Tag: Travel Tips

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From Gigs to Getaways: How Musicians Can Travel Smarter Using Points & Miles with @miles_maestro (Ep. 74)

From Gigs to Getaways: How Musicians Can Travel Smarter Using Points & Miles with @miles_maestro (Ep. 74)

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How can musicians and creatives take advantage of points and miles to make travel more affordable—and more meaningful?

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke chats with musician and points enthusiast Matt Jamele, better known as @miles_maestro, about the travel challenges artists face and the strategies that can make the road a little smoother.

Matt shares how his desire to travel more—despite the financial unpredictability of being an artist—led him to the world of points and miles. From choosing the right credit cards and maximizing free night certificates to creating unforgettable moments on the road, he offers practical advice for creatives who want to stretch their travel budgets. The conversation touches on lounge access, business card perks, and how to keep things simple while still traveling well. If you’re touring across the country or planning a well-deserved getaway between gigs, this episode will inspire you to rethink your travel as an artist.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Matt’s beginnings: His passion for travel grew while navigating the financial realities of being a working musician.
  • Business card benefits: A business credit card can offer valuable rewards for artists with side income.
  • Lounge access perks: Airport lounges provide much-needed comfort between gigs or flights.
  • Simple card strategy: A lean card setup is often more manageable and effective for creatives.
  • Redemption value: Points can be used for experiences that create lasting memories, not just luxury.
  • Ask for help: There’s a growing community of travel hackers willing to guide beginners.
  • Travel mindset: The focus should be on enjoying the journey, not overcomplicating it with dozens of strategies.
  • Accessible travel: With a bit of planning, even independent artists can explore the world without overspending.

 

This episode is sponsored by Saily. Use Code BOLDLYGO for a 15% discount

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Matt Jamele:

 

 

 

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Travel Smarter with Joy & Mara of @savvytravelmamas: Points, Timeshares & Travel Freebies (Ep. 73)

Travel Smarter with Joy & Mara of @savvytravelmamas: Points, Timeshares & Travel Freebies (Ep. 73)

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Can vacation clubs and timeshares be worth it, and how do you avoid the traps?

 In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke welcomes Joy Smith and Mara Rice, better known as the Savvy Travel Mamas, for a candid conversation on travel strategies, points and miles, and making family vacations a reality without breaking the bank. Mara shares how she started travel hacking decades ago out of financial necessity. At the same time, Joy reflects on her evolution from avoiding travel planning to becoming the go-to organizer for unforgettable getaways.

They break down the difference between vacation clubs and timeshares, discuss how to spot (and avoid) high-pressure sales tactics—especially in Las Vegas—and explain why freebies can be both a perk and a pitfall. You’ll also hear personal stories from their stays at Hilton and Hyatt resorts, tips for using credit cards wisely, and prioritizing experiences without overspending. This episode offers a practical guide for families, beginners, and anyone curious about getting more from their travels through smart planning and intentional choices.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Mara’s beginnings: She started using points and miles out of necessity, proving you don’t need money to travel smart.
  • Joy’s shift: Initially hesitant, Joy embraced travel planning to prioritize family vacations.
  • Vacation club clarity: Understanding the structure of vacation clubs vs. timeshares is critical to making wise decisions.
  • Maximizing redemptions: Spacious accommodations and points strategy make family travel more affordable.
  • Common mistakes: Many people jump into timeshares without understanding what they buy.
  • Financial insight: Being financially responsible when considering ownership is key.
  • Presentation strategy: If you prepare, you can attend sales presentations just for the perks.
  • Vegas freebies: Joy and Mara reveal how they scored thousands in vacation value just by showing up.
  • Family-first mindset: Travel should work around your family’s needs, not the other way around.
  • Start small: You don’t have to jump into luxury travel—start where you are and build from there.

 

This episode is sponsored by Saily. Use Code BOLDLYGO for a 15% discount

Resources:

 

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Connect with savvytravelmamas:

 

 

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Unlock the Vatican and Other Hidden Gems in Rome: Travel Tips From a Local with Angelo of @LivTours (Ep. 72)

Unlock the Vatican and Other Hidden Gems in Rome: Travel Tips From a Local with Angelo of @LivTours (Ep. 72)

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What makes a travel experience unforgettable? In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Angelo, a dynamic entrepreneur who leaped from the performing arts to crafting bespoke travel experiences across Europe. Angelo shares how his background shaped his approach to building personal, intimate tours that focus on emotional connections rather than just checking off sights.

The conversation takes listeners through hidden gems of Rome, like the stunning Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, the ancient Appian Way, and secret Caravaggio masterpieces tucked away in local churches. They also discuss the evolving world of luxury travel, highlighting unique experiences such as the Keymaster Experience at the Vatican and vintage Vespa sidecar tours. Plus, they offer tips for visiting Italy, including the best times to go and why early or late access tours can make a big difference in your trip.

This episode is perfect for travelers looking to deepen their experiences, independent explorers, and anyone dreaming of a more meaningful journey across Europe.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Angelo’s Background: His performing arts experience shapes how he designs travel experiences.
  • Personalized Travel: The industry is shifting toward curated, emotionally driven trips.
  • Small Groups Matter: Intimate group sizes lead to better engagement and customer loyalty.
  • Rome’s Hidden Gems: Santa Maria Maggiore, the Appian Way, and Caravaggio’s art are must-sees.
  • Luxury Travel in Rome: Unique options like the Vatican Keymaster Experience add exclusive value.
  • Timing is Key: October is one of the best times to visit Italy for fewer crowds and better experiences.
  • Local Connection: Engaging with locals deepens and authenticates your travel experience.
  • Physical Exploration: Walking and biking can uncover sides of a city that tourists often miss.
  • Emotional Travel: Travel is not just about sightseeing, but also about creating emotional connections with places

 

 

 

Resources:

 

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Connect with Angelo:

 

 

 

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Quick Hits: AA’s Free Wi-Fi, Bilt Rent Reward Strategy & Google Flights Update

Quick Hits: AA’s Free Wi-Fi, Bilt Rent Reward Strategy & Google Flights Update

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How can a trip to Napa and a few updates completely shift how you think about points, perks, and booking tools? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the stunning Estate Yountville in Napa Valley, sharing major news from the world of travel, credit cards, and points and miles.

He covers Bilt’s new rent payment option—even if you don’t use a Bilt card, you can now earn points while paying rent, with a small fee. American Airlines is rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi across most of its fleet by early next year, boosting in-flight productivity. Google Flights is also testing a long-awaited feature: the ability to filter out basic economy fares. And finally, shoutout to Karen, winner of the recent Hyatt Free Night Certificate giveaway, with more perks to come for newsletter subscribers.

This episode is packed with fast, practical updates for anyone looking to get more value from their travel routines and rewards, no matter where you’re headed next.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Bilt Rent Payments: You can now earn Bilt points while paying rent with any credit card (3% fee applies).
  • Amex Wi-Fi Credit Tip: DeAndre uses Amex Platinum’s $50/month airline credits to cover American Airlines Wi-Fi—soon to be obsolete as free Wi-Fi rolls out in 2025.
  • American Airlines Wi-Fi Update: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is coming to 90% of American Airlines’ fleet starting in January 2025.
  • Google Flights Filter: Google Flights is testing a filter to remove basic economy fares from search results.
  • Newsletter Giveaways: Recent winner Karen scored a Hyatt Free Night Certificate—newsletter subscribers get access to future giveaways.

 

Resources:

 

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[YouTube Bonus] Tucson: The U.S. Food City You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Eat In ASAP)

[YouTube Bonus] Tucson: The U.S. Food City You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Eat In ASAP)

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Tucson, Arizona, might be America’s most underrated food city—and we’re here to tell you why. From handmade tortillas and Sonoran beef to standout dinners at Charro Del Rey and Bata, this trip turned into a full-on foodie journey. In this special podcast release, we also discuss how we earned 18,000 American Airlines miles on a cash booking, explore Tucson’s status as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S., and share thoughts on walkability, safety, and local charm.

Tune in to hear what surprised us most and why Tucson deserves a spot on every food lover’s travel list.

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Revolutionize Your Travel: Must-Have Tools to Plan, Book, and Organize Your Points & Miles Game (Ep. 69)

Revolutionize Your Travel: Must-Have Tools to Plan, Book, and Organize Your Points & Miles Game (Ep. 69)

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Have you ever wondered what tools a points and miles expert uses to book smarter, earn faster, and stay organized while traveling?

In this solo episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke breaks down his personal travel toolkit—from the apps that help him choose the right credit card at checkout, to the tools he swears by for booking award flights and organizing itineraries. From automating credit card offers with Card Pointers to searching for award flights with tools like PointsYeah and Seats.aero, DeAndre walks listeners through each step of his travel planning process. He also discusses the value of platforms like Zil Money for earning points on business expenses, and apps like TripIt for keeping itineraries organized. This episode offers practical insights for travelers looking to simplify and optimize their rewards-based travel. 

This post contains affiliate links for some of the products mentioned, but we personally use and pay for most of these services ourselves because we believe in their value. We want to share the best points and miles tools that have helped us maximize our travel rewards.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Card Pointers: An app that helps users choose the best credit card for each purchase and automatically loads Amex and Chase offers without logging in.
  • Zil Money: Platform that lets businesses earn points by processing payroll through credit cards—useful for hitting sign-up bonuses and earning high multipliers.
  • Travel Freely: This tool tracks credit card annual fees and sign-up bonuses and helps users comply with Chase’s 5/24 rule.
  • PointsYeah: Award flight search engine with features like Daydream Explorer and live seat maps, making it easier to spot high-value redemptions.
  • Seats.aero: A power-user tool for finding award seat availability, especially useful for last-minute and expert-level searches.
  • Points Path:  The first award flight search engine that runs directly in Google Flights, and provides both the cash price and points price of many flights.
  • FlightConnections: Visualization tool showing all direct routes between airports—great for mapping international travel and alliance-specific itineraries.
  • Boldly Go Calculators: Transfer Bonus Calculator and Point Redemption Calculator simplify reward math and show real point value.
  • Point.me: Beginner-friendly award search tool that includes step-by-step guides and Amex cardholder access for free.
  • Thrifty Traveler: Subscription service that sends alerts for award availability, mistake fares, and significant cash deals.
  • TripIt: Travel organization app that builds an itinerary from confirmation emails and syncs across devices—even offline. Helpful for keeping track of complex trips and flight changes.

 

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Resources:

 

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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:

 

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Unlocking the Secrets of American Airlines Loyalty Rewards with @allieandlandon (Ep. 68)

Unlocking the Secrets of American Airlines Loyalty Rewards with @allieandlandon (Ep. 68)

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How can you earn airline status without even setting foot on a plane? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Allie Ruhde, aka @allieandlandon—an expert in travel rewards and American Airlines’ loyalty system—to unpack precisely that. Allie shares her journey into the world of points and miles, starting with earning Gold status at just three years old. Together, they dive deep into the mechanics of American Airlines’ Loyalty Points system, including strategies for earning status through shopping portals, dining programs, hotel bookings, and credit cards.

The conversation also explores the perks of status levels like Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum, lounge access options, and how to maximize your everyday spending to unlock travel rewards. Plus, Allie explains why Alaska Airlines stands out in the OneWorld alliance and shares her favorite redemption tips—like flying to Japan in business class for just 60,000 miles. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting your loyalty journey, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply right away.

 Tune in to learn how to stack miles and Loyalty Points smarter—not harder.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Loyalty Points 101: Track status progress without needing to fly.
  • Shopping Portals: A powerful way to rack up Loyalty Points and miles.
  • Dining Rewards: Earn miles for everyday meals with linked credit cards.
  • Hotel Bookings: Book through AA Hotels to earn high Loyalty Points.
  • Status Tiers: Platinum and Executive Platinum bring valuable perks like upgrades and lounge access.
  • Alaska Airlines: Offers complimentary upgrades—unlike other OneWorld airlines.
  • Credit Cards: AA co-branded cards earn both Loyalty Points and miles.
  • Upgrade Strategy: Maximize same-day change policies and early boarding.
  • Pro Tips: Combine Simply Miles offers, use status challenges wisely, and don’t overlook dining and shopping portals.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Allie Ruhde:

 

 

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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!

 

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