Tag: Travel Strategy
Quick Hits: More Zil Payroll Woes and More!

Quick Hits: More Zil Payroll Woes and More!

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In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the stunning Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Colorado, offering a glimpse into the luxury ski-in/ski-out experience. 

He shares the latest on the ongoing Zil Money payroll issues, including frustrations from users unable to process payments via credit card. The episode also covers recent turbulence with Southwest Airlines, from point devaluations to new passenger fees, and how American and Delta are stepping in with status match opportunities. DeAndre closes out by breaking down the new Chase and United card changes, which have sparked conversations around value, fees, and whether these cards still make sense for savvy travelers.

Whether you’re navigating the slopes of travel rewards or reassessing your credit card strategy, this episode delivers timely insights to help you make smarter moves with your points and miles.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: A true ski-in/ski-out luxury resort offering a premium travel experience.
  • Zil Money Update: The payroll-by-card system experienced downtime, impacting users across multiple platforms.
  • Southwest Airlines Devaluation: Points were devalued, and new fees were introduced, frustrating loyal customers.
  • Status Match Opportunities: American Airlines and Delta are offering matches for Southwest elites.
  • Chase & United Card Changes: Increased annual fees and reduced perks make co-branded cards less valuable.
  • Community Insight: Ongoing discussions in the Boldly Go Facebook group reflect traveler concerns and strategies.
  • Rewards Program Monitoring: Staying informed is key to adapting to the changing travel rewards landscape.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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[YouTube Bonus] Bali Highlights: Best Things to Do, & Where to Stay | Full Guide to Villas, Food & Culture

[YouTube Bonus] Bali Highlights: Best Things to Do, & Where to Stay | Full Guide to Villas, Food & Culture

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Ready to experience Bali like never before? In this full travel guide, we take you through the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to enjoy luxury travel in Bali without breaking the bank. From stunning bamboo villas to secret swing spots and unforgettable local food — we cover it all.

We spent two weeks in Bali exploring Seminyak, Selat, Amed, and everything in between. 

Bonus: We flew to Bali in business class for under $400 per person (retail: $10,000+). Want to know how? Check out our podcast where we explain how we use points and miles to travel in luxury for less!

 

Resources:

 

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Choice Hotels, Citi Points, and Irish Charm: A Unique Points and Miles Strategy by @thepointsflygirl (Ep. 67)

Choice Hotels, Citi Points, and Irish Charm: A Unique Points and Miles Strategy by @thepointsflygirl (Ep. 67)

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What happens when a criminal defense attorney turns her free time during the pandemic into learning about travel rewards strategies?

 In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Deanna Keane aka @pointsflygirl, an attorney by day and a points and miles expert by passion. Deanna shares her journey into the world of points and miles, including how she leverages Citi ThankYou points, Amex Business Platinum benefits, and underappreciated programs like Choice Hotels to craft unforgettable experiences. 

From her favorite redemptions in Ireland to unique travel moments in Iceland, this conversation is packed with actionable tips for travelers looking to maximize value without sacrificing quality.

Whether you’re curious about driving in Ireland, booking with kitchenettes in Iceland, or how to score the best deals from Vegas to Dublin, Deanna breaks it down in a relatable, strategic way. Tune in and discover how smart planning, flexible redemptions, and a little creativity can unlock global adventures.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Pandemic Pivot: Deanna began exploring points and miles during COVID and found a new passion.
  • Strategic Redemptions: Citi ThankYou Points offer substantial value for everyday spending and travel.
  • Hidden Gems: Choice Hotels often provide surprisingly good redemption opportunities.
  • Ireland Tips: The Dingle Peninsula and Blarney Castle are must-visit destinations.
  • Flight Deals: KLM and British Airways offer interesting routes and redemption options.
  • Best Time to Visit Ireland: May through September offers ideal weather for exploration.
  • Drive to Discover: Renting a car in Ireland enhances the experience beyond tourist hotspots.
  • Iceland Insights: Booking hotels with kitchenettes helps save money in a pricey destination.
  • Wine Hack: You can purchase wine at the airport in Iceland—perfect for budget travelers.

 

 

Resources:

 

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Connect with Deanna Keane:

 

 

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Quick Hits: March’s Best Credit Card Offers, Hilton’s Luxury Expansion, Chase Card Reporting Errors & More!

Quick Hits: March’s Best Credit Card Offers, Hilton’s Luxury Expansion, Chase Card Reporting Errors & More!

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Looking to take advantage of the best travel credit card offers this March? In this Quick Hits episode, host DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest elevated offers from IHG, Capital One, and American Express, explaining how to maximize welcome bonuses and transfer bonuses for the best redemptions. He also highlights why switching browsers when searching for credit card offers can lead to better deals.

Additionally, DeAndre covers unique Capital One redemptions such as MLB tickets, Marriott’s expansion into luxury safari properties in Kenya, and Hilton’s partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)—creating even more premium travel opportunities for points and miles enthusiasts. Wrapping up, he shares insights into recent Chase credit card reporting errors, the impact of the 5/24 rule, and upcoming networking opportunities at TravelCon in Tucson, Arizona.

Tune in for the latest travel updates, expert credit card strategies, and exclusive tips to level up your travel game with points and miles.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • March Credit Card Offers: New best offers available from IHG, Capital One, and Amex.
  • Amex Business Platinum: Features a high-value welcome offer this month.
  • Browser Tricks: Using different browsers can reveal better credit card deals.
  • Hilton’s Free Night Certificate: A valuable perk for award travelers.
  • Capital One Redemptions: Includes MLB tickets and other exclusive experiences.
  • Marriott’s Luxury Expansion: New safari properties coming to Kenya.
  • Hilton & Small Luxury Hotels (SLH): Expanding high-end hotel options.
  • Chase Business Cards Issue: Some cards are incorrectly appearing on personal credit reports.
  • Payroll Points System Update: Temporary technical issues affecting users.
  • TravelCon in Tucson: Great networking opportunities for travel and finance enthusiasts.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: World’s First W All-Inclusive Hotel, A Best-Ever Capital One Offer, and More!

Quick Hits: World’s First W All-Inclusive Hotel, A Best-Ever Capital One Offer, and More!

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Ever wondered how to truly optimize your travel rewards and maximize your points?

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre delivers an in-depth update on the latest travel rewards strategies, emphasizing two powerful transfer bonus offers that could transform your points balance. He explains that American Express Membership Rewards is currently offering a 25% transfer bonus when you transfer points to Hilton—an offer available until March 14. In addition, DeAndre highlights that until March 31, 2025, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy with a 50% bonus. Along with these key offers, he discusses the benefits of the Southwest Companion Pass, the impact of airline devaluations, and other essential travel tips including how to optimize passport processing times and leverage last-minute travel deals. DeAndre also answers a listener’s question on how best to use transfer points across different airline programs.

Tune in now to learn how these exclusive transfer bonuses and strategic insights can help you maximize your travel rewards and elevate your next adventure!

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Southwest Companion Pass: Secure the pass with a single card and 30,000 rapid rewards miles—available until February 28th.
  • American Express Bonus: Enjoy a 25% transfer bonus on Membership Rewards points to Hilton if you act before March 14.
  • Chase Transfer Bonus: Receive a 50% bonus on Chase Ultimate Rewards points when transferring to Marriott Bonvoy until March 31, 2025.
  • Southwest Companion Pass: Leverage this pass to enhance your travel experience through strategic credit card offers.
  • Airline Devaluations: Understand that airline points are subject to devaluation; it’s best to use them sooner rather than later.
  • Luxury Travel Options: New all-inclusive deals and last-minute travel promotions are emerging, offering more premium experiences.
  • Efficient Travel Tips: Optimize passport processing times and capitalize on last-minute travel deals.
  • Listener Q&A: Gain insights on effective strategies for using transfer points across multiple airline programs.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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

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

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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:

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Connect with Taryn Gisbert: 

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How To Transform Points to Paradise (Ep. 5)

How To Transform Points to Paradise (Ep. 5)

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Do you dream of bucket-list travel destinations without the luxury budget?

Prepare to be captivated as DeAndre Coke reveals even more pro tips in the latest episode of ‘Revolutionizing Your Journey’. Listen in as he unveils the art of luxury travel hacking, offering invaluable insights for adventurous travelers and busy professionals.

Key Highlights:

  • From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Uncover DeAndre’s secret to transforming $4,600 and travel points into an unbelievable $42,000 Maldivian adventure
  • Maximizing Your Travel Rewards: Learn how to extend the reach of your travel points to their fullest potential
  • The Magic of Positioning Flights: Discover how DeAndre revolutionizes international travel with the strategy of ‘positioning flights’
  • Mastering the Return Journey: Gain insights into the strategic use of transfer bonuses and airline partnerships for luxurious business class flights
  • The Fine Art of Accommodation Selection: Explore DeAndre’s method for balancing cash-paid stays and point-based bookings for a perfect travel experience
  • Decoding Point Accumulation: Dispelling myths about travel point accumulation and learn practical strategies for earning a wealth of travel points
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

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The Basics of Travel Hacking: Using Rewards Points To Elevate Your Travel Game (Ep. 3)

The Basics of Travel Hacking: Using Rewards Points To Elevate Your Travel Game (Ep. 3)

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Are you looking for luxury travel while on a budget?

Step into the exciting world of travel hacking with DeAndre Coke, an expert financial planner and the creative force behind BoldlyGo. This episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey” offers a revelation for dreamers who aspire to experience premium travel without the hefty price tag. It’s time to turn your travel fantasies into reality!

Throughout this episode, DeAndre covers:

  • The art of using credit cards to access incredible travel perks without financial strain
  • Strategies for planning trips that elevate everyday journeys to extraordinary experiences
  • Guidance on selecting the best travel cards, like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred, to suit your travel aspirations
  • Credit card usage strategies and professional advice
  • Techniques for maximizing points, enhancing the worth of every travel reward
  • Plus, many more insights!

 

Resources:

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The Art of Luxury Travel Hacking (Ep. 2)

The Art of Luxury Travel Hacking (Ep. 2)

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Travel hacking isn’t just about saving money. It’s about maximizing your entire experience.

Immerse yourself into the world of luxury travel hacking with DeAndre Coke, the innovative mind behind BoldlyGo. In this captivating episode of “Revolutionizing Your Journey“, DeAndre reveals how to elevate your travel experiences beyond the ordinary.

Throughout this episode, DeAndre covers:

  • His transformation from a travel enthusiast to a leading expert in travel hacking
  • Audience Appeal: Tailored content for everyone, from those new to travel to seasoned globe-trotters
  • The BoldlyGo Advantage: Discover unique travel hacking methods and personalized guidance that revolutionize luxury travel
  • Credit Card Points Decoded: Easy-to-follow strategies to maximize your travel benefits
  • What’s Next: Get a sneak peek into upcoming episodes about the essentials of travel hacking, optimizing mile accumulation, and common credit card point pitfalls
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

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