This year has been a whirlwind of a year for the Weekly Flyers and Points, Miles & Martinis. In this post we’ll share a recap of our year and the top 10 posts in terms of views.

First of all, 2012 marks the year we got back into our groove with sharing tips, tricks and travel stories here at Points, Miles and Martinis. We started this small blog back in 2009 and 2012 was a great year in terms of readership. Our Points, Miles & Martinis blogging crew has grown with the addition of Alex as a co-blogger. He brings a different twist to award travel and people just like reading his travel stories. In addition, we are happy to share that this year is the year we finally broke the 100,000 views a month milestone. That is an accomplishment for us from such small beginnings and we are humbled you continue to read and benefit from our travel nuggets here at Points, Miles & Martinis. Thank you.

In terms of travel, we had several international trips and many domestic trips, and we earned tons of miles and points along the way. We acquired several new credit cards that helped us book to travel we could have only dreamed about a few years ago.

In terms of hotel loyalty program status, we are elite baby. After hitting Hyatt Diamond status for this year, next year and winning Diamond status for the following (through 2015), I moved on to Starwood Platinum status. I earned 4 upgrade certificates with Hyatt and 10 with SPG. Then I moved on to earn Platinum status through Marriott’s Platinum challenge.

In terms of Airline loyalty, I started the year with a challenge with American Airlines to their Executive Platinum status. But I quickly realized I couldn’t hang in there for the challenge and moved back to Delta where I hit Platinum status with MQMs to spare. I’ll easily roll over 30k+ MQMs.

Next year, I’ll be well on my way to earning Delta Gold status and will already have qualified for Hyatt’s Diamond status through February 2015. What a good start to 2013 and it isn’t even here yet!

Top 10 Posts From Points, Miles & Martinis

10. Hyatt Diamond Status After Only 12 Stays

The Hyatt status challenge and status match is a great way to quickly enjoy the perks of elite status.

9. Why I’m Sticking With My Marriott Gold Status

In this post I detail the reasons why I like to keep Marriott Gold status at a minimum

8. Fast Track To Hilton Diamond Status

In this post I detail the simple steps to ask for and get top tier Hilton status quickly to start enjoying the benefits of Hilton Diamond status.

7. Marriott Platinum Status After Only 9 Stays

How to get Marriott Platinum status instantly and keep it after only 9 stays.

6. Free International Texting With iPhone App

In this post I share some observations on texting internationally and a few applications you can use. Check out the comment section for what others are using to text internationally for free.

5. American Airlines Upgrade Policy – How Even A Gold Can Get One

During my brief jaunt with American Airlines Exp Platinum challenge, I detail how a lowly Gold Elite member can get an upgrade.

4. Instant Hilton Gold Status And Two Free Weekend Nights

If you don’t have the ability to hit the Hilton Diamond status challenge, this option is a great way to get Hilton Gold status and earn perks like free breakfast, upgrades and two free weekend nights.

3. Earn Delta Status Without Flying

Earning status with Delta is key because you can be awarded complimentary upgrades on both domestic and select international flights. Check out a few ways to earn additional elite qualifying MQMs in this post.

2. Amazing Offer: 100k Platinum American Express Offer (Targeted)

I detail the first Amazing 100,000 bonus point offer from the Platinum American Express credit card. Later in the year I received multiple 100k targeted offers for the Business Platinum credit card from American Express.

1. Free International Phone Calls With iPhone App

In the most viewed post of the year I detail my go to iPhone application to dial to North America from anywhere in the world as long as I have a wifi connection. This application has been a life safer in terms of staying connected on international trips.

Bottom Line

The year of 2012 has been very very good to us here at Points, Miles & Martinis. We appreciate all of our readers support and encouragement. Thanks for reading our small blog in this big world.

With an expanded blogging crew (Alex), elite status virtually across the board, and more miles and points that you can shake a stick at, 2013 is shaping up to be an ever better year.

How was your year in terms of earning points, miles and travel? Did you get to take that once in a lifetime trip? Did you reach the status you thought you would?

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