Welcome to the very first issue of CFO Travels.
I'm a finance exec at a multi-billion-dollar company. Most days, I'm knee-deep in forecasts, PowerBI reports, and approving business initiatives. But I also use that same skillset to fund trips I never thought I'd take: first-class long-hauls and 5-star stays that cost me next to nothing out of pocket.
This newsletter is built exactly 50/50:
Personal stories & goals from my own travel (the real wins, the near-misses, and what's next on my list).
Actionable hacks for high-earning execs like us - leveraging corporate cards, high monthly spend, and points without the usual traps.
No generic travel spam. Just insider plays from someone living the corporate grind and the premium escape.
Quick Personal Update: My Latest Win
Last month, I booked the St Regis in San Francisco for 1 night for my family through Chase Travel Portal for only 27,000 points. Since it was an Edit property (Chase’s top tier options) at check-in we were upgraded to (I sh*t you not) the nicest hotel room I’ve ever seen:
what we booked with 27,000 points
versus…
what we got for 27,000 points
The kicker? This was all earned from our monthly personal expenses on our Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Nothing fancy here. Oh, and when you book these hotels through Chase that are Edit properties, you get free breakfast and a $100 food/drink credit.
What's next for me: I just booked some ridiculously cheap standard economy flights ($750 each) to Italy for my wife and I (no kids on this one) - I’m on the hunt for a 5-star experience in Rome for 2 nights funded by points only.
3 High-Leverage Hacks for Busy Execs Right Now (January 2026)
With rate cap headlines swirling (Trump's 10% proposal is still in limbo - no enforcement details yet, banks pushing back hard) focus here:
Stack Business Card Perks for Luxury Upgrades The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business is still a beast - current welcome offer is 200,000 points after $30,000 spend in 6 months (expires Jan 22). Pair it with the personal Sapphire Reserve for double credits ($300 travel + potential hotel perks). Sweet spot: Transfer to partners like Air Canada Aeroplan or Virgin Atlantic for premium cabins at 50-70k points one-way to Europe. Why execs win: High-limit approvals from corporate spend history, plus statement credits offset the $795 fee fast.
Current Transfer Bonus Alert Capital One Miles → Avianca LifeMiles: 15% bonus through Feb 11, 2026. Great for Star Alliance awards (e.g., United business to Europe). If you're sitting on Capital One points from business spend, move now—could stretch your balance 15% further. (Check your portals; these vanish quick.)
Expense Loophole for Hotel Credits On premium cards like Amex Business Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve variants, watch for hotel credit double-dips. Some 2026 updates allow stacking with prepaid stays at IHG, Omni, or Virgin properties. Example: Book a $400/night IHG via the portal, grab the credit, and redeem points on top for near-free nights. Perfect for leisure add-ons after client trips.
What's Coming Next
Every Saturday: One personal reflection + a few targeted tips/alerts. Occasional bonus drops on big bonuses or policy shifts (like if the rate cap actually lands).
Reply to this email: What's your top travel goal for 2026? (Status chase? Dream destination? Free upgrade obsession?) I read every one - helps me keep this relevant.
Thanks for being here from Day 1. Let's turn more expenses into escapes.
Safe (and smart) travels.