Category: Travel Hacking

Quick Hits: How to Use AAdvantage Hotels and Online Portals to Boost Your Points & Miles

Quick Hits: How to Use AAdvantage Hotels and Online Portals to Boost Your Points & Miles

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In this week’s Quick Hit episode, DeAndre Coke explains how he used Advantage Hotels, a portal that offers bonus miles and loyalty points for booking hotel rooms. By being a member of AAdvantage and having an American Airlines credit card, DeAndre was able to earn 7,000 miles and loyalty points for his stay. He also discusses the importance of utilizing different strategies, such as dining portals and shopping portals, to earn more miles.

Key takeaways: 

  • Using online booking portals such as Advantage Hotels to to earn bonus points and miles when booking hotel rooms
  • Utilizing different strategies, such as dining portals and shopping portals, to earn more miles when you book online
  • The advantages of credit card benefits, like elite status and room upgrades
  • Bonus miles offered by Amex for Delta cards
  • And more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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How to Travel Sustainably and Build Lifelong Connections with Matt Wilson Co-Founder of Under 30 Experiences (Ep. 26)

How to Travel Sustainably and Build Lifelong Connections with Matt Wilson Co-Founder of Under 30 Experiences (Ep. 26)

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How can traveling sustainably change the way you see the world and help you forge lasting relationships?

Join DeAndre Coke as he chats with Matt Wilson, co-founder of Under 30 Experiences. Together they discuss points and miles strategies, as well as how his travel platform can transform your adventures and connect you with others on a deeper level. Discover how Under 30 Experiences evolved from exclusive entrepreneur retreats to welcoming travelers of all ages, and find out how you can take advantage of their unique approach. 

Matt and DeAndre share insights on everything from backpacking trips to supporting local businesses, showing how your travels can be both meaningful and unforgettable. Tune in for practical tips on sustainable travel and making lasting connections along the way.

Key Highlights:

  • Iceland Trip: Matt’s solo trip to Iceland in 2012 inspired the creation of Under 30 Experiences
  • Entrepreneur Retreats: Shifted from exclusive retreats to inclusive travel experiences
  • Supporting Local Communities: Staying at locally owned places and promoting local artisans
  • Cultural Immersion: Prioritizing genuine cultural experiences over typical tourist activities
  • Community Building: Fostering lifelong connections through local meetups, Facebook, and WhatsApp groups
  • Over 30 Experiences: Responding to demand with elevated accommodations for older travelers
  • Diverse Destinations: Upcoming trips to Argentina, Japan, Korea, and Eastern Europe
  • Group Travel Benefits: Encouraging hesitant travelers to start with group trips for a supportive experience

 

Plus, more insights to revolutionize your travel experiences sustainably!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Matt Wilson: 

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Points & Miles Quick Hits: Updates to Southwest Cards, Transfer Points, and Tax Strategies for Business Owners

Points & Miles Quick Hits: Updates to Southwest Cards, Transfer Points, and Tax Strategies for Business Owners

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Starting this week, DeAndre Coke introduces ‘Quick Hits’ – a series of short episodes to share time-sensitive travel and points-related information and updates!

This week’s episode:

  • A new increased bonus offer for Southwest credit cards
  • Transfer bonuses for Chase, Virgin, and Citi are expiring soon
  • Using credit cards for tax payments can earn additional points for business owners

Make sure you have publishing notifications turned on to make sure you don’t miss any of these essential updates!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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How to Balance a Demanding Career with Luxurious Travel with Brittney Jansen (Ep. 24)

How to Balance a Demanding Career with Luxurious Travel with Brittney Jansen (Ep. 24)

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Do you have a demanding career that keeps you from your dreams of luxury travel? 

Whether the issue is finding the time, or finding the money in your budget, this engaging episode will have you join DeAndre Coke and special guest Brittney Jansen as they reveal how to use points and miles to maximize your travel experiences. Brittney, a traveling physician’s assistant with a unique upbringing in Saudi Arabia, shares her journey of balancing a demanding career with her passion for travel, offering valuable insights, strategies, and some personal anecdotes to make the most of your travel points.

Brittney’s fascinating story spans from her childhood in Saudi Arabia to her recent adventures in New Zealand and Vietnam. She explains how she manages extensive travel despite her demanding job, often taking extended vacations between job transitions. This episode is packed with actionable tips on how to balance work and travel, maximize credit card rewards, and strategically plan your trips.

Key Highlights:

  • New Private Facebook Group: A dedicated space for podcast listeners to discuss points and miles strategies with DeAndre, as well as other players in the points and miles game
  • Travel Adventures: Brittney’s experiences in Vietnam, including riding scooters and exploring Kaapa Island, as well as her adventures in New Zealand, from visiting Milford Sound to scuba diving
  • Credit Card Strategies: Insights on starting with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, managing points, and maximizing rewards with the Amex Gold card
  • Lux Travel Hacks Course: Brittney’s positive experience with the course, shifting her spending mindset, and empowering her to use points effectively
  • Future Travel Plans: Brittney’s aspirations to visit the Galapagos for scuba diving and her travel goals for Japan, China, India, and Dubai
  • Practical Travel Tips: Coordinating with colleagues for flexible travel time, packing light, and choosing centrally located accommodations using Google Maps
  • Mindset Shift: Brittney’s journey from initial hesitation to strategic spending and the significant benefits of the Lux Travel Hacks course
  • And so much more!

Tune in to uncover Brittney Jansen’s travel secrets and learn how to elevate your travel experiences using points and miles!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Brittney Jansen: 

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Maximizing Points & Miles for Budget-Friendly Luxury Travel with Tim Meade (Ep. 23)

Maximizing Points & Miles for Budget-Friendly Luxury Travel with Tim Meade (Ep. 23)

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Ever wonder how frequent travelers enjoy luxury stays without the high costs? 

In this captivating episode, join DeAndre Coke and special guest Tim Meade as they reveal strategies for using points and miles to elevate your travel experiences. Tim Meade, co-founder of “Wandering Destination” shares how he and his wife have explored 27 countries across six continents using credit card rewards.

From staying in Irish castles to exploring Turkey’s serene landscapes, Tim’s journey is a testament to smart travel planning. DeAndre underscores the podcast’s mission: to help you use credit card points for luxurious yet budget-friendly travel. This episode is packed with actionable tips to elevate your travel game.

Key Highlights:

  • Leveraging Delta SkyMiles: Learn how Tim’s frequent trips to Atlanta earned him extensive travel perks
  • Two-Player Mode: Discover the benefits of couples using separate cards and referring each other for maximum rewards
  • Credit Card Benefits: Insights into the versatile rewards of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum cards
  • Strategic Planning: Use tools like Travel Freely to track spending, bonuses, and manage the Chase 5/24 rule
  • Memorable Destinations: Highlights include a castle stay in Ireland and a cost-free adventure in Turkey during COVID-19
  • Future Travel Plans: Tim and DeAndre’s upcoming explorations in Asia, with tips on optimizing layovers and lounges
  • Plus, more insights to transform your travel experiences with points and miles!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Tim & Charlotte Meade: 

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Points and Profits: Mastering the Art of Travel Content Creation with @theloverspassport (Ep. 21)

Points and Profits: Mastering the Art of Travel Content Creation with @theloverspassport (Ep. 21)

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How can you transform a love for travel into a sustainable digital empire? 

Join host DeAndre Coke on “Revolutionizing Your Journey” as he sits down with Stephen from The Lover’s Passport. Stephen shares the incredible journey of how he and his wife, Giselle, turned their couples travel Instagram account from a pandemic pastime into a thriving business with over 800,000 followers. Explore their incredible transition from conventional careers to digital nomadism, their innovative use of credit card points for lavish travels, and their strategy for maintaining authenticity while running a successful Instagram business.

Key Highlights:

  • From Casual Clicks to Corporate Success: Discover The Lover’s Passport’s evolution from a hobby to a full-blown entrepreneurial venture during a global crisis
  • Democratizing Luxury Travel: Learn how Stephen and Giselle make extravagant destinations affordable through smart use of financial tools like credit card rewards points and miles
  • Mastering Content Creation: Follow their ascent from photography novices to social media sensations with a massive global following
  • Entrepreneurial Insights: Gain practical tips on juggling a successful online platform with personal passions
  • Education for Creators: Check out the Creator’s Passport for exclusive lessons on becoming a successful digital content creator
  • Perfecting the Professional-Personal Balance: Stephen and Giselle share their strategy for enjoying travel fully while capturing it beautifully for their audience
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Stephen and Giselle:

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Insightful Points & Miles Strategies with the Hosts of “Wonderland on Points” (Ep. 20)

Insightful Points & Miles Strategies with the Hosts of “Wonderland on Points” (Ep. 20)

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How can your credit card take you around the world for almost nothing?

Join hosts DeAndre Coke and co-host Taryn Gisbert on “Revolutionizing Your Journey” as they explore the art of strategic travel with Joanna “Joe” Brown and Mary Ellen from the “Wonderland on Points” podcast! Starting with stories of their transitions from education and healthcare into renowned travel gurus, they discuss how maximizing credit card points has turned into a lifestyle of adventurous and economical travel. This episode offers strategies, inspiring travel stories, and practical advice for using points and miles to your advantage.

Key Highlights:

  • Discover Unexpected Beginnings: Learn how an anniversary gift, a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, launched Mary Ellen into the world of travel points, leading to near-cost-free luxurious travels
  • Explore Career Transitions: Hear how Joanna turned financial adversity into an opportunity by embracing the world of credit cards, enhancing both her travels and financial health
  • Adopt Practical Points Strategies: Gain insights on leveraging cards like Amex Gold for everyday purchases to rack up significant travel rewards
  • Get Inspired by Memorable Redemptions: Stories from family trips to Puerto Rico to lavish getaways in Switzerland demonstrate the impactful savings from travel points
  • Utilize Budget-Friendly Travel Tips: Learn about helpful apps like Fetch and Upside, which offer unique ways to extend your travel budget
  • Plan for Future Travels: Get inspired by their bucket-list plans for South Korea and Tokyo, showing the profound power of well-used points
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Joanna Brown and Mary Ellen: 

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How a Family of Seven Travels the World For (Nearly) Free with Points and Miles (Ep. 19)

How a Family of Seven Travels the World For (Nearly) Free with Points and Miles (Ep. 19)

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Imagine surprising your family with a business class flight to Europe, but skipping the hefty price tag. 

In this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” hosted by DeAndre Coke, travel aficionado Rob Dulgarian of @travelpointsrob shares his journey from his first Chase Sapphire Reserve card to a lifestyle of global family adventures. Experience stories from lavish stays in Costa Rica’s Tabba Con resort to surprising his kids with business class flights to Europe. Rob demonstrates how effectively managed points can make extravagant trips wonderfully accessible.

Key Highlights:

  • Points & Miles Strategy: Learn how Rob and his wife skillfully manage over 30 credit cards to maximize benefits with just a few key ones
  • Family Travel Planning: Discover Rob’s unique family tradition of special travel experiences with each child, creating lasting memories
  • Luxury on a Budget: Hear how Rob uses points for high-end travel experiences, such as his family’s stay at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic
  • Financial Planning with Travel Rewards: Understand the significance of financial discipline in managing multiple cards and improving credit scores
  • Future Travel Dreams: Get insight into Rob’s plans for a dream trip to Thailand in business class, smartly funded through point accumulation
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Robert Dulgarian, MBA, CPA: 

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