Tag: Reward Travel

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Honeymoon Hacks: How to Maximize Points and Miles for a Luxury Getaway (Ep. 43)

Honeymoon Hacks: How to Maximize Points and Miles for a Luxury Getaway (Ep. 43)

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Ever wonder how to plan a luxurious honeymoon without spending a fortune?

In this episode, DeAndre Coke is joined by Elliot Rosenberg, founder of Hack My Honeymoon, to share insider tips on using points and miles to plan luxury honeymoons without breaking the bank. Elliot talks about how his journey into the points and miles world led to the creation of Hack My Honeymoon, a service that helps couples pick dream destinations, develop points-earning strategies, and book flights and accommodations. He highlights the key benefits of using points for honeymoons, offering expert advice on flexibility in choosing travel dates, maximizing referral bonuses, and leveraging hotel loyalty programs. Whether planning to DIY your honeymoon or work with a service, Elliot’s insights on earning and redeeming points can turn your honeymoon into a five-star experience without the five-star price.

Tune in to learn the strategies behind using points and miles to craft the honeymoon of your dreams, from destination selection to wedding expense hacks!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury for Less: Using points and miles can make even the most extravagant honeymoons affordable.
  • Hack My Honeymoon Services: Elliot’s company guides couples in planning their honeymoons with customized points-earning strategies.
  • Set Your Goal: Know your travel preferences and set clear objectives to maximize points-earning opportunities.
  • Transferable Points Are Key: Points from Chase, Amex, and Capital One offer the most flexibility for earning and redeeming.
  • Leverage Small Business Cards: Opening business credit cards can unlock higher earning potential and additional benefits.
  • Referral Bonuses: Referring your partner as ‘player two’ to maximize rewards.
  • Wedding Expenses as a Points Strategy: Use credit cards for wedding costs to earn points, but make sure the fees are worth it.
  • Hotel Loyalty Programs Matter: Participating in hotel loyalty programs and negotiating with event coordinators can earn additional points.
  • Start Early: Get a head start on earning and consult with experts to navigate the complexities of points and miles.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Elliot Rosenberg:

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Exploring Singapore: Luxury Stays, Cultural Gems, and Top Travel Tips (Ep. 42)

Exploring Singapore: Luxury Stays, Cultural Gems, and Top Travel Tips (Ep. 42)

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Curious about what makes Singapore one of the most exciting destinations in Southeast Asia? 

In part two of their special two-episode series, DeAndre and Taryn continue their Southeast Asia adventure, this time focusing on Singapore. They share their luxurious stay at the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where breathtaking views and world-class dining elevated their experience. From there, they explore the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay, diving into why this attraction offers two distinctly magical experiences during the day and night. They also take listeners through the cultural heart of the city, visiting Chinatown, Arab Street, and Haji Lane, where art, shopping, and food blend into an unforgettable street scene.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there—DeAndre and Taryn also dish on some of Singapore’s top bars and restaurants, including Off Track, Jigger and Pony, and Native, all recognized among the World’s 50 Best Bars. They close out with a dazzling review of the Spectra Light and Water Show, an unmissable spectacle at Marina Bay Sands. Along the way, they share practical travel tips on avoiding jet lag and navigating busy airports. 

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, tune in to this episode to discover how to experience Singapore’s luxury, culture, and cuisine to the fullest!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury Stay at Marina Bay Sands: Hear about DeAndre and Taryn’s experience at Singapore’s iconic hotel, from dining options to spectacular views.
  • Gardens by the Bay: Discover why both daytime and nighttime visits offer unique perspectives of this breathtaking attraction.
  • Cultural Hotspots: Explore Arab Street, Haji Lane, and Chinatown for a diverse taste of Singapore’s local art, shopping, and cuisine.
  • World-Class Bars and Restaurants: Get recommendations for top spots, including Off Track, Jigger and Pony, and Native, all ranked on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
  • Spectra Light and Water Show: Find out why this dazzling light show is a must-see for any visitor to Marina Bay Sands.
  • Travel Tips: Learn the best methods for avoiding jet lag, including using No Jet Lag Pills and the TimeShifter app, plus strategies for navigating busy airports.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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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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Points or Cash? How to Choose the Right Travel Strategy with Julian Kheel of Points Path (Ep. 38)

Points or Cash? How to Choose the Right Travel Strategy with Julian Kheel of Points Path (Ep. 38)

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Booking your dream vacation is easier with Points Path, a Google Chrome extension developed by Julian Kheel. 

In this episode, host DeAndre Coke interviews Julian about how this revolutionary tool simplifies travel rewards for everyone, from beginners to experts. Points Path seamlessly integrates with Google Flights to show real-time points prices, cash comparisons, and provides smart recommendations on whether to use points or cash for specific flights.

Julian shares his journey from film and television to becoming a leading figure in the points and miles world, with notable experience at The Points Guy and CNN. He discusses the impactful power of Points Path, highlighting its speed, user-friendly design, and upcoming premium features like personalized recommendations and points price alerts.

Tune in to learn about the latest trends in the points and miles industry, the rise of personalized offers and increasing credit card sign-up bonuses, and practical advice to maximize your points.

Key Highlights:

  • Simplified Travel Planning: Discover how Points Path integrates with Google Flights to display points prices alongside cash prices, helping you make smarter decisions
  • User-Friendly Design: Learn why Points Path’s simplicity and speed make it accessible for beginners and experts alike
  • Advanced Features: Get an inside look at the upcoming premium version, featuring personalized recommendations and points price alerts
  • Industry Trends: Explore how increased personalization and rising sign-up bonuses are shaping the future of travel rewards
  • Maximizing Points: Benefit from Julian’s expert advice on ensuring you’re getting the best value from your points and staying updated on the latest credit card options
  • And much more!

Plus, Julian shares his vision for the future of Points Path, including plans to expand to more frequent flier programs and potentially offering predictive pricing tools.

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Julian Kheel:

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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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