In this episode I unpack the details of the recent changes to the World of Hyatt Program, and what this means for the future of this beloved points program.

In this episode I share how my family was able to enjoy a trip on points to San Antonio, TX at Hyatt Regency Hill Country. This is an incredible family-friendly resort that we would love to return to!

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas- https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/sanhc-hyatt-regency-hill-country-resort-and-villas

Sample schedule of activities at the resort- https://www.hyatt.com/content/dam/hotel/propertysites/assets/regency/sanhc/documents/en_Us/special-events/Hyatt-Regency-Hill-Country-Resort-And-Spa-Activity-Guide-Summer-2018.pdf

Mr. Ice Cream - https://share.google/ZrzGr8o1dJoORjX1Y

Japanese Tea Garden- https://saparks.org/japanese-tea-garden/

Amex points have a lot of awesome uses, but my favorite use for Amex points are international flights! This is one of the ways to get amazing value out of your points. Similar to Chase, you have 2 main ways to redeem points for travel – portal bookings and transferring points to partners.

Portal bookings

Pros of Portal Bookings

• Simplicity
• Fine Hotels and resorts- With Amex Platinum you get $300 semi annually for Fine Hotels and Resorts hotel bookings (min 2 night stay). You also get late checkout, $100 credit, free breakfast for 2, and upgrades as available!
• You can book things you couldn’t by transferring points out – rental cars, cruises, certain hotels (like 4 seasons). I prefer to do these bookings on cash and use as a points-earing opportunity

Cons of Portal Bookings

• Hotel stays don’t always count towards status
• Glitches related to using a 3rd party booking service – harder when things go wrong
• Not getting the best value. But remember, there is truly no “wrong” way to use your points! But there are ways to use them so that points stretch further.

Transferring points to partners

• Hotels
  • Hilton (1:2)- transfer bonuses!
  • Choice Hotels 1:1 ( Citi is 1:2)
  • Marriot- avoid this
• Airlines
  • Jet Blue (250:200)
  • British Airways
• Flying Blue- Air France-KLM
  • 25% off award tickets for ages 2-11
  • Promos every month
  • Lots of business class award availability
• Avianca Life Miles
• Virgin Atlantic
  • Super low points prices
  • Watch for taxes and fees!
  • Can use to book Delta flights
• Emirates (1000: 800)
• Air Canada
  • Flights to Europe
  • Can use to book United flights
• Delta- likely won’t get great deals

How to Transfer Points From Amex

• First create a loyalty account for the program you want to transfer into
• Membership tab on bottom (star)--> Redeem rewards (under your total points number)--> Scroll down to transfer points
• Amex points can NOT be combined between people

There’s the basics on how to best use Amex points to book travel for free or very close to free! Booking in the portal is always an option, but transferring your points out to partner programs and booking with them directly is typically the best way to unlock amazing deals. I tend to use my Amex points to book flights. My most common pairing is a Hyatt hotel booked with Hyatt points from my Hyatt card and Chase points transferred to Hyatt paired with flights booked on Amex points. Now you’re one step closer to scoring amazing travel deals with your Amex points!

Amex Gold Referral Link: American Express

Rakuten Referral link: www.rakuten.com/r/COURTN29066?eeid=28187 Sign up to earn $50 (5,000 points) after spending $50. Rakuten is a great way to earn Amex Membership Rewards Points