Tag: Travel Hacking Tips

Buying Points for Luxury on a Budget: Tips and Tricks with @German.Samvel (Ep. 47)

Buying Points for Luxury on a Budget: Tips and Tricks with @German.Samvel (Ep. 47)

Ever wondered how to unlock luxury travel experiences without the luxury price tag?

Imagine staying at top-tier hotels or exploring dream destinations, all while staying within your budget. In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with points and miles expert German Samvel, who shares his story of transforming everyday spending into unforgettable getaways. 

German reveals how he leverages Hilton’s rewards system, including the invaluable Fifth Night Free benefit, and explains why strategically buying points during promotions can often beat earning them through traditional spending. He also shares highlights from his recent trip to Hawaii, offering practical advice on using points for high-end stays, along with must-know tips for exploring scenic Kauai.

Tune in to uncover how you, too, can turn points into your ticket to the world of luxury travel.

 

Key Highlights:

  • E-commerce Origins: German’s entry into points and miles began through his e-commerce business, providing early insights into points-earning strategies.
  • Power of Sign-up Bonuses: Sign-up bonuses play a significant role in German’s points strategy, allowing rapid accumulation of points for luxury travel.
  • Hilton’s Points System: Hilton’s rewards program offers valuable deals on luxury properties, particularly with benefits like the Fifth Night Free.
  • Maximizing Reward Nights: German emphasizes the importance of booking standard reward nights to get the best value out of points.
  • Strategic Points Buying: German highlights that buying points, especially during Hilton’s promotions, can sometimes yield better value than earning them through regular spending.
  • Financial Responsibility: Using credit cards wisely is essential in the points and miles hobby to avoid debt and maintain financial health.
  • Realistic Luxury: While luxury hotels are rewarding, German notes that they don’t always meet expectations, and having realistic expectations can enhance travel enjoyment.
  • Hawaii Recommendations: German’s recent trip to Kauai offered beautiful landscapes, although it requires different travel planning compared to more explored areas like Maui.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with German Samvel:

 

How @nicolestraveltips Turned Points & Miles Into First-Class Travel Experiences (Ep. 35)

How @nicolestraveltips Turned Points & Miles Into First-Class Travel Experiences (Ep. 35)

Imagine being escorted to a suite on an airplane—yes, a suite—from an exclusive airport lounge. What sounds like a reservation for the ultra-wealthy is actually an experience that many people can achieve with the proper travel strategies.

Join host DeAndre Coke as he welcomes Nicole from the “Let’s Get to the Points” podcast, as she shares her remarkable transition from flying economy on Spirit Airlines to luxuriating in Etihad’s apartments in the sky. 

Beginning as an ‘extreme couponer’, Nicole took her strategizing skills to the next level after discovering the points and miles game and signing up for her first rewards cards. Tune in to learn how she uses points and miles to create unforgettable trips for her and her whole family, traveling to exciting locations like South Africa and New Zealand. 

Key highlights:

  • Understanding Points and Miles: Learn how Nicole started her journey into travel hacking, inspired by a late-night YouTube binge
  • Maximizing Credit Cards: Discover which credit cards are essential for earning and using points, including the Capital One Venture X and American Express Platinum
  • Redeeming First-Class Rewards: Nicole’s luxurious experiences, from Abu Dhabi first-class lounges to Etihad’s premium apartments in the sky
  • Travel Strategies: Nicole’s practical advice on booking flights, setting alerts for seats and hotel rooms, and navigating family travel

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Nicole’s Travel Tips: