Category: Travel Blog

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Mastering Disney Travel on Points: Insider Tips from Amanda of @magic_and_miles (Ep. 46)

Mastering Disney Travel on Points: Insider Tips from Amanda of @magic_and_miles (Ep. 46)

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Are you a Disney enthusiast dreaming of budget-friendly family trips to the parks?

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke chats with Amanda Lebo, a lifelong Disney fan and savvy travel rewards expert. Amanda shares how her early Disneyland visits grew into a passion for travel that now includes maximizing points and miles to make family vacations more affordable. She delves into her top strategies for traveling to Disney on a budget, tips for navigating the international parks in Tokyo and Paris, and her personal travel highlights, including a memorable trip to Bora Bora. From leveraging the Chase Sapphire Preferred card to renting Disney Vacation Club points, Amanda’s story is packed with practical advice to make the magic of Disney accessible for families everywhere.

Tune in for a treasure trove of Disney travel tips!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Disney Roots: Amanda’s early visits to Disneyland ignited her passion for Disney travel.
  • Gateway to Rewards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card started her journey into points and miles.
  • Disney Dreams: She aims to visit all six Disney castles worldwide.
  • International Disney Parks: Tokyo Disneyland offers a unique cultural experience with a distinct lightning lane system.
  • Top Trip: Bora Bora remains a standout destination for Amanda and her husband.
  • Smart Disney Savings: Capital One Venture cards can offset ticket costs, and Disney Vacation Club points can be rented for discounts.
  • Planning for Family Travel: Flexibility in travel timing and choosing economy flights stretch points for family trips.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

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Connect with Amanda – Magic & Miles:

 

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Balancing Family Travel & Full-Time Jobs: Expert Advice from @travellpartners (Ep. 45)

Balancing Family Travel & Full-Time Jobs: Expert Advice from @travellpartners (Ep. 45)

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Have you ever wondered how to turn your love for travel into a lifestyle, even while managing a full-time job?

In the latest episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with seasoned travelers and content creators Wanzelani and Jacob, also known as Travel Partners. Together, they dive into their journey of balancing careers with exploring the world, sharing stories from their unforgettable trips to Cuba and Machu Picchu. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at their transition into travel content creation, discussing how they curate authentic experiences and engage with their growing audience.

From the warm hospitality of Cuba’s locals to the awe-inspiring views at Machu Picchu, Wanzelani and Jacob reflect on what makes these destinations truly special. They also provide actionable advice for new travelers, from budget-friendly planning tips to packing strategies and the benefits of using points and miles to elevate travel experiences. As they reveal their future travel plans and reflect on the joys of connecting with cultures worldwide, they leave listeners with a wealth of practical tips and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss. 

Tune in for expert advice on how to make your travel dreams a reality!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Starting Small: The couple emphasizes that travel doesn’t need to be grand—starting with small trips can be just as rewarding.
  • Most epic travel moments: Cuba, Machu Picchu and Twiggy in Dubai stand out as some of their most awe-inspiring travel moments.
  • From Travelers to Creators: Content creation for Wanzelani and Jacob started as a way to share their authentic travel stories with the world.
  • Balancing Family Travel: Traveling with kids comes with challenges and additional costs as they grow older, making planning more important.
  • Leveraging Points and Miles: They highlight how points and miles have enhanced their travel experiences.
  • Travel Planning Tips: Whether it’s using social media for inspiration or personalizing trips to match budget constraints, careful planning plays a vital role in their journeys.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Travel Partners:

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Building Wealth and Traveling for Free: Real Estate Meets Points & Miles (Ep. 44)

Building Wealth and Traveling for Free: Real Estate Meets Points & Miles (Ep. 44)

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Ever wonder how real estate can help you travel the world for nearly free?

In this episode, DeAndre Coke interviews Jaina Pallasigui, who reveals her unique approach to leveraging real estate investments to earn points and miles for travel. Jaina shares how she began her journey into real estate, detailing the strategies she uses to accumulate points through property renovations and other investment opportunities. She discusses her experiences traveling using those points, as well as the importance of understanding credit cards, the benefits of business credit cards, and her top advice for aspiring real estate investors. Throughout the episode, Jaina emphasizes how real estate can balance wealth-building with incredible travel opportunities.

Tune in to learn how you can use real estate to fund your next adventure and build wealth at the same time!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Starting with the Right Card: Jaina began her points and miles journey by signing up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offered a high sign-up bonus and valuable travel rewards.
  • Building a Portfolio: Managing nine rental units in Evansville, Indiana, Jaina explains how she leverages her investments to earn points.
  • Maximizing Credit Card Bonuses: Learn how she uses business credit cards strategically to meet minimum spend requirements while renovating her properties.
  • Funding Travel with Real Estate: Jaina reveals how real estate allows her to travel almost entirely on points and miles.
  • Handling Unexpected Expenses: Real estate surprises are inevitable, and Jaina shares how credit cards help manage those costs while still earning rewards.
  • Traveling Smart with Points: From luxury stays to affordable flights, Jaina explains how she enhances her travel experiences using points.
  • Networking and Knowledge: Jaina emphasizes the importance of connecting with other investors to accelerate learning in both real estate and travel hacking.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Jaina Pallasigui:

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Honeymoon Hacks: How to Maximize Points and Miles for a Luxury Getaway (Ep. 43)

Honeymoon Hacks: How to Maximize Points and Miles for a Luxury Getaway (Ep. 43)

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Ever wonder how to plan a luxurious honeymoon without spending a fortune?

In this episode, DeAndre Coke is joined by Elliot Rosenberg, founder of Hack My Honeymoon, to share insider tips on using points and miles to plan luxury honeymoons without breaking the bank. Elliot talks about how his journey into the points and miles world led to the creation of Hack My Honeymoon, a service that helps couples pick dream destinations, develop points-earning strategies, and book flights and accommodations. He highlights the key benefits of using points for honeymoons, offering expert advice on flexibility in choosing travel dates, maximizing referral bonuses, and leveraging hotel loyalty programs. Whether planning to DIY your honeymoon or work with a service, Elliot’s insights on earning and redeeming points can turn your honeymoon into a five-star experience without the five-star price.

Tune in to learn the strategies behind using points and miles to craft the honeymoon of your dreams, from destination selection to wedding expense hacks!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury for Less: Using points and miles can make even the most extravagant honeymoons affordable.
  • Hack My Honeymoon Services: Elliot’s company guides couples in planning their honeymoons with customized points-earning strategies.
  • Set Your Goal: Know your travel preferences and set clear objectives to maximize points-earning opportunities.
  • Transferable Points Are Key: Points from Chase, Amex, and Capital One offer the most flexibility for earning and redeeming.
  • Leverage Small Business Cards: Opening business credit cards can unlock higher earning potential and additional benefits.
  • Referral Bonuses: Referring your partner as ‘player two’ to maximize rewards.
  • Wedding Expenses as a Points Strategy: Use credit cards for wedding costs to earn points, but make sure the fees are worth it.
  • Hotel Loyalty Programs Matter: Participating in hotel loyalty programs and negotiating with event coordinators can earn additional points.
  • Start Early: Get a head start on earning and consult with experts to navigate the complexities of points and miles.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Elliot Rosenberg:

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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:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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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:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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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:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Rob Ferretti:

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