About Amar Hussain
Amar was born and raised in England and sadly didn’t catch his bout of wanderlust until his early twenties.
Playing catch up, Amar embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip along the Americas.
Since then Amar has endeavored to turn his gap year into a “gap life” and has spent the last 13 years traveling the 7 continents. He has also lived in places such as Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Amar is also an avid travel and outdoor product reviewer and tester. From the blistering Sahara Desert to the glaciers of Antarctica, he has put travel gear through its paces on 7 continents.
Amar holds a B.S. in Management & Strategy from Aston University, still runs the travel website OnlyWanderlust.com, and has contributed to publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and Business 2 Community. You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Countries Visited
U.S. States Visited
Hilton Honors Diamond
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion
Oneworld
The Apartment on Etihad
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class
Lufthansa First Class From Boston (BOS) to Frankfurt (FRA) With 50,000 Asiana Club miles
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred®, American Express® Gold Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Amar's Latest Articles
See More ArticlesPresque Isle State Park Guide — Lighthouse, Hiking, and More
Presque Isle State Park is a national natural landmark located in Pennsylvania. It is a sandy peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, providing visitors with the only “seashore” experience in Pennsylvania. The park boasts a beautiful coastline and a wide…
The 15 Best Museums in Tokyo, Japan [2024]
Tokyo is a world-renowned travel destination for a multitude of reasons, from its vibrance to its culture. One of the best ways to experience what Tokyo has to offer is by visiting some of the city’s many museums. Whether you’re…
Turkey Run State Park Guide — Nature Center, Hiking, and More
Turkey Run State Park is a true gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It has been voted as Indiana’s favorite state park and for good reason. The park boasts stunning sandstone gorges and awe-inspiring views along the picturesque Sugar…
Myakka River State Park Guide — Canopy Walkway, Tours, and More
Myakka River State Park is a unique natural wonder that features Florida’s first state-designated “Wild and Scenic River.” The park offers diverse landscapes, including prairies, wetlands, and pinelands. You can explore this ecosystem’s natural and cultural history, hike, fish, take…
The 10 Best Museums in Madrid, Spain [2024]
As Spain’s political and cultural capital, Madrid houses some of the nation’s most important art pieces and artifacts in its many museums. From modern art to archeology, the city’s exhibits cover virtually any topic under the sun. The rich culture…
Balmorhea State Park Guide — Swimming, Birdwatching, and More
Balmorhea State Park is a serene desert oasis that offers a refreshing escape from the scorching heat. The park boasts the world’s biggest spring-fed pool, an ideal spot for tourists worldwide to swim, scuba dive, and unwind. The park caters…
Delsey Alexis Hardside Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]
Travelers around the world love and rely on Delsey when it comes to its luggage. Known for its innovation and long-lasting products, Delsey offers versatile options for virtually any type of trip. Delsey has spent decades honing its design and…
The 25 Best Things To Do Near Disneyland Resort in California [2024]
Travelers around the world flock to Disneyland Resort, but there’s more to do in this part of California than visiting Mickey Mouse. Whether you’re a sports fan, a history lover, or a thrill-seeker, there’s something to do near the Happiest…
Crater of Diamonds State Park Guide — Gem Hunting, Discovery Center, Water Park, and More
Discover a one-of-a-kind experience at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. This park offers a unique opportunity to learn about geology and even try your hand at prospecting for diamonds — after all, this is where the largest…
The 11 Best Museums in Phoenix, Arizona [2024]
Phoenix isn’t just Arizona’s capital; it is also one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. and is considered by many Arizonans to be the heart of Arizona’s art, music, and cultural scenes. So, it is not surprising that…
Delsey Comete 3.0 Spinner Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]
For over 70 years, Delsey has been a mainstay in the luggage market. Known for its innovation and durability, the brand has earned its reputation as one of the top suitcase brands worldwide. The Comete 3.0 Spinner luggage line is…
Liberty State Park Guide — Walks, Nature Center, and More
Liberty State Park is a beautiful park in Jersey City, New Jersey, that offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The park has plenty of attractions to explore, including the historic Central Railroad…
Delsey Titanium Hardside Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]
Delsey is one of the top players in the luggage market. Since the 1940s, the brand has made a name for itself as a go-to for affordable, reliable bags that can last years. Whether you regularly travel for business or…
Bahia Honda State Park Guide — Boat Tours, Camping, and More
Bahia Honda State Park is a stunning nature reserve in Florida. It has 3 magnificent beaches, a diverse ecosystem with over 150 bird species, and many outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and snorkeling. You can also observe wildlife in their…
The 15 Best Museums in Berlin, Germany [2024]
As one of Europe’s capitals, Berlin is a renowned tourist destination for people around the world. Surprisingly, however, many of its museums fly under the radar of some travelers. From history to art, numerous museums are worth visiting in the…
Delsey Helium Aero Hardside Luggage Review — Is It Worth It? [Video]
As one of the top brands in the luggage industry, Delsey is a go-to option for people looking for a durable, reliable suitcase they can take on any travel occasion. Delsey is a mainstay in the mid-range luggage market thanks…
Samsonite Flux Hardside Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]
When most people hear the name Samsonite, they think of durable, reliable luggage, and that’s for a good reason. For over 100 years, the company has skyrocketed in popularity and comfortably sits at the top of the mid-range luggage market….
Statue of Liberty National Monument Guide — Ellis Island, Tours, and More
The Statue of Liberty is one of America’s most renowned national monuments. It is a fascinating place to visit as it offers an opportunity to learn about the history of America and how people from all over the world came…
Island Beach State Park Guide — Camping, Hiking, and More
Island Beach State Park is a beautiful and popular state park in New Jersey, attracting more than a million visitors yearly. The park offers a wide range of activities, such as swimming, hiking, and fishing, making it a great destination…
Malibu Creek State Park Guide — Camping, Visitor Center, and More
Malibu Creek State Park is a stunning natural park in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas, California, offering many outdoor activities. The park has over 35 miles of hiking trails, a designated area for horseback riding, and climbing routes. Visitors…
The 13 Best Museums in New Orleans, Louisiana [2024]
New Orleans is a popular tourist destination, but while most people know about the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations and unique culture, not many know that NOLA has some world-class museums. Whether you’re interested in learning about the local history or…
Find out about other members of the team
Andrew Kunesh
Former Content Contributor
Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.
Ashley Onadele
Content Contributor
Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.
Brandon Brunner
Former Content Contributor
Brandon was born and raised in California and really didn’t travel much growing up, even outside of his own state. While attending college, he was constantly looking to find the cheapest fares to any destination abroad, and quickly learned about the motto- “Chase the fare, not the destination”. Luckily, his first international flight was to Costa Rica (under $300 roundtrip) where that “Pura Vida” lifestyle (and Imperials) hit him hard, and he knew he had to see more.
Brian Graham
Former Content Contributor
Brian’s first ever airplane ride was in a private turbo-prop jet. He was merely an intern boy trying to make a good impression, but it turns out the plane made an impression on him.
Caroline Lupini
Former Content Contributor
Caroline Lupini always enjoyed traveling, but it became her goal to do as much as possible after a 3-week trip around Europe in 2011. In March 2014, Caroline left her job and embarked on nearly full-time travels.
Charlie Page
Former Content Contributor
Charlie is a Senior First Officer and has been an airline pilot for nearly 15 years. He currently flies long-haul on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner after 10 years buzzing around Europe on the A320. He got into travel and aviation from an early age, fortunate enough to be taken on some great family holidays.
Cherag Dubash
Content Contributor
Cherag was born in a family associated with aviation and was hooked on to planes since the age of 3, the time he undertook his first flight on an Airbus A310 from Mumbai to Dubai.
Christy Rodriguez
Travel & Finance Content Contributor
After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.
David Slotnick
Former Content Contributor
Born and raised in New York, David still remembers his first flight when he was only four years old: a U.S. Airways trip from New York-La Guardia to Palm Beach, Florida. He formed his love of travel around that and other family vacations, including to England at age eight and Namibia when he was 13. During college, a four-country trip around Europe with a friend cemented his passion for seeing the world.
Erin Miller
Content Contributor
An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.
Greg Stone
Content Contributor
Greg got bitten by the travel bug at a young age while traveling with his Dad on business trips to Asia. He took over the family business in 2012 and uses it to maximize his loyalty points earning. His obsession with earning and burning loyalty rewards points allows him to travel over 100 days every year.
Jeff Brownson
Former Content Contributor
Since discovering miles and points in 2010, Jeff has traveled to over 35 countries, flying in first class, business class, and sometimes even in coach. Whether he’s staying in a hostel dorm, or in a luxury suite at a 5 star hotel, Jeff is constantly looking for the best deal to make travel as close to free as possible.
Julian Kheel
Content Contributor
Julian Kheel first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. With over 15 years of professional experience studying travel loyalty programs, Julian has served as CNN’s Senior Editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the Editorial Director of The Points Guy, and has worked as a consultant for the Big 3 U.S. airlines.
Lindsey Olander
Former Content Contributor
Currently based in New York, Lindsey spent her childhood in Connecticut dreaming of far-off places. Her first flight was to Disney World at age 11. Her second flight was for a high school field trip to Italy, though travel as a career didn’t stick until she studied abroad in London during college and discovered the true power of her passport. Since then, she’s worked as a travel editor at Jetsetter and Travel + Leisure, where she reported on everything from African safaris to hot hotel openings to, yes, Disney World.
Lukas Picton
Former Content Contributor
Lukas escaped his hometown south of Sydney and moved to the big smoke immediately after high-school, but the bright lights of the city weren’t enough, and he soon set his sights on more exotic international destinations and has been in love with travel ever since.
Michael McHugh
Former Content Contributor
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Michael took his first international trip in 2013 with friends to the Bahamas. Although he didn’t travel much in his younger years, on that trip, he caught the travel bug and has been hooked ever since.
Senitra Horbrook
Writer
Senitra Horbrook is a frequent solo traveler who began using points and miles in 2012. Formerly credit cards editor at The Points Guy, Senitra has also contributed to Forbes Advisor, AwardWallet, Insider, among others.
Spencer Howard
Former Content Contributor
Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.
Susan Wright
Former Finance Contributor
While writing about finance and insurance isn’t something that keeps most people awake at night, it is what Susan Wright has focused on for more than 25 years. As a financial copywriter, Susan has an eye for money-related details such as credit and savings, and she loves to pass along helpful information to consumers. Susan holds 11 financial industry designations (including CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC, ADPA, CITRMS, CIPA) as well as several licenses.
Jarrod West
Senior Content Contributor
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.
Carissa Rawson
Senior Content Contributor
Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business Insider, Forbes, and more.
Chris Dong
Editor & Content Contributor
Chris is a freelance writer and editor with a focus on timely travel trends, points and miles, hot new hotels, and all things that go (he’s a proud aviation geek and transit nerd). Formerly full-time at The Points Guy, his work can now be found at AFAR, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, and Lonely Planet, among others
Kellie Jez
Director of Operations & Compliance
Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s compliance operation.
Nick Ellis
Editor & Content Contributor
Nick’s passion for points began as a hobby and became a career. He worked for over 5 years at The Points Guy and has contributed to Business Insider and CNN. He has 14 credit cards and continues to leverage the perks of each.
Christine Krzyszton
Senior Finance Contributor
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Jessica Merritt
Editor & Content Contributor
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.
Katie Seemann
Senior Content Contributor and News Editor
Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.
Ryan Smith
Content Contributor
Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.
Ehsan Haque
Content Contributor
Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.
Alex Miller
Founder & CEO
Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.
Lori Zaino
Senior Content Contributor
Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.
Keri Stooksbury
Editor-in-Chief
With years of experience in corporate marketing and with a nonprofit, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and reviewing thousands of UP articles in the process.
Chris Hassan
Social Media & Brand Manager
Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.
Juan Ruiz
Compliance Editor & Content Contributor
Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in-Chief at Money Under 30.
Victoria M. Walker
Senior Content Contributor
Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria M. Walker” newsletter.
Stella Shon
News Managing Editor
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in The New York Times, USA Today, and more.
James Larounis
Senior Content Contributor
James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.
Daniel Ross
Senior Content Contributor
Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.
Michael Y. Park
Editor
Michael Y. Park is a journalist living in New York City. He’s traveled through Afghanistan disguised as a Hazara Shi’ite, slept with polar bears on the Canadian tundra, picnicked with the king and queen of Malaysia, tramped around organic farms in Cuba, ridden the world’s longest train through the Sahara, and choked down gasoline clams in North Korea.
Stephen Au
Senior Content Contributor
Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
UP's Bonus Valuation
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.