Award Travel – A Note From Maria

HELLO AND WELCOME TO MARIA POINTS THE WAY!

Award travel has always been a passion of mine, but a few years ago, something happened that made me realize it’s so much more than a hobby—it’s a way to change lives.

One of my Taiwanese-American clients had been earning miles for years but never used them. Then, she got the heartbreaking news: her father was dying back in Taiwan. She reached out to me in a panic, unsure if she could even make it in time. We worked quickly, reviewed her points, and within 48 hours, she was on her first-ever business class flight—using miles she already had—to be by his side.

That moment changed everything for me. I realized that points and miles aren’t just about upgrades and luxury travel. 

They’re about family.

They’re about time.

They’re about showing up when it matters most.

Hi! I’m Maria, your go-to miles and points writer, strategist, coach, and speaker. I’m calling culturally rich and vibrant San Francisco home.

About My Niche:

I specialize in award travel for families who dream of unforgettable, meaningful trips to Asia and The Pacific. I simplify the often confusing world of award travel, turning chaos into seamless, elevated journeys.

What and How I Serve:

• Admin for an award travel meetup group (San Francisco Bay Area)
• Moderator for a 120K-member English-speaking award travel Facebook community.
• Group expert and content writer for a 60,000-member Taiwanese-American award travel group.
• Start my own blog at Maria Points The Way since February 2024.
• Recognized as a family award travel expert, offering advice on Asia Pacific award planning and cultural insights, thanks to my upbringing in Hong Kong and across Asia.
• Extensive hands-on and teaching experience in Airlines redemption programs as follows:
  • Alaska Mileage
  • Avios (British Airways, Qatar, Finnair)
  • American Airlines
  • Japan Mileage Bank
  • Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • Flying Blue
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • United Airlines
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • Avianca LifeMiles
  • EVA Mileageland
  • Hawaiian Mileage
  • Miles and More (Lufthansa)
• Live Q&A Sessions with my subscribers regularly on Teams for walkthrough

Feel free to explore my online hub, Maria Points The Way, for everything cool – from tips on award travels and user-friendly points and miles tutorials to credit card suggestions and honest reviews of hotels and airlines. I also share family-oriented strategies and experiences – my unique expertise. As a native Hongkonger, my connection with the Asia Pacific offers you a broader perspective with exclusive insider insights on destinations, carriers, accommodation, and even cultures.

My mission? Helping families make their travel dreams purposeful using miles and points, credit card strategies. Drawing inspiration from my own award travel stories with my family of 4, I’m here to gently nudge you towards embracing experiences beyond your comfort zone, especially in Asia & Oceania. Let’s make those travel dreams a reality! ✈️🌍✨

WHERE TO START?

5 Insider Tools For Effortless Luxury Family Travel To Asia -Pacific

Planning premium family travel can feel overwhelming—finding Business & First Class award seats, booking five-star hotels, and navigating loyalty programs isn’t always straightforward.

But with the right tools, luxury travel to Asia Pacific becomes effortless and actionable. Inside this guide, you’ll discover 5 insider tools designed to help you elevate your family’s travel experiences in—without unnecessary complexity. (+ 1 BONUS tool and an exclusive checklist) to put these strategies into action immediately!