Through her travel coaching business, Stephanie Antin helps travelers turn overlooked points and miles into meaningful, often nearly free experiences by pairing expert strategy with hands‑on booking support. By introducing a dedicated planning fee, she reframes travel planning as a high‑value investment—guiding clients to stop hoarding rewards, define clear goals, and use life moments like weddings or family milestones to unlock accessible, even luxury, travel that’s driven by strategy rather than wealth.
Stephanie, thanks for sharing what you’ve been working on. Can you tell us about your travel coaching business and what led you to introduce a dedicated travel planning fee?
My travel coaching business helps people maximize their points/miles for almost free travel. The planning fee covers the deep dive research and strategy session. Since I am a points and miles expert and a certified travel advisor, I can really help people maximize value for their travel. We can also utilize life events to get free travel. I love working with engaged couples who can use those wedding purchases to fund a free honeymoon!
Many people have points and miles but don’t know how to use them effectively—what are the most common mistakes you see travelers make with their rewards?
The most common mistake is not having a clear redemption goal. People often hoard points waiting for the ‘perfect’ time. But points do not get more valuable over time! And if you have a clear strategy then you can squeeze the value out of your points.
How does your planning process work when someone comes to you wanting to turn their existing points into free or deeply discounted trips?
My process involves an intake form, a strategy session to define goals and review current points and miles, then building the itinerary using their existing points first, and recommending cards for future earning.
What makes combining travel coaching with hands-on booking support such a valuable option for your clients?
Combining coaching and booking support means they learn the strategy AND get the trip booked. It covers both the ‘how-to’ and the execution.
Looking ahead, how do you hope this new offering will change the way people think about travel planning and using rewards to make travel more accessible?
I hope this offering shows people that family travel, solo travel and luxury travel are accessible with good strategy, not just for the wealthy.
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