Tag: Travel Hacking

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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)

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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:

 

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Mastering Disney Travel on Points: Insider Tips from Amanda of @magic_and_miles (Ep. 46)

Mastering Disney Travel on Points: Insider Tips from Amanda of @magic_and_miles (Ep. 46)

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Are you a Disney enthusiast dreaming of budget-friendly family trips to the parks?

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke chats with Amanda Lebo, a lifelong Disney fan and savvy travel rewards expert. Amanda shares how her early Disneyland visits grew into a passion for travel that now includes maximizing points and miles to make family vacations more affordable. She delves into her top strategies for traveling to Disney on a budget, tips for navigating the international parks in Tokyo and Paris, and her personal travel highlights, including a memorable trip to Bora Bora. From leveraging the Chase Sapphire Preferred card to renting Disney Vacation Club points, Amanda’s story is packed with practical advice to make the magic of Disney accessible for families everywhere.

Tune in for a treasure trove of Disney travel tips!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Disney Roots: Amanda’s early visits to Disneyland ignited her passion for Disney travel.
  • Gateway to Rewards: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card started her journey into points and miles.
  • Disney Dreams: She aims to visit all six Disney castles worldwide.
  • International Disney Parks: Tokyo Disneyland offers a unique cultural experience with a distinct lightning lane system.
  • Top Trip: Bora Bora remains a standout destination for Amanda and her husband.
  • Smart Disney Savings: Capital One Venture cards can offset ticket costs, and Disney Vacation Club points can be rented for discounts.
  • Planning for Family Travel: Flexibility in travel timing and choosing economy flights stretch points for family trips.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Amanda – Magic & Miles:

 

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Balancing Family Travel & Full-Time Jobs: Expert Advice from @travellpartners (Ep. 45)

Balancing Family Travel & Full-Time Jobs: Expert Advice from @travellpartners (Ep. 45)

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Have you ever wondered how to turn your love for travel into a lifestyle, even while managing a full-time job?

In the latest episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with seasoned travelers and content creators Wanzelani and Jacob, also known as Travel Partners. Together, they dive into their journey of balancing careers with exploring the world, sharing stories from their unforgettable trips to Cuba and Machu Picchu. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at their transition into travel content creation, discussing how they curate authentic experiences and engage with their growing audience.

From the warm hospitality of Cuba’s locals to the awe-inspiring views at Machu Picchu, Wanzelani and Jacob reflect on what makes these destinations truly special. They also provide actionable advice for new travelers, from budget-friendly planning tips to packing strategies and the benefits of using points and miles to elevate travel experiences. As they reveal their future travel plans and reflect on the joys of connecting with cultures worldwide, they leave listeners with a wealth of practical tips and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss. 

Tune in for expert advice on how to make your travel dreams a reality!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Starting Small: The couple emphasizes that travel doesn’t need to be grand—starting with small trips can be just as rewarding.
  • Most epic travel moments: Cuba, Machu Picchu and Twiggy in Dubai stand out as some of their most awe-inspiring travel moments.
  • From Travelers to Creators: Content creation for Wanzelani and Jacob started as a way to share their authentic travel stories with the world.
  • Balancing Family Travel: Traveling with kids comes with challenges and additional costs as they grow older, making planning more important.
  • Leveraging Points and Miles: They highlight how points and miles have enhanced their travel experiences.
  • Travel Planning Tips: Whether it’s using social media for inspiration or personalizing trips to match budget constraints, careful planning plays a vital role in their journeys.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Travel Partners:

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Building Wealth and Traveling for Free: Real Estate Meets Points & Miles (Ep. 44)

Building Wealth and Traveling for Free: Real Estate Meets Points & Miles (Ep. 44)

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Ever wonder how real estate can help you travel the world for nearly free?

In this episode, DeAndre Coke interviews Jaina Pallasigui, who reveals her unique approach to leveraging real estate investments to earn points and miles for travel. Jaina shares how she began her journey into real estate, detailing the strategies she uses to accumulate points through property renovations and other investment opportunities. She discusses her experiences traveling using those points, as well as the importance of understanding credit cards, the benefits of business credit cards, and her top advice for aspiring real estate investors. Throughout the episode, Jaina emphasizes how real estate can balance wealth-building with incredible travel opportunities.

Tune in to learn how you can use real estate to fund your next adventure and build wealth at the same time!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Starting with the Right Card: Jaina began her points and miles journey by signing up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which offered a high sign-up bonus and valuable travel rewards.
  • Building a Portfolio: Managing nine rental units in Evansville, Indiana, Jaina explains how she leverages her investments to earn points.
  • Maximizing Credit Card Bonuses: Learn how she uses business credit cards strategically to meet minimum spend requirements while renovating her properties.
  • Funding Travel with Real Estate: Jaina reveals how real estate allows her to travel almost entirely on points and miles.
  • Handling Unexpected Expenses: Real estate surprises are inevitable, and Jaina shares how credit cards help manage those costs while still earning rewards.
  • Traveling Smart with Points: From luxury stays to affordable flights, Jaina explains how she enhances her travel experiences using points.
  • Networking and Knowledge: Jaina emphasizes the importance of connecting with other investors to accelerate learning in both real estate and travel hacking.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Jaina Pallasigui:

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Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

Quick Hits: Unlock Big Travel Perks with Chase, Southwest Companion Pass, and Marriott Bonvoy

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke delivers a rapid breakdown of the latest offers in the points and miles world, focusing on key cards to help you boost your travel rewards. He highlights the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card’s $900 cash-back offer and shares strategies for converting cash back into travel points. 

DeAndre also dives into the Southwest Personal Cards and how earning 135,000 points can unlock the Southwest Companion Pass, offering free travel for a companion. Rounding out the episode, he touches on the Marriott Bonvoy Business card and its offer of five free nights with a spend requirement.

Get the key details fast and learn how to act quickly on these limited-time offers to maximize your travel rewards!

 

Key takeaways: 

  • The Chase Ink Business Unlimited card offers $900 cashback which is 90,000 points
  • You can convert cash back to travel points with certain cards.
  • Earning 135,000 points on Southwest Personal Cards grants the Companion Pass.
  • Timing is critical when applying for the Southwest Companion Pass.
  • The Marriott Bonvoy Business card offers five free nights after meeting the spending requirement.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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Maximizing Points for a Dream Bali Escape: Luxury, Adventure, and Local Charm (Ep. 41)

Maximizing Points for a Dream Bali Escape: Luxury, Adventure, and Local Charm (Ep. 41)

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In this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey”, host DeAndre Coke and his fiancée, Taryn Gisbert share their unforgettable three-week journey through Southeast Asia, focusing on unique Bali adventures. Using their points and miles expertise, they reveal how they strategically minimized travel costs, including flights, lounges, transportation, and accommodations.

The episode highlights their experience staying at the luxurious Alila Seminyak in Bali, enjoying beachfront views and a relaxing ambiance. DeAndre and Taryn recount their favorite Bali moments, such as the amazing Airbnb in the rice terraces, visiting the Gates of Heaven, and their unique shaman experience. They also share practical travel tips, including the importance of completing visa and customs paperwork before arrival to save time at airports.

Their culinary adventures were just as exciting, with mouth-watering meals from local Bali restaurants, known as warungs, being a standout. The hosts also discuss the warm and welcoming nature of the Balinese people, making their experience even more special.

If you’re considering a trip to Southeast Asia, this episode is packed with insights on how to make the most of your points and miles and enjoy Bali’s authentic charm.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Maximizing Points and Miles: Learn how DeAndre and Taryn drastically reduced the costs of their flights and accommodations.
  • Smooth Travel Planning: Discover the benefits of completing visa and customs documents ahead of time to avoid airport delays.
  • Luxurious Stay at Alila Seminyak: Get an insider’s look at the Alila Seminyak hotel, its beachfront views, and unforgettable kite festivals.
  • Exploring Bali’s Hidden Gems: Hear about their adventures in Seminyak, Selat, and Amed, including breathtaking views and cultural experiences.
  • Delicious and Affordable Food: Explore the vibrant flavors of Bali’s local cuisine and tips on where to find the best meals.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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Quick Hits: Updates for Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Card, Transfer Bonuses, and Discount Flights to Europe

Quick Hits: Updates for Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Card, Transfer Bonuses, and Discount Flights to Europe

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares three recent travel tips. The first tip is for the Ink Business Unlimited® card, which offers a zero fee, 0% intro APR for 12 months and an elevated offer of $900 in cash back. 

Next are some new transfer bonuses for September, including a 30% bonus for transferring Amex points to Avios and Hilton, and a 20% bonus for transferring Capital One points to Flying Blue. 

Lastly, we’ve got a sale on flights to Europe with American Airlines and its partners, as well as a tease about the upcoming addition of a point transfer calculator on the BoldlyGo website.

Key takeaways: 

  • The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® card offers a zero fee, 0% intro APR for 12 months and an elevated offer of $900 in cash back.
  • New transfer bonuses for September, including a 30% bonus for transferring Amex points to Avios and Hilton, and a 20% bonus for transferring Capital One points to Flying Blue.
  • American Airlines and its partners are running a sale on flights to Europe, with great deals available until September 17th.
  • BoldlyGo is adding a point transfer calculator to their website.

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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Quick Hits: Your Opportunity to Fast Track Your Path to Top Tier Elite Hyatt Status

Quick Hits: Your Opportunity to Fast Track Your Path to Top Tier Elite Hyatt Status

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New opportunities arise with the partnership between Hyatt and American Airlines!

Join host DeAndre Coke on another Quick Hits episode as he breaks down the benefits of the partnership between Hyatt and American Airlines. This partnership allows American Airlines elite members to gain temporary Hyatt status and all of the benefits that come with it, along with the opportunity to make it permanent. 

Between now and October 31st, American Airlines Gold and Platinum members can register, and if you stay 10 nights at Hyatt properties within 90 days, you will keep your Explorist status through February 2026. Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members have the same option but can also qualify for Globalist status by staying 20 nights. Globalist status offers significant benefits, such as free breakfast and room upgrades. 

Tune in to this quick conversation as DeAndre lays out strategies, including weekend getaways and mattress runs, that can be used to reach the required number of nights for this exciting upgrade!

Key takeaways: 

  • Hyatt and American Airlines have a partnership that allows American Airlines elite members to gain temporary Hyatt status
  • American Airlines Gold and Platinum members can keep Explorist status by staying 10 nights with Hyatt within 90 days
  • Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members can qualify for Globalist status by staying 20 nights
  • Globalist status offers significant benefits, such as free breakfast and room upgrades
  • Strategies like weekend getaways and mattress runs can be used to reach the required number of nights

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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