Tag: Travel Rewards

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: 

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 a Family of Seven Travels the World For (Nearly) Free with Points and Miles (Ep. 19)

How a Family of Seven Travels the World For (Nearly) Free with Points and Miles (Ep. 19)

Imagine surprising your family with a business class flight to Europe, but skipping the hefty price tag. 

In this episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey,” hosted by DeAndre Coke, travel aficionado Rob Dulgarian of @travelpointsrob shares his journey from his first Chase Sapphire Reserve card to a lifestyle of global family adventures. Experience stories from lavish stays in Costa Rica’s Tabba Con resort to surprising his kids with business class flights to Europe. Rob demonstrates how effectively managed points can make extravagant trips wonderfully accessible.

Key Highlights:

  • Points & Miles Strategy: Learn how Rob and his wife skillfully manage over 30 credit cards to maximize benefits with just a few key ones
  • Family Travel Planning: Discover Rob’s unique family tradition of special travel experiences with each child, creating lasting memories
  • Luxury on a Budget: Hear how Rob uses points for high-end travel experiences, such as his family’s stay at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic
  • Financial Planning with Travel Rewards: Understand the significance of financial discipline in managing multiple cards and improving credit scores
  • Future Travel Dreams: Get insight into Rob’s plans for a dream trip to Thailand in business class, smartly funded through point accumulation
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Robert Dulgarian, MBA, CPA: 

Smart Swiping: Navigating Advanced Points & Miles Strategies for Maximum Rewards with Adam Garrettt (Ep. 18)

Smart Swiping: Navigating Advanced Points & Miles Strategies for Maximum Rewards with Adam Garrettt (Ep. 18)

What if your next luxury vacation could be nearly free?

Join Adam Garrett on the “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast, hosted by DeAndre Coke. From his early exposure to credit card rewards as a child to his current prowess in leveraging points for both his real estate business and personal trips, Adam shares his comprehensive mastery. He covers the nuances of his travel strategies, demonstrating how planned credit use can turn points into plush escapades, even on a budget. Adam also offers valuable insights into managing multiple credit cards and maximizing travel rewards without compromising financial health, ensuring listeners can access the same level of luxurious travel he enjoys.

Key Highlights:

  • Credit Point Mastery: Follow Adam’s evolution from a curious kid to a credit card guru, crafting high-value travel experiences
  • Family-focused Travel Planning: Discover how Adam customizes travel plans to accommodate his wife’s health needs, ensuring luxury through domestic trips and staycations
  • Strategic Credit Use: Learn how Adam builds a strong financial future for his family with intelligent credit card use and reward optimization
  • Luxury on a Budget: Experience Adam’s tips for transforming credit card points into unforgettable travel experiences, from Disney World to exclusive stays at Marriott’s properties
  • Smart Financial Tools: Gain insights into the tools and strategies Adam uses to manage multiple credit cards effectively, maximizing rewards without the stress
  • Business Credit Benefits: Explore how even informal business activities can benefit from the strategic use of business credit cards to enhance travel rewards
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Adam Garrett: 

Dominican Dreams: Exploring Bayahibe with BoldlyGo’s Finest (Ep. 16)

Dominican Dreams: Exploring Bayahibe with BoldlyGo’s Finest (Ep. 16)

Are you ready to uncover the hidden gems of the Dominican Republic? 

Travel enthusiasts and busy professionals, get ready for a captivating journey through the eyes of DeAndre Coke and Taryn Gisbert, the dynamic duo behind BoldlyGo. Listen to this episode of the “Revolutionizing Your Journey” podcast to discover their affordable yet luxurious escapades in this tropical paradise.

Key Highlights:

  • Bayahibe Beckons:  DeAndre and Taryn explore the underwater marvels of Bayahibe, a diver’s dream with its breathtaking coral reefs and vibrant marine life
  • Navigating with Uber: Experience the highs and lows of navigating Dominican Republic’s streets with Uber – every ride is an adventure
  • Luxury at Catalonia Royale: Discover the allure of Catalonia Royale La Romana, where luxury meets affordability in an exclusive adults-only oasis
  • Resort Life Unveiled: Step into the serene yet spirited world of Catalonia Resort, a haven of hydrotherapy pools, tranquil beaches, and lively bars
  • Service Beyond Expectations: Experience service that goes the extra mile, from personalized cocktails to beach beds that redefine resort luxury
  • Underwater Wonders: Plunge into thrilling diving tales with ScubaFun DR, from exploring Catalina Island to experiencing their first wreck dive
  • Mastering Travel Hacks: Uncover the benefits of travel strategies, from leveraging credit card perks to lounging poolside at unique airport lounges
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

Connect with Taryn Gisbert: