Tag: Points and Miles

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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

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Matt Jamele:

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: Real ID Is Finaly Here, 2 Top Credit Card Offers Are Ending Soon & More!

Quick Hits: Real ID Is Finaly Here, 2 Top Credit Card Offers Are Ending Soon & More!

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How do you stay updated with travel news while soaking up the sun in paradise? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the beautiful Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort in Honduras, where he shares a snapshot of the latest travel and points and miles updates.

He covers the current round of valuable transfer bonuses from Capital One, Chase, Citi, and more—along with timely reminders like the launch of REAL ID requirements in the U.S. and major airport delays affecting travel through New York and New Jersey. He also includes two major credit card welcome offers, including the $1,000+ value Capital One Venture Rewards deal ending May 12th.

If you’re booking a summer getaway or optimizing your rewards portfolio, this episode will help you make smart, timely moves with your travel plans.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Current Transfer Bonuses: Capital One, Chase, and Citi are offering bonuses up to 30%—ideal if you’re booking travel soon.
  • REAL ID Reminder: Domestic travelers without a REAL ID-compliant license must carry a passport for flights.
  • Northeast Flight Disruptions: Avoid flights through New York/New Jersey due to air traffic staffing issues and cancellations.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred: The 100K point sign-up bonus is in the “last call” phase—if you’re eligible, don’t miss it.
  • Capital One Venture Offer: Earn 75K miles + $250 travel credit (worth $1,000+) if you apply by May 12.
  • Travel Tip from Honduras: The Kimpton Grand Roatán is a stunning destination spa—watch for a full breakdown episode soon.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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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:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with savvytravelmamas:

 

 

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Unlock the Vatican and Other Hidden Gems in Rome: Travel Tips From a Local with Angelo of @LivTours (Ep. 72)

Unlock the Vatican and Other Hidden Gems in Rome: Travel Tips From a Local with Angelo of @LivTours (Ep. 72)

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What makes a travel experience unforgettable? In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Angelo, a dynamic entrepreneur who leaped from the performing arts to crafting bespoke travel experiences across Europe. Angelo shares how his background shaped his approach to building personal, intimate tours that focus on emotional connections rather than just checking off sights.

The conversation takes listeners through hidden gems of Rome, like the stunning Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, the ancient Appian Way, and secret Caravaggio masterpieces tucked away in local churches. They also discuss the evolving world of luxury travel, highlighting unique experiences such as the Keymaster Experience at the Vatican and vintage Vespa sidecar tours. Plus, they offer tips for visiting Italy, including the best times to go and why early or late access tours can make a big difference in your trip.

This episode is perfect for travelers looking to deepen their experiences, independent explorers, and anyone dreaming of a more meaningful journey across Europe.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Angelo’s Background: His performing arts experience shapes how he designs travel experiences.
  • Personalized Travel: The industry is shifting toward curated, emotionally driven trips.
  • Small Groups Matter: Intimate group sizes lead to better engagement and customer loyalty.
  • Rome’s Hidden Gems: Santa Maria Maggiore, the Appian Way, and Caravaggio’s art are must-sees.
  • Luxury Travel in Rome: Unique options like the Vatican Keymaster Experience add exclusive value.
  • Timing is Key: October is one of the best times to visit Italy for fewer crowds and better experiences.
  • Local Connection: Engaging with locals deepens and authenticates your travel experience.
  • Physical Exploration: Walking and biking can uncover sides of a city that tourists often miss.
  • Emotional Travel: Travel is not just about sightseeing, but also about creating emotional connections with places

 

 

 

Resources:

 

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Connect with Angelo:

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: AA’s Free Wi-Fi, Bilt Rent Reward Strategy & Google Flights Update

Quick Hits: AA’s Free Wi-Fi, Bilt Rent Reward Strategy & Google Flights Update

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How can a trip to Napa and a few updates completely shift how you think about points, perks, and booking tools? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the stunning Estate Yountville in Napa Valley, sharing major news from the world of travel, credit cards, and points and miles.

He covers Bilt’s new rent payment option—even if you don’t use a Bilt card, you can now earn points while paying rent, with a small fee. American Airlines is rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi across most of its fleet by early next year, boosting in-flight productivity. Google Flights is also testing a long-awaited feature: the ability to filter out basic economy fares. And finally, shoutout to Karen, winner of the recent Hyatt Free Night Certificate giveaway, with more perks to come for newsletter subscribers.

This episode is packed with fast, practical updates for anyone looking to get more value from their travel routines and rewards, no matter where you’re headed next.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Bilt Rent Payments: You can now earn Bilt points while paying rent with any credit card (3% fee applies).
  • Amex Wi-Fi Credit Tip: DeAndre uses Amex Platinum’s $50/month airline credits to cover American Airlines Wi-Fi—soon to be obsolete as free Wi-Fi rolls out in 2025.
  • American Airlines Wi-Fi Update: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is coming to 90% of American Airlines’ fleet starting in January 2025.
  • Google Flights Filter: Google Flights is testing a filter to remove basic economy fares from search results.
  • Newsletter Giveaways: Recent winner Karen scored a Hyatt Free Night Certificate—newsletter subscribers get access to future giveaways.

 

Resources:

 

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Planning the Ultimate F1 Grand Prix Experience on Points with Jenna of @travelersinlaw (Ep. 71)

Planning the Ultimate F1 Grand Prix Experience on Points with Jenna of @travelersinlaw (Ep. 71)

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Ever wondered how to make luxury travel to a world-class Formula 1 race affordable? 

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke sits down with attorney-turned-travel-hacker Jenna of @travelersinlaw to explore exactly that. Jenna shares how she went from burnout in the legal profession to building a lifestyle fueled by points and miles—one that now includes an upcoming trip to the F1 Italian Grand Prix 2025 in Monza.

They dive into how to strategically earn and redeem points, the best credit card approaches for high-value travel, and what it takes to attend global events like Formula 1 without breaking the bank. Jenna also opens up about how travel became part of her self-care routine, why it’s okay to explore without a perfect itinerary, and how busy professionals can still make unforgettable trips a reality.

This episode is packed with real-world advice, smart strategies, and inspiration for travelers looking to elevate their experiences using points and miles.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Burnout Recovery: Travel as a tool for self-care and balance.
  • Credit Strategy: Smart use of cards and bonus categories boosts rewards.
  • Monza Planning: Insight into budgeting for the 2025 Italian Grand Prix.
  • Luxury on Points: Premium hotels and flights are within reach with the right strategy.
  • F1 Travel Costs: What to expect and how to offset costs with points.
  • Flexible Itineraries: It’s okay not to plan every minute—some freedom is part of the fun.
  • Credit Scores: Managing your credit while optimizing travel benefits.
  • Busy Professionals: Why taking time off is essential—and how to make it worth it.
  • Long-Term Wins: Starting small in points and miles leads to big travel gains.

 

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Jenna:

 

 

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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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Rum Punch, Beach Vibes & Wedding Bells: Our Jamaica Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Experience (Ep. 65)

Rum Punch, Beach Vibes & Wedding Bells: Our Jamaica Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall Experience (Ep. 65)

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What’s it like to experience a destination wedding in Jamaica while staying at a top-tier all-inclusive resort?

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, hosts Taryn and DeAndre take listeners through their trip to Jamaica, where they attended a beautiful wedding at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall. They break down the booking process, how they used points to maximize their stay, and how Globalist status enhanced their resort experience.

From luxurious room upgrades to mouthwatering jerk chicken and vibrant entertainment, the episode highlights the resort’s atmosphere, amenities, and dining experiences. It also covers travel tips for visiting Jamaica, including why they recommend Club Mobay VIP entry for a stress-free airport experience. 

Whether you’re planning a trip to Jamaica, considering Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, or just looking for destination wedding inspiration, this episode is packed with insider insights and firsthand experiences.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Destination Wedding in Jamaica: Attended a wedding at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.
  • Booking with Points: Used Hyatt points to book the stay.
  • DeAndre’s Connection to Jamaica: He is half-Jamaican, making this trip even more special.
  • Resort Experience: The adults-only Hyatt Zillara sits next to the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva.
  • Globalist Perks: Enjoyed suite upgrades and exclusive benefits.
  • Best Jerk Chicken Ever: The jerk chicken at the resort was a culinary highlight.
  • VIP Arrival at the Airport: Club Mobay VIP entry made the arrival process seamless.
  • Wedding Experience: The event was well-organized and stunning.
  • Resort Atmosphere: Energetic, great entertainment, and a lively vibe.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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From Tulum’s Unique Vibes to Mexico City’s Food Tours: Our Mexican Holiday Journey (Ep. 60)

From Tulum’s Unique Vibes to Mexico City’s Food Tours: Our Mexican Holiday Journey (Ep. 60)

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Ever wondered what a two-week holiday adventure in Mexico looks like?

In this episode, DeAndre and Taryn share their journey from a week-long escape in Tulum—complete with stunning beaches, a vibrant local community, and unique Airbnb experiences—to exploring the rich culinary scene of Mexico City. They delve into travel tips on maximizing points for flights and accommodations, navigating the new Tulum airport, and embracing the local culture and dining customs of Mexico City. 

The conversation also covers their New Year’s Eve experience, which featured a mix of highs and lows—from a disappointing countdown to an unforgettable food tour, Michelin-star dining, and a luxurious stop at the Centurion Lounge. Whether you’re curious about securing affordable rides, making advanced reservations, or just looking for inspiration, DeAndre and Taryn’s insights will help you plan and enjoy your next adventure.

Listen now to dive into their travel stories and get inspired for your Mexican getaway!

Key Highlights:

  • Tulum Vibe: Tulum offers a vibrant community with great food and stunning beaches.
  • Airbnb Advantage: Booking a unique Airbnb in Tulum can earn you airline miles and enhance your travel experience.
  • New Airport Perks: The newly opened Tulum airport provides added convenience for travelers.
  • Culinary Capital: Mexico City boasts a rich culinary scene featuring family-owned eateries and Michelin-star dining.
  • Late Meal Culture: Mealtimes in Mexico City are notably later, a key cultural insight for planning your dining schedule.
  • Affordable Rides: Ubers in Mexico City are affordable, making navigating the bustling city streets easy.
  • Plan Ahead: To secure the best experiences, make reservations for popular restaurants and food tours in advance.
  • Unique Experiences: Tulum’s beach clubs offer a unique party atmosphere, while the Centurion Lounge delivers unexpected luxury.

Resources:

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Our 2024 Recap: Points & Miles Wins, Stunning Stays, and Epic Destinations (Ep. 55)

Our 2024 Recap: Points & Miles Wins, Stunning Stays, and Epic Destinations (Ep. 55)

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What were your top travel moments this year? In this reflective episode, Taryn and DeAndre take listeners on a journey through their unforgettable 2024 travel experiences and offer a glimpse into their exciting plans for 2025. They share how they accumulated nearly a million points through signup bonuses, their favorite destinations like Bali, and luxurious stays such as Marina Bay Sands. A highlight of the year was their magical night dive with manta rays, but the adventure didn’t stop there—another unforgettable experience was taking a helicopter ride to EDC Las Vegas, avoiding traffic and arriving at the event in just 45 minutes.

Looking ahead to 2025, Taryn and DeAndre have a packed travel itinerary. They plan to dive deep into adventure in Roatan, Honduras, attend a friend’s wedding at Hyatt Ziva while enjoying the Adults-Only Hyatt Zilara Cancun, and celebrate their own wedding in the Dominican Republic. Skiing and snowboarding with friends at Beaver Creek Ski Resort & Spa Hotels is also on the agenda, as well as DeAndre’s plans to attend the Travel More Conference in October. With so much ahead, they remain committed to travel hacking and sharing tips to maximize points, ensuring every trip is memorable and rewarding. 

Join them in reflecting on a year of growth and looking forward to new adventures!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Podcast Milestone: This marks the first full year of having the podcast, which experienced massive growth and great support from listeners.
  • Points and Miles: Accumulated nearly a million points through signup bonuses alone.
  • Favorite Destinations & Stays: Bali stands out as a top travel spot, while Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was a spectacular experience.
  • Memorable Adventures: The night dive with manta rays in the Maldives was unforgettable, but there’s also a helicopter ride to EDC Las Vegas, which was a first for both Taryn and DeAndre.
  • 2025 Plans: Diving in Roatan, attending a friend’s wedding in Cancun, and hosting their own wedding in the Dominican Republic.
  • Winter Fun: Skiing and snowboarding with friends at Beaver Creek.
  • Professional Growth: DeAndre will attend the Travel More Conference in October.
  • Travel Philosophy: Revolutionize your travels, revolutionize your journeys.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

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