Tag: Family Travel

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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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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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Three Kids and Countless Adventures: How to Navigate Family Travel with Ease with Elise of @3kidstravel (Ep. 37)

Three Kids and Countless Adventures: How to Navigate Family Travel with Ease with Elise of @3kidstravel (Ep. 37)

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Picture navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets or Normandy’s serene landscapes, all with three young children in tow. While this might seem overwhelming to many, it’s the everyday reality that Elise of “3 Kids Travel” not only embraces but thrives in. In this episode, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Elise to explore how she and her husband have transformed their passion for travel into a way of life, adventuring across the globe with their kids.

Elise shares the story of how they started traveling with their children from infancy, gradually expanding their journeys from local road trips to international destinations like Japan, China, and Turkey. Through meticulous planning and savvy travel strategies, Elise demonstrates how family travel can be both manageable and incredibly rewarding.

Join us to uncover Elise’s expert tips, from booking flights before accommodations to packing light with just carry-ons. You’ll also hear about their favorite destinations and the exciting trips they have planned for the future.

Key Highlights:

  • Starting Young: Discover how Elise and her husband began their kids’ travel journeys as early as four weeks old, setting the stage for a lifetime of adventure
  • Overcoming Challenges: Learn how they navigated the anxieties and logistical hurdles of traveling with infants and toddlers, turning initial challenges into smooth experiences
  • Cultural Immersion: Get Elise’s insights on choosing accommodations that immerse your family in local culture, from Parisian neighborhoods to an Irish farmhouse
  • Travel Planning Tips: Explore why booking flights first can offer better deals and flexibility, and how to select family-friendly accommodations
  • Packing Light: Find out which essentials make family travel easier, from durable carry-ons to portable chargers
  • And much more!

 

Plus, discover Elise’s favorite destinations and the upcoming adventures her family is most excited about.

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Elise Caffee:

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Vegas Vacation Strategies: Experiencing the Uncanny EDC Las Vegas (Ep. 33)

Vegas Vacation Strategies: Experiencing the Uncanny EDC Las Vegas (Ep. 33)

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Get ready to light up your next adventure and discover the electrifying world of EDC Las Vegas.

Join your hosts DeAndre Coke and Taryn Gisbert as they dive into the pulsating energy of the world-renowned Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), an exhilarating all-night electronic dance music festival. In this episode you’ll find a treasure trove of personal stories, expert tips, and insider strategies that will make your Vegas trip absolutely unforgettable.

Key Highlights:

  • EDC Las Vegas Adventure: Experience the magic of EDC Las Vegas, a festival with over half a million attendees and music sets from night to sunrise. Learn about transportation options, including shuttle buses, Uber rides, and an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Strip
  • Maximizing Airline Status: Discover how DeAndre & Taryn achieved Platinum Pro status with American Airlines through strategic use of shopping portals and business expenses, unlocking benefits like preferred seating and priority boarding
  • Capital One Lounge Review: Explore the unique offerings of the Capital One Lounge in Dallas, from individually portioned meals to a higher standard of food compared to typical airport lounges
  • Bellagio Hotel Hacks: Find out how booking through the Amex portal earned them 5x points, daily breakfast credits, and room upgrades, plus tips on requesting a mini-fridge for “medical purposes” and using a Brita filter to save on bottled water costs
  • Timeshare Presentation Strategy: Navigate timeshare presentations to gain perks like comedy club tickets and free hotel stays without succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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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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Traveling with Young Kids to Everest and Beyond with @restlesscrusade (Ep. 31)

Traveling with Young Kids to Everest and Beyond with @restlesscrusade (Ep. 31)

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Is it still possible to take extraordinary adventures after you’ve had children and started a family? 

Absolutely! 

For parents who dream of traveling, but feel it has become impossible, this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey” is for you. Host DeAndre Coke welcomes Shannon and Tyson from Restless Crusade. Shannon and Tyson are a couple from North Okanagan, BC, Canada, who have taken their five-year-old twins on remarkable journeys across the globe. From trekking to Everest Base Camp to exploring Bali and El Salvador, Shannon and Tyson reveal how they make family travel not just feasible but unforgettable. 

Tune in to learn their secrets and discover that your dream family adventures are within reach!

Key Highlights:

  • Epic Family Adventures: Discover how Shannon and Tyson manage incredible trips like trekking to Everest Base Camp with their twins, showcasing their adaptability and love for hiking
  • Adventurous Lifestyle: Learn about their commitment to maintaining an adventurous lifestyle, seamlessly integrating travel and hiking into their family routine
  • Practical Travel Tips: Gain valuable insights into traveling extensively with young kids, from handling logistics and lightweight packing to encouraging imaginative play over electronic devices
  • Strategic Planning: Understand their thorough approach to planning trips, including checking safety, risk levels, and required immunizations to ensure activities suit both adults and children
  • Memorable Experiences: Hear captivating stories from their adventures, such as trekking Everest and exploring El Salvador’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches
  • Advice for Newbie Parents: Receive essential advice for parents new to traveling, including knowing your limits, choosing child-friendly destinations like Southeast Asia, and maintaining flexibility for a stress-free journey
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Shannon and Tyson: 

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Playing the Points and Miles Game as a Family with @thefrugalandfreetravelers (Ep. 29)

Playing the Points and Miles Game as a Family with @thefrugalandfreetravelers (Ep. 29)

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How can families travel luxuriously without breaking the bank?

Challenge your preconceived notions about cost-effective luxurious travel in this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast. Host DeAndre Coke welcomes Jordan and Courtney from “The Frugal and Free Travelers,” an Indiana-based couple with two daughters who share their love of adventure. 

Together they have mastered traveling frugally yet luxuriously through strategic planning and usage of points and miles. Starting with the Chase Freedom card in 2007 to lavish trips to South America and Disney World, Jordan and Courtney share insights and tips on balancing family, work, and a passion for travel.

Key Highlights:

  • Family Travel Dynamics: Learn how Jordan and Courtney prioritize travel despite a middle-class income, manage long flights with ease, and train their kids to enjoy travel
  • Credit Card Strategy: Discover how they started with the Chase Freedom card and now open multiple cards annually, focusing on transferable points to improve their credit scores
  • Travel Planning: Understand how Courtney handles 80% of research and planning, balancing activities to ensure memorable trips for the entire family
  • Memorable Trips: Hear about their highlights, including hiking in Madeira, exploring Portugal, and using Alaska Airlines miles for South America, plus a budget-friendly stay in Chile and maximizing credits at the Arizona Biltmore
  • Challenges and Solutions: Find out how they overcome challenges like booking four business class seats and hotel rooms for four, emphasizing the importance of earning large points and understanding program availability
  • Advice for Beginners: Receive practical advice on starting small with points, avoiding hoarding, and using them promptly
  • Upcoming Adventures: Get a sneak peek into their future trips to Greece and Turks and Caicos, and dream destinations like Thailand and Indonesia. Follow their journey on Instagram and visit their website for more resources
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Jordan and Courtney: 

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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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Smart Swiping: Navigating Advanced Points & Miles Strategies for Maximum Rewards with Adam Garrettt (Ep. 18)

Smart Swiping: Navigating Advanced Points & Miles Strategies for Maximum Rewards with Adam Garrettt (Ep. 18)

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What if your next luxury vacation could be nearly free?

Join Adam Garrett on the “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast, hosted by DeAndre Coke. From his early exposure to credit card rewards as a child to his current prowess in leveraging points for both his real estate business and personal trips, Adam shares his comprehensive mastery. He covers the nuances of his travel strategies, demonstrating how planned credit use can turn points into plush escapades, even on a budget. Adam also offers valuable insights into managing multiple credit cards and maximizing travel rewards without compromising financial health, ensuring listeners can access the same level of luxurious travel he enjoys.

Key Highlights:

  • Credit Point Mastery: Follow Adam’s evolution from a curious kid to a credit card guru, crafting high-value travel experiences
  • Family-focused Travel Planning: Discover how Adam customizes travel plans to accommodate his wife’s health needs, ensuring luxury through domestic trips and staycations
  • Strategic Credit Use: Learn how Adam builds a strong financial future for his family with intelligent credit card use and reward optimization
  • Luxury on a Budget: Experience Adam’s tips for transforming credit card points into unforgettable travel experiences, from Disney World to exclusive stays at Marriott’s properties
  • Smart Financial Tools: Gain insights into the tools and strategies Adam uses to manage multiple credit cards effectively, maximizing rewards without the stress
  • Business Credit Benefits: Explore how even informal business activities can benefit from the strategic use of business credit cards to enhance travel rewards
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Adam Garrett: 

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