Tag: Credit Card Rewards

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Maximizing Points and Miles Travel Rewards and Avoiding Pitfalls with @profitsandpoints (Ep. 32)

Maximizing Points and Miles Travel Rewards and Avoiding Pitfalls with @profitsandpoints (Ep. 32)

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Discover how to transform ordinary credit card points into extraordinary travel adventures. 

Your dream destinations are much closer than you think!

Travel rewards expert Ryan Horn, known online as @profitsandpoints, shares his secrets with host DeAndre Coke on this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey.” Fresh off his luxurious Alaskan honeymoon, Ryan reveals how he transitioned from frequent business traveler to points and miles guru. Learn how he secured first-class flights and premium cruise experiences using points, and get insider tips on maximizing rewards while avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned traveler, Ryan’s insights will inspire you to rethink your travel strategies.

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury Alaskan Honeymoon: Discover how Ryan used points and miles for first-class flights and a premium cruise suite, saving thousands of dollars while creating unforgettable memories
  • Optimal Credit Card Strategies: Learn about the best credit cards for travel rewards, including the Amex Gold, Capital One Venture X, and the Bilt card for rent payments
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Understand the importance of paying off credit card debt monthly and avoiding the pitfalls of hoarding points, with strategies to ensure you get the most value from your rewards
  • Practical Travel Tips: Gain insights into using Capital One’s Travel Eraser for onboard credits and the benefits of cruise line stock ownership for extra perks
  • Spontaneous Travel: Hear Ryan’s favorite redemption stories, including last-minute trips for sports events and family visits, showcasing the flexibility points offer
  • Planning for Success: Learn how Ryan and his wife blend planned vacations with opportunistic travel deals, and get tips on using points to enhance both planned and spontaneous trips
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Ryan Horn: 

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Our Mid-Year Credit Card Points and Miles Rewards Update (Ep. 30)

Our Mid-Year Credit Card Points and Miles Rewards Update (Ep. 30)

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Stop dreaming, start packing! Learn how to turn everyday spending into luxury travel rewards.

Challenge your understanding of maximizing travel rewards in this all-encompassing episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast. Your hosts DeAndre Coke and Taryn Gisbert unveil their mid-year achievements and strategies for leveraging credit card rewards to enhance travel experiences without excessive spending. This episode is full of travel rewards resources and strategies that will help you boost your next trip to luxury heights for a fraction of the price!

Key Highlights:

  • Credit Card Benefits: Explore the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card’s incredible perks, such as massive points, TSA pre-check, global entry, no foreign transaction fees, trip insurance, and a free annual hotel night—all for just $99 a year
  • Earning Miles: Discover how to rack up American Airlines miles through Basque Bank’s high-yield savings account, turning your savings into flight opportunities
  • Recent Card Strategies: Hear how DeAndre earned 200,000 points with two Chase Inc. Business Preferred cards by spending $8,000 in three months. Plus, learn his trick for using Zill Bank to run payroll on a credit card, earning substantial points even with a 3% fee
  • Travel Freely App: See how DeAndre and Taryn use the Travel Freely app to track cards and spending, emphasizing responsible credit use and strategic planning
  • Actionable Takeaways: Get practical advice on leveraging credit card points and miles to achieve nearly free luxury travel. Reach out to DeAndre and Taryn for personalized card recommendations
  • And much more!

 

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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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 To Do Hawaiian Luxury for Less Using Points & Miles (Ep. 14)

How To Do Hawaiian Luxury for Less Using Points & Miles (Ep. 14)

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How do savvy travelers enjoy a Hawaiian vacation without the hefty price tag?

Transform your Hawaiian dream vacation from an extravagant fantasy into an attainable reality in this enlightening episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” with host DeAndre Coke & Co-Host Taryn Gisbert. Dive into the art of using points and miles to get your ticket to a luxurious Hawaiian getaway.

Co-host Taryn Gisbert asks DeAndre the questions that everyone is thinking about. Where do you start, what rewards cards should you use, when should you go, and lastly, how do we make the most of our rewards points?

Key Highlights:

  • Beginner to Intermediate Guide: DeAndre and Taryn’s comprehensive walkthrough for both novices and seasoned travel hackers
  • Slash Your Hawaiian Vacation Costs: Discover how to enjoy a $4,000 trip for an astonishing $200
  • Maximizing Credit Card Rewards: Unearth secrets to picking the perfect credit cards for maximum points and beneficial partner transfers
  • Two-Player Mode Strategy: Essential tips for couples to double down on their travel rewards
  • Seamless Booking Secrets: Unlocking the best deals on economy flights and premium Hyatt stays
  • Financial Breakdown: Demonstrating the substantial savings achievable with points over cash
  • Responsible and Strategic Point Usage: Smart planning tips for accruing points without overspending

To dive into these insights and more – tune into the full episode!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Taryn Gisbert: 

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Unleashing the Power of Lux Travel Hacks with Andy Cantu (Ep. 8)

Unleashing the Power of Lux Travel Hacks with Andy Cantu (Ep. 8)

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You’ve picked your destination, your bags are packed, but are you still looking for that extra step to turn your journey into a deluxe adventure. Lux Travel Hacks has your back!

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, DeAndre Coke speaks with Andy Cantu, Founder of Lux Travel Hacks. Together, they explore the transformative world of travel hacking and how it can elevate your luxury travel experiences to new heights. 

Andy shares his personal evolution from leveraging credit card points for business to creating an extensive travel hacking guide. DeAndre recounts his own positive experiences with Andy’s course, noting its comprehensive nature and the responsible financial approach it advocates. Andy also discusses the tailored booking services his company provides, which include credit audits, custom trip planning, and a supportive community within their private Facebook group where members exchange tips, deals, and their own success stories. This episode is a testament to the power of travel hacking in making luxury travel accessible without breaking the bank.

DeAndre and Andy discuss: 

  • Andy’s first experiences in the world of ‘travel hacking’
  • The development of Lux Travel Hacks as a comprehensive guide
  • Transitioning Lux Travel Hacks from a niche coaching program to a mainstream platform
  • The impact of travel hacking on personal travel experiences and financial perspectives
  • Services provided by Lux Travel Hacks, including one-on-one help and trip booking
  • Standout success stories and testimonials from clients
  • Community and support provided through the private Facebook group for Lux Travel Hacks members
  • The value of being part of the Lux Travel Hacks community beyond the course itself

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Andy Cantu:

 

About Our Guest:

Andy Cantu is the founder of Lux Travel Hacks. For the past 10 years he’s taught people the art of travel hacking to travel the world in luxury for next to nothing. His strategies are used by everyone including Instagram influencers, CEOs, and even your average Joe working a 9-5. With Lux Travel Hacks, anyone (no matter their income or monthly budget) can upgrade their travel lifestyle – fly first class, live in 5-star hotels, and experience a life of luxury for free (or pennies on the dollar).

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Travel Hacking from Thailand to Columbia with Marcel Pean (Ep. 6)

Travel Hacking from Thailand to Columbia with Marcel Pean (Ep. 6)

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Want to travel the globe in style without breaking the bank? 

Discover how a chance encounter led to a lasting friendship and a shared passion for finance and architecture as DeAndre Coke welcomes friend and guest Marcel Pean. Together, they unveil the secrets of luxury travel on a budget. From the colorful streets of Thailand to the historic charm of Colombia, listen in on their adventurous escapades.  Along the way, pick up essential travel hacking tips, from maximizing credit card rewards to balancing work and wanderlust. 

Key Highlights:

  • A Friendship Formed in Thailand: Hear how DeAndre and Marcel’s bond formed and how it evolved from shared adventures to professional collaboration
  • Colombian Wonders: Dive into Marcel’s meticulously planned birthday trip to Cartagena, encompassing everything from luxurious Airbnbs to encountering Cartagena’s vibrant street life and architectural marvels
  • Travel Hacks: Gain valuable insights into how DeAndre and Marcel use travel rewards credit cards and strategic planning to enhance their travel experiences without breaking the bank
  • Balancing Work and Wanderlust: Marcel shares his secret to juggling a demanding professional life with his passion for travel, offering tips for those aspiring to do the same
  • Travel Tips and Tricks: From finding the best flight deals to making the most of every journey, these travel hacks are gold for the modern explorer
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Marcel Pean: 

 

About Our Guest: 

Marcel Pean is a real estate developer of Haitian descent in Washington DC who enjoys traveling internationally to non-mainstream destinations. When he’s in the country, he enjoys working out, playing golf, and riding his bike around the city on his time off. He’s always on the lookout to travel somewhere new and meet fun people. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Instagram: @mgpean.

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From Points to Planes – Travel Hacking and Experiences (Ep. 4)

From Points to Planes – Travel Hacking and Experiences (Ep. 4)

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Ever wondered how to travel luxuriously on a budget?

Discover how to elevate your travel experiences without breaking the bank as host DeAndre Coke and his guest, Taryn Gisbert, dive into the world of travel hacking. This episode unpacks how to smartly leverage credit card benefits and plan trips strategically. As experienced travelers and partners in life, DeAndre and Taryn bring a wealth of insights from their global adventures.

Key Points from the Episode:

  • Explore travel hacking basics, focusing on credit card usage and maximizing rewards
  • How to use fee-based credit cards strategically
  • Gain insights into unique Hilton property features and maximizing Amex benefits for luxury hotel and resort access
  • Understand the significant benefits of travel hacking when done responsibly
  • Find out why collaborative planning and flexible flight booking are key to travel benefits
  • Learn how travel apps like TripIt simplify travel itinerary organization
  • Debunk myths about credit card usage in travel hacking and its impact on credit scores
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Taryn Gisbert: 

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