We turn points & miles
into unforgettable luxury travel.

Our Story

We’re Erika & Joe, a couple who believe that luxury travel shouldn’t require a luxury budget. We use points, miles, and strategic credit card spending to experience the world at the highest level — and we document exactly how we do it.

Our recent trips have taken us to the vineyards of Uruguay, the Gothic architecture of Barcelona, and the vibrant streets of Bogotá — all booked using points and miles. These journeys fuel everything we share on Roaming Cactus.

After years of testing offers, tracking redemptions, and refining strategies on real trips, we created this site to give you honest, data-backed guidance you can actually use in 2026.

How We Test & Verify Everything

Every recommendation comes from hands-on experience, not theory.

1. We use the products ourselves

   We apply for, activate, and spend on the cards and programs we review during real premium trips.

2. Real redemption tracking

   We log exact points earned, statement credits used, and redemption values in detailed spreadsheets.

3. Official source verification

   We cross-check issuer terms, program rules, and award charts directly from the source before publishing.

4. Regular updates

   Valuations, comparisons, and strategies are refreshed as offers and program rules change throughout 2026.

Meet Erika & Joe

Erika

Travel Hacker & Photographer

Erika has always been driven to travel. She has explored extensively through Central America, Europe, Asia, and North America, always seeking meaningful experiences and beautiful landscapes.

When she’s not on the road, you’ll find her on the ranch with our dog and cat, tending to the land and enjoying the slower pace that makes travel even more rewarding.

Joe

Data-Driven Redemption Strategist

Joe is obsessed with turning points and miles into the most luxurious travel possible. He specializes in squeezing maximum value from rewards programs so every trip — from lounge access to five-star hotels — feels extraordinary.

After years focused on smart economy travel, he now concentrates on premium experiences and shares the exact strategies that make them accessible.

Real Results from Real Trips

Everything we share is tested on our own journeys — including recent luxury travel to Uruguay, Barcelona, and Bogotá.

1.2M+

Points Redeemed

3

Continents on Points (2025–2026)

Dozens

Cards & Programs Tested

2026

Fresh Valuations & Strategies

What Sets Us Apart

We exist to make luxury travel more accessible and rewarding through transparent, tested strategies.

• Fresh 2026 credit card reviews with real-world testing and value math
• Roaming Cactus also runs RewardTracker.io, a private credit journal for the US travel cards you hold
• Detailed points & miles valuations based on actual redemptions (updated May 2026)
• Clear comparisons of airline alliances, lounge access, status matches, and sweet spots
• Honest “is it worth it?” analysis — see our full breakdown of the Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Real examples from cards like the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold