Tag: Travel with Kids

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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:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with savvytravelmamas:

 

 

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Travel Freely App Founder Zac Hood on Turning Travel Goals into Reality with Points & Miles (Ep. 51)

Travel Freely App Founder Zac Hood on Turning Travel Goals into Reality with Points & Miles (Ep. 51)

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Are you ready to revolutionize the way you manage your travel rewards? 

In this episode of the Revolutionizing Your Journey podcast, host DeAndre Coke interviews Zac Hood, the visionary behind the Travel Freely app. They explore Zac’s personal journey into the world of points and miles, the inspiration that led to the app’s creation, and its mission to simplify travel rewards for users of all levels. Zac shares his family’s inspiring nine-month adventure across Australia and New Zealand, made possible by savvy use of points and miles. They also discuss the growing Travel Freely community, real-life success stories, and exciting upcoming app features. 

This episode is packed with tips for beginners and seasoned travelers alike, emphasizing the importance of starting simple, staying organized, and maintaining financial responsibility.

 

Key Highlights:

  • Travel Freely App: A user-friendly tool to simplify points and miles tracking.
  • App Built for All: Caters to both beginners and seasoned points enthusiasts.
  • Credit Card Management: Tracks bonuses, annual fees, and deadlines.
  • Free Resource: Funded by affiliate links, the app is completely free to use, Available on both web and mobile.
  • Personalized Insights: App recommends strategies based on user credit profiles.
  • Community Growth: Travel Freely has inspired many with real-life success stories.
  • Family Adventures: Zac’s nine-month journey to Australia, New Zealand and Japan highlights the power of points.
  • Future Updates: The app continues to evolve with new features.
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

Connect with Zac Hood:

 

 

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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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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)

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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: 

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