'How to Win at Travel': TPG founder Brian Kelly's debut book is here
Every day, more than 100 TPG staffers worldwide write stories for our website, post content on ourInstagramand upload videos on ourYouTube channelto show you the best ways to maximize credit card rewards and frequent flyer miles.
TPG aims to help you spend smarter to travel better.
But there's one guy who started it all: TPG's founder Brian Kelly, who initially began sharing his tips on a blog that would eventually become The Points Guy as we know it today.
The original "points guy" has been busy traveling with points and miles and maximizing credit cards for decades. Not surprisingly, he's picked up a bunch of travel tips to share along the way — from leveraging airline miles and credit card points to finding cheap flights or planning your dream itinerary.
Now, he's compiled it all for travelers in one spot in his debut book, "How to Win at Travel," which lands in bookstores Feb. 4 (and is currently available to preorder).

The book includes practical advice on various topics, including how to find the cheapest flights, effectively leverage airline, hotel and credit card loyalty programs, conquer your fear of flying, beat jet lag, and score free flights and upgrades. Brian also covers the ins and outs of travel insurance, the art of dealing with travel mishaps, and the technology you need to manage modern travel. The content promises to help you save money and time.
Brian will embark on a multicity book tour to celebrate the launch, sharing his work with readers across the country.
The tour starts with his hometown of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 1. He'll then take the show on the road with the following confirmed stops:
- Feb. 3: Philadelphia
- Feb. 4: New York City
- Feb. 7: Coral Gables, Florida
- Feb. 11: Los Angeles (we'll be donating 100% of the proceeds from this event to the Los Angeles Fire Department)
There are likely more cities and dates to come, so keep your eyes on the tour website for your chance to meet Brian and get your book signed.
In the words of Brian himself: "Travel should be fun, enjoyable and memorable. You may think travel is horrible, but it's amazing when the system works for you. When I travel, I rarely wait in lines. I don't pay for food and drinks in airports. You can do the same — I'll show you how."
Grab those books now, and we'll see you on the road.
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