About Ryan Smith
Ryan grew up in Ohio but has lived in half a dozen states and multiple continents before recently returning to the U.S. and settling in southern California. After someone at his hostel in China said “I flew here for free using points,” Ryan was hooked. He is on a mission to visit every country in the world and will visit his final country in 2023.
Ryan has been around points and miles for several years and has published content at Miles to Memories, AwardWallet, CNBC Select, USA Today Blueprint, Tripadvisor, The Points Guy, and Forbes Advisor. He also holds Brazilian citizenship and speaks fluent Portuguese.
His wife joins him on many of his trips, and they enjoy snowboarding, scuba diving, seeing animals in the wild, and hunting for vegan tiramisu. When not traveling, Ryan is probably answering questions from his family about how he travels so much and whether this points & miles stuff is illegal.
You can follow Ryan on Twitter.
Countries Visited: 190
U.S. States Visited: 50
Highest Hotel Status: Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, World of Hyatt Globalist
Highest Airline Status: None
Favorite Business Class: Qatar Qsuite
Favorite Type of Points: American Express Membership Rewards
Top 3 Cards in Wallet: The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, and whatever new card has minimum spending requirements to meet.
Countries Visited
U.S. States Visited
Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, World of Hyatt Globalist
None
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Never flown first class — but that will change in July.
Qatar Qsuite
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American Express Membership Rewards
The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, and whatever new card has minimum spending requirements to meet.
Ryan's Latest Articles
See More ArticlesPlaza Premium Lounge at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome [Review]
With its quality food, numerous seating options, and ample space, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is a great place tofor a respite for travelers. Its location could be ideal or inconvenient, depending on your…
Air Canada Boeing 787-900 Economy Class Review [FRA to YUL]
Airline: Air CanadaAircraft: Boeing 787-900Flight #: AC 845Route: Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)Date: August 17, 2023Duration: 7hr 55minCabin and Layout: Air Canada economy with 247 seats, 3-3-3 configurationSeat: 19G (aisle seat)Cost: 40,100 Aeroplan points…
ITA Airways Airbus A330-900neo Premium Economy Class Review [GRU to FCO]
Airline: ITA AirwaysAircraft: Airbus A330-900neoFlight #: AZ679Route: São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) to Rome (FCO)Date: August 10, 2023Duration: 11hr 45minCabin and Layout: ITA Airways premium economy; 24 seats in a 2-3-2 configurationSeat: 21LCost: $624 + $247 upgrade bid A month ago, I’d…
American Express Centurion Lounge at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport [Review]
When I lived in Brazil, I regularly passed through the American Express Centurion Lounge at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). It wasn’t always a Centurion Lounge — previously, it was an American Express International Lounge accessible with a Priority Pass…
VIP Lounge at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia [Review]
The VIP Lounge at Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of other lounges. It’s small, and I was tempted to say, “It’s not worth going out of your…
American Express Lounge at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá [Review]
I’ve been to huge lounges, and I’ve been to small lounges. And now I’ve been to a lounge that likely holds a world record for the smallest lounge. The American Express Lounge at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG) caught…
Avianca Lounge Bogotá (International) at El Dorado International Airport in Colombia [Review]
Depending on your lounge membership, what’s in your wallet, and what elite status you hold with airlines, there is a smorgasbord of lounges you might be able to visit at the El Dorado Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento International Airport in…
Nationwide Travel Insurance Review — Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking at travel insurance policies, you may feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless number of options. Some of the names of insurance providers will sound familiar; others you’ve likely never heard of. If you’re wondering about the first…
Los Tajibos, Tribute Portfolio in Santa Cruz, Bolivia [In-Depth Hotel Review]
If you visited a beachfront resort in Hawaii or southern Florida in the ’90s, you’ve stayed at this hotel. The key difference is that this hotel is 1,300 feet above sea level, is nowhere near an ocean (or a beach!),…
Avianca VIP Lounge at El Salvador International Airport [Review]
During a recent trip to Bolivia, I connected through El Salvador International Airport in San Salvador (SAL) on Avianca. I don’t hold elite status with Avianca or Star Alliance, but this lounge is part of the Plaza Premium Lounge network….
Avianca Airbus A320 Economy Class Review [LAX to SAL]
Airline: AviancaAircraft: Airbus A320Flight #: AV529Route: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to El Salvador International Airport (SAL)Date: August 8, 2023Duration: 5 hoursCabin and Layout: Economy cabin with 3-3 configurationSeat: 31A (window seat)Typical LifeMiles Cost: 10,500 LifeMiles + $33.20 in taxes…
Air France Boeing 777-200 Premium Economy Class Review [CDG to JFK]
Airline: Air FranceAircraft: Boeing 777-200Flight #: AF 8Route: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)Date: July 20, 2023Duration: 8hr 42minCabin and Layout: Air France premium economy with 24 seats, 2-4-2 configurationSeat: 11L then 10L…
Hyatt Regency Casablanca in Morocco [In-Depth Hotel Review]
This is one of my favorite hotels in Africa, and possibly in the entire world. It’s not the newest property and could use some renovations in a few areas. However, the hotel shines in service and little extras — like…
What It’s Like Staying at a Radisson Serviced Apartment
If you’re like me, you saw that headline and thought, “What is a Radisson Serviced Apartment?” I had the same reaction when searching for hotels on a recent trip to Madagascar. While unfamiliar with the brand, I wound up here…
Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737 MAX 8 Business Class Review [LHR to CMN]
Airline: Royal Air MarocAircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8Flight #: AT801Route: London (LHR) to Casablanca (CMN)Date: July 8, 2023Duration: 3hr 5minsCabin and Layout: Business class; 12 seats in a 2-2 configurationSeat: 2ACost: 57,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles + $783.20 (available from…
British Airways Airbus A350-1000 Club Suite Review [LAS to LHR]
Airline: British AirwaysAircraft: Airbus A350-1000Flight #: BA274Route: Las Vegas (LAS) to London (LHR) with an onward Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca (CMN) on the same reservationDate: July 7, 2023Duration: 9hr 21minsCabin and Layout: British Airways Club Suite (business class);…
Plaza Premium Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport [Review]
I’ve long labeled the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) in Ethiopia as “the airport most in need of a Priority Pass lounge.” As one of Africa’s busiest airports and the hub of its most far-reaching airline, Ethiopian Airlines, I’ve…
Fuji Speedway Hotel – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt [In-depth Review]
Imagine booking a hotel purely based on its location and attempting to maximize your credit card benefits, then having your mind blown during your stay. That was our experience when my wife and I recently spent 2 nights at the…
Is Flying First Class Worth It? Why I Was Not Impressed With ANA The Suite
My wife and I recently flew international first class for the first time. And it wasn’t just any first class. It was a true unicorn in the points and miles space: We used Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to snag…
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel in Japan [In-Depth Review]
My wife and I recently spent 1 night at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan. On top of an incredibly convenient location and modest perks for Marriott Bonvoy elites, the hotel is a good option for using your…
Hyatt Place Kyoto in Japan [In-depth Hotel Review]
You may see the title of this review and think “Hyatt Place? Yawn.” Let me tell you that this is no ordinary Hyatt Place. Instead, the Hyatt Place Kyoto has suites, multiple room types (across 239 total rooms and 6…
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.
He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.
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.
It wasn’t until Brian relocated to Dallas, TX, and moved in with an American Airlines employee that he truly discovered how incredible travel could be.
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.
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.
As a frequent traveler, frequent flyer miles have played a large role in planning her trips. Caroline has enjoyed discovering the ins and outs of how to maximize different types of miles, hotel points, and transferable points currencies.
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.
His earliest memory of visiting a flight deck was aged 8 and it was from then on that he was determined to become an airline pilot.
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.
Based in Abu Dhabi, the London City University graduate is regularly seen on Instagram, travelling over 100K miles each year in First and Business Class while holding down a regular job.
Chris Hassan
Social Media & Marketing 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.
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.
David is currently Senior Aviation Business Reporter and a photographer at The Points Guy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Katie Seemann
Senior Content Contributor
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 and Forbes Advisor.
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.
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.
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
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.
Coupled with his passion for photography, Lukas is constantly seeking out new places to visit, and ways to get that elusive ‘perfect shot’ whilst on his adventures and as a result is ranked in the top 2% of global travelers by App in the Air.
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.
Michael first caught wind of the points and miles game in 2014 while at a bar in Washington, DC where the conversation amongst friends was quickly derailed because of an alert on a friend’s phone about a mistake fare. That’s where the love affair with points and miles began.
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.
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.
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.
Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!
Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.
Stella Shon
Compliance Editor & Content Contributor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chris Dong
Editor
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, Washington Post, and Lonely Planet, among others
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 “Travel With Vikkie” newsletter.
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.