip planning for Japan. In this episode, we're talking about what to book in advance for your Japan trip. We'll break down the most popular experiences that require early reservations, discuss how far ahead you actually need to book each one, and share the exact activities I'm planning to book for my 2027 Kyoto and Osaka trip including the Nintendo Museum lottery, TeamLab Kyoto, and the Pokémon Cafe. Tune in to learn how to plan your ...

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24:02

Spring in Japan: Sakura Season, Golden Week & What to...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/03/19

#28 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're diving into everything you need to know about visiting Japan in spring. In this episode, we're talking about spring travel in Japan. We'll break down cherry blossom season and how to chase the bloom, discuss Golden Week and what to expect from crowds and costs and share personal insights from my two spring trips to Japan. Tune in to learn how to plan a spring Japan trip with realistic expectations so you can make the most of the season without the stre...

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26:50

Starting Small: How I Booked My Family a Weekend Trip...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/03/12

#27 This week on Rewarding Routes, we're keeping it close to home...literally. In this episode, we're talking about starting small with points and miles. We'll break down how I booked a Chicago weekend trip for my family using two cards most beginners can actually get, discuss how Companion Pass works and why it's one of the best deals in travel, and share why a $22.40 domestic trip might be the most important booking I make all year. Tune in to learn how to build real confidence with points ...

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29:51

How I Booked Japan Airlines Business Class to Tokyo...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/03/05

#26 This week we’re breaking down exactly how I booked Japan Airlines Business Class from Los Angeles to Tokyo using points and miles. In this episode, I walk through my entire booking process step-by-step from spotting the award availability to leveraging a Capital One transfer bonus that made the redemption even more valuable. I also share the math behind the booking, including the miles used, taxes paid, and what the same flight would have cost in cash. Along the way, we also touch on some...

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22:09

Level Up Your Travel Strategy with a Player Two

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/02/26

#25 This week we’re talking about leveling up your travel strategy with a Player Two. In this episode, we’re breaking down what a Player Two actually is, how to leverage referral bonuses and welcome offers, and how to strategically manage things like 5/24, authorized users, and minimum spend requirements. I also share how my wife and I use this system to stack points for bigger trips to Japan and beyond. Tune in to learn how working as a team can unlock more points, bigger redemptions, and mo...

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40:10

Japan Travel Apps That Make Your Trip 10x Easier

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/02/19

#24 In this episode, I break down the best Japan travel apps to download before your trip the tools that genuinely make navigating, booking, eating, shopping, and staying safe in Japan so much easier. These are apps I’ve personally used across multiple trips, plus a few I’ve researched and added for our upcoming visit (especially traveling with a baby). I also share a quick points-and-miles update: • Capital One → Japan Airlines 30% transfer bonus (ends February 28) – Improves the trans...

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51:23

The Business Credit Card Strategy That Helps Unlock...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/02/05

#23 In this episode, I introduce a new segmented format for Rewarding Routes that allows me to cover updates, news, listener questions, and a main topic all in one episode. I share a quick update on the Bilt Palladium denial and why I still accepted a $0 annual fee Bilt Blue card. From there, I run through major Japan and credit card news, answer a listener question about how I plan trips, and then dive into the main topic: why business credit cards are one of the most powerful tools for earn...

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38:12

How Much Do you Need to Save For a Trip to Japan?

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/01/29

#22 How much do you really need to save for a trip to Japan? This is one of the most common questions I see from people planning their first trip and the honest answer is that there’s no single number that fits everyone. Every Japan trip looks different depending on your travel style, priorities, and what you value most. In this episode, I break down the real world costs of traveling in Japan by walking through the major spending categories you’ll encounter, from everyday expenses once you la...

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36:03

Bilt 2.0: Big Earning Potential, Bigger Learning Curve

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/01/22

#21 In this episode, I break down Bilt 2.0 what changed, why it matters, and why it’s causing so much confusion in the points and miles world right now. I start by revisiting why the original Bilt card worked so well, especially for people just getting into points and miles, and why Bilt decided to completely rethink the system. On the surface, Bilt 2.0 looks like a big upgrade especially with mortgages now included but once you look closer, things get complicated fast. What I Cover in This E...

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28:57

How We’re Planning Our 2026 Travel Year Using Points...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/01/16

#20 2026 is a year of transition for us, and this episode is about how travel fits into that change. Rather than locking in a packed calendar or chasing big redemptions, this year is about slowing down, planning intentionally and letting travel evolve alongside life. In this episode, I share a real time look at how I’m thinking about travel during a season where flexibility matters more than ever. Travel isn’t stopping it’s simply taking on a new shape. One that feels more aligned with where ...

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24:52

Traveling With a Child: My Thoughts Before Everything...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/01/09

#19 This episode is a little different. Instead of focusing on points, miles, or Japan, I’m sharing where my mind is right now one month before becoming a dad. As our family grows from two to three, I wanted to pause and record what this moment feels like before everything changes. In this episode, I talk openly about the excitement, nerves, fears, and mindset shifts that come with preparing to travel as a family for the first time. Travel has always been a huge part of our lives, and rather ...

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35:06

Japan in 2026: What’s Changing, What’s Opening and...

Rewarding Routes ·

2026/01/02

#18 In this episode, I misspoke about the Lapras Pokémon Park. I was referring to the second Lapras park opening in 2026. The first Lapras park was built in Miyagi Prefecture that’s my mistake. Japan is heading into a big year in 2026, and if you’re planning a trip, there are some important changes (and exciting openings) you’ll want to know about. In this episode, I break down what’s coming for Japan travel in 2026, including money, taxes, arrival updates, transportation tips, new attracti...

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27:31

Flights vs. Hotels: What to Book First Using Points

Rewarding Routes ·

2025/12/19

#17 We tackle one of the most common and confusing decisions when planning a points and miles trip to Japan: Should you book your flights first, or your hotels? The honest answer? It depends. And in this episode, I break down how to decide based on what you personally value most. What we cover in this episode: Why I usually book flights first and when that mindset is starting to shiftThe role flexibility plays in getting great value with points and milesWhen it makes sense to prioritize busi...

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49:15

Hyatt Hotels in Tokyo: A Simple Breakdown + Extra...

Rewarding Routes ·

2025/12/12

#16 In this episode of Rewarding Routes, I break down how Hyatt hotels in Tokyo and a few around Japan can turn your Chase Ultimate Rewards® and Bilt points into real nights on the ground. Recorded in December 2025, I walk through how Hyatt’s fixed award chart works today, why it often delivers better value than dynamic hotel programs, and what kind of cents-per-point you can expect at both affordable and luxury properties. We go station by station through Tokyo, covering options like Caption...

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27:41

Where to Stay in Tokyo: A Simple Breakdown of a Few...

Rewarding Routes ·

2025/12/05

#15 Tokyo is the world’s largest city, and choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I break down a curated set of key neighborhoods to help you pick the best area based on your travel style, budget, and vibe. We talk about energy levels, train access, room sizes, food, nightlife, shopping, and what each area is best known for. Whether you want neon lights, quiet cultural streets, luxury shopping, or family-friendly space, there’s a perfect Tokyo neighborhood for you. Nei...

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40:47

Chase Ultimate Rewards® Made Easy: The Trifecta,...

Rewarding Routes ·

2025/11/28

#14 In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-part mini-series all about how I use Chase Ultimate Rewards® to turn everyday spending into trips to Japan and beyond. I walk through why Chase is the bank I’ve relied on for most of my hotel stays, how I think about flexible points vs. co-branded cards, and why Hyatt is the star of the show for my style of travel. You’ll hear how Chase fits into my real life, to using Southwest for positioning flights out of Orlando and how I’m adjusting my strategy w...

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31:03

The Shinkansen Explained: What to Know Before Your...

Rewarding Routes ·

2025/11/21

#13 Today we’re diving into one of the coolest parts of traveling through Japan: the Shinkansen Japan’s iconic high-speed bullet train. It’s fast, efficient, unbelievably smooth, and honestly one of my favorite ways to move around the country. In this episode, I break down how the Shinkansen actually works, the major train types you’ll see across different regions, and what first-time travelers should know before hopping on. I’ll cover the most common trains on the Tokaidō Line (Tokyo → Kyoto...

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37:01

What’s in My Wallet (2025 Edition): Cards I Use to...

Rewarding Routes ·

2025/11/14

#12 I’m sharing exactly what’s in my wallet as we wrap up 2025 and head into 2026. I break down the cards I actually use every day, why they fit my spending habits, and how they support the future trips I’m planning especially Japan. With the home-buying process finally behind us and the move complete, my wallet looks different this year. I also share why I slowed down on opening cards, how lenders react to new credit activity, and what I learned going through that experience while trying to ...

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32 results

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