Tag: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Quick Hits: ANA’s Devaluation, How to re-qualify for Chase’s Biggest Bonus & More!

Quick Hits: ANA’s Devaluation, How to re-qualify for Chase’s Biggest Bonus & More!

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Is ANA’s legendary around-the-world ticket going away for good?

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the Dominican Republic—on a site visit for his upcoming wedding—to bring you the latest news in the world of travel, points, and miles. He breaks down ANA’s significant devaluation, explains the ticking clock on booking their coveted around-the-world ticket, and clarifies who’s eligible for Chase Sapphire Preferred’s elevated 100,000-point offer.

DeAndre also shares the latest updates on Zil Money’s delayed card processing system for payroll and offers a transparent follow-up to a recent discrepancy between a podcast and Instagram about his use of points versus travel insurance for a flight delay. If you’re looking to stay sharp on offers, program updates, and real-life travel hacks, this episode is packed with practical insights—recorded right from paradise.

Tune in to stay ahead on travel strategy and loyalty program changes.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • ANA Around-the-World Ticket: Book by June 24 before ANA eliminates this aspirational redemption.
  • ANA One-Way Redemptions: ANA will finally allow one-way point bookings, offering more flexibility.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus: A 100,000-point welcome offer is available—but only if you meet strict eligibility rules.
  • Zil Money Update: The platform is still down due to overwhelming demand; processing is expected to resume soon.
  • Travel Insurance Clarification: DeAndre confirms he used points (not cash) for a Hyatt stay during a flight delay, and breaks down how trip delay coverage varies by card.
  • Trip Delay Insurance Tip: Chase Sapphire Preferred = 12-hour delay or overnight stay; Reserve = 6-hour delay coverage.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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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:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Amanda – Magic & Miles:

 

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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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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!

 

Resources:

Hotel Recommendations:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Kevin Zanes:

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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:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Julian Kheel:

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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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