In this episode, DeAndre Coke shares his four-night stay at the 5-star Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Colorado—paid entirely with points and miles. This trip had everything from a suite upgrade and gourmet breakfasts to ski-in, ski-out access and firepit s’mores.
Tune in to hear how DeAndre booked the stay, tips for maximizing your points, and what to expect from one of Colorado’s most family-friendly mountain resorts.
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
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
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
Ever wondered how to turn a flight delay into a travel win?
In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares his firsthand experience dealing with unexpected travel disruptions and how tools like travel insurance and flight vouchers saved the day. He unpacks the importance of being prepared, how to maximize value from travel credits, and what travelers can learn from chaotic moments.
The episode also covers breaking news on Chase Sapphire credit cards, including a record-high signup bonus and new perks through partnerships like Lyft. Plus, DeAndre dives into helpful updates like Google’s rollout of hotel price alerts and shares advanced strategies for managing your points and miles for maximum return.
From optimizing your rewards to handling real-world travel hiccups, this episode is packed with practical tips to keep you ready and informed every step of the way.
Key takeaways:
Travel Insurance: Offers protection for unexpected expenses during travel delays or disruptions.
Travel Vouchers: Can be loaded onto apps and used like cash—maximize their value by planning ahead.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Now offering a 100,000-point welcome bonus, its highest yet.
Credit Card Partnerships: New benefits from partnerships with Lyft, DoorDash, and more.
Google Flights & Hotel Alerts: Use these tools to track hotel prices and flight award availability.
Award Space Monitoring: Tools now allow you to watch saver-level award space and book efficiently.
Flexible Travel Plans: Can ease the impact of disruptions and open up more redemption options.
Point Value Awareness: Know the value of your points before redeeming to avoid wasting them.
Advanced Strategy: Combining tools and flexibility leads to smarter redemptions
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.
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.
Have you ever wondered how to transition from budget travel to a full-time travel lifestyle?
In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with travel enthusiast Jordyn Verzera, co-founder of The Mobile Homie, to explore her inspiring journey from a frugal traveler to a full-time content creator. Jordyn explains how leveraging points and miles has been key to making travel both affordable and rewarding, while sharing practical strategies for planning trips and navigating the complex world of travel rewards. The conversation also includes memorable travel stories—including a humorous, cautionary tale about her experience with rabies vaccines—and offers crucial advice on maintaining travel insurance and balancing work with wanderlust.
Listen now to discover how to follow your dreams, master travel planning, and turn everyday adventures into a sustainable lifestyle.
Key Highlights:
Budget to Full-Time Transition: Jordyn’s journey shows that it’s possible to evolve from budget travel to a full-time travel lifestyle through smart use of points and miles.
Travel Rewards Strategy: Effective planning and strategy are essential to maximize the benefits of points and miles, significantly reducing travel costs.
Balancing Work and Travel: Treating travel like a business can help you sustain a full-time travel lifestyle without compromising your income.
Learn from Experience: Memorable travel mishaps, like the rabies vaccine incident, serve as important lessons in travel planning and safety.
Financial Safety Net: Having a solid financial plan and safety net is critical before making the leap to full-time travel.
Community and Resources: Utilizing travel communities and resources can simplify the complex world of points and miles, making travel more accessible for everyone.
Follow Your Dreams: Jordyn’s story underscores that with the right strategies and mindset, you can turn travel into a lifelong passion.
Have you ever considered how strategic use of points and miles can be a powerful tool for building wealth?
In this episode, host DeAndre interviews Devon Gimbel, a former physician who has successfully transitioned into a points and miles expert. Devon discusses her journey from medicine to mastering travel rewards and details her ambitious family trip to the Maldives, where she leveraged her expertise to secure a luxurious stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives.
The conversation delves into practical strategies for maximizing travel rewards, balancing spending and saving, and utilizing everyday expenses to generate valuable points. Additionally, Devon emphasizes the importance of financial education and responsible planning—especially for individuals managing consumer debt—and explores scenarios where buying points can further enhance financial growth.
Tune in to discover how you can transform your travel experiences into opportunities for financial advancement.
Key Highlights:
Career Transition: Devon successfully shifted from medicine to becoming a points and miles expert.
Family Travel Strategy: Planning an ambitious family trip to the Maldives required careful budgeting and mastery of travel rewards.
Luxury Experience: The exceptional service at the Park Hyatt Maldives underscores the value of premium travel experiences.
Wealth Building Through Travel: Points and miles can be leveraged as tools for financial growth and wealth building.
Balanced Spending: Striking a balance between spending and saving is essential for maximizing travel rewards.
Financial Education: Continuous learning about personal finance is critical, especially for managing consumer debt.
Smart Points Strategy: Buying points in specific scenarios can be beneficial when approached responsibly.
Customized Approach: Listeners are encouraged to develop their strategies to optimize travel rewards and achieve financial growth.
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.
