Tag: Travel Hacks

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)

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:

Three Kids and Countless Adventures: How to Navigate Family Travel with Ease with Elise of @3kidstravel (Ep. 37)

Three Kids and Countless Adventures: How to Navigate Family Travel with Ease with Elise of @3kidstravel (Ep. 37)

Picture navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets or Normandy’s serene landscapes, all with three young children in tow. While this might seem overwhelming to many, it’s the everyday reality that Elise of “3 Kids Travel” not only embraces but thrives in. In this episode, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Elise to explore how she and her husband have transformed their passion for travel into a way of life, adventuring across the globe with their kids.

Elise shares the story of how they started traveling with their children from infancy, gradually expanding their journeys from local road trips to international destinations like Japan, China, and Turkey. Through meticulous planning and savvy travel strategies, Elise demonstrates how family travel can be both manageable and incredibly rewarding.

Join us to uncover Elise’s expert tips, from booking flights before accommodations to packing light with just carry-ons. You’ll also hear about their favorite destinations and the exciting trips they have planned for the future.

Key Highlights:

  • Starting Young: Discover how Elise and her husband began their kids’ travel journeys as early as four weeks old, setting the stage for a lifetime of adventure
  • Overcoming Challenges: Learn how they navigated the anxieties and logistical hurdles of traveling with infants and toddlers, turning initial challenges into smooth experiences
  • Cultural Immersion: Get Elise’s insights on choosing accommodations that immerse your family in local culture, from Parisian neighborhoods to an Irish farmhouse
  • Travel Planning Tips: Explore why booking flights first can offer better deals and flexibility, and how to select family-friendly accommodations
  • Packing Light: Find out which essentials make family travel easier, from durable carry-ons to portable chargers
  • And much more!

 

Plus, discover Elise’s favorite destinations and the upcoming adventures her family is most excited about.

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Elise Caffee:

Exploring Ambitious Travel Challenges and Points & Miles Strategies with @luckytictac (Ep. 34)

Exploring Ambitious Travel Challenges and Points & Miles Strategies with @luckytictac (Ep. 34)

Another Wednesday brings another episode full of travel strategies for earning free flights and luxury stays!

Join host DeAndre Coke on this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey” as he chats with points and miles pro Allison Tackette, known online as @luckytictac. Allison reveals her transition from a military career to becoming a renowned professional in the points and miles community. 

Together they discuss her journey so far and unpack invaluable strategies for maximizing travel rewards, her favorite travel destinations, and details about her ambitious 12-in-12 travel challenge. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned traveler, Allison’s insights will elevate your travel game and help you make the most of your rewards.

Key Highlights:

  • Journey into Points & Miles: Allison’s inspiring transition from the military and academia to award booking, sparked by a simple Google search on how to fly for free
  • Top Credit Card Picks: An inside look at Allison’s favorite cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Marriott card, and Amex Gold Card
  • Effective Points Management: Discover why Allison focuses on flexible transferable points for maximum value and versatility
  • Essential Travel Tools: Explore Allison’s preferred tools for booking award travel and how they make the process seamless
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn crucial tips on confirming availability and pricing before transferring points, and the importance of patience and regular monitoring
  • 12-in-12 Travel Challenge: Follow Allison’s journey to experience 12 new airlines, hotels, and countries in 12 months, and see her progress so far
  • Unforgettable Travel Experiences: Highlights from Allison’s adventures, including Japan Airlines’ first-class service and a stay at the luxurious Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay in Montenegro
  • Practical Travel Advice: Get Allison’s recommendations for managing points and miles stress-free and finding value in both extravagant and simple travel plans
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Allison Tackette: 

Vegas Vacation Strategies: Experiencing the Uncanny EDC Las Vegas (Ep. 33)

Vegas Vacation Strategies: Experiencing the Uncanny EDC Las Vegas (Ep. 33)

Get ready to light up your next adventure and discover the electrifying world of EDC Las Vegas.

Join your hosts DeAndre Coke and Taryn Gisbert as they dive into the pulsating energy of the world-renowned Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), an exhilarating all-night electronic dance music festival. In this episode you’ll find a treasure trove of personal stories, expert tips, and insider strategies that will make your Vegas trip absolutely unforgettable.

Key Highlights:

  • EDC Las Vegas Adventure: Experience the magic of EDC Las Vegas, a festival with over half a million attendees and music sets from night to sunrise. Learn about transportation options, including shuttle buses, Uber rides, and an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Strip
  • Maximizing Airline Status: Discover how DeAndre & Taryn achieved Platinum Pro status with American Airlines through strategic use of shopping portals and business expenses, unlocking benefits like preferred seating and priority boarding
  • Capital One Lounge Review: Explore the unique offerings of the Capital One Lounge in Dallas, from individually portioned meals to a higher standard of food compared to typical airport lounges
  • Bellagio Hotel Hacks: Find out how booking through the Amex portal earned them 5x points, daily breakfast credits, and room upgrades, plus tips on requesting a mini-fridge for “medical purposes” and using a Brita filter to save on bottled water costs
  • Timeshare Presentation Strategy: Navigate timeshare presentations to gain perks like comedy club tickets and free hotel stays without succumbing to high-pressure sales tactics
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Maximizing Points and Miles Travel Rewards and Avoiding Pitfalls with @profitsandpoints (Ep. 32)

Maximizing Points and Miles Travel Rewards and Avoiding Pitfalls with @profitsandpoints (Ep. 32)

Discover how to transform ordinary credit card points into extraordinary travel adventures. 

Your dream destinations are much closer than you think!

Travel rewards expert Ryan Horn, known online as @profitsandpoints, shares his secrets with host DeAndre Coke on this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey.” Fresh off his luxurious Alaskan honeymoon, Ryan reveals how he transitioned from frequent business traveler to points and miles guru. Learn how he secured first-class flights and premium cruise experiences using points, and get insider tips on maximizing rewards while avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned traveler, Ryan’s insights will inspire you to rethink your travel strategies.

Key Highlights:

  • Luxury Alaskan Honeymoon: Discover how Ryan used points and miles for first-class flights and a premium cruise suite, saving thousands of dollars while creating unforgettable memories
  • Optimal Credit Card Strategies: Learn about the best credit cards for travel rewards, including the Amex Gold, Capital One Venture X, and the Bilt card for rent payments
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Understand the importance of paying off credit card debt monthly and avoiding the pitfalls of hoarding points, with strategies to ensure you get the most value from your rewards
  • Practical Travel Tips: Gain insights into using Capital One’s Travel Eraser for onboard credits and the benefits of cruise line stock ownership for extra perks
  • Spontaneous Travel: Hear Ryan’s favorite redemption stories, including last-minute trips for sports events and family visits, showcasing the flexibility points offer
  • Planning for Success: Learn how Ryan and his wife blend planned vacations with opportunistic travel deals, and get tips on using points to enhance both planned and spontaneous trips
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Ryan Horn: 

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)

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: 

Points and Profits: Mastering the Art of Travel Content Creation with @theloverspassport (Ep. 21)

Points and Profits: Mastering the Art of Travel Content Creation with @theloverspassport (Ep. 21)

How can you transform a love for travel into a sustainable digital empire? 

Join host DeAndre Coke on “Revolutionizing Your Journey” as he sits down with Stephen from The Lover’s Passport. Stephen shares the incredible journey of how he and his wife, Giselle, turned their couples travel Instagram account from a pandemic pastime into a thriving business with over 800,000 followers. Explore their incredible transition from conventional careers to digital nomadism, their innovative use of credit card points for lavish travels, and their strategy for maintaining authenticity while running a successful Instagram business.

Key Highlights:

  • From Casual Clicks to Corporate Success: Discover The Lover’s Passport’s evolution from a hobby to a full-blown entrepreneurial venture during a global crisis
  • Democratizing Luxury Travel: Learn how Stephen and Giselle make extravagant destinations affordable through smart use of financial tools like credit card rewards points and miles
  • Mastering Content Creation: Follow their ascent from photography novices to social media sensations with a massive global following
  • Entrepreneurial Insights: Gain practical tips on juggling a successful online platform with personal passions
  • Education for Creators: Check out the Creator’s Passport for exclusive lessons on becoming a successful digital content creator
  • Perfecting the Professional-Personal Balance: Stephen and Giselle share their strategy for enjoying travel fully while capturing it beautifully for their audience
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Stephen and Giselle:

Lieke’s Limitless Explorations: A Young Adventurer’s Tale of Visiting Over 30 Countries by Age 22

Lieke’s Limitless Explorations: A Young Adventurer’s Tale of Visiting Over 30 Countries by Age 22

Ever wondered what it takes to leave everything behind and explore the world?

Meet Lieke, a 22-year-old Dutch adventurer, as she recounts her thrilling exploration of 35 countries on BoldlyGo’s “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast, hosted by DeAndre Coke. Beginning her odyssey with a solo trip to the Caribbean in 2019, Lieke shares the essence of her travel philosophy, blending adventure, cultural immersion, and savvy journeying. Lieke also unpacks what drives her wanderlust for adventure and shares some of the tips and helpful bits of advice that she has gained through her many diverse destinations.

Key Highlights:

  • Global Footprints: From dropping out of college to global explorer, discover Lieke’s travels, emphasizing adaptability and cultural connections
  • Solo Travel Insights: Unpack the thrills and challenges of solo exploration with tips on safety, budgeting, and embracing global diversity
  • Adventurous Spirit Unleashed: Discover Lieke’s riveting experiences, from a demanding hike in Peru to spontaneous escapades around the world
  • Hostel Life and Safety: Dive into hostel culture, exploring the delicate balance of community and privacy, with safety strategies for solo female travelers
  • Budgeting Brilliance: Learn how to managing finances on the go, choosing cost-effective accommodations and transportation
  • Backpacking Essentials: Gain insights into minimalist packing strategies
  • Travel Tips and Top Destinations: Follow your heart in travel as Lieke offers practical guidance for solo trips and shares her favorite destinations, from Nicaragua to Bali
  • And so much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Lieke: