#23 In this episode, I introduce a new segmented format for Rewarding Routes that allows me to cover updates, news, listener questions, and a main topic all in one episode. I share a quick update on the Bilt Palladium denial and why I still accepted a $0 annual fee Bilt Blue card. From there, I run through major Japan and credit card news, answer a listener question about how I plan trips, and then dive into the main topic: why business credit cards are one of the most powerful tools for earning more points.

• New episode format: Updates, News, Listener Q, Main Topic
• Accepted Bilt Blue $0 AF
• Pokémon expanding at Universal Studios Japan
• PokéPark KANTO opens Feb 5, 2026
• Chase Sapphire early access to FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets (Feb 10)
• Japan cherry blossom forecast
• Tourism hits 42.7M visitors
• Trip planning
• Why business cards work for beginners
• Approved for Amex Blue Business Plus

American Express Blue Business Plus® Credit Card (Targeted Offer Page)
https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/campaigns/small-business/credit-cards/blue-business-plus/explore-now/

Amex Blue Business Plus: 75K Points, No Lifetime Language (Targeted)
https://frequentmiler.com/amex-blue-business-plus-offer-75k-points-no-lifetime-language-targeted/

🇯🇵 Japan & Travel News
Universal Studios Japan Announces Major New Pokémon Experience
https://tdrexplorer.com/universal-studios-japan-announces-major-new-pokemon-experience/

We Visited PokéPark Kanto: Japan’s Real-Life Pokémon Park
https://www.ign.com/articles/we-visited-pokepark-kanto-japans-real-life-pokemon-park

PokéPark KANTO Guide & Tickets
https://matcha-jp.com/en/25445

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Forecast
https://tokyocheapo.com/living/tokyo-cherry-blossom-forecast/

💳Points, Miles & Credit Card Strategy
Chase Sapphire & the 2026 FIFA World Cup
https://www.pointsbyj.com/post/chase-sapphire-fifa-world-cup-2026

How to Apply for a Business Credit Card as a Sole Proprietor
https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-apply-for-a-business-credit-card-as-a-sole-proprietorship/

Amex 1-Bonus-Per-Lifetime Rule
https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/american-express-bonus-lifetime-restrictions/

Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad/

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#22 How much do you really need to save for a trip to Japan?

This is one of the most common questions I see from people planning their first trip and the honest answer is that there’s no single number that fits everyone. Every Japan trip looks different depending on your travel style, priorities, and what you value most.

In this episode, I break down the real world costs of traveling in Japan by walking through the major spending categories you’ll encounter, from everyday expenses once you land to experiences, transportation, food, and the smaller costs people often forget to plan for. The goal isn’t to give you a strict budget, but to provide a clear baseline framework so you can confidently decide how much you should save for your trip.

We also talk about why Japan can feel surprisingly affordable, how points and miles can remove the biggest barriers to visiting more than once, and why you shouldn’t cut back on the things you already know will matter most to you. To bring it all together, I share a real example from a recent 17-day trip to South Korea and Japan to show how these numbers can play out in real life.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or a return trip, this episode is meant to help you plan smarter, set realistic expectations, and build a Japan itinerary that actually feels rewarding.

Episode Highlights

• Why there’s no “correct” amount to save for a Japan trip
• How to think about your budget based on what you value most
• Why now can be an affordable time to travel to Japan
• The biggest costs to consider first (and how points & miles help)
• Everyday expenses once you land, including phone service and luggage forwarding
• What food actually costs in Japan, from budget eats to special experiences
• Paid vs free activities and how to balance both
• How transportation works, including trains, IC cards, and the Shinkansen
• Why shopping is the hardest category to budget for
• Common unexpected expenses travelers forget to plan for
• Simple budget frameworks for different travel styles
• A real-world breakdown of a 17-day Japan & Korea trip

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#21 In this episode, I break down Bilt 2.0 what changed, why it matters, and why it’s causing so much confusion in the points and miles world right now.

I start by revisiting why the original Bilt card worked so well, especially for people just getting into points and miles, and why Bilt decided to completely rethink the system. On the surface, Bilt 2.0 looks like a big upgrade especially with mortgages now included but once you look closer, things get complicated fast.

What I Cover in This Episode

• Why the original Bilt card was such a game-changer
• What Bilt 2.0 is trying to solve and where it gets messy
• A high level look at the three new Bilt cards launching February 7th
• Which card caught my attention (and which ones didn’t)
• A personal update on a card I applied for and how that turned out

The Big Question

The biggest shift with Bilt 2.0 is how you earn points on rent and mortgage. There’s a new system involved, more than one way to earn, and even Bilt made changes shortly after the announcement. I walk through the logic behind it so you can understand what’s going on without needing to be deep in the weeds.

My Honest Take

I wrap things up with who Bilt 2.0 might actually make sense for, who should probably skip it, and why you don’t need to feel pressure to jump in just because everyone else is talking about it.

If you’ve been wondering whether Bilt is still worth it, or how Bilt 2.0 might (or might not) fit into your own points strategy, this episode will help you think it through without the hype.

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com