Oh, Hi There, I'm Ohad! 👋🏻

Quick Introduction: TL;DR

Name: Ohad Sternberg 👨🏻‍🦲
Stats: Software Manager 👨🏻‍💻 turned ⏩ International Developer 🇺🇳 turned ⏩ Award Travel Consultant 🚀
Home: Jersey City, NJ 🗽
Years on the Planet: 42 🎂
# of Miles traveled around the Planet: +5,000,000 🛫
# of Countries visited on the planet: 70 🗺️
Lived In: 🇮🇱 + 🇺🇸 + 🇲🇩 + 🇨🇷 + 🇻🇺 + 🇹🇭 + 🇯🇵 + 🇦🇺
Languages Spoken: English, Hebrew, Romanian, and some Russian & Bislama (+/-) 🗣️
Specializing in: Star Alliance, OneWorld, SkyTeam and the 3ME Carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar)

Longer Introduction: Who Am I?

I’m the kind of person who, when faced with a fork in the road, always turns left… especially if it means snagging a seat in business class instead of economy. You could say I’m allergic to cramped seats and in-flight meals that resemble mystery meat (seriously, what is that stuff?).

You might know me as a former software manager from Linkedin, but these days, I’m more of an award travel wizard. With my wand (a.k.a. points & miles) and a sprinkle of creativity, I help people unlock the magic of affordable travel. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in a hidden Parisian café or soaking in a sunset on a secluded beach in Bali, I’ve got the hacks to get you there without emptying your wallet. Trust me—I've been there.

But let’s rewind a bit. My journey to becoming an award travel expert wasn’t exactly straightforward. In fact, it was more like one of those winding mountain roads in the Swiss Alps—beautiful, thrilling, and occasionally terrifying (and yes, I’ve driven one of those roads, but that’s a story for later).

The Early Days: Where It All Began

Once upon a time, in a world where dial-up internet was considered cutting-edge technology, a young version of me discovered a deep, unrelenting love for adventure. I'm the son of a flight attendant who made sure I would skip school as much as I could to join him in seeing the world. You can imagine, I wasn’t one of those kids who wanted to be an astronaut or a rock star. Nope. I wanted to be a globe-trotting explorer, map in one hand and a passport in the other. I had dreams of discovering hidden temples, sipping exotic beverages, and befriending local wildlife (though, to be fair, I wasn’t entirely sure what “wildlife” meant at the time—I just assumed it involved cuddly animals).

Fast forward a few years, and my wanderlust had only grown stronger. After earning a few degrees (you know, the usual AA, BA, MA, and Executive Education in Liberal Arts, Economics, Management, and Product Development), I found myself working in software management. But as much as I loved solving complex fraud-prevention software problems, my heart is in bringing value to people by hacking travel. There was a whole world out there, and I was stuck in meetings discussing bugs and sprints.

The turning point came during a particularly grueling project where I realized two things: (1) I needed a change, and (2) I needed more miles. That’s right, miles. While some people had epiphanies about life’s meaning, mine was about points and miles—how I could earn them, redeem them, and, most importantly, travel on someone else’s dime. That was the moment when my obsession with award travel was truly born.

The Pivot: From Software to International Development

At some point, I realized that staring at lines of code all day wasn’t cutting it.
Sure, I could optimize a program like nobody’s business, but was that going to quench my thirst for adventure? Hardly. So, I did what any rational, globe-trotting dreamer would do: I quit my software job in 2010, joined the Peace Corps and started my international development career. Yes, you read that right. I traded in my ergonomic desk chair for a rickety bus seat somewhere in rural Eastern Europe (Hi Moldova!), and let me tell you, the ride was bumpier than a rollercoaster built in the ’80s.

International development was a whole new world—quite literally. I found myself working on projects that were a far cry from my previous life in software. I learned how to manage teams in chaotic environments, how to negotiate with locals over the price of bananas or Taro, and how to communicate when neither party spoke the same language (spoiler alert: a smile and thumbs-up work wonders). Working for the Prime Minister Office of a previously known Cannibal country (Hi Vanuatu!) was defiantly a highlight of my 30's. Remind me to tell you the story I had with a woman who ate someone in one of my future stories.

But here’s the thing—this detour into development wasn’t just about changing scenery or shaking things up. It was about realizing that the world is a big, beautiful place filled with people who have stories, dreams, and aspirations that can change your perspective in ways no algorithm ever could.

That being said, my time in international development wasn’t without its challenges. There was the time I got stranded in a remote village because the bus driver decided he’d had enough of driving that day (I didn’t know that was an option). Or the time I tried to explain a project plan to a group of locals, only to find out halfway through that I should have spoken Russian instead of Romanian when arriving to this specific village. Good times.

Despite the chaos, I found myself thriving in this new world. I gained a deep appreciation for the art of improvisation (because, believe me, nothing ever goes as planned), and I learned that sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches. And of course, I kept accumulating miles. You didn’t think I’d forgotten about that, did you? Even in the most remote corners of the world, I was still figuring out how to make every journey count.

After a few years of living the international development life, I felt the familiar tug of my old passion. Travel. But this time, I knew exactly how to do it—smarter, cheaper, and with a lot more flair. It was time to return to the world of travel hacking, armed with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

Discovering Award Travel: The Moment Everything Changed

I remember the first time I realized that award travel was more than just a hobby. It was an art form. There I was, sitting at my computer late one night, scouring forums and blogs, trying to figure out how to get to Europe without spending a fortune. I’d heard whispers of people flying in luxury for pennies on the dollar, and I was determined to crack the code.

It didn’t take long before I became completely obsessed. I started learning everything there was to know about points, miles, and loyalty programs. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, crafting elaborate itineraries that would take me around the world without breaking the bank. I was like a mad scientist, but instead of concocting potions, I was brewing up the perfect award travel strategy.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were plenty of mishaps along the way—like the time I tried to redeem miles for a first-class ticket, only to end up in the middle seat of the last row (lesson learned: always double-check your booking). Or the time I found myself stuck in a foreign country because I’d miscalculated the blackout dates on a flight reward (another valuable lesson: always read the fine print).

But with every mistake, I got better. I learned the ins and outs of every major airline’s loyalty program. I figured out how to leverage credit card points like a pro. I discovered the secret loopholes that let me fly first class when everyone else was stuck in coach. And most importantly, I realized that I could share this knowledge with others. Why keep all the fun to myself when I could help others experience the joy of affordable luxury travel?

It wasn’t long before my personal motto was born: Always turn left in life.
What does that mean, you ask? Well, it’s simple... When you’re boarding a plane, turn left. That’s where the big, comfy seats are. That’s where the champagne flows freely. That’s where you get to experience the kind of travel most people only dream about. And guess what? You don’t have to be a millionaire to get there. All you need is a little know-how and the willingness to think outside the box.

My Mission: Helping You See the World (Without Going Broke)

Let’s be real—traveling can get expensive. Real quick. Between flights, hotels, meals, and activities, it can feel like you need a small fortune just to take a vacation. But here’s the thing: you don’t. You just need the right strategies, and that’s where I come in.

My mission is simple: I want to inspire fellow Americans to travel and experience the world affordably. I’m talking about sipping coffee in Italy, trekking through the mountains of Peru, and lounging on the beaches of Thailand—all without maxing out your credit cards or dipping into your savings.

My vision is even more simple: Provide you value in every interaction.
Whether it's through Social Media (daily) The Newsletters (Weekly) or Premium Content (Monthly) - generating you value is the most important thing for me.

How do I do that? By sharing my award travel expertise, of course.
I’ve spent years perfecting the art of travel hacking, and now I’m here to help you do the same. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to upgrade your experience or a newbie trying to figure out how to get started, I’ve got the tips, tricks, and shticks (or just strategies!) to help you make it happen.

But here’s the thing: It's not just about saving you money. I’m about experiencing life. I believe that travel is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. It opens our eyes to new cultures, new ideas, and new ways of thinking. It reminds us that the world is so much bigger than the little bubble we live in, and it challenges us to grow in ways we never thought possible.

And that’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my knowledge. I want to help you see the world, not just as a tourist, but as an explorer. I want to help you break out of your comfort zone, try new things, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Because at the end of the day, that’s what life is all about—creating moments that make you feel alive.

UpNonStop: Your Award Travel Agency

A New Adventure

So, here I am today, running an award travel consultancy that’s all about helping people maximize their points & miles for the best possible travel experiences.

Whether you’re a business looking to optimize your corporate travel program or an individual trying to plan the trip of a lifetime, I’m here to help you navigate the world of award travel like a pro.

But let me tell you, building this business hasn’t been without its challenges. There’s the constant need to stay on top of the latest travel news, the never-ending stream of questions from clients, and the occasional moment of panic when a client calls me from the airport because their flight was canceled (don’t worry, I’ve got a solution for that).

But you know what? I love it. I love the thrill of finding that perfect flight redemption, the satisfaction of helping someone save hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars on a trip, and the joy of hearing stories from clients who’ve just returned from their dream vacation. It’s not just a business—it’s a passion. And every day, I get to do what I love.

Of course, it’s not all work and no play. I still find time to travel myself, constantly testing out new strategies and looking for the next big travel hack. Whether I’m lounging in a first-class cabin on my way to a tropical destination or sipping wine in a quaint European village, I’m always thinking about how I can make the next trip even better.

And let’s not forget the funny moments that come with running a travel consultancy. Like the time a client asked me if I could help them book a trip to the moon (not yet but I’m working on it). Or the time I tried to explain the concept of “trip positioning” to a skeptical friend, only to have them stare at me like I’d just suggested robbing a bank. It’s all part of the adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Travel Hacking

So, what’s next? Well, for starters, I’m working on a comprehensive 365-day plan for maximizing award travel. It’s going to be packed with insider tips, step-by-step guides, and everything you need to know to make the most of your points and miles. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this plan will help you take your travel game to the next level.

But beyond that, I’m always looking for new ways to share my passion for travel. Whether it’s through content creation, expanding my consultancy, or finding new ways to connect with fellow travelers, I’m committed to helping as many people as possible experience the world affordably—and in style.

So, if you’re ready to "turn left" in life and start traveling smarter, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s embark on this journey together. Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just looking for a few travel tips, I’m here to help. After all, life’s too short to stay grounded.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Subscribe today (top / bottom right) to get premium content to your inbox and let me get to know you better too.

Yours Truly,
--Ohad Sternberg (ohad@upnonstop.com)