
Point Me To First Class
Devon Gimbel MD

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Top 10 Point Me To First Class Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Point Me To First Class episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Point Me To First Class for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Point Me To First Class episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

109. How to Pack Smart for Travel Without Sacrificing Style with Cassandra Sethi
Point Me To First Class
03/31/25 • 35 min
Have you ever stood in front of your suitcase, overwhelmed, unsure what to pack—or panic-ordered outfits days before a trip that you’ll never wear again? You’re not alone. In fact, this episode might be exactly what your suitcase (and closet) needs.
In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Sethi, personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe, who shares her system for making packing simple, efficient, and actually fun. We talk about how to get more outfits with fewer pieces, avoid the most common packing mistakes, and how to feel stylish and comfortable—whether you're heading to Paris or just to the airport.
If travel packing always feels like a puzzle you can’t solve, this episode will help you finally crack it.
Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/stylist-travel-packing-guide/
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90. Points Play: The Ultimate ‘Would You Rather’ Game
Point Me To First Class
11/18/24 • 84 min
Get ready for an entertaining and informative discussion as Kevin Zanes, Dr. Sujatha Murali, Kelly from The Points and Miles Doc, and Dr. Andrea Mabry tackle hypothetical questions that will make you think about how you value and use your points and miles. None of the guests were given any warning about what they might get asked, so expect plenty of on-the-spot analysis and friendly debate.
Tune in for a fun game of “Would You Rather” that just might change the way you approach points and miles. Whether you're a seasoned award traveler or just getting started, you'll gain valuable insights from hearing these experts share their thought process on maximizing travel rewards and deciding on some pretty tricky choices.
Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/would-you-rather-game
Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

73. The Secret to Booking Your Dream Safari: Budget, Locations, and Luxury (If You Want It) with Dr. Niki Topp
Point Me To First Class
07/22/24 • 57 min
Dr. Niki Topp is a board-certified OB/GYN who is now retired from clinical practice. After moving to South Africa 8 years ago, her career focus switched toward philanthropy and opening her own small business. She is also the founder and director of a non-profit called Ithemba Ngemfundo, which focuses on improving early education in the townships of South Africa.
Through her travel business Wandering Leopard, Dr. Topp plans group trips to South Africa, specifically for female physicians, which is why I have her on the show. Discover Niki's tips for booking your dream safari vacation, learn about your different options, and decide what works best for you.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/dream-safari-budget-locations-luxury-dr-niki-topp
Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

115. Rhythms, Routines, and REM: Expert Tips to Manage Jet Lag & Sleep Disruption While Crossing Time Zones
Point Me To First Class
05/12/25 • 43 min
No matter how dreamy your destination is, there’s one thing that can make or break your trip: sleep.
In this episode, I’m joined by sleep therapists Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle, co-founders of Sleep-Works, a Canadian-based virtual sleep education company helping individuals and families improve their sleep health. With certifications in CBT for insomnia, clinical sleep health, and years of experience in both nursing and respiratory therapy, Leah and Marlee bring a holistic and practical approach to sleep support that goes far beyond just tips and tools.
We talk about how travel disrupts sleep, what actually causes jet lag, and why light exposure, sleep environment, and the way you use (or misuse) melatonin can all have a big impact on how you feel before, during, and after a trip.
Whether you're a frequent flyer, a parent navigating time zone shifts with kids, or just trying to avoid that foggy, post-vacation exhaustion, this conversation is packed with practical strategies from professionals who know the science—and the real life struggle—of sleep and travel.
Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/sleep-while-traveling-jet-lag-tips/
Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy
82. Best Airlines, Gear & Destinations for Globetrotting with Young Kids from Kristin Addis
Point Me To First Class
09/23/24 • 38 min
In this episode, I'm joined by Kristin Addis, creator of Be My Travel Muse, one of the world’s most-read travel blogs, and Parenthood Adventures. Kristin has visited 65 countries and collected 16 passport stamps for her toddler son. She shares her wealth of knowledge on solo female travel, which she has been doing since 2012, and more recently, her expertise in travelling the world with her young family by using credit card points.
Learn Kristin’s tips on everything from the best airlines and accommodations for traveling with kids using points, to essential products and toys for smoother journeys. Luxury trips with an infant will look different to traveling with your young children, but what Kristin has to share will help you create beautiful experiences that you and your kids will benefit from forever.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/globetrotting-young-kids-kristin-addis
Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

74. Unlocking Sweet Spot Awards: Scoring Amazing Flight Deals with Allison Tackette
Point Me To First Class
07/29/24 • 70 min
One of the most rewarding ways to get the most value from your points is booking sweet spot awards. These awards represent unique opportunities to book incredible flights at points prices that are a steal, but in order to take advantage of these sweet spots, you have to know what you're looking for. That's where award travel expert Allison Tackette comes in. She has been booking points and miles sweet spots for over 10 years and now helps others book their own dream trips.
Hear all about the most enticing award sweet spots and the best ways to fly to Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and more using a fraction of the typical points required. Whether you're a points beginner or already have award travel experience, you'll leave this episode equipped with the knowledge and strategies to start finding your own sweet spot award flights. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/unlocking-sweet-spot-awards-allison-tackette Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy
86. ANA’s Around the World Ticket: The Best-Kept Secret in Points and Miles with Devan Sullivan of The Pointsisters
Point Me To First Class
10/21/24 • 65 min
Devan Sullivan is the younger of the two Pointsisters. They help their clients check off their travel bucket lists, flying in style and comfort to far-flung destinations like Australia, South Africa, Japan and more. Devan herself has taken two Around the World ANA trips in 2024 alone, including a seven-week delayed honeymoon and a four-week adventure, ending with a Taylor Swift concert.
In this episode, Devan breaks down everything you need to know to book your own ANA Around the World ticket. She explains the complex routing rules, how to find award space, the best ways to get the most value, and common pitfalls to avoid. Even if you're a points and miles veteran, I guarantee you'll learn something new from Devan's deep knowledge of this unique award. And if you're new to points and miles, this episode will open your eyes to what's possible.
Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/ana-around-the-world-ticket-devan-sullivan
Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

72. Horses, Zebras, and Unicorns: Business Class Award Flight Edition (Part 2)
Point Me To First Class
07/15/24 • 39 min
Is it possible to book four or more business class award tickets on the same flight? You might think it's outright impossible to get a deal like this, but in my experience, you have more options than you think. When you know what you're looking for and you have a strategy for getting it, you increase your chances of finding what you want. That's exactly what we're covering in part two of this series.
Discover the specific business class award flights that are considered zebras and unicorns. I dive into the specific challenges you'll face when trying to get your hands on a zebra or a unicorn, and you'll learn what your award-booking game plans need to include if you don’t want to come away from your awards search empty-handed.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/horses-zebras-unicorns-business-class-award-flight-edition-part-2
Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

71. Horses, Zebras, and Unicorns: Business Class Award Flight Edition (Part 1)
Point Me To First Class
07/08/24 • 30 min
In the world of points travel, you're probably familiar with the concept of a unicorn award. These are flights so rare they might as well be magical, mythical creatures because your chances of seeing one are slim to non-existent. Award flights, especially long-haul business class award flights, are not all created equal in terms of how easy they are to find and book. Premium cabin award flights are like horses, zebras, and unicorns. Some are common, easy to find, and easy to book. Others are unicorns that are rarely seen and impossible to predict but beautiful and magical nonetheless.
When people try to redeem their points for the first time, they have expectations that leave them feeling discouraged when they can't find the flights they want. Sometimes you want a unicorn, but you're better off trying to find a horse or even a zebra. So by the end of this two-part podcast series, you'll be able to identify which award flights are horses, which are zebras, which are unicorns, and which you can get your hands on.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/horses-zebras-unicorns-business-class-award-flight-edition-part-1
Join the waitlist for Points Made Easy here: https://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

78. Score Bonus Points and Waived Fees: The Art of the Credit Card Retention Call with Dr. Suzy Spadafora
Point Me To First Class
08/26/24 • 37 min
Dr. Suzy Spadafora is back on the show this week. She’s a points and miles pro who has opened over 30 rewards credit cards since 2016, and her P2 has opened 25. She keeps detailed notes on the retention offers she scores each year when annual fees hit. By employing a few simple strategies, Dr. Suzy often convinces banks to incentivize her to keep her cards open with statement credits, bonus points, or waived annual fees.
Tune in today to hear Dr. Suzy's insider secrets for maximizing credit card retention offers. She shares the exact script she uses when calling credit card providers, the most common mistakes to avoid, and how to decide if an offer is worth taking. With her tips, you'll be racking up extra points and perks on your lesser-used rewards cards in no time.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/credit-card-retention-call-dr-suzy-spadafora
Get the Travel Freely app here: https://my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=dcw
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FAQ
How many episodes does Point Me To First Class have?
Point Me To First Class currently has 127 episodes available.
What topics does Point Me To First Class cover?
The podcast is about Finances, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, How To, Podcasts, Education, Personal, Business, Travel and Tips.
What is the most popular episode on Point Me To First Class?
The episode title '109. How to Pack Smart for Travel Without Sacrificing Style with Cassandra Sethi' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Point Me To First Class?
The average episode length on Point Me To First Class is 40 minutes.
How often are episodes of Point Me To First Class released?
Episodes of Point Me To First Class are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Point Me To First Class?
The first episode of Point Me To First Class was released on Mar 13, 2023.
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