Ian Snyder Latest Posts

Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2025
Visited in 2025

Ian Snyder has had a passion for award travel ever since entering the miles and points world over a decade ago. He enjoys using them to see places both near and far, whether he’s traveling solo, with friends, or with his kids. Especially well versed in frequent flyer programs, Ian understands their intricacies and often is able to maximize his points using the best award deals.

Ian is closing in on 30 countries visited, which may seem like too few for someone who loves to travel as much as he does. But he also loves life in rural Northern California, and returning home from a trip is its own reward. More than anything, Ian wants to demonstrate that extraordinary travel is possible for the ordinary family. He loves helping his friends and family with their own award travel.

The Best Strategies for Earning United Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) by Flying

Achieving United Premier status requires you to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP), the primary qualification metric United uses. It more or less tracks how much you spend with the airline. However, there are some creative ways to earn Premier Qualifying Points through booking partner flights. It's often possible to out-earn the same itinerary using partner bookings. Let us show you how.

Marriott Annual Choice Benefits: Best Options and How to Select Your Perks Before the Upcoming Deadline

If you accrue 50 or 75 Marriott elite night credits in a calendar year, you'll be rewarded with a Marriott Annual Choice Benefit, one of the best perks of hitting these thresholds. Rather than an ongoing status benefit, you'll have a one-time selection from a list of options. The choices range from Nightly Upgrade Awards and Free Night Award to extra Elite Night Credits and even a $1,000 discount on a hotel brand mattress.

How Far in Advance Can You Book Airline Award Tickets? Our Full Guide With Data Points for 50 Airlines.

Finding award availability can be a challenge on its own, but knowing how far in advance award space becomes available and which miles can book at what time can make things even more confusing. We address all that here, including strategies to maximize the likelihood of snagging the seat you want. We provide the booking window for all major carriers' loyalty programs as a great reference.