Rewarding Routes

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Rewarding Routes

John Diaz

12 episodes

2 days ago

#11 Big life changes are happening behind the scenes and this one’s the most rewarding one yet. In this episode, I’m sharing a major personal update that’s going to shape the future of Rewarding Routes. From moving into our new home to preparing for our first child, it’s been an exciting (and honestly, emotional) season of change. I wanted to take you behind the mic and talk about what’s been going on, how I’ve been managing everything, and what’s next for the podcast and for me personally. B...

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Episodes (12/12)

Rewarding Routes

The Most Rewarding Route Yet: Becoming a Dad

2 days ago

13 minutes

Rewarding Routes

Stress-Free Travel Starts Here: My Favorite Credit Card Perks for Travelers

#10 Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to actually look forward to airport travel days instead of dreading them? From breezing past long security lines to relaxing in airport lounges with free food and Wi-Fi, these credit card perks make flying smoother, calmer, and surprisingly enjoyable. In this episode, I share the travel perks I use from my favorite credit cards to make every airport day stress-free. From TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to lounge access and no foreign transactio...

1 week ago

24 minutes

Rewarding Routes

25 Reasons I Keep Going Back to Japan

#9 Japan isn’t just a destination for me it’s a feeling. In this episode, I’m sharing the 25 reasons why I keep going back to Japan, and why it continues to feel like the one place in the world that truly clicks for me. From the respectful culture and quiet public spaces to the small details that make everyday life feel intentional Japan just does things differently. I’ll talk about my biggest personal goal visiting all 47 prefectures and why I want to experience each one slowly, learning wha...

2 weeks ago

44 minutes

Rewarding Routes

The Smart Way to Spend: Turning Daily Spend Into Travel Rewards

Ever see a big credit card bonus and think, “There’s no way I could spend that much in three months”? You’re not alone. When I first started learning about points and miles, I felt the same way. But the truth is, most of us already spend enough each month we just need to use that spending more strategically. In this episode, I break down ten simple and realistic ways to hit your credit card’s minimum spend without overspending or going into debt. These are everyday expenses like groceries, su...

3 weeks ago

20 minutes

Rewarding Routes

Flights to Japan Using Points: My Complete Guide to Airlines and Tools

https://stan.store/rewardingroutes #7 Flying to Japan with points and miles can feel like navigating a maze but once you figure it out, it’s like unlocking a secret travel advantage that lets you go back again and again without overspending. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I book flights to Japan using points the same approach that’s allowed me to make Japan travel a yearly tradition. Before diving into all the redemptions and routes, I start with how I personally plan each t...

1 month ago

59 minutes

Rewarding Routes

Planning a Japan Trip? The Complete Beginner’s Guide

#6 We kick off at the gateway: Tokyo’s airports. Narita (NRT) is farther but often cheaper with easy rides into the city via Skyliner, N’EX, or comfy airport buses you can book on Klook (taxis from NRT = $$$). Haneda (HND) is my fave closer, with the Edo Marketplace (Terminal 3) for last-minute eats and souvenirs before security. Beyond Tokyo, keep Kansai (Osaka), Itami, Chubu (Nagoya), and Fukuoka on your radar domestic hops or the Shinkansen make multi-city routes effortless. Essentials tha...

1 month ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Rewarding Routes

How I Took an $15,880 Trip to Japan & South Korea for $221 (and 559K Points)

#5 $15,880 Trip for $221: How Points Made It Happen Ever dream of visiting Japan (and neighbors) without draining your wallet? In this episode, I break down how we turned $15,880.20 of flights and hotels into a trip that cost just $221.62 out of pocket step by step. You’ll hear the big picture strategy behind our Orlando → San Francisco → Seoul → Busan → Tokyo route: why we used positioning flights, how airline alliances & partners unlocked seats (think Virgin → Korean)(Alaska → JAL) and ...

1 month ago

33 minutes

Rewarding Routes

Points & Miles Mistakes (So You Don’t Have to Make Them)

#4 Mistakes happen. And when it comes to points and miles, they can cost you more than you realize whether it’s wasted rewards, missed opportunities, or setbacks that slow down your travel goals. The good news is that most of these mistakes are preventable once you know what to look out for. In this episode of Rewarding Routes, we explore the most common mistakes people make in the world of points and miles and how you can avoid them. From the basics of managing your cards responsibly to the ...

1 month ago

30 minutes

Rewarding Routes

The Route That Started It All: How I Began Traveling on Points

#1: Welcome to the first episode of Rewarding Routes! I’m John, and my mission is to make traveling to Japan possible year after year without breaking the bank by using credit card points and miles to turn everyday spending into flights and hotels. In this episode, I share how my love of travel began. Back in 2016, my wife (then girlfriend) and I packed our bags for a one way trip to Manchester. That adventure took us across Europe, Asia, and a year living in Australia. It completely changed ...

1 month ago

20 minutes

Rewarding Routes

Points & Miles Made Simple: Your First Step Toward Japan Travel

#2 I share the exact 9-step roadmap that transformed how I travel and made my dream of exploring Japan a reality. When I first started, I was completely overwhelmed too many cards, too many programs, and way too much confusing jargon. I remember sitting at my computer late at night thinking, “Where do I even start?” If you’ve ever felt the same, this episode is designed for you. Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode: 1. Understanding the Basics: How points and miles work, why credit car...

1 month ago

30 minutes

Rewarding Routes

Will Credit Cards Ruin Your Credit Score or Unlock More Travel?

#3 When you’re diving into the world of points and miles, one of the first questions that comes up is: “If I start opening multiple credit cards, won’t my credit score drop?” It’s a fear that stops a lot of people from even getting started. And I get it your credit score is a big deal. It influences whether banks approve you for new cards, the rates you get on loans, and even how much trust lenders place in you. The idea of putting all that at risk just to chase points sounds scary… until you...

1 month ago

20 minutes

Rewarding Routes

Rewarding Routes Trailer

2 months ago