Amex Membership Rewards – Revolutionizing Your Journey

Quick Hits: Hyatt Adds The Standard Hotels, Emirates First Class Lockdown, Rakuten Promo Alert & More!

By Bakir Djulic | May 16, 2025

Planning your summer 2025 travel? Now might be the perfect time to book.

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares key updates from his recent trip to Roatan and fresh news in the points and miles world. He covers limited-time transfer bonuses, how to spot travel savings on previously booked trips, and why Rakuten’s 7,500 Amex point promo is worth jumping on. You’ll also hear why Newark Airport might be best avoided for now, how Hyatt integrates The Standard hotels, and what Hyatt’s new gifting rules mean for loyal travelers.

Finally, DeAndre breaks down Emirates’ move to restrict first-class redemptions and how to still unlock the experience through strategic credit card plays.

Key takeaways:

Roatan reflections: A surprisingly incredible stay at the Grand Kimpton Roatan, made better with points and Amex FHR perks.
Summer 2025 alert: Now is the sweet spot for booking cheap domestic flights before prices spike.
Travel disruptions: Newark Airport is seeing significant delays and cancellations—consider alternative routes.
Booking tip: Already booked a summer trip? Check current pricing—DeAndre saved $300 and 70k Hyatt points on a rebook.
Rakuten promo: New users can get 7,500 Amex points with just $25 in spending through Rakuten.
Hyatt & The Standard: The Standard hotels officially join World of Hyatt with elite perks intact.
Award gifting limits: Hyatt will limit members to 10 award gifts received per year starting June 7.
Emirates first-class restrictions: As of May 12, only Skywards elite members can redeem for first class.
Credit card workaround: Get Emirates Silver or Gold elite status through co-branded Skywards cards to retain access.

Resources:

LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
- Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!
BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group
Truicity Wealth Management
Thrifty Traveler Premium
Daily Drop Newsletter

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Youtube Music | RSS | More

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

By BoldlyGo | October 9, 2024

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!