Nick's Travel Gallery
![Another bucket-list experience: flying Emirates First Class from New York to Dubai!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Emirates-First-Class-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Attempting to get a selfie with the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cristo-Redentor-Rio-de-Janeiro-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Inspecting the glass-bottom rooftop bridge atop a hotel in Madrid, Spain.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Madrid-Rooftop-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![Getting out into nature in the Uinta Mountains, near Salt Lake City, Utah.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Uinta-Mountains-Utah-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![Enjoying a rooftop beverage on The Bund in Shanghai, China, with the Pudong skyline in the background.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shanghai-on-the-Bund-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![All smiles Down Under with a view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sydney-Harbour-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Luxuriating in Qantas' First Class cabin on a flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Qantas-First-Class-Nick-Ellis-780x1081.jpg)
![Taking in Hong Kong's incredible skyline from Victoria Peak.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Victoria-Peak-Hong-Kong-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Türkiye.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Bosphorous-Istanbul-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![A family vacation in Maui, Hawaii. We booked this stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua with points, of course.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Family-at-The-Ritz-Carlton-Kapalua-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Exploring the islands near Phuket, Thailand.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Phuket-Thailand-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![I never thought in a million years that I'd be standing in front of the Taj Mahal, but it happened! Thank you, points and miles.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Taj-Mahal-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![Dinner with the family on Barefoot Beach in Aruba.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Barefoot-Beach-Aruba-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Mackinac Island, Michigan is one of the country's most unique destinations.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mackinac-Island-Michigan-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Seeing the sites in Buenos Aires with my cousin and go-to travel companion!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Casa-Rosada-Buenos-Aires-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![Flying Lufthansa First Class was a dream come true.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lufthansa-First-Class-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Fishing boats rest on the beach in Dakar, Senegal.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Fishing-Boats-Dakar-Senegal-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Hang gliding in Cape Town, South Africa. Don't know if I'll do that again, but I'm glad I experienced it.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hangliding-in-Cape-Town-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Enjoying a night out with friends in the Big Apple!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/With-Friends-in-NYC-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Hiking Machu Picchu with a childhood friend!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Machu-Picchu-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Mexico City is one of the world's most dynamic cities.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Palacio-de-Bellas-Artes-Mexico-City-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Hanging out at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Acropolis-Athens-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![I'm a huge tennis player and fan, so scoring a ticket to Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros in Paris was a dream come true.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Roland-Garros-in-Paris-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![I took my mom on a surprise trip to Paris for Mother's Day several years ago!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Eiffel-Tower-in-Paris-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![Italy's Amalfi Coast is full of incredible beach towns.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Amalfi-Coast-Italy-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![It wouldn't be fall if I didn't make a trip to The Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Go blue!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Big-House-Ann-Arbor-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![Experiencing the electric atmosphere in Arthur Ashe stadium in New York City with my brother.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Arthur-Ashe-Stadium-NYC-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![Celebrating a wedding in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India was an experience I'll not soon forget.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jaipur-Wedding-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
![Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gardens-by-the-Bay-Singapore-Nick-Ellis-780x585.jpg)
![The world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, is a sight to behold.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Burj-Khalifa-Dubai-Nick-Ellis-780x1040.jpg)
About Nick Ellis
Nick was born and raised in West Michigan and caught the travel bug after a last-minute decision to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina after his sophomore year at the University of Michigan. After that, he got into the points and miles game to help fund subsequent spring break trips to Europe.
Nick has now traveled to 35 countries, largely thanks to travel rewards. Some of his favorite places include Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Tokyo, Japan, and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Next on his travel bucket list is a trip to the Middle East where he’ll visit Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Nick now lives in Michigan and most recently worked for The Points Guy where he was a writer and editor for more than 5 years.
You can follow Nick’s adventures on Instagram.
Countries Visited
U.S. States Visited
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite
Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion
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Emirates A380
Qatar Qsuite
Using Marriott Bonvoy points to cover the cost of 3 rooms at the St. Regis Punta Mita over the New Year’s holiday when rates were close to $2,000 per night
American Express Membership Rewards
Nick's Latest Articles
See More Articles![Amex Gold Card Gets Major Refresh — New Statement Credits and Increased Annual Fee](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Amex-Gold-Upgraded-Points-LLC-03-Large.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Amex Gold Card Gets Major Refresh — New Statement Credits and Increased Annual Fee
Several years ago, Amex unveiled a new iteration of the American Express® Gold Card to much fanfare. The card launched with a heavy focus on rewarding cardmembers for foodies by awarding elevated Membership Rewards earnings on purchases made dining out and…
![Get a 25% Bonus When You Transfer Citi Points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Air-France-Business-Class-Airbus-A350-seat-9C.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Get a 25% Bonus When You Transfer Citi Points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Utilizing transfer bonuses is a great way to extract even more value from your hard-earned points and miles. Right now, Citi ThankYou Rewards is offering an attractive 25% transfer bonus when transferring points to Flying Blue, the highly regarded frequent…
![The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, in California [In-Depth Review]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ritz-Carlton-Bacara-Santa-Barbara-Oval-and-Main-Pools.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, in California [In-Depth Review]
I recently returned from a trip to Santa Barbara, California, where I visited with a group of people to attend a surprise engagement celebration. With the couple residing in Los Angeles and the majority of the guests coming in from…
![Here’s How You Can Get a Chase Ink Card, Even if You’re Over 5/24](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Ink-Cash-Ink-Business-Preferred-Ink-Unlimited-Table-Upgraded-Points-LLC.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Here’s How You Can Get a Chase Ink Card, Even if You’re Over 5/24
Chase’s 5/24 rule was implemented several years ago and has since become a well-known quantity within the points and miles world. It’s not an official policy formally published by the issuer, but data collected over the years indicates its existence….
![Score the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card’s 120,000-Point Welcome Bonus Offer](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Chase-Ink-Business-Preferred-Upgraded-Points-LLC-4-Large.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Score the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card’s 120,000-Point Welcome Bonus Offer
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card issued by Chase is one of our favorite business cards on the market, thanks largely to its high-powered earning structure, wide range of benefits, and last, but certainly not least, typically high welcome offers….
![Earn up to 3x Bonus Accor Live Limitless Points on Stays in Paris This Summer](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sofitel-Paris-Arc-de-Triomphe.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Earn up to 3x Bonus Accor Live Limitless Points on Stays in Paris This Summer
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’re aware that the Summer Olympics are coming up in Paris, France. To celebrate — and to sweeten the deal on what’s sure to be a pricey stay — ALL – Accor Live Limitless…
![Why You Should Book the JW Marriott Over The Ritz-Carlton at Orlando’s Grande Lakes](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JW-Marriott-Orlando-Grande-Lakes-Balcony-View-Ritz-Carlton.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Why You Should Book the JW Marriott Over The Ritz-Carlton at Orlando’s Grande Lakes
I recently returned from a quick trip to Orlando, Florida. While I was there, I stayed at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, one of the resorts within the sprawling Grande Lakes complex in suburban Orlando. I originally had my…
![One of the Best Deals Is Back: Buy American AAdvantage Miles With up to a 50% Discount](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/American-Airlines-777-Flagship-Business-Class-rear-facing-seat.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
One of the Best Deals Is Back: Buy American AAdvantage Miles With up to a 50% Discount
American Airlines is offering one of its best deals when buying miles. Until Sunday, June 30, you can get up to a 50% discount when you purchase AAdvantage miles. Plus, AAdvantage members have the ability to purchase up to 400,000…
![[Expired] Frontier Celebrating 30 Years With Free Carry-On Bags [Book Today]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Frontier-SLC.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] Frontier Celebrating 30 Years With Free Carry-On Bags [Book Today]
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is celebrating 30 years of operations with a slew of special promotions. The latest is offering free carry-on baggage on select flights for a limited…
![Frontier Airlines To Start Low-Cost Flights Between New York and Atlanta](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/New-York-Downtown-Skyline-With-Brooklyn.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Frontier Airlines To Start Low-Cost Flights Between New York and Atlanta
Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is in expansion mode. The airline has announced several new routes in the last few weeks and now has added another one: New York (JFK) to Atlanta (ATL). “We’re thrilled to announce this new service at…
![World of Hyatt Offering Double Elite Night and Bonus Points at Florida Hotels](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hyatt-Regency-Orlando-view-from-parking-garage.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
World of Hyatt Offering Double Elite Night and Bonus Points at Florida Hotels
World of Hyatt has recently launched an exciting promotion through which guests can now earn double elite night credits for their stays — and a bonus of 1,000 World of Hyatt points at participating properties in Florida by September 30,…
![Delta Adds New Routes and Increases Service for the Winter Travel Season](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Aruba-Sunset.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Delta Adds New Routes and Increases Service for the Winter Travel Season
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has added a few new routes — and will increase service on some existing ones — to popular international destinations in advance of the winter travel season. Let’s take a look at this exciting development from…
![[Expired] Earn Bonus Hilton Honors Points When You Book Select Delta Flights](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Waldorf-Astoria-Dubai-Palm-Jumeirah-View-of-Building-From-Pool.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] Earn Bonus Hilton Honors Points When You Book Select Delta Flights
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Hilton Honors and Delta Air Lines are offering a promotion through which Hilton Honors members can earn extra rewards for flying with Delta this summer. Here’s a look at…
![[Expired] Wyndham Selling 30 Nights of Stays for $499 With “Ultimate Hotel Pass”](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Wyndham-Grand-Phuket.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] Wyndham Selling 30 Nights of Stays for $499 With “Ultimate Hotel Pass”
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Wyndham Rewards is making a play to fuel your wanderlust this summer by offering the so-called “Ultimate Hotel Pass,” which will give a few lucky pass holders the ability…
![Marriott Expands in Oman With Opening of The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-St.-Regis-Al-Mouj-Muscat-Resort_Exterior.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Marriott Expands in Oman With Opening of The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort
The tiny Gulf nation of Oman has attracted much interest from travelers in recent years, and as a result of its newfound popularity, there has been a boom in lodging options across the country. Marriott, which already has several properties…
![JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes [In-Depth Hotel Review]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/JW-Marriott-Orlando-Grande-Lakes-Exterior-Zoomed-Out.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes [In-Depth Hotel Review]
During a recent trip to Florida, I found myself in Orlando for a few days. I wasn’t in town to visit Walt Disney World Resort — or any other theme park — so proximity to parks wasn’t a concern when…
![You Can Now Book AutoCamp Properties With Hilton Points — And It Can Be a Great Deal](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AutoCamp-Joshua-Tree.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
You Can Now Book AutoCamp Properties With Hilton Points — And It Can Be a Great Deal
At the start of this year, Hilton announced a first-of-its-kind relationship with AutoCamp. This outdoor-focused hospitality company aims to provide boutique lodging experiences among incredible natural landscapes. Now, the relationship has taken a huge step forward, as you can now…
![[Expired] Earn Delta MQDs on Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and Car Rentals [Book by June 24]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Delta-757-Takeoff.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] Earn Delta MQDs on Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and Car Rentals [Book by June 24]
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Earlier this year, Delta made sweeping changes to how travelers can earn Medallion status within its SkyMiles program. In the new normal, the only way to qualify for elite…
![Book a Hawaii Flight and Earn a Promotional Southwest Companion Pass [Register Now!]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Southwest-Boeing-737-cabin-with-passengers-boarding.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Book a Hawaii Flight and Earn a Promotional Southwest Companion Pass [Register Now!]
Southwest is out with another new promotion that allows Rapid Rewards members to earn the coveted Companion Pass for a limited time. Perhaps the best thing about this promotion is that it involves going to Hawaii — a big win…
![Finally: You Can Search for Southwest Tickets With Google Flights](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Southwest-Airlines-Boeing-737-empty-seats-in-cabin.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Finally: You Can Search for Southwest Tickets With Google Flights
We’ve got some great news for flyers everywhere: Southwest Airlines flights finally appear on Google Flights. Previously, Southwest’s fares were not visible within the flight search tool and could only be found directly on the airline’s website or, recently, via…
![Now Live: Alaska Visa Signature Cardholders Earn 3x Miles on Rent With Bilt](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Alaska-Airlines-Tail.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Now Live: Alaska Visa Signature Cardholders Earn 3x Miles on Rent With Bilt
Starting today, May 15, travelers with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card will be able to earn 3x points for every dollar spent on rent, up to $50,000 annually. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know…
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.
Amar Hussain
Senior Content Contributor
Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, 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.
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.