About Victoria M. Walker
Victoria M. Walker is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria M. Walker” newsletter.
Victoria has been featured as a travel expert on Business Insider, Travel Noire, Conde Nast Traveler, D.C.’s FOX6, NPR, MSNBC, Newsy, and FOX 5 in Washington, among others. She contributes to Upgraded Points, AFAR Magazine as Special Correspondent covering the U.S. South, and The New York Times Real Estate “Build” section. She was formerly the Senior Travel Reporter at The Points Guy.
Between 2017 and 2019, Victoria first served as an adjunct and then full-time multimedia journalism lecturer at her alma mater, Howard University. Victoria taught Multimedia Storytelling, Intro to Media Production, and Digital Media Literacy. She holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications.
You can follow Victoria on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Countries Visited
U.S. States Visited
World of Hyatt Globalist
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Star Alliance
Emirates first class (A380)
Etihad business class
Park Hyatt St. Kitts Upgrade from King Bed to Plunge Pool Suite: used $90k points and $75 per night, but would have cost $3,600+ in cash
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Victoria M.'s Latest Articles
See More Articles![Hilton Timeshare Offers: Las Vegas and Orlando](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hilton-Grand-Vacations-Elara-Las-Vegas-pool-seating.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Hilton Timeshare Offers: Las Vegas and Orlando
Hilton Grand Vacations, Hilton Hotels’ vacation ownership brand, is back with new promotions at several of its most popular destinations in the U.S. Let’s take a look at these deals! Timeshare Promotion With Discounted Stays Plus Points There are 2…
![JetBlue Boosts New England Service, Adds Several New Routes](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/JetBlue-at-Boston-Logan-2.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
JetBlue Boosts New England Service, Adds Several New Routes
JetBlue is boosting its presence across New England and the Northeast with several new exciting routes. Here’s what you need to know. JetBlue Expands New England Presence JetBlue will begin daily service from Manchester (MHT) in New Hampshire to Orlando…
![Avelo’s Big Expansion: New Florida Routes, First International Flights](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Avelo_Airlines_flight_Logo.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Avelo’s Big Expansion: New Florida Routes, First International Flights
It’s been a busy day for low-cost Avelo Airlines. The budget airline has announced a sweeping expansion of its operations at its Connecticut and Central Florida bases and has launched its first-ever international service. This is big news for the…
![New Alaska Lounge Debuts at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in Terminal 1](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Alaska_Airlines_Lounge.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
New Alaska Lounge Debuts at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in Terminal 1
Alaska Airlines has opened a brand-new lounge at San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) Harvey Milk Terminal 1. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in! Introducing the Brand New Alaska Lounge at SFO The new Alaska Lounge at…
![Courtyard Sapporo Opens in Japan [15k Points Per Night]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Courtyard-by-Marriott-Sapporo-Room.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Courtyard Sapporo Opens in Japan [15k Points Per Night]
Typically, the opening of a Courtyard Marriott wouldn’t turn many heads, but a new hotel in Japan aims to change that. It offers amenities you’d find at luxury hotels, and it’s a steal with Marriott Bonvoy points. Let’s take a…
![New Radisson RED Hotel Opens in Kraków](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Radisson-RED-Hotel-Krakow-Guest-Room.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
New Radisson RED Hotel Opens in Kraków
Radisson has opened a swanky new Radisson RED in the bustling city of Kraków — and it is a steal if paying cash. Let’s take a look at Radisson’s newest hotel in Poland. Radisson RED Debuts in Kraków Radisson RED…
![Park Hyatt Johannesburg Now Accepting Reservations [Category 5]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Park-Hyatt-Johannesburg-King.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Park Hyatt Johannesburg Now Accepting Reservations [Category 5]
We finally have an opening date for the much-awaited, much-delayed Park Hyatt Johannesburg in South Africa: October 15, 2024. After a 2-year delay, you can finally book this property. Here’s a sneak peek of Hyatt’s first ultra-luxe property in South…
![Air India Will Fly Airbus A350 to Newark and New York](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Air-India-A350_New-Aircraft-Livery_1.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Air India Will Fly Airbus A350 to Newark and New York
Some big news from Air India today: The airline announced that it will start flying its flagship Airbus A350 aircraft from New Delhi (DEL) to Newark (EWR) and New York (JFK). Here’s what you need to know. Brand-New Aircraft Coming…
![Aeromexico Launching Newark-Mexico City Flights This Fall](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Aeromexico-jet.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Aeromexico Launching Newark-Mexico City Flights This Fall
Aeromexico announced today that it would begin nonstop service between Mexico City (MEX) and Newark, starting in late October. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting new route. Aeromexico’s New East Coast Route The 1x daily route begins…
![Mandarin Oriental: Get $100 Back After Spending $500+ With Amex Offer](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mandarin-Oriental-Miami-1.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Mandarin Oriental: Get $100 Back After Spending $500+ With Amex Offer
Everyone loves Amex Offers, and now there’s one at Mandarin Oriental hotels that can save you some serious cash. Here’s what you need to know! Mandarin Oriental Amex Offer Details Amex Offers are deals that are linked to your American…
![Marriott Long Beach Downtown Opens on City’s Waterfront](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Marriott-Long-Beach-Downtown-Lobby.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Marriott Long Beach Downtown Opens on City’s Waterfront
A new luxury hotel has opened along the Long Beach waterfront, and it offers great deals with cash or points. The Marriott Long Beach Downtown is chock-full of amenities for business and leisure travelers, making it 1 of the best…
![Allegiant Launches 8 New Routes to Florida and Georgia](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Conrad-Fort-Lauderdale-Beach-View.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Allegiant Launches 8 New Routes to Florida and Georgia
Allegiant Air will introduce a handful of new routes to popular destinations in Florida and Georgia this fall and winter. The low-cost airline focuses primarily on small and medium-sized airports in leisure destinations. Here’s what you need to know about…
![Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Opens Property in Budapest](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kimpton-BEM-Budapest-Room.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Opens Property in Budapest
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has been on a roll lately with new hotels, and it has just announced a new property in Budapest, Hungary. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right into it! First Kimpton Hotel in Budapest…
![Ritz-Carlton Reserve Ramhan Island, Abu Dhabi Coming Later This Decade](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Rahman-Island-Abu-Dhabi.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Ritz-Carlton Reserve Ramhan Island, Abu Dhabi Coming Later This Decade
Some exciting news from Marriott: the chain has signed a deal for an all-new Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Abu Dhabi. Here’s what you need to know. Marriott Plans Ritz-Carlton Reserve for Abu Dhabi The Ritz-Carlton Reserve will have just 50…
![Boutique Kimpton Virgilio Opens in Mexico City [With 15% Off Promotion!]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kimpton-Virgilio-Rooftop.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Boutique Kimpton Virgilio Opens in Mexico City [With 15% Off Promotion!]
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has announced a new hotel opening in Mexico City. Here’s what you need to know about this new boutique hotel — and how to book it with points! New Boutique Hotel Opens in Mexico City’s Polanco Kimpton…
![Alaska Airlines Adds 18 New Routes to Winter Schedule](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AlaskaAirlines_SFO_T1_aircraft.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Alaska Airlines Adds 18 New Routes to Winter Schedule
Temperatures across the United States are reaching record highs this week, but one airline is already thinking about the winter travel season. Alaska Airlines is back with some big news. The airline will start 18 new nonstop routes to sunny and…
![New Protea Hotels by Marriott Open in South Africa and Angola](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Protea-by-Marriott-Luanda-1.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
New Protea Hotels by Marriott Open in South Africa and Angola
Marriott is expanding its Protea Hotels brand with 2 new hotels in Angola and South Africa. Let’s take a look at this exciting news from Marriott. Marriott’s Growth in Southern Africa Here’s a look at both properties: The 2 hotels…
![JW Marriott at Reston Station Coming in 2025 [Near IAD Airport]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/JWMarriottRestonStationExterior.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
JW Marriott at Reston Station Coming in 2025 [Near IAD Airport]
The ultra-luxe JW Marriott brand is coming to a city just outside Washington, D.C., next year. Here’s what you need to know. First JW Marriott Hotel in Virginia The JW Marriott at Reston Station will have 243 guest rooms and…
![Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center Opens in Tunisia](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Radisson-Hotel-Tunis-City-Center_Lobby.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center Opens in Tunisia
Radisson announced on July 8 that it had opened a new hotel in the heart of Tunis, Tunisia. Let’s take a look at this new property in the North African capital and how to book it. Radisson Continues To Grow…
![[Expired] Walmart+ Annual Membership 50% off Until July 18 [Just $49!]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/walmart-delivery-unlimited.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
[Expired] Walmart+ Annual Membership 50% off Until July 18 [Just $49!]
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. If you’ve been wondering whether to sign up for a Walmart+ membership, now may be the right time, especially since it is 50% off for a limited time! Here’s…
![InterContinental Crete Opens on Greece’s Largest Island](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/InterContinental-Crete-Guestroom.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
InterContinental Crete Opens on Greece’s Largest Island
IHG made waves today, announcing a stunning new resort in Greece — the InterContinental Crete. Let’s take a look at IHG’s newest InterContinental resort and learn how to book it with points! InterContinental Brand Comes to Crete As InterContinental Hotels…
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.
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.