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.
Ever wondered how to turn a flight delay into a travel win?
In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares his firsthand experience dealing with unexpected travel disruptions and how tools like travel insurance and flight vouchers saved the day. He unpacks the importance of being prepared, how to maximize value from travel credits, and what travelers can learn from chaotic moments.
The episode also covers breaking news on Chase Sapphire credit cards, including a record-high signup bonus and new perks through partnerships like Lyft. Plus, DeAndre dives into helpful updates like Google’s rollout of hotel price alerts and shares advanced strategies for managing your points and miles for maximum return.
From optimizing your rewards to handling real-world travel hiccups, this episode is packed with practical tips to keep you ready and informed every step of the way.
Key takeaways:
Travel Insurance: Offers protection for unexpected expenses during travel delays or disruptions.
Travel Vouchers: Can be loaded onto apps and used like cash—maximize their value by planning ahead.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Now offering a 100,000-point welcome bonus, its highest yet.
Credit Card Partnerships: New benefits from partnerships with Lyft, DoorDash, and more.
Google Flights & Hotel Alerts: Use these tools to track hotel prices and flight award availability.
Award Space Monitoring: Tools now allow you to watch saver-level award space and book efficiently.
Flexible Travel Plans: Can ease the impact of disruptions and open up more redemption options.
Point Value Awareness: Know the value of your points before redeeming to avoid wasting them.
Advanced Strategy: Combining tools and flexibility leads to smarter redemptions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares a roundup of the latest and most important updates in the world of travel, points, and miles. From Hyatt’s award pricing changes and Chase/Amex transfer bonuses to the IHG One Rewards Business Card’s limited-time offer of up to 200,000 points, this episode is packed with timely insights to help travelers make smarter, more strategic decisions. He also covers Delta’s removal of fuel surcharges on award flights from Europe and Southwest’s new status match opportunity for American Airlines elites—both of which could unlock significant value for savvy flyers.
Additionally, DeAndre shares an update on Zil Money, which is once again up and running for all credit cards except AMEX, and unveils the newly rebuilt Best Offers page on the BoldlyGo website, created to prioritize transparency and showcase the most competitive card offers—regardless of affiliate links.
Whether you’re earning, redeeming, or mapping out your next trip, this episode will help you stay ahead of the game in the world of travel rewards.
Key takeaways:
Hyatt Award Pricing Update: Many hotels are shifting categories, impacting award stays.
IHG One Rewards Business Card: Earn up to 200,000 points with a limited-time offer.
Valuable Free Night Certificate: Included with the IHG business card and applicable for redemptions.
Chase & Amex Transfer Bonuses: Take advantage of them before they expire.
Delta Award Tickets: Fuel surcharges removed for one-way flights from Europe.
Southwest Status Match: Available with proof of American Airlines elite status.
Plan Ahead: Staying informed ensures better travel redemptions and savings.
Use Credit Cards Strategically: These updates reinforce the value of timely applications.
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.
In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke brings you the latest updates from the world of travel rewards and points. He covers the evolving landscape of earning points through payroll services with Zil Money, highlights Bilt’s expanding partnerships, and breaks down the latest elevated offers from Marriott Bonvoy.
Additionally, DeAndre shares critical travel updates regarding earthquakes affecting Santorini, impacting travel plans and potential deals. He also answers a listener’s question about upgrading Emirates flights booked through partner airlines and explains the challenges of navigating that process.
Lastly, the episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to Elise Caffee, a beloved member of the travel community known for her generosity and passion for helping others maximize their points and miles.
Stay informed with the latest travel strategies and industry news—tune in now!
Key takeaways:
Payroll Points Strategy: Earning points using payroll services can be beneficial, but Zil Money is currently undergoing updates.
Bilt Expansion: Bilt has announced new partnerships, including Lyft, providing more earning opportunities for users.
Marriott Bonvoy Offers: Elevated sign-up bonuses are currently available for select Marriott Bonvoy cards.
Santorini Earthquake Impact: Earthquakes have affected travel plans in Santorini, with possible travel deals emerging.
Upgrading Emirates Flights: Upgrading flights booked through partner airlines can be challenging due to fare class restrictions.
Community Tribute: Elise Caffee was an inspiration in the travel space, and her contributions will be remembered.
Monitoring Travel Deals: Travelers should keep an eye on Santorini for potential post-earthquake travel bargains.
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Thailand but don’t know where to start? In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke sits down with travel expert and points enthusiast Ben Komenkul to dive into everything you need to know about exploring Thailand. From must-visit destinations like Bangkok and Phuket to the hidden gems that travelers often miss, Ben shares insider tips on maximizing your experience.
The conversation delves into the role of points and miles in reducing travel costs, the best hotels to book for luxury at a fraction of the price, and why Thailand’s rich cultural heritage makes it one of the most fascinating travel destinations. Ben also highlights the deep influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on Thai culture, the country’s inclusive attitude toward gender identities, and how ethical tourism plays a crucial role in responsible travel.
Additionally, they explore Thailand’s world-renowned food scene, why Thai cuisine is all about balancing flavors, and the affordability of dining—even for families. Whether you’re planning a first-time visit, looking for the best time to travel, or simply curious about Thai traditions, this episode is packed with valuable insights and expert recommendations.
Tune in now to learn how to revolutionize your Thailand experience with smart travel strategies and points redemptions!
Key Highlights:
Cultural Diversity: Thailand is a country rich in history, shaped by immigration and cultural influences.
Must-Visit Destinations: Bangkok and Phuket are key stops for first-time travelers.
Affordable Luxury: Thailand offers incredible hotel stays, where five-star luxury can be surprisingly affordable.
Points and Miles Advantage: Using rewards can make traveling to Thailand more budget-friendly.
Easy Transportation: Local options like Grab provide an affordable way to explore cities.
Culinary Scene: Thai cuisine focuses on balancing flavors, making it one of the best food destinations in the world.
Ethical Travel: Responsible tourism is key when engaging with animal experiences.
Budget-Friendly Travel: Dining, massages, and shopping in Thailand are all accessible at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
Best Time to Visit: April’s Songkran Festival is a cultural highlight worth experiencing.
Island Hopping: Thailand’s coastal regions offer breathtaking experiences beyond Bangkok and Phuket.
