Stella's Travel Gallery
![Hiking the famous Devil’s Bridge in Sedona — a must for dare devils.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Nick-in-Sedona-780x585.jpeg)
![Stella used points and miles to fly to the U.K. to see Taylor Swift in concert.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-friend-at-Taylor-Swift-concert-780x1040.jpeg)
![JetBlue Mint secured for the airline’s inaugural service to London-Gatwick in 2021.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-JetBlue-Mint-to-London-780x1040.jpeg)
![Exploring London’s must-see attractions.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-front-of-Big-Ben-780x1040.jpeg)
![Stella redeemed regional upgrade certificates to get Delta One from Atlanta to Phoenix.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Nick-in-Delta-One-780x1040.jpeg)
![Coworkers turned into friends! Chris Dong and I have traveled to many places together.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Chris-in-Nice-780x520.jpg)
![A day trip to Monaco can help you cross another country off your bucket list.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-Monaco-780x520.jpg)
![Old San Juan is one of my favorite cities to wander about, and my friends and I chose to vacation here for spring break.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-with-friends-in-San-Juan-780x725.jpg)
![Chipotle on a private jet? Yes, please!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella_s-First-Private-Jet-Experience-780x780.jpg)
![I stayed at the Westin Costa Navarino Resort in Greece, and I enjoyed a glass of assyrtiko every night!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-Greece-780x585.jpg)
![My friends and I at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico for the weekend!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-with-coworkers-in-Cancun-780x585.jpg)
![Stella with former coworker on private jet](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-with-former-coworker-on-private-jet-780x488.jpg)
![I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise in Europe last summer and was pleasantly impressed by the experience.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-with-friends-on-Virgin-Voyages-780x520.jpg)
![I climbed up to the top of the Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseille, France, during my study abroad trip.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-Marseille-780x585.jpg)
![Newport Beach in the summer.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-at-Newport-Beach-780x566.jpeg)
![The Summit One Vanderbilt is easily one of the best tourist attractions in NYC.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Nick-in-NYC-780x1041.jpg)
![Hiking in Aconcagua National Park in Argentina after copious amounts of malbec and steak.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-hiking-in-Argentina-780x1040.jpeg)
![San Francisco is one of my favorite foodie cities to visit!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-San-Francisco-780x537.jpeg)
![Vacationed in Menorca, Spain in 2022 and enjoyed this catamaran boat tour.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-Menorca-Spain-780x1040.jpeg)
![Flew on ANA's new business class product from New York (JFK) to Tokyo (HND) — with points, of course!](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-ANA-Business-Class-780x585.jpeg)
![Chasing waterfalls in Iceland.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-Iceland-780x585.jpeg)
![My friends and I enjoying the sunset from Albuquerque, New Mexico.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-in-Albuquerque-with-friends-780x1040.jpeg)
![Exploring London.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-at-Tower-Bridge-London-780x585.jpeg)
![Stella on Private Jet](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-on-Private-Jet-780x1040.jpeg)
![My mom and I stayed at the Fairmont Lake Louise, and hotel guests enjoyed a discount for kayaking.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Mom-and-Lake-Louise-780x683.jpeg)
![My friend and I checking out a private jet in Islip, New York.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Friend-on-Private-Jet-780x585.jpeg)
![Last year's annual mother-daughter trip in Banff National Park.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Mom-in-Jasper-National-Park-780x585.jpeg)
![My boyfriend and I at the Yankees at Red Sox game at the iconic Fenway Park.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-and-Nick-at-Fenway-Park-780x1040.jpeg)
![Hiking the Tunnel Mountain Summit, a short loop from downtown Banff.](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Stella-Hiking-in-Banff-780x585.jpeg)
About Stella Shon
Stella was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she lived for nearly two decades. Stella attended college just a stone’s throw away from her childhood home, graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) with a bachelor’s degree in media and journalism. She also studied abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris, which then fueled her desire to continue seeing the world using travel rewards.
Stella now calls New York City home. With three airports practically in her backyard and plenty of airfare deals to be found, Stella easily flies 100,000+ miles every year.
She has been a points and miles enthusiast for more than six years, and her work has been featured in media outlets like CNBC, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, ValuePenguin, The Points Guy, LendingTree, Slickdeals, MoneyUnder30 and USA Today. Most recently, Stella was a corporate communications analyst at JetBlue.
Stella carries a dozen credit cards in her wallet but always reevaluates her points and miles strategy. Some of her favorite trips—all paid for with her credit card rewards—include a five-day trip trekking through Morocco, a week campervanning in Iceland with her mom and a 48-hour jaunt to Antigua, Guatemala.
Recent redemptions included: ANA first class from Chicago to Tokyo for 60,000 points, Delta One from New York-JFK to Honolulu for just $300 (thanks to a regional upgrade certificate) and some R&R in the Dominican Republic.
Countries Visited
U.S. States Visited
Hilton Honors Diamond, World of Hyatt Globalist
American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Pro, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion, JetBlue Mosaic
Oneworld
All Nippon Airways (ANA) – 777-330ER
Singapore Airlines
Award mistake fares exist—a one-way lie-flat business class seat EWR-CDG-CMN for 12.5k EVA Airways miles on TAP Air Portugal.
Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards
Stella's Latest Articles
See More Articles![Select Flyers Can Now Buy Southwest Elite Status — But Is It Worth It?](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Southwest-MCO-to-IAH-plane-entry.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Select Flyers Can Now Buy Southwest Elite Status — But Is It Worth It?
Southwest is selling its elite qualifying points to targeted travelers, which could potentially help you earn A-List status with the airline. However, this promotion is only available through August 22, 2024. In this post, we’ll dive into the details you…
![You Can Now Earn and Redeem World of Hyatt Points for Glamping Resorts at National Parks](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Under-Canvas-Grand-Canyon.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
You Can Now Earn and Redeem World of Hyatt Points for Glamping Resorts at National Parks
World of Hyatt members can now book resorts in some of the most desirable national park destinations, thanks to the hotel chain’s newest partnership. More than a dozen resorts from Under Canvas, an upscale camping experience provider, have now joined…
![New Gold Standard: How To Get the Stylish New Amex White Gold Card](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Amex-White-Gold-Card-Restaurant-Upgraded-Points-LLC.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
New Gold Standard: How To Get the Stylish New Amex White Gold Card
Whether you’re a credit card hobbyist or just like the look of luxury, the American Express Gold® Card is now available in a new White Gold shade. However, according to the issuer, the White Gold card art is only available…
![How I Booked a Family Trip to Italy and France for 4 Using Points and Miles](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/United-Polaris-Business-Class-Seat-on-Boeing-787-9-Dreamliner.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
How I Booked a Family Trip to Italy and France for 4 Using Points and Miles
I managed to earn over 300,000 points in 6 months and planned a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for my family. It was a daunting task, especially as I had only ever booked award flights and hotels for up to 2 people at…
![Wells Fargo’s 2 New Travel Cards Earn Expedia OneKeyCash Rewards [Applications Now Live!]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/One-Key-Card-.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Wells Fargo’s 2 New Travel Cards Earn Expedia OneKeyCash Rewards [Applications Now Live!]
Wells Fargo has just announced an exciting lineup of credit cards with Expedia Group and its One Key Rewards program. With the new One Key™ Card and One Key+™ Card, members can supercharge their rewards even further on 3 core…
![Amex Offer: Earn 30k Bonus Points on ITA Airways [Targeted]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ITA-Airways-at-Los-Angeles-LAX-.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Amex Offer: Earn 30k Bonus Points on ITA Airways [Targeted]
Today is a great day to have an American Express credit card in your wallet. If you’ve been targeted for Amex’s latest offer, you could earn a whopping 30,000 Membership Rewards by booking a trip to Italy with ITA Airways…
![How To Earn 100k+ Wells Fargo Rewards Points [In 90 Days]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Wells-Fargo.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
How To Earn 100k+ Wells Fargo Rewards Points [In 90 Days]
Wells Fargo introduced transfer partners to its rewards program in early 2024. This addition was a big deal because travelers can maximize their points to get more than 2 to 10 cents per value on their next award flight or…
![How Much Are Wells Fargo Rewards Points Worth? [26 FAQs]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Wells-Fargo-bank-exterior.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
How Much Are Wells Fargo Rewards Points Worth? [26 FAQs]
If you’re interested in redeeming credit card points for travel, Wells Fargo Rewards is certainly worth a closer look. While Wells Fargo has long offered benefits such as 0% APR or simple cash rewards, the issuer has recently leveled up…
![[Expired] [Award Alert] Wide-Open Business Class Availability to Paris From 50K Miles](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Air-France-Business-Class-Airbus-A350-sest-2A.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] [Award Alert] Wide-Open Business Class Availability to Paris From 50K Miles
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. You can now bring the whole crew to Paris because we just found tons of business class award space from a ton of U.S. airports. Here’s your chance to…
![Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Worth Up to 50% More for Apple Purchases [Targeted]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Apple-iPhone-15-Pro-camera-lenses.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Worth Up to 50% More for Apple Purchases [Targeted]
For a limited time, you’ll be able to cash in your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for an increased value on Apple purchases. Depending on which card you have and which offer you are targeted for, your points could be worth…
![11 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Wells Fargo Rewards Points [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Virgin-Voyages-Gunbae.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
11 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Wells Fargo Rewards Points [2024]
Although Wells Fargo Rewards has been around for quite some time, airline and hotel transfer partners were just recently introduced to the program. Along with this game-changing update, Wells Fargo debuted its first travel rewards credit card: the Wells Fargo…
![New Amex Offer: Spend $500, Save $100 at Select Wyndham Hotels](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-New-Yorker-A-Wyndham-Hotel.webp?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
New Amex Offer: Spend $500, Save $100 at Select Wyndham Hotels
This summer, American Express is offering a wide range of travel discounts through its Amex Offers program. And now, there’s a fantastic deal to save $100 when booking participating Wyndham hotels worldwide. Here are the details of this Amex Offer…
![[Expired] [Award Alert] Wide-Open Business Class Availability to Chile From 50K Miles](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LATAM-Business-Class-767.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] [Award Alert] Wide-Open Business Class Availability to Chile From 50K Miles
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. If flying to Chile in business class is on your to-do list, check out these flights our team has found. South American giant LATAM operates a few nonstop routes…
![[Expired] [Award Alert] Wide-Open Availability on Flights to the Caribbean This Winter From 4.5K Miles](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Punta-Cana-Playa-Blanca.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] [Award Alert] Wide-Open Availability on Flights to the Caribbean This Winter From 4.5K Miles
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. It may be the heat of the summer, but now’s the time you should start planning those trips that are 6 to 8 months out. And where else would…
![How I Redeemed JetBlue Move to Mint Certificates To Upgrade Flights to London](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JetBlue-Mint-Studio.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
How I Redeemed JetBlue Move to Mint Certificates To Upgrade Flights to London
It isn’t easy to score an upgrade to JetBlue Mint, and that’s largely by design. Likewise, the airline has made redeeming your points and miles for the premium class difficult, restricting partner award availability altogether. JetBlue remedied the first issue…
![Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card: How To Use the $50 Airline Credit [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/American-Eagle-at-Miami.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card: How To Use the $50 Airline Credit [2024]
Getting meaningful benefits from your credit card doesn’t always require forking over a costly annual fee, and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a clear example of that. With a annual fee (rates & fees), this travel credit card provides…
![Here’s What It Costs To Redeem American Miles for Inflight Wi-Fi](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/American-Airlines-Phoenix.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Here’s What It Costs To Redeem American Miles for Inflight Wi-Fi
One sector where domestic airlines compete for onboard amenities is in-flight Wi-Fi. For instance, Delta and JetBlue offer free internet, while Southwest and United limit the cost to a relatively affordable rate. On the contrary, American Airlines has one of…
![Google Ads to No Longer Allow Debit or Credit Card Payments [Starts July 31st]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Google-Ads-Computer.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Google Ads to No Longer Allow Debit or Credit Card Payments [Starts July 31st]
Google Ads has made a negative change that will soon impact business owners who earn points, miles, and cash back with credit cards. Starting July 31, 2024, debit or credit card payments will no longer be allowed for Google Ads…
![[Expired] Last Call: 75,000-Point Welcome Offers on Both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve Cards](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Chase-Sapphire-Preferred-and-Chase-Sapphire-Reserve-on-table-Upgraded-Points.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] Last Call: 75,000-Point Welcome Offers on Both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve Cards
The offer information mentioned below has expired. Chase recently brought back higher welcome offers on its most popular travel credit cards, but now those offers are set to end tomorrow, June 13, at 9 a.m. EST. It‘s been well over…
![Delta Devalues Starbucks Partnership by Changing Mileage Earnings](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Starbucks-drink-in-front-of-Delta-plane-e1695673129924.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Delta Devalues Starbucks Partnership by Changing Mileage Earnings
Sipping your next Starbucks drink may be a little less rewarding for Delta flyers. The loyalty partnership, which launched in 2022, allows Delta SkyMiles members to link their Starbucks Rewards accounts to earn miles. The math was simple: earn 1…
![The Complete Guide to Using the Wells Fargo Rewards Portal [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Italy-Airport.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
The Complete Guide to Using the Wells Fargo Rewards Portal [2024]
You can redeem Wells Fargo Rewards points in a variety of ways — and now you can transfer points to select airline and hotel partners. If you’re interested in booking travel, take a closer look at the Wells Fargo Rewards…
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.
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.
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.