Category: Financial Advice
Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke delivers a rapid breakdown of the latest offers in the points and miles world, focusing on key cards to help you boost your travel rewards. He highlights the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card’s $900 cash-back offer and shares strategies for converting cash back into travel points. 

DeAndre also dives into the Southwest Personal Cards and how earning 135,000 points can unlock the Southwest Companion Pass, offering free travel for a companion. Rounding out the episode, he touches on the Marriott Bonvoy Business card and its offer of five free nights with a spend requirement.

Get the key details fast and learn how to act quickly on these limited-time offers to maximize your travel rewards!

 

Key takeaways: 

  • The Chase Ink Business Unlimited card offers $900 cashback which is 90,000 points
  • You can convert cash back to travel points with certain cards.
  • Earning 135,000 points on Southwest Personal Cards grants the Companion Pass.
  • Timing is critical when applying for the Southwest Companion Pass.
  • The Marriott Bonvoy Business card offers five free nights after meeting the spending requirement.

 

Resources:

 

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Exploring Singapore: Luxury Stays, Cultural Gems, and Top Travel Tips (Ep. 42)

Exploring Singapore: Luxury Stays, Cultural Gems, and Top Travel Tips (Ep. 42)

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Curious about what makes Singapore one of the most exciting destinations in Southeast Asia? 

In part two of their special two-episode series, DeAndre and Taryn continue their Southeast Asia adventure, this time focusing on Singapore. They share their luxurious stay at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where breathtaking views and world-class dining elevated their experience. From there, they explore the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay, diving into why this attraction offers two distinctly magical experiences during the day and night. They also take listeners through the cultural heart of the city, visiting Chinatown, Arab Street, and Haji Lane, where art, shopping, and food blend into an unforgettable street scene.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there—DeAndre and Taryn also dish on some of Singapore’s top bars and restaurants, including Off Track, Jigger and Pony, and Native, all recognized among the World’s 50 Best Bars. They close out with a dazzling review of the Spectra Light and Water Show, an unmissable spectacle at Marina Bay Sands. Along the way, they share practical travel tips on avoiding jet lag and navigating busy airports. 

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, tune in to this episode to discover how to experience Singapore’s luxury, culture, and cuisine to the fullest!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury Stay at Marina Bay Sands: Hear about DeAndre and Taryn’s experience at Singapore’s iconic hotel, from dining options to spectacular views.
  • Gardens by the Bay: Discover why both daytime and nighttime visits offer unique perspectives of this breathtaking attraction.
  • Cultural Hotspots: Explore Arab Street, Haji Lane, and Chinatown for a diverse taste of Singapore’s local art, shopping, and cuisine.
  • World-Class Bars and Restaurants: Get recommendations for top spots, including Off Track, Jigger and Pony, and Native, all ranked on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
  • Spectra Light and Water Show: Find out why this dazzling light show is a must-see for any visitor to Marina Bay Sands.
  • Travel Tips: Learn the best methods for avoiding jet lag, including using No Jet Lag Pills and the TimeShifter app, plus strategies for navigating busy airports.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

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Maximizing Points for a Dream Bali Escape: Luxury, Adventure, and Local Charm (Ep. 41)

Maximizing Points for a Dream Bali Escape: Luxury, Adventure, and Local Charm (Ep. 41)

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In this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey”, host DeAndre Coke and his fiancée, Taryn Gisbert share their unforgettable three-week journey through Southeast Asia, focusing on unique Bali adventures. Using their points and miles expertise, they reveal how they strategically minimized travel costs, including flights, lounges, transportation, and accommodations.

The episode highlights their experience staying at the luxurious Alila Seminyak in Bali, enjoying beachfront views and a relaxing ambiance. DeAndre and Taryn recount their favorite Bali moments, such as the amazing Airbnb in the rice terraces, visiting the Gates of Heaven, and their unique shaman experience. They also share practical travel tips, including the importance of completing visa and customs paperwork before arrival to save time at airports.

Their culinary adventures were just as exciting, with mouth-watering meals from local Bali restaurants, known as warungs, being a standout. The hosts also discuss the warm and welcoming nature of the Balinese people, making their experience even more special.

If you’re considering a trip to Southeast Asia, this episode is packed with insights on how to make the most of your points and miles and enjoy Bali’s authentic charm.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Maximizing Points and Miles: Learn how DeAndre and Taryn drastically reduced the costs of their flights and accommodations.
  • Smooth Travel Planning: Discover the benefits of completing visa and customs documents ahead of time to avoid airport delays.
  • Luxurious Stay at Alila Seminyak: Get an insider’s look at the Alila Seminyak hotel, its beachfront views, and unforgettable kite festivals.
  • Exploring Bali’s Hidden Gems: Hear about their adventures in Seminyak, Selat, and Amed, including breathtaking views and cultural experiences.
  • Delicious and Affordable Food: Explore the vibrant flavors of Bali’s local cuisine and tips on where to find the best meals.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

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Private Jets or First Class? What’s Really Worth It with Rob Ferretti (Ep. 40)

Private Jets or First Class? What’s Really Worth It with Rob Ferretti (Ep. 40)

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Want to know how a former golf caddie built a luxury travel empire? 

Host DeAndre Coke welcomes luxury travel and exotic car expert Rob Ferretti, who has nearly 900,000 YouTube subscribers. Rob’s story takes him from a modest upbringing in New Jersey to building a successful business empire focused on luxury experiences. In this episode, he reveals the real value behind private jets, how to maximize points for first-class upgrades, and why finding deals is more important than loyalty to any one airline.

Rob also shares his advice on renting exotic cars, avoiding scams, and blending high-end travel with genuine, local experiences. Along the way, he discusses his ventures, including Adventure Drives—an exclusive travel experience for car enthusiasts—and Flipside Luggage, a soon-to-launch brand that aims to revolutionize travel gear with innovative design.

Key Highlights:

  • From Humble Beginnings to Success: Rob’s rise from a modest background to founding multiple businesses in travel and luxury
  • Private Jets vs. First Class: Why private jets rarely make sense and how to use points for affordable first-class upgrades
  • Maximizing Travel Value: Rob’s tips for transferring points one-to-one to airlines and getting the best deals on flights
  • Exotic Car Rental Tips: How to avoid getting scammed by rental companies and pitfalls of using services like Turo
  • Luxury Meets Authenticity: Rob’s approach to blending luxury accommodations with authentic, local travel experiences
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

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Quick Hits: Updates for Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Card, Transfer Bonuses, and Discount Flights to Europe

Quick Hits: Updates for Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Card, Transfer Bonuses, and Discount Flights to Europe

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares three recent travel tips. The first tip is for the Ink Business Unlimited® card, which offers a zero fee, 0% intro APR for 12 months and an elevated offer of $900 in cash back. 

Next are some new transfer bonuses for September, including a 30% bonus for transferring Amex points to Avios and Hilton, and a 20% bonus for transferring Capital One points to Flying Blue. 

Lastly, we’ve got a sale on flights to Europe with American Airlines and its partners, as well as a tease about the upcoming addition of a point transfer calculator on the BoldlyGo website.

Key takeaways: 

  • The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® card offers a zero fee, 0% intro APR for 12 months and an elevated offer of $900 in cash back.
  • New transfer bonuses for September, including a 30% bonus for transferring Amex points to Avios and Hilton, and a 20% bonus for transferring Capital One points to Flying Blue.
  • American Airlines and its partners are running a sale on flights to Europe, with great deals available until September 17th.
  • BoldlyGo is adding a point transfer calculator to their website.

 

Resources:

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How to Maximize Your Points & Miles Using Data with Kevin Zanes of @thepointsanalyst (Ep. 39)

How to Maximize Your Points & Miles Using Data with Kevin Zanes of @thepointsanalyst (Ep. 39)

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Traveling to over 70 countries while keeping costs low may sound impossible, but for Kevin Zanes, it’s a reality—thanks to his mastery of points and miles. As a former data analyst, Kevin has turned his expertise in big data into a winning strategy that allows his family to travel in luxury for a fraction of the usual cost.

Host DeAndre Coke sits down with Kevin to explore his proven methods for maximizing points, from choosing the best credit cards—like why he favors the Amex Gold for families—to earning 2-2.5 million points annually through referrals, shopping portals, and more. He also explores the latest trends in the points and miles world, including devaluations and the rise of “super frequent flyer programs.”

If you’re ready to discover how to book luxury hotels, take advantage of family-friendly perks like child discounts, and save big on long-haul flights, Kevin’s insights are invaluable. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help families elevate their travel experiences while staying within budget.

Key Highlights:

  • Data-Driven Travel: Kevin explains how to leverage data analytics to maximize points and travel in style
  • Best Credit Cards: Why Amex Gold is the ideal card for family-friendly rewards
  • Family Travel Hacks: Tips on using points for discounted flights and luxury hotels
  • Positioning Flights: How flying out of Canadian airports can save you money on international travel
  • Industry Trends: Insights on the future of points, including devaluations and emerging frequent flyer programs
  • And much more!

 

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Points or Cash? How to Choose the Right Travel Strategy with Julian Kheel of Points Path (Ep. 38)

Points or Cash? How to Choose the Right Travel Strategy with Julian Kheel of Points Path (Ep. 38)

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Booking your dream vacation is easier with Points Path, a Google Chrome extension developed by Julian Kheel. 

In this episode, host DeAndre Coke interviews Julian about how this revolutionary tool simplifies travel rewards for everyone, from beginners to experts. Points Path seamlessly integrates with Google Flights to show real-time points prices, cash comparisons, and provides smart recommendations on whether to use points or cash for specific flights.

Julian shares his journey from film and television to becoming a leading figure in the points and miles world, with notable experience at The Points Guy and CNN. He discusses the impactful power of Points Path, highlighting its speed, user-friendly design, and upcoming premium features like personalized recommendations and points price alerts.

Tune in to learn about the latest trends in the points and miles industry, the rise of personalized offers and increasing credit card sign-up bonuses, and practical advice to maximize your points.

Key Highlights:

  • Simplified Travel Planning: Discover how Points Path integrates with Google Flights to display points prices alongside cash prices, helping you make smarter decisions
  • User-Friendly Design: Learn why Points Path’s simplicity and speed make it accessible for beginners and experts alike
  • Advanced Features: Get an inside look at the upcoming premium version, featuring personalized recommendations and points price alerts
  • Industry Trends: Explore how increased personalization and rising sign-up bonuses are shaping the future of travel rewards
  • Maximizing Points: Benefit from Julian’s expert advice on ensuring you’re getting the best value from your points and staying updated on the latest credit card options
  • And much more!

Plus, Julian shares his vision for the future of Points Path, including plans to expand to more frequent flier programs and potentially offering predictive pricing tools.

 

Resources:

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Quick Hits: Your Opportunity to Fast Track Your Path to Top Tier Elite Hyatt Status

Quick Hits: Your Opportunity to Fast Track Your Path to Top Tier Elite Hyatt Status

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New opportunities arise with the partnership between Hyatt and American Airlines!

Join host DeAndre Coke on another Quick Hits episode as he breaks down the benefits of the partnership between Hyatt and American Airlines. This partnership allows American Airlines elite members to gain temporary Hyatt status and all of the benefits that come with it, along with the opportunity to make it permanent. 

Between now and October 31st, American Airlines Gold and Platinum members can register, and if you stay 10 nights at Hyatt properties within 90 days, you will keep your Explorist status through February 2026. Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members have the same option but can also qualify for Globalist status by staying 20 nights. Globalist status offers significant benefits, such as free breakfast and room upgrades. 

Tune in to this quick conversation as DeAndre lays out strategies, including weekend getaways and mattress runs, that can be used to reach the required number of nights for this exciting upgrade!

Key takeaways: 

  • Hyatt and American Airlines have a partnership that allows American Airlines elite members to gain temporary Hyatt status
  • American Airlines Gold and Platinum members can keep Explorist status by staying 10 nights with Hyatt within 90 days
  • Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members can qualify for Globalist status by staying 20 nights
  • Globalist status offers significant benefits, such as free breakfast and room upgrades
  • Strategies like weekend getaways and mattress runs can be used to reach the required number of nights

 

Resources:

 

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Three Kids and Countless Adventures: How to Navigate Family Travel with Ease with Elise of @3kidstravel (Ep. 37)

Three Kids and Countless Adventures: How to Navigate Family Travel with Ease with Elise of @3kidstravel (Ep. 37)

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Picture navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets or Normandy’s serene landscapes, all with three young children in tow. While this might seem overwhelming to many, it’s the everyday reality that Elise of “3 Kids Travel” not only embraces but thrives in. In this episode, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Elise to explore how she and her husband have transformed their passion for travel into a way of life, adventuring across the globe with their kids.

Elise shares the story of how they started traveling with their children from infancy, gradually expanding their journeys from local road trips to international destinations like Japan, China, and Turkey. Through meticulous planning and savvy travel strategies, Elise demonstrates how family travel can be both manageable and incredibly rewarding.

Join us to uncover Elise’s expert tips, from booking flights before accommodations to packing light with just carry-ons. You’ll also hear about their favorite destinations and the exciting trips they have planned for the future.

Key Highlights:

  • Starting Young: Discover how Elise and her husband began their kids’ travel journeys as early as four weeks old, setting the stage for a lifetime of adventure
  • Overcoming Challenges: Learn how they navigated the anxieties and logistical hurdles of traveling with infants and toddlers, turning initial challenges into smooth experiences
  • Cultural Immersion: Get Elise’s insights on choosing accommodations that immerse your family in local culture, from Parisian neighborhoods to an Irish farmhouse
  • Travel Planning Tips: Explore why booking flights first can offer better deals and flexibility, and how to select family-friendly accommodations
  • Packing Light: Find out which essentials make family travel easier, from durable carry-ons to portable chargers
  • And much more!

 

Plus, discover Elise’s favorite destinations and the upcoming adventures her family is most excited about.

 

Resources:

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Quick Hits: New Changes to Amex Platinum, Hyatt, Capital One, and Chase Rewards Cards

Quick Hits: New Changes to Amex Platinum, Hyatt, Capital One, and Chase Rewards Cards

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New changes are coming to your points and miles rewards cards!

In this Quick Hit episode, DeAndre Coke shares updates on a number of credit card offers. Amex Platinum cards now offer increased credit that you receive from Clear Plus, jumping from 189 to 199 to keep up with the increased cost of Clear. The World of Hyatt Business Card now has a new sign-up purchase bonus of up to 75,000 points. This value can earn you up to four nights at certain Hyatt properties! 

DeAndre also reminds listeners that the Capital One Venture Rewards Card bonus points offer will be expiring soon (discussed in the last Quick Hits episode). He concludes with information about the ending offer for the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card will also be ending their offer for up to 120,000 points within the next few weeks. 

Be sure to take advantage of these offers while you still can! The link to the full list of available card offers is in the Resources below!

Key Takeaways: 

  • DeAndre shares the highlights of the trip he and Taryn took to Southeast Asia
  • Amex Platinum cardholders can now receive increased credits for Clear
  • The World of Hyatt Business Card has a new offer to earn 60,00 bonus points
  • The Capital One Venture Rewards Card offers $1,000 in free travel
  • The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card has a limited-time offer for bonus points

 

Resources:

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