Tag: Hyatt Hotels
Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!

Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!

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Looking to maximize your points game and stay ahead of the travel curve?

In this extended Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke dives into one of the busiest travel news weeks yet. From Rakuten and SoFi points play to Delta’s award rate drops and United’s sleek new Polaris business class suites, there’s something for every traveler. He covers the Hilton Honors devaluation, a limited-time AA award sale, and the end of the valuable Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska Airlines transfer loophole. Plus, there’s new info on Chase’s Instacart perks, updates on the Zil Money saga, and a reminder that May is prime time for booking summer travel. 

Packed with strategy, news, and savings hacks—you won’t want to miss it.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Rakuten deals: Huge Amex point earning opportunities—some merchants offering up to 95x points.
  • SoFi bonus: Opening a new SoFi account with a $500 direct deposit can earn 25,000 Amex points.
  • Delta award rates drop: Flying Blue redemptions on Delta-operated flights are ~20% cheaper for 2026.
  • United upgrades: New Polaris Studio Suites will offer luxury in-flight experiences starting in 2026.
  • Hilton devaluation: Standard award nights at top-tier hotels now cost up to 200,000 points.
  • American Airlines sale: Over 1 million award seats available from 5,000 miles—book by May 28.
  • Amex transfer loophole: The Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska points route ends June 30.
  • Chase Instacart perks: New $10–$20 monthly credits across many cards, plus free Instacart+ trials.
  • Zil Money update: The payroll on credit card feature was delayed another month, which is now expected in June.
  • Book now for summer: Prices for flights and hotels are lower than usual—rebooking could save $$$.

 

Resources:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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

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

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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:

 

Interested in Financial Planning?

 

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Travel Smarter: How to Maximize Every Mile and Point with Julia Menez of @geobreezetravel (Ep. 64)

Travel Smarter: How to Maximize Every Mile and Point with Julia Menez of @geobreezetravel (Ep. 64)

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Have you ever wondered how to get the most value out of your points and miles?

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Julia Menez, founder of Geobreeze Travel, to break down the best strategies for maximizing travel redemptions. Julia shares her journey into the points and miles space and explains the importance of tracking travel metrics, including cents per point (CPP) and out-of-pocket cost ratios, to ensure you’re getting the best possible value.

They also discuss how to prioritize travel goals, when to opt for luxury versus budget-friendly options, and why transfer bonuses and airline partnerships can significantly enhance your travel experience. Julia highlights Hyatt’s strong redemption value, the best lounges to visit, and the benefits of tracking routes for premium travel. 

Whether you’re new to points and miles or looking to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize your redemptions, minimize expenses, and elevate your travel experiences.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Tracking Metrics: Decide if tracking cents per point (CPP) or other metrics aligns with your travel goals.
  • Fun Over Stress: Points and miles should enhance travel, not add pressure.
  • Value Over Cost: Travel isn’t just about spending less; it’s about maximizing experiences.
  • Minimizing Out-of-Pocket Costs: Keeping expenses low is crucial for budget travelers.
  • Hyatt’s No-Tax Redemptions: Standard room redemptions with Hyatt don’t include additional taxes.
  • Transfer Bonuses: Using strategic transfer bonuses can significantly boost redemption value.
  • Tracking Flight Routes: Helps with planning premium cabin redemptions and maximizing luxury.
  • Best Lounges: The Pier Lounge in Hong Kong is a must-visit for Oneworld Emerald members.
  • Underrated Travel Programs: Choice Hotels and other lesser-known programs can offer great redemptions.
  • Luxury on Short Flights: High-end experiences can still be affordable on shorter routes.

 

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Julia Menez:

 

 

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Adults-Only Resorts: An Inside Look at Premium Resort Experiences (Ep. 36)

Adults-Only Resorts: An Inside Look at Premium Resort Experiences (Ep. 36)

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Adults-only vacation spots sound like a welcome change from the sometimes chaotic family resorts. If these locations come at a higher cost, what points & miles strategies can you use to enjoy this luxury without breaking the bank?

In this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey”, host DeAndre Coke and his fiancée, Taryn Gisbert, take you inside the world of luxury adults-only resorts, delivering in-depth reviews of their recent stays at these stunning locations. Each resort—Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, Secrets Impressions Moshe, and Secrets Aura Cozumel— is located within the beautiful Riviera Maya area of Mexico, starting south of Cancun and continuing down the east coast. These locations offer a unique adult-oriented experience, all accessed through savvy use of credit card points. Whether you’re a seasoned points traveler or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you experience luxury resorts without breaking the bank.

Key Highlights:

  • Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres: Experience the stunning beach and natural limestone pools of this new Cancun resort, complete with preferred club access
  • Secrets Impressions Moshe: Discover premium dining, multiple pools, and exceptional butler service, even as you navigate local beach vendors
  • Secrets Aura Cozumel: Perfect for diving enthusiasts, this older resort offers excellent beach access amid some aging facility challenges
  • Maximizing Credit Card Points: Learn how to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points for nearly free stays, with specific strategies to maximize value
  • Honorable Mentions: Explore other notable resorts like Breathless Cancun Soul, known for its lively atmosphere and unique challenges
  • Final Reflections: DeAndre and Taryn emphasize choosing a resort that aligns with your travel goals and invite listeners to share their experiences

 

Resources:

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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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