Tag: Travel Rewards
Quick Hits: Tax Payment Rewards, Gift Card Conversions, and Capital One Lounge Updates!

Quick Hits: Tax Payment Rewards, Gift Card Conversions, and Capital One Lounge Updates!

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Ever wondered how to boost your travel rewards while staying flexible and enjoying the journey? 

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre mentions his recent trip to Mexico City—an often overlooked gem—alongside practical tips for paying taxes with credit cards to earn rewards. He reveals an innovative method for converting gift cards into airline miles, and addresses upcoming changes for Capital One Venture X lounge access. Finally, DeAndre emphasizes strategies to maximize points value without losing sight of the bigger picture: having a memorable travel experience.

Tune in now to stay ahead of your travel game at the start of 2025!

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Paying Taxes for Rewards: Using credit cards for tax payments can be a lucrative way to accumulate points.
  • Gift Card Conversion: Certain gift cards can be turned into airline miles, adding flexibility to your rewards strategy.
  • Capital One Venture X Update: Upcoming lounge access changes require cardholders to stay informed.
  • Valuing Points: Aim for at least two cents per point to maximize returns, but remember that convenience also matters.
  • Balanced Redemption: Not every redemption will be the perfect deal—value your time and enjoyment.
  • Enjoy the Process: Research is key, but don’t let it overshadow the fun and experience of traveling.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Our 2024 Recap: Points & Miles Wins, Stunning Stays, and Epic Destinations (Ep. 55)

Our 2024 Recap: Points & Miles Wins, Stunning Stays, and Epic Destinations (Ep. 55)

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What were your top travel moments this year? In this reflective episode, Taryn and DeAndre take listeners on a journey through their unforgettable 2024 travel experiences and offer a glimpse into their exciting plans for 2025. They share how they accumulated nearly a million points through signup bonuses, their favorite destinations like Bali, and luxurious stays such as Marina Bay Sands. A highlight of the year was their magical night dive with manta rays, but the adventure didn’t stop there—another unforgettable experience was taking a helicopter ride to EDC Las Vegas, avoiding traffic and arriving at the event in just 45 minutes.

Looking ahead to 2025, Taryn and DeAndre have a packed travel itinerary. They plan to dive deep into adventure in Roatan, Honduras, attend a friend’s wedding at Hyatt Ziva while enjoying the Adults-Only Hyatt Zilara Cancun, and celebrate their own wedding in the Dominican Republic. Skiing and snowboarding with friends at Beaver Creek Ski Resort & Spa Hotels is also on the agenda, as well as DeAndre’s plans to attend the Travel More Conference in October. With so much ahead, they remain committed to travel hacking and sharing tips to maximize points, ensuring every trip is memorable and rewarding. 

Join them in reflecting on a year of growth and looking forward to new adventures!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Podcast Milestone: This marks the first full year of having the podcast, which experienced massive growth and great support from listeners.
  • Points and Miles: Accumulated nearly a million points through signup bonuses alone.
  • Favorite Destinations & Stays: Bali stands out as a top travel spot, while Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was a spectacular experience.
  • Memorable Adventures: The night dive with manta rays in the Maldives was unforgettable, but there’s also a helicopter ride to EDC Las Vegas, which was a first for both Taryn and DeAndre.
  • 2025 Plans: Diving in Roatan, attending a friend’s wedding in Cancun, and hosting their own wedding in the Dominican Republic.
  • Winter Fun: Skiing and snowboarding with friends at Beaver Creek.
  • Professional Growth: DeAndre will attend the Travel More Conference in October.
  • Travel Philosophy: Revolutionize your travels, revolutionize your journeys.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

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Our Maldives Return Recap: Luxury Redemptions with Qsuites, Emirates First-Class and More! (Ep 54)

Our Maldives Return Recap: Luxury Redemptions with Qsuites, Emirates First-Class and More! (Ep 54)

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Ever wondered how to turn your dream trip to the Maldives into a reality using points and miles?

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey Podcast, DeAndre and Taryn share their unforgettable return to the Maldives, offering insider tips on planning luxury travel without breaking the bank. From flying Qatar Airways’ Qsuites to diving with manta rays on ScubaSpa and navigating chaotic airport experiences, they break down every aspect of their journey. They also discuss their stay at Bandos Maldives, vibrant nightlife, and a first-class Emirates flight that redefined luxury. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just dreaming of one, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

Ready to take your travel game to the next level? Start planning your Maldives getaway with these expert tips!

 

Key Highlights:

  • Qatar Airways Qsuites: Experience unparalleled comfort and luxury in the sky.
  • Reservation Confirmations: Always confirm directly with resorts to avoid issues.
  • Airport Challenges: Prepare for a chaotic and hot experience at the Maldives airport.
  • Diving with Manta Rays: Enjoy a magical and unforgettable underwater adventure.
  • Scuba Spa Experience: Combine luxury and diving on a unique liveaboard journey.
  • Emirates First-Class: Redefine air travel with exceptional luxury and service.
  • Family-Friendly Resorts: The Maldives offers great options for families and vibrant nightlife.
  • Layover Strategies: Enhance long-haul travel with smart layover hotel choices.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

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Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Amena Bakali’s Points and Miles Guide for Families (Ep.50)

Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Amena Bakali’s Points and Miles Guide for Families (Ep.50)

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Ever wondered how you can turn everyday spending into unforgettable family adventures? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke welcomes travel educator Amena Bakali to share her expertise in leveraging points and miles for family travel. Amena reveals how strategic spending, financial discipline, and teamwork have allowed her to explore the world with her family. She offers practical tips for traveling with kids, maximizing credit card rewards, and making travel more affordable through loyalty programs. The discussion also explores Amena’s spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, her experiences in Muslim countries, and her favorite family-friendly destinations, including Tokyo and Europe.

Packed with insights on budget travel, cultural exploration, and the mindset needed to achieve travel goals, this episode is a must-listen for families eager to travel more while spending less. Tune in to learn how to embark on meaningful journeys without breaking the bank.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Transforming Everyday Spending: Amena uses strategic credit card spending to accumulate points for family trips.
  • Family-Friendly Travel Strategies: Teamwork and starting young make traveling with kids easier.
  • The Power of Loyalty Programs: Amena leverages loyalty to hotel and airline brands for consistent rewards.
  • Financial Discipline is Key: Managing multiple credit cards requires planning and accountability.
  • Exploring Muslim Countries: Safe, enriching experiences await families in destinations with deep cultural significance.
  • Favorite Destinations: Tokyo and Europe stand out for their unique family travel experiences.
  • Mindset Shift for Success: Blocking negativity and focusing on your goals makes travel planning more achievable.
  • Planning Together: Aligning travel goals with your partner helps balance dreams and reality.
  • Budget-Friendly Luxury: Strategic use of points enables families to enjoy luxury without overspending.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Amena Bakali:

 

 

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From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Traveler: Christina McEvoy’s Inspiring Journey (Ep. 48)

From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Traveler: Christina McEvoy’s Inspiring Journey (Ep. 48)

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Ever wondered what it’s like to swap the traditional 9-to-5 for a life of full-time travel?

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke interviews Christina McEvoy, a full-time traveler, content creator, and women’s empowerment advocate who left the corporate world to explore the world with her family. Christina shares the joys and realities of life on the road, the financial planning required for full-time travel, and how she’s built a travel-focused business from anywhere. She discusses the impactful retreats she curates, designed to empower women through adventure and self-care, particularly for those in midlife. Christina emphasizes that success in the travel content space is rooted in authenticity, personal connection, and quality content rather than sheer follower count. 

Dive into her story and discover how travel can be both a lifestyle and a powerful tool for personal growth.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Full-Time Travel Lifestyle: Christina shares that full-time travel demands intentional planning, especially when balancing family and work.
  • Family-Centered Travel: Her family’s needs are central to every destination and experience, ensuring trips are meaningful for everyone.
  • Travel’s Real Connections: Christina finds the most rewarding part of travel is connecting with people and cultures along the way.
  • Business on the Move: Building her brand from the road has taught her resilience and the importance of flexibility.
  • Empowering Women through Retreats: Christina’s retreats are crafted to help women in midlife rediscover adventure and prioritize self-care.
  • Authenticity in Content Creation: Success in travel content is about genuine stories, quality, and personal experiences—not follower numbers.
  • Growth through Challenge: Her retreats include challenging activities to build confidence and inspire self-discovery.
  • Transformative Destinations: Traveling to less developed areas has deepened her appreciation for cultural insights and simplicity.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Christina McEvoy:

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