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Biography

Ryan grew up in Ohio but has lived in half a dozen states and multiple continents before recently returning to the U.S. and settling in southern California. After someone at his hostel in China said “I flew here for free using points,” Ryan was hooked. In December of 2023, he completed his goal of visiting every country in the world and now plans to revisit some of his favorites. Ryan has been around points and miles for several years and has published content at AwardWallet, CNBC Select, Forbes Advisor, Miles to Memories, Point.me, The Points Guy, Tripadvisor, and USA Today Blueprint. He also holds Brazilian citizenship and speaks fluent Portuguese. His wife joins him on many of his trips, and they enjoy snowboarding, scuba diving, seeing animals in the wild, and hunting for vegan tiramisu. When not traveling, Ryan is probably answering questions from his family about how he travels so much and whether this points & miles stuff is illegal.

Content

Total articles 1679

• Available on paid plans

  12 Best Credit Cards for Mobile Wallet Payments [Earn Rewards!]

  By Ryan Smith Verified

  Apr. 18, 2025

• Available on paid plans

  Save $250 on Flights With This New Amex Offer

  By Ryan Smith Verified

  Apr. 17, 2025

• Available on paid plans

  12 Best Credit Cards for Mobile Wallet Payments [Earn Rewards!]

  By Ryan Smith Verified

  Apr. 18, 2025

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Upgraded Points

Upgraded Points provides insider strategies that help travelers to maximize their points, miles, rewards and travel experiences.