Tag: Travel Inspiration

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)

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:

 

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

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

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:

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: 

Traveling with Young Kids to Everest and Beyond with @restlesscrusade (Ep. 31)

Traveling with Young Kids to Everest and Beyond with @restlesscrusade (Ep. 31)

Is it still possible to take extraordinary adventures after you’ve had children and started a family? 

Absolutely! 

For parents who dream of traveling, but feel it has become impossible, this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey” is for you. Host DeAndre Coke welcomes Shannon and Tyson from Restless Crusade. Shannon and Tyson are a couple from North Okanagan, BC, Canada, who have taken their five-year-old twins on remarkable journeys across the globe. From trekking to Everest Base Camp to exploring Bali and El Salvador, Shannon and Tyson reveal how they make family travel not just feasible but unforgettable. 

Tune in to learn their secrets and discover that your dream family adventures are within reach!

Key Highlights:

  • Epic Family Adventures: Discover how Shannon and Tyson manage incredible trips like trekking to Everest Base Camp with their twins, showcasing their adaptability and love for hiking
  • Adventurous Lifestyle: Learn about their commitment to maintaining an adventurous lifestyle, seamlessly integrating travel and hiking into their family routine
  • Practical Travel Tips: Gain valuable insights into traveling extensively with young kids, from handling logistics and lightweight packing to encouraging imaginative play over electronic devices
  • Strategic Planning: Understand their thorough approach to planning trips, including checking safety, risk levels, and required immunizations to ensure activities suit both adults and children
  • Memorable Experiences: Hear captivating stories from their adventures, such as trekking Everest and exploring El Salvador’s volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches
  • Advice for Newbie Parents: Receive essential advice for parents new to traveling, including knowing your limits, choosing child-friendly destinations like Southeast Asia, and maintaining flexibility for a stress-free journey
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Shannon and Tyson: 

Our Mid-Year Credit Card Points and Miles Rewards Update (Ep. 30)

Our Mid-Year Credit Card Points and Miles Rewards Update (Ep. 30)

Stop dreaming, start packing! Learn how to turn everyday spending into luxury travel rewards.

Challenge your understanding of maximizing travel rewards in this all-encompassing episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast. Your hosts DeAndre Coke and Taryn Gisbert unveil their mid-year achievements and strategies for leveraging credit card rewards to enhance travel experiences without excessive spending. This episode is full of travel rewards resources and strategies that will help you boost your next trip to luxury heights for a fraction of the price!

Key Highlights:

  • Credit Card Benefits: Explore the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card’s incredible perks, such as massive points, TSA pre-check, global entry, no foreign transaction fees, trip insurance, and a free annual hotel night—all for just $99 a year
  • Earning Miles: Discover how to rack up American Airlines miles through Basque Bank’s high-yield savings account, turning your savings into flight opportunities
  • Recent Card Strategies: Hear how DeAndre earned 200,000 points with two Chase Inc. Business Preferred cards by spending $8,000 in three months. Plus, learn his trick for using Zill Bank to run payroll on a credit card, earning substantial points even with a 3% fee
  • Travel Freely App: See how DeAndre and Taryn use the Travel Freely app to track cards and spending, emphasizing responsible credit use and strategic planning
  • Actionable Takeaways: Get practical advice on leveraging credit card points and miles to achieve nearly free luxury travel. Reach out to DeAndre and Taryn for personalized card recommendations
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Playing the Points and Miles Game as a Family with @thefrugalandfreetravelers (Ep. 29)

Playing the Points and Miles Game as a Family with @thefrugalandfreetravelers (Ep. 29)

How can families travel luxuriously without breaking the bank?

Challenge your preconceived notions about cost-effective luxurious travel in this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast. Host DeAndre Coke welcomes Jordan and Courtney from “The Frugal and Free Travelers,” an Indiana-based couple with two daughters who share their love of adventure. 

Together they have mastered traveling frugally yet luxuriously through strategic planning and usage of points and miles. Starting with the Chase Freedom card in 2007 to lavish trips to South America and Disney World, Jordan and Courtney share insights and tips on balancing family, work, and a passion for travel.

Key Highlights:

  • Family Travel Dynamics: Learn how Jordan and Courtney prioritize travel despite a middle-class income, manage long flights with ease, and train their kids to enjoy travel
  • Credit Card Strategy: Discover how they started with the Chase Freedom card and now open multiple cards annually, focusing on transferable points to improve their credit scores
  • Travel Planning: Understand how Courtney handles 80% of research and planning, balancing activities to ensure memorable trips for the entire family
  • Memorable Trips: Hear about their highlights, including hiking in Madeira, exploring Portugal, and using Alaska Airlines miles for South America, plus a budget-friendly stay in Chile and maximizing credits at the Arizona Biltmore
  • Challenges and Solutions: Find out how they overcome challenges like booking four business class seats and hotel rooms for four, emphasizing the importance of earning large points and understanding program availability
  • Advice for Beginners: Receive practical advice on starting small with points, avoiding hoarding, and using them promptly
  • Upcoming Adventures: Get a sneak peek into their future trips to Greece and Turks and Caicos, and dream destinations like Thailand and Indonesia. Follow their journey on Instagram and visit their website for more resources
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Jordan and Courtney: 

How to Explore Every Country on Earth: A Travel Guide with @hudsonandemily (Ep. 27)

How to Explore Every Country on Earth: A Travel Guide with @hudsonandemily (Ep. 27)

How can the Herculean task of traveling to every country on Earth change your worldview and inspire others to pursue their dreams?

Join DeAndre Coke as he welcomes Hudson and Emily, a dynamic duo on a mission to visit every country in the world. Together they share their incredible journey—starting with an RV trip across the U.S. to visiting 180 countries—and how a personal tragedy motivated them to live intentionally and embrace a life of travel.

Emily and Hudson discuss the evolution of their travel goals, savvy budgeting strategies, and their transition to full-time content creation. They reveal the joys and challenges of their adventures, from participating in unique cultural practices to experiencing the kindness of strangers. Tune in and discover how their travels have deepened their appreciation for the world’s diversity and humanity.

Key Highlights:

  • Journey Beginnings: The unexpected loss of Hudson’s father inspired their RV trip across all 50 U.S. states, sparking their global travel mission
  • Budget Travel: They initially saved by staying in free locations and continued to budget carefully during their international adventures
  • Content Creation: They transitioned from a lifestyle blog to full-time travel content creators, sharing valuable insights and experiences
  • Cultural Immersion: Memorable experiences include participating in the Mandari tribe’s customs in South Sudan and witnessing the generosity of locals in Afghanistan
  • Upcoming Travels: Excited to visit China, 11 Pacific Islands, and saving the Bahamas as their final destination
  • Future Plans: They plan to settle down after visiting every country, start a family, and continue content creation focused on marriage, travel, and parenting
  • Inspiring Others: They emphasize kindness, intentional living, and the importance of taking the first step toward your dreams

Tune in for these insights and more, as Hudson and Emily’s journey continues to inspire.

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Hudson & Emily: