Tag: Maximizing Points

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From Gigs to Getaways: How Musicians Can Travel Smarter Using Points & Miles with @miles_maestro (Ep. 74)

From Gigs to Getaways: How Musicians Can Travel Smarter Using Points & Miles with @miles_maestro (Ep. 74)

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How can musicians and creatives take advantage of points and miles to make travel more affordable—and more meaningful?

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke chats with musician and points enthusiast Matt Jamele, better known as @miles_maestro, about the travel challenges artists face and the strategies that can make the road a little smoother.

Matt shares how his desire to travel more—despite the financial unpredictability of being an artist—led him to the world of points and miles. From choosing the right credit cards and maximizing free night certificates to creating unforgettable moments on the road, he offers practical advice for creatives who want to stretch their travel budgets. The conversation touches on lounge access, business card perks, and how to keep things simple while still traveling well. If you’re touring across the country or planning a well-deserved getaway between gigs, this episode will inspire you to rethink your travel as an artist.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Matt’s beginnings: His passion for travel grew while navigating the financial realities of being a working musician.
  • Business card benefits: A business credit card can offer valuable rewards for artists with side income.
  • Lounge access perks: Airport lounges provide much-needed comfort between gigs or flights.
  • Simple card strategy: A lean card setup is often more manageable and effective for creatives.
  • Redemption value: Points can be used for experiences that create lasting memories, not just luxury.
  • Ask for help: There’s a growing community of travel hackers willing to guide beginners.
  • Travel mindset: The focus should be on enjoying the journey, not overcomplicating it with dozens of strategies.
  • Accessible travel: With a bit of planning, even independent artists can explore the world without overspending.

 

This episode is sponsored by Saily. Use Code BOLDLYGO for a 15% discount

 

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Travel Smarter with Joy & Mara of @savvytravelmamas: Points, Timeshares & Travel Freebies (Ep. 73)

Travel Smarter with Joy & Mara of @savvytravelmamas: Points, Timeshares & Travel Freebies (Ep. 73)

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Can vacation clubs and timeshares be worth it, and how do you avoid the traps?

 In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke welcomes Joy Smith and Mara Rice, better known as the Savvy Travel Mamas, for a candid conversation on travel strategies, points and miles, and making family vacations a reality without breaking the bank. Mara shares how she started travel hacking decades ago out of financial necessity. At the same time, Joy reflects on her evolution from avoiding travel planning to becoming the go-to organizer for unforgettable getaways.

They break down the difference between vacation clubs and timeshares, discuss how to spot (and avoid) high-pressure sales tactics—especially in Las Vegas—and explain why freebies can be both a perk and a pitfall. You’ll also hear personal stories from their stays at Hilton and Hyatt resorts, tips for using credit cards wisely, and prioritizing experiences without overspending. This episode offers a practical guide for families, beginners, and anyone curious about getting more from their travels through smart planning and intentional choices.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Mara’s beginnings: She started using points and miles out of necessity, proving you don’t need money to travel smart.
  • Joy’s shift: Initially hesitant, Joy embraced travel planning to prioritize family vacations.
  • Vacation club clarity: Understanding the structure of vacation clubs vs. timeshares is critical to making wise decisions.
  • Maximizing redemptions: Spacious accommodations and points strategy make family travel more affordable.
  • Common mistakes: Many people jump into timeshares without understanding what they buy.
  • Financial insight: Being financially responsible when considering ownership is key.
  • Presentation strategy: If you prepare, you can attend sales presentations just for the perks.
  • Vegas freebies: Joy and Mara reveal how they scored thousands in vacation value just by showing up.
  • Family-first mindset: Travel should work around your family’s needs, not the other way around.
  • Start small: You don’t have to jump into luxury travel—start where you are and build from there.

 

This episode is sponsored by Saily. Use Code BOLDLYGO for a 15% discount

Resources:

 

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Connect with savvytravelmamas:

 

 

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Revolutionize Your Travel: Must-Have Tools to Plan, Book, and Organize Your Points & Miles Game (Ep. 69)

Revolutionize Your Travel: Must-Have Tools to Plan, Book, and Organize Your Points & Miles Game (Ep. 69)

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Have you ever wondered what tools a points and miles expert uses to book smarter, earn faster, and stay organized while traveling?

In this solo episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke breaks down his personal travel toolkit—from the apps that help him choose the right credit card at checkout, to the tools he swears by for booking award flights and organizing itineraries. From automating credit card offers with Card Pointers to searching for award flights with tools like PointsYeah and Seats.aero, DeAndre walks listeners through each step of his travel planning process. He also discusses the value of platforms like Zil Money for earning points on business expenses, and apps like TripIt for keeping itineraries organized. This episode offers practical insights for travelers looking to simplify and optimize their rewards-based travel. 

This post contains affiliate links for some of the products mentioned, but we personally use and pay for most of these services ourselves because we believe in their value. We want to share the best points and miles tools that have helped us maximize our travel rewards.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Card Pointers: An app that helps users choose the best credit card for each purchase and automatically loads Amex and Chase offers without logging in.
  • Zil Money: Platform that lets businesses earn points by processing payroll through credit cards—useful for hitting sign-up bonuses and earning high multipliers.
  • Travel Freely: This tool tracks credit card annual fees and sign-up bonuses and helps users comply with Chase’s 5/24 rule.
  • PointsYeah: Award flight search engine with features like Daydream Explorer and live seat maps, making it easier to spot high-value redemptions.
  • Seats.aero: A power-user tool for finding award seat availability, especially useful for last-minute and expert-level searches.
  • Points Path:  The first award flight search engine that runs directly in Google Flights, and provides both the cash price and points price of many flights.
  • FlightConnections: Visualization tool showing all direct routes between airports—great for mapping international travel and alliance-specific itineraries.
  • Boldly Go Calculators: Transfer Bonus Calculator and Point Redemption Calculator simplify reward math and show real point value.
  • Point.me: Beginner-friendly award search tool that includes step-by-step guides and Amex cardholder access for free.
  • Thrifty Traveler: Subscription service that sends alerts for award availability, mistake fares, and significant cash deals.
  • TripIt: Travel organization app that builds an itinerary from confirmation emails and syncs across devices—even offline. Helpful for keeping track of complex trips and flight changes.

 

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Quick Hits: More Zil Payroll Woes and More!

Quick Hits: More Zil Payroll Woes and More!

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the stunning Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Colorado, offering a glimpse into the luxury ski-in/ski-out experience. 

He shares the latest on the ongoing Zil Money payroll issues, including frustrations from users unable to process payments via credit card. The episode also covers recent turbulence with Southwest Airlines, from point devaluations to new passenger fees, and how American and Delta are stepping in with status match opportunities. DeAndre closes out by breaking down the new Chase and United card changes, which have sparked conversations around value, fees, and whether these cards still make sense for savvy travelers.

Whether you’re navigating the slopes of travel rewards or reassessing your credit card strategy, this episode delivers timely insights to help you make smarter moves with your points and miles.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: A true ski-in/ski-out luxury resort offering a premium travel experience.
  • Zil Money Update: The payroll-by-card system experienced downtime, impacting users across multiple platforms.
  • Southwest Airlines Devaluation: Points were devalued, and new fees were introduced, frustrating loyal customers.
  • Status Match Opportunities: American Airlines and Delta are offering matches for Southwest elites.
  • Chase & United Card Changes: Increased annual fees and reduced perks make co-branded cards less valuable.
  • Community Insight: Ongoing discussions in the Boldly Go Facebook group reflect traveler concerns and strategies.
  • Rewards Program Monitoring: Staying informed is key to adapting to the changing travel rewards landscape.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Quick Hits: Payroll on Credit Card Update, IHG’s Best-Ever Offer, Southwest’s Status Match Deal and more

Quick Hits: Payroll on Credit Card Update, IHG’s Best-Ever Offer, Southwest’s Status Match Deal and more

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares a roundup of the latest and most important updates in the world of travel, points, and miles. From Hyatt’s award pricing changes and Chase/Amex transfer bonuses to the IHG One Rewards Business Card’s limited-time offer of up to 200,000 points, this episode is packed with timely insights to help travelers make smarter, more strategic decisions. He also covers Delta’s removal of fuel surcharges on award flights from Europe and Southwest’s new status match opportunity for American Airlines elites—both of which could unlock significant value for savvy flyers.

Additionally, DeAndre shares an update on Zil Money, which is once again up and running for all credit cards except AMEX, and unveils the newly rebuilt Best Offers page on the BoldlyGo website, created to prioritize transparency and showcase the most competitive card offers—regardless of affiliate links.

Whether you’re earning, redeeming, or mapping out your next trip, this episode will help you stay ahead of the game in the world of travel rewards.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Hyatt Award Pricing Update: Many hotels are shifting categories, impacting award stays.
  • IHG One Rewards Business Card: Earn up to 200,000 points with a limited-time offer.
  • Valuable Free Night Certificate: Included with the IHG business card and applicable for redemptions.
  • Chase & Amex Transfer Bonuses: Take advantage of them before they expire.
  • Delta Award Tickets: Fuel surcharges removed for one-way flights from Europe.
  • Southwest Status Match: Available with proof of American Airlines elite status.
  • Plan Ahead: Staying informed ensures better travel redemptions and savings.
  • Use Credit Cards Strategically: These updates reinforce the value of timely applications.

 

Resources:

 

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Quick Hits: Etihad’s Hidden Transfer Bonus, Southwest Airlines Has Less to “Luv”, Amex Membership Week & More!

Quick Hits: Etihad’s Hidden Transfer Bonus, Southwest Airlines Has Less to “Luv”, Amex Membership Week & More!

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke unpacks the latest updates in the world of points and miles, including airline and hotel loyalty program changes, travel incentives, and credit card promotions. He discusses the temporary halt in payroll by credit card through Zill Money, the reinstatement of Air Canada’s points pooling feature, and the latest IHG Rewards card offers that could help travelers maximize their stays.

Additionally, DeAndre highlights Vancouver’s new travel incentives, an unlisted transfer bonus with Etihad, and the perks of subscribing to Thrifty Traveler for exclusive flight deals. He also provides insight into AMEX Membership Week, upcoming policy changes at Southwest Airlines—including the end of free baggage for most passengers—and how travelers should prepare for the 40% devaluation of Southwest points. Whether you’re looking to maximize rewards, navigate airline devaluations, or take advantage of limited-time bonuses, this episode covers it all.

Tune in now to stay ahead of the latest travel trends and maximize your points and miles!

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Payroll by Credit Card: Temporarily unavailable due to system upgrades.
  • Air Canada Points Pooling: Reinstated, allowing families to share miles.
  • IHG Rewards Card Offers: Limited-time bonus points promotions are available.
  • Vancouver Travel Incentives: Visitors can receive prepaid Visa gift cards.
  • Etihad Transfer Bonus: Available but not listed in the Capital One portal.
  • Etihad Cancellation Policy: Strict rules, so book wisely.
  • Thrifty Traveler Deals: Subscription includes exclusive discounts and a money-back guarantee.
  • AMEX Membership Week: Exclusive promotions and travel perks are available for cardholders.
  • Southwest Airlines Devaluation: Points for cheap fares reduced by 40%.
  • Southwest Policy Changes: Assigned seating and new baggage fees could impact frequent flyers.

 

Resources:

 

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Quick Hits: March’s Best Credit Card Offers, Hilton’s Luxury Expansion, Chase Card Reporting Errors & More!

Quick Hits: March’s Best Credit Card Offers, Hilton’s Luxury Expansion, Chase Card Reporting Errors & More!

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Looking to take advantage of the best travel credit card offers this March? In this Quick Hits episode, host DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest elevated offers from IHG, Capital One, and American Express, explaining how to maximize welcome bonuses and transfer bonuses for the best redemptions. He also highlights why switching browsers when searching for credit card offers can lead to better deals.

Additionally, DeAndre covers unique Capital One redemptions such as MLB tickets, Marriott’s expansion into luxury safari properties in Kenya, and Hilton’s partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)—creating even more premium travel opportunities for points and miles enthusiasts. Wrapping up, he shares insights into recent Chase credit card reporting errors, the impact of the 5/24 rule, and upcoming networking opportunities at TravelCon in Tucson, Arizona.

Tune in for the latest travel updates, expert credit card strategies, and exclusive tips to level up your travel game with points and miles.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • March Credit Card Offers: New best offers available from IHG, Capital One, and Amex.
  • Amex Business Platinum: Features a high-value welcome offer this month.
  • Browser Tricks: Using different browsers can reveal better credit card deals.
  • Hilton’s Free Night Certificate: A valuable perk for award travelers.
  • Capital One Redemptions: Includes MLB tickets and other exclusive experiences.
  • Marriott’s Luxury Expansion: New safari properties coming to Kenya.
  • Hilton & Small Luxury Hotels (SLH): Expanding high-end hotel options.
  • Chase Business Cards Issue: Some cards are incorrectly appearing on personal credit reports.
  • Payroll Points System Update: Temporary technical issues affecting users.
  • TravelCon in Tucson: Great networking opportunities for travel and finance enthusiasts.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: Capital One’s Venture Offer, Hyatt’s Annual Category Changes, The New Credit Card Finder Tool and More!

Quick Hits: Capital One’s Venture Offer, Hyatt’s Annual Category Changes, The New Credit Card Finder Tool and More!

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares the latest updates in the world of travel, points, and miles, helping listeners stay informed on the newest opportunities and challenges in maximizing travel rewards. He breaks down the Capital One Venture Card’s limited-time welcome bonus and highlights the addition of new airport lounges in Las Vegas and Philadelphia. He also revisits Hyatt’s 2025 award chart changes, explaining how travelers can lock in lower redemption rates before certain hotels increase in category.

Additionally, DeAndre discusses the new Capital One to JetBlue transfer partnership, why it may not be the best use of points, and how current transfer bonuses can help maximize value. He also addresses Uber’s new currency conversion fee, emphasizing the importance of using credit cards that have no foreign transaction fees to avoid unnecessary costs.

To make point-earning and credit card selection easier, DeAndre introduces a new credit card finder tool, designed to match travelers with the best card based on their spending habits and travel goals. Whether you’re looking to optimize your points strategy, avoid airline devaluations, or make the most of credit card perks, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Capital One Venture Card: A 75,000-mile limited-time welcome bonus is available.
  • Hyatt Award Chart Changes: Some hotels will move up in category, increasing redemption costs after March 25—book now to lock in lower rates.
  • Capital One to JetBlue Transfers: The new 5:3 transfer ratio makes this a poor value compared to Chase, Citi, and Amex transfer options.
  • Uber’s Currency Conversion Fee: A 1.5% fee is automatically applied if Uber detects you’re paying in a foreign currency—use a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid it.
  • New Airport Lounges: Capital One has opened lounges in Las Vegas and Philadelphia, expanding premium lounge access for cardholders.
  • AirTags for Travel: Apple’s AirTags can be a great tool for tracking lost luggage and avoiding baggage claim nightmares.
  • American Express Hilton Transfer Bonus: A 25% bonus on transfers to Hilton Honors points, available until March 14.
  • Chase Marriott Transfer Bonus: A 50% bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy, available until March 31, 2025.
  • Credit Card Finder Tool: A new tool has been introduced to help travelers find the best credit card based on spending habits.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

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