Amar's Travel Gallery
![Boarding Virgin Upper Class to Johannesburg](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Boarding-Virgin-Upper-Class-to-Johannesburg-Amar-Hussain-780x585.jpg)
![Elephant seen on Safari, Kruger National Park, South Africa](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Elephant-seen-on-Safari-Kruger-National-Park-South-Africa-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Exploring the salt flats in Bolivia](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Exploring-the-salt-flats-in-Bolivia-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Getting lost with Lonely Planet in Cuba](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Getting-lost-with-Lonely-Planet-in-Cuba-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Giant Tortoises in Galapagos Islands](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Giant-Tortoises-in-Galapagos-Islands-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Hanging out with Penguins in Antarctica](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hanging-out-with-Penguins-in-Antarctica-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Hiking in the Arctic Circle, Norway](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hiking-in-the-Arctic-Circle-Norway-Amar-Hussain-780x585.png)
![Hiking in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hiking-in-Tierra-del-Fuego-Argentina-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Hiking to Machu Picchu, Peru](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hiking-to-Machu-Picchu-Peru-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Kayaking Marais Poitevin en Vendée, France](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kayaking-Marais-Poitevin-en-Vendee-France-Amar-Hussain-780x585.jpg)
![Lion spotted on Safari in Swaziland](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lion-spotted-on-Safari-in-Swaziland-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Looking for whales and seals on zodiacs in Antarctica](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Looking-for-whales-and-seals-on-zodiacs-in-Antarctica-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Mountain Biking the Death Road, Bolivia](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mountain-Biking-the-Death-Road-Bolivia-Amar-Hussain-780x585.jpg)
![Rock Climbing outside of the adventure town of Banos, Ecuador](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Rock-Climbing-outside-of-the-adventure-town-of-Banos-Ecuador-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Sky Diving over Interlaken, Switzerland](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sky-Diving-over-Interlaken-Switzerland-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Starry Night Sky in the Alps, France](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Starry-Night-Sky-in-the-Alps-France-Amar-Hussain-780x585.jpg)
![Sunset over the Drake Passage](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sunset-over-the-Drake-Passage-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![The Elephant Gathering in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Elephant-Gathering-in-Minneriya-National-Park-Sri-Lanka-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![Undercover Penguin Teddy Cam in Antarctica](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Undercover-Penguin-Teddy-Cam-in-Antarctica-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
![View of the rice terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, in the Philippines](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/View-of-the-rice-terraces-in-Banaue-Ifugao-in-the-Philippines-Amar-Hussain-780x585.jpg)
![Views during a road trip in Namibia](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Views-during-a-road-trip-in-Namibia-Amar-Hussain-780x520.jpg)
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
Amar's Latest Articles
See More Articles![Promised Land State Park Guide — Beach, Hiking, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Promised-Land-State-Park-Guide.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Promised Land State Park Guide — Beach, Hiking, and More
Promised Land State Park offers a plethora of activities for visitors, including hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, 2 gorgeous beaches for swimming and sunbathing, a museum showcasing the area’s rich history, and various recreational facilities. With nearly…
![Assateague State Park Guide — Trails, Beach, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Assateague-State-Park-Guide.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Assateague State Park Guide — Trails, Beach, and More
Assateague State Park offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From scenic hiking trails and well-preserved historic homes to engaging interpretive programs, excellent fishing spots, and leisurely beachcombing, there’s something for everyone. How To Get…
![The 10 Best Museums in Minneapolis, Minnesota [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Best-Museums-in-Minneapolis.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The 10 Best Museums in Minneapolis, Minnesota [2024]
Minneapolis is often associated with its neighbor, Saint Paul. However, this “Twin City” has plenty to offer all on its own. For example, it has some of the best museum exhibits in Minnesota. Whether you’re a history lover or just…
![Ecola State Park Guide — Beach, Hiking, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ecola-State-Park-Guide.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Ecola State Park Guide — Beach, Hiking, and More
Ecola State Park offers something for every visitor, whether you want to spend a day on the beach or learn about the fascinating history of this area. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, sightseeing opportunities, surfing, beachgoing, tide pool explorations,…
![Myrtle Beach State Park Guide — Fishing, Hiking, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Myrtle-Beach-State-Park-Guide-1.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Myrtle Beach State Park Guide — Fishing, Hiking, and More
Myrtle Beach State Park is a haven for nature lovers, where you can explore the diverse ecosystem of the South Carolina coast, spot a variety of wildlife, and soak up the stunning scenery. Whether you want to hike the trails,…
![The 10 Best Museums in Charlotte, North Carolina [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Best-Museums-in-Charlotte.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The 10 Best Museums in Charlotte, North Carolina [2024]
Charlotte, North Carolina, isn’t just one of the state’s biggest metropolitan areas. It’s also a center of art, culture, and education. So, it’s no surprise that the city is home to a number of museums in this part of the…
![Pedernales Falls State Park Guide — Hiking, Paddling, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pedernales-Falls-State-Park-Guide.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Pedernales Falls State Park Guide — Hiking, Paddling, and More
Pedernales Falls State Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Pedernales River cascading over massive slabs of limestone, creating picturesque waterfalls and pools. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking along the scenic…
![Beavers Bend State Park Guide — Depot, Lake, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beavers-Bend-State-Park-Guide.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Beavers Bend State Park Guide — Depot, Lake, and More
Located in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains in Oklahoma, Beavers Bend State Park offers a wide range of activities that appeal to everyone’s interests. From adventurous hikes to scenic drives, ziplining to fishing, and camping under the starry sky,…
![The 10 Best Museums in Tampa, Florida [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Best-Museums-in-Tampa-Florida.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The 10 Best Museums in Tampa, Florida [2024]
When most people think of Tampa, Florida, they see beaches, sunshine, and vibrant culture as some of the first things that come to mind. However, this part of the Sunshine State also has some excellent museums worth visiting. From beloved…
![Chino Hills State Park Guide — Trails, Wildlife, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Chino-Hills-State-Park-Guide.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Chino Hills State Park Guide — Trails, Wildlife, and More
Chino Hills State Park is a beautiful natural open space consisting of grasslands, woodlands, and sage scrub. The park offers numerous attractions, such as a top-notch discovery center, fantastic opportunities to watch wildlife, hiking trails, and stunning wildflowers. With so…
![Henderson Beach State Park Guide — Fishing, Hiking, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Henderson-Beach-State-Park-Guide.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Henderson Beach State Park Guide — Fishing, Hiking, and More
Henderson Beach State Park in Florida boasts stunning 30-foot white sand dunes and sparkling emerald-colored warm gulf waters. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful beach, a gentle nature trail that showcases the last remaining coast scrub in the Destin area, an…
![The 15 Best Museums in Savannah, Georgia [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Best-Museums-in-Savannah-Georgia.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The 15 Best Museums in Savannah, Georgia [2024]
Savannah, Georgia, has made a name for itself as one of the most artsy and eclectic cities in the South. While this reputation can be applied to the area’s culture in general, it’s particularly evident when it comes to the…
![Red Rock Canyon State Park Guide — Hiking, Camping, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Red-Rock-Canyon-State-Park-Guide.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Red Rock Canyon State Park Guide — Hiking, Camping, and More
Red Rock Canyon State Park boasts stunning flora and fauna, an intriguing natural and cultural history, and geologic formations that will leave you mesmerized. Although this park may not receive as many visitors as some of its neighboring attractions, it’s…
![Sandy Point State Park Guide — Beach, Mansion, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sandy-Point-State-Park-Guide.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Sandy Point State Park Guide — Beach, Mansion, and More
Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking, boating, or discovering historic sites, Sandy Point State Park has it all. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, it’s no surprise that the park draws in approximately 1.5 million visitors each…
![The 16 Best Museums in San Antonio, Texas [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Best-Museums-in-San-Antonio.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The 16 Best Museums in San Antonio, Texas [2024]
There are a lot of reasons to visit San Antonio, Texas. Its vibrant culture and unique history have made it a beloved travel spot for people around the world. Recently, this corner of Texas has also begun to gain fame…
![Tyler State Park Guide — Hiking, Wildlife, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tyler-State-Park-Guide.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Tyler State Park Guide — Hiking, Wildlife, and More
Tyler State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the natural beauty of Texas. It features a 64-acre lake, the Pineywoods forest, and several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the…
![Deception Pass State Park Guide — Trails, Camping, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Deception-Pass-State-Park-Guide.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Deception Pass State Park Guide — Trails, Camping, and More
Deception Pass State Park offers outdoor adventures such as boating, hiking, fishing, and camping in a stunning setting. More than 3 million annual visitors explore this park and discover all it offers. This state park is a must-visit destination for…
![The 15 Best Museums in Connecticut [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Best-Museums-in-Connecticut.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The 15 Best Museums in Connecticut [2024]
Connecticut is home to Yale University and some of the most influential figures in American history, so it’s not surprising that the state also has its fair share of renowned museums. Whether you’re a fan of nature, a history buff,…
![Petit Jean State Park Guide — Museum, Tours, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Petit-Jean-State-Park-Guide.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Petit Jean State Park Guide — Museum, Tours, and More
Petit Jean State Park has a fascinating history, ancient geology, and stunning landscapes. It is home to the Petit Jean Mountain, the legendary peak that inspired the park’s creation as the first in the Arkansas State Park system. Each year,…
![Calaveras Big Trees State Park Guide — Hiking, Wildlife, and More](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Calaveras-Big-Trees-State-Park-Guide.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Calaveras Big Trees State Park Guide — Hiking, Wildlife, and More
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a breathtaking natural wonderland famous for its colossal sequoias, rich history, and ancient volcanic formations. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including wildlife observation, hiking, and camping. Each year, the park attracts over…
![The 10 Best Museums in Baltimore, Maryland [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Best-Museums-in-Baltimore-Maryland.png?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The 10 Best Museums in Baltimore, Maryland [2024]
Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the most historic cities in the U.S., so it’s not surprising that the city has its fair share of museums. However, history isn’t the only topic covered by the its galleries. Whether you’re a sports…
Find out about other members of the team
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.
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.
Brett Holzhauer
Content Contributor
Brett is a personal finance and travel junkie. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, he’s had over 100 credit cards and earned millions of credit card rewards. He learned the tricks of the trade from his mom, and has taken many steps forward. He wasn’t exposed to much travel as a kid, but now has a goal of reaching 100 countries in his life. In 2019, he sold all of his possessions to become a digital nomad, and he says it was one of the best decisions he ever made. He plans to do it again at some point in his life.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dan Miller
Content Contributor
Realizing that it wasn’t all first class flights and 5-star hotels, Dan started the Points With a Crew blog in 2014, with the aim of helping families (especially large families) to use miles, points and credit card rewards to take that trip that they might have thought they couldn’t afford. He has spent over 10 years covering developments in the travel rewards credit card space. His expertise extends to all things personal finance, including student loans, budgeting and real estate, and his work has been featured in sites all over the Internet, including NerdWallet, Forbes, Business Insider, Rocket Mortgage, CreditCards.com, Bankrate, Turbotax, Credit Karma and Intuit Mint.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kathryn Schroeder
Compliance Associate
From credit cards to high-yield savings accounts, debt management and avoidance, CDs, and insurance, Kathryn has or does edit it all, and more. Just don’t expect her to always be at home while working. All she needs is four things — her computer, phone, passport, and wallet — and she can get her work done from anywhere. She does pack clothes, of course, but they’re easily replaceable if anything goes amiss (and she has baggage insurance with two of her credit cards).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stephen Au
Former 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.
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.
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.
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.
Nick Ellis
Senior 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.
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.
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.
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.
Juan Ruiz
Senior Editor & Content Contributor
Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel. He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade. His work has been featured in various prestigious publications, such as USA Today, CNN Underscored, Forbes and The Points Guy. Juan is the visionary behind JetBetter, a premier award booking concierge service.
Ryan Smith
Senior Editor & 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.