Tag: Adventure Travel

Earn Big on Payroll: Transform Employee Salaries into Points & Miles (Ep. 53)

Earn Big on Payroll: Transform Employee Salaries into Points & Miles (Ep. 53)

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Can running your business payroll through credit cards unlock a treasure trove of travel rewards? 

In this special episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke breaks down the innovative strategy of using payroll to earn credit card points and miles. Learn how to leverage services like ZilBank, understand the fees involved, and discover how cards like Chase Business Preferred and Amex Platinum can be game-changers for your business. DeAndre also shares practical tips for maximizing point redemption and offers cautionary advice to avoid common mistakes.

Tune in to explore how this strategy could transform your approach to travel rewards!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Payroll Strategy: Earn points and miles by running payroll through credit cards.
  • Zill Bank Option: A service enabling payroll by credit card.
  • Fee Value: Learn how paying fees can still result in a net gain in rewards.
  • Redemption Insight: Maximize points by understanding redemption value.
  • Tax Considerations: Always consult a tax advisor regarding payroll fees.
  • Avoid Pitfalls: Never create fake employees or try to game the system to inflate rewards.
  • Business Focus: A strategy best suited for serious business owners.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

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Points & Miles Authorized User Deep Dive and How to Maximize Your PTO with Jackie Swayze (Ep. 52)

Points & Miles Authorized User Deep Dive and How to Maximize Your PTO with Jackie Swayze (Ep. 52)

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What if you could turn limited vacation days into unforgettable travel experiences? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Jackie Swayze, the creator of the blog Maximizing My PTO. Jackie shares how she and her husband have mastered the art of traveling extensively while maintaining full-time jobs.

They explore strategies like the “player one, player two” approach for couples, the value of flexibility in travel planning, and the secrets to navigating fixed dates and peak travel seasons. Jackie also discusses creative techniques such as using positioning flights and award alerts to secure the best travel deals, all while recounting her adventures to bucket-list destinations like Antarctica and Easter Island.

Tune in to hear Jackie’s expert insights, actionable tips, and inspiring travel stories that will empower you to make the most of your own travel opportunities.

 

 

Key Highlights:

  • Points and Miles Expertise: Jackie shares how to optimize rewards for travel success.
  • Player One, Player Two: An effective strategy for couples maximizing travel benefits.
  • Flexibility in Travel: Unlock better deals by keeping travel dates open.
  • Authorized Users: Build credit and earn more rewards with strategic card use.
  • Creative Travel Strategies: Positioning flights and award alerts for better planning.
  • Peak Travel Planning: How to manage holidays and busy travel times effectively.
  • Memorable Adventures: Stories from Jackie’s travels to Antarctica and Easter Island.
  • Maximizing PTO: Strategic planning for making the most of vacation days.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Jackie Swayze:

 

 

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Travel Freely App Founder Zac Hood on Turning Travel Goals into Reality with Points & Miles (Ep. 51)

Travel Freely App Founder Zac Hood on Turning Travel Goals into Reality with Points & Miles (Ep. 51)

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Are you ready to revolutionize the way you manage your travel rewards? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke interviews Zac Hood, the visionary behind the Travel Freely app. They explore Zac’s personal journey into the world of points and miles, the inspiration that led to the app’s creation, and its mission to simplify travel rewards for users of all levels. Zac shares his family’s inspiring nine-month adventure across Australia and New Zealand, made possible by savvy use of points and miles. They also discuss the growing Travel Freely community, real-life success stories, and exciting upcoming app features. 

This episode is packed with tips for beginners and seasoned travelers alike, emphasizing the importance of starting simple, staying organized, and maintaining financial responsibility.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Travel Freely App: A user-friendly tool to simplify points and miles tracking.
  • App Built for All: Caters to both beginners and seasoned points enthusiasts.
  • Credit Card Management: Tracks bonuses, annual fees, and deadlines.
  • Free Resource: Funded by affiliate links, the app is completely free to use, Available on both web and mobile.
  • Personalized Insights: App recommends strategies based on user credit profiles.
  • Community Growth: Travel Freely has inspired many with real-life success stories.
  • Family Adventures: Zac’s nine-month journey to Australia, New Zealand and Japan highlights the power of points.
  • Future Updates: The app continues to evolve with new features.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Zac Hood:

 

 

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Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Amena Bakali’s Points and Miles Guide for Families (Ep.50)

Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Amena Bakali’s Points and Miles Guide for Families (Ep.50)

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Ever wondered how you can turn everyday spending into unforgettable family adventures? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke welcomes travel educator Amena Bakali to share her expertise in leveraging points and miles for family travel. Amena reveals how strategic spending, financial discipline, and teamwork have allowed her to explore the world with her family. She offers practical tips for traveling with kids, maximizing credit card rewards, and making travel more affordable through loyalty programs. The discussion also explores Amena’s spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, her experiences in Muslim countries, and her favorite family-friendly destinations, including Tokyo and Europe.

Packed with insights on budget travel, cultural exploration, and the mindset needed to achieve travel goals, this episode is a must-listen for families eager to travel more while spending less. Tune in to learn how to embark on meaningful journeys without breaking the bank.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Transforming Everyday Spending: Amena uses strategic credit card spending to accumulate points for family trips.
  • Family-Friendly Travel Strategies: Teamwork and starting young make traveling with kids easier.
  • The Power of Loyalty Programs: Amena leverages loyalty to hotel and airline brands for consistent rewards.
  • Financial Discipline is Key: Managing multiple credit cards requires planning and accountability.
  • Exploring Muslim Countries: Safe, enriching experiences await families in destinations with deep cultural significance.
  • Favorite Destinations: Tokyo and Europe stand out for their unique family travel experiences.
  • Mindset Shift for Success: Blocking negativity and focusing on your goals makes travel planning more achievable.
  • Planning Together: Aligning travel goals with your partner helps balance dreams and reality.
  • Budget-Friendly Luxury: Strategic use of points enables families to enjoy luxury without overspending.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Amena Bakali:

 

 

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From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Traveler: Christina McEvoy’s Inspiring Journey (Ep. 48)

From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Traveler: Christina McEvoy’s Inspiring Journey (Ep. 48)

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Ever wondered what it’s like to swap the traditional 9-to-5 for a life of full-time travel?

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke interviews Christina McEvoy, a full-time traveler, content creator, and women’s empowerment advocate who left the corporate world to explore the world with her family. Christina shares the joys and realities of life on the road, the financial planning required for full-time travel, and how she’s built a travel-focused business from anywhere. She discusses the impactful retreats she curates, designed to empower women through adventure and self-care, particularly for those in midlife. Christina emphasizes that success in the travel content space is rooted in authenticity, personal connection, and quality content rather than sheer follower count. 

Dive into her story and discover how travel can be both a lifestyle and a powerful tool for personal growth.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Full-Time Travel Lifestyle: Christina shares that full-time travel demands intentional planning, especially when balancing family and work.
  • Family-Centered Travel: Her family’s needs are central to every destination and experience, ensuring trips are meaningful for everyone.
  • Travel’s Real Connections: Christina finds the most rewarding part of travel is connecting with people and cultures along the way.
  • Business on the Move: Building her brand from the road has taught her resilience and the importance of flexibility.
  • Empowering Women through Retreats: Christina’s retreats are crafted to help women in midlife rediscover adventure and prioritize self-care.
  • Authenticity in Content Creation: Success in travel content is about genuine stories, quality, and personal experiences—not follower numbers.
  • Growth through Challenge: Her retreats include challenging activities to build confidence and inspire self-discovery.
  • Transformative Destinations: Traveling to less developed areas has deepened her appreciation for cultural insights and simplicity.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Christina McEvoy:

 

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Buying Points for Luxury on a Budget: Tips and Tricks with @German.Samvel (Ep. 47)

Buying Points for Luxury on a Budget: Tips and Tricks with @German.Samvel (Ep. 47)

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Ever wondered how to unlock luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag?

Imagine staying at top-tier hotels or exploring dream destinations, all while staying within your budget. In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with points and miles expert German Samvel, who shares his story of transforming everyday spending into unforgettable getaways. 

German reveals how he leverages Hilton’s rewards system, including the invaluable Fifth Night Free benefit, and explains why strategically buying points during promotions can often beat earning them through traditional spending. He also shares highlights from his recent trip to Hawaii, offering practical advice on using points for high-end stays, along with must-know tips for exploring scenic Kauai.

Tune in to uncover how you, too, can turn points into your ticket to the world of luxury travel.

 

Key Highlights:

  • E-commerce Origins: German’s entry into points and miles began through his e-commerce business, providing early insights into points-earning strategies.
  • Power of Sign-up Bonuses: Sign-up bonuses play a significant role in German’s points strategy, allowing rapid accumulation of points for luxury travel.
  • Hilton’s Points System: Hilton’s rewards program offers valuable deals on luxury properties, particularly with benefits like the Fifth Night Free.
  • Maximizing Reward Nights: German emphasizes the importance of booking standard reward nights to get the best value out of points.
  • Strategic Points Buying: German highlights that buying points, especially during Hilton’s promotions, can sometimes yield better value than earning them through regular spending.
  • Financial Responsibility: Using credit cards wisely is essential in the points and miles hobby to avoid debt and maintain financial health.
  • Realistic Luxury: While luxury hotels are rewarding, German notes that they don’t always meet expectations, and having realistic expectations can enhance travel enjoyment.
  • Hawaii Recommendations: German’s recent trip to Kauai offered beautiful landscapes, although it requires different travel planning compared to more explored areas like Maui.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with German Samvel:

 

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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:

 

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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Lieke’s Limitless Explorations: A Young Adventurer’s Tale of Visiting Over 30 Countries by Age 22

Lieke’s Limitless Explorations: A Young Adventurer’s Tale of Visiting Over 30 Countries by Age 22

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Ever wondered what it takes to leave everything behind and explore the world?

Meet Lieke, a 22-year-old Dutch adventurer, as she recounts her thrilling exploration of 35 countries on BoldlyGo’s “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast, hosted by DeAndre Coke. Beginning her odyssey with a solo trip to the Caribbean in 2019, Lieke shares the essence of her travel philosophy, blending adventure, cultural immersion, and savvy journeying. Lieke also unpacks what drives her wanderlust for adventure and shares some of the tips and helpful bits of advice that she has gained through her many diverse destinations.

Key Highlights:

  • Global Footprints: From dropping out of college to global explorer, discover Lieke’s travels, emphasizing adaptability and cultural connections
  • Solo Travel Insights: Unpack the thrills and challenges of solo exploration with tips on safety, budgeting, and embracing global diversity
  • Adventurous Spirit Unleashed: Discover Lieke’s riveting experiences, from a demanding hike in Peru to spontaneous escapades around the world
  • Hostel Life and Safety: Dive into hostel culture, exploring the delicate balance of community and privacy, with safety strategies for solo female travelers
  • Budgeting Brilliance: Learn how to managing finances on the go, choosing cost-effective accommodations and transportation
  • Backpacking Essentials: Gain insights into minimalist packing strategies
  • Travel Tips and Top Destinations: Follow your heart in travel as Lieke offers practical guidance for solo trips and shares her favorite destinations, from Nicaragua to Bali
  • And so much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Lieke: 

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Turning Points into Priceless Experiences with Tom Marsden (Ep. 13)

Turning Points into Priceless Experiences with Tom Marsden (Ep. 13)

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How did a Toronto native use simple points to unlock world-class luxury travel?

Meet Tom Marsden, a native Canadian turned global wanderer, whose savvy travel strategies turn everyday points into luxurious global escapades. In this fascinating episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” host DeAndre Coke invites us to dive into Tom’s world of strategic travel planning. Discover how Tom’s regular points have paved the way to extraordinary journeys for him and his family.

Key Highlights:

  • From Toronto to Travel Guru: Explore how Tom’s early life fueled his passion for travel and led him to become a mastermind travel strategist
  • Crafting $50,000 Journeys for $2,000: Tom’s Luxury Travel Secrets – Uncover the strategies that enabled Tom’s family to secure an opulent European adventure at a fraction of the regular cost
  • Why Tom Chooses Hyatt: A Look at Globalist Perks – Dive into Tom’s preference for Hyatt, detailing the luxurious family suites and unmatched customer service that come with Globalist status
  • The Road to Hyatt Globalist: Learn about achieving Hyatt’s top-tier Globalist status through smart and ethical travel strategies
  • Extending Luxury with Guest of Honor: Discover how Tom enhanced DeAndre’s Maldives trip using the ‘Guest of Honor’ benefit and its recent changes
  • Tips for Aspiring Travelers: Gain valuable advice on starting your journey and maximizing the value of credit card bonuses and offers
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Tom Marsden:

 

About Tom Marsden:

Tom Marsden is a seasoned traveler, originating from Toronto, Ontario. His journey began in 2010, leveraging his business travels to gather points and elite status. As a Hyatt Globalist and lifetime Marriott member, Tom has crafted unique and luxurious travel experiences for his family, turning points into priceless memories. His story is not only about luxurious travel but also about sharing his expertise with others, inspiring them to explore the world through smart and strategic travel strategies.

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