Miles to Memories - Fun Side of Miles, Points & Travel
246 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsWe celebrate the fun side of miles, points & travel including the memories we make along the way. Get inspired to travel, hear about the latest deals and learn how to maximize travel rewards to save money, accomplish your goals and to form memories that will last a lifetime!
Shawn Coomer has spent the last 15 years circling the globe with his family and has shared his passion for award travel on the Miles to Memories blog since 2013. He is currently a semi-nomad, using miles & points to fund almost all of his travel. Shawn is joined each week by semi-regular cohost Joe Cheung and a variety of points experts to discuss how miles & points can enrich your life in so many ways.
http://www.milestomemories.com
http://www.milestomemories.com/diamond
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Maximizing 0% APR Offers, Turning Down An Amazing Retention Offer & Is Chase's Disney Offer Good?
April 18, 2024 12:00 - 39 minutes - 36 MBEpisode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast, Shawn and Joe discuss their experiences recording on the road and share some travel hacks for setting up recording equipment in different environments. They also talk about their missed opportunity to see the solar eclipse and the impact of the eclipse on wildlife. The conversation then shifts to regional food chains like Bojangles and Waffle House, and the excitement of these chains expanding to new locations. ...
Global Entry Price Increase, Spirit Airlines Booking and Wynn Status Matches
April 11, 2024 10:30 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBEpisode Description We discuss Shawn’s experience with the Wynn status match, Hilton buying the Nomad brand, increases in Global Entry fees and much more! Plus some quick deals to help you along your way. Episode Notes 0:00 - Eclipsing 7:05 - Wynn status match experience 12:07 - Joe booked a Spirit flight 28:04 - Nomad hotels are going under the Hilton brand (except Vegas) 31:50 - Global Entry and NEXUS costs increasing 38:13 - Quick deals Benjy’s Choice Hotels article En...
Down a Hilton in Vegas, Amex Changes Again, 3% Everywhere Coming & More!
April 04, 2024 10:30 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBEpisode Description Joe’s back from an epic Disney trip, Shawn visits the Tropicana before it closes and a ton of credit card news in this week’s podcast. Plus, Joe considers booking Spirit and we discuss what’s going on with the blogosphere and Google’s negative SEO changes (negative for independent people, that is). Episode Notes 0:00 - Joe just got home and is Disneyed out 6:43 - Tropicana closing 10:01 - Booking Spirit Airlines 18:41 - Amex updates Delta card rules to minimi...
Defeating Jetlag, Meta Smartglasses for the Win, United's New Feature & Is Rio/Hyatt An Amazing Opportunity?
March 28, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe dive into a lot of recent happenings in the travel and miles & points space. From hating on budget airlines to United's new pooling feature there is a lot happening in the airline space. Other topics discussed include: how the Timeshifter jetlag app works, why the Meta Smartglasses are worth a consideration for upcoming trips and how the Rio/Hyatt integration is working in reality. Episode Notes 0:00 Rayban Meta Smartglasses (Amazon aff...
Spring Break In Europe - Flights, Hotels, Practical Advice & Gratitude
March 21, 2024 14:21 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn discusses his recent family Spring Break trip to Lisbon and Paris. Learn about the flights and redemptions plus some of the cool things seen along the way. Family travel can be difficult, but it is so rewarding, even if it is squeezed into a tight timeframe. Shawn & Joe also discuss the power of returning places, where to stay at Disneyland Paris & how a drone show inspired the whole thing. Episode Notes 3:38 One-way car rentals for reposition...
Rethinking Your Hotel Loyalty & Elite Status Game with Benjy Harmon
March 14, 2024 13:00 - 42 minutes - 79 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn is joined by MtM Contributor and MtM Diamond moderator Benjy Harmon. Shawn & Benjy dive deep into why you may want to rethink your hotel elite strategy, why Hyatt may be overrated and a cool little place you can visit on your next stop into DFW.
Peak Summer Road Trips, Best Ever Marriott Bonuses & Hyatt Devaluation?
March 07, 2024 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn & Joe discuss trip planning including national parks, the insanity of summer demand and why you might want to visit during off-peak seasons. They also follow up on their jetlag discussion including a cool app to help you out, go into the details of two new “best ever” Marriott card offers plus discuss the recent category changes for Hyatt which saw many hotels increase in cost.
Recycled Soup, a Haunted Hotel and Red Envelopes - Taiwan Trip Report
February 29, 2024 11:30 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBEpisode Description Joe recounts his trip to Taiwan, including Grand Hyatt Taipei, flying E-V-A Airlines in business class, highlights in Taipei, and eating at random bathroom tiled floor restaurants. How much money did the kids get in their red envelopes? Listen and find out! Episode Notes 0:00 - Joe just got home and is jet lagged 9:30 - Grand Hyatt Taipei (haunted?) 15:32 - EVA business class 28:05 - Exploring Taiwan 31:13 - Aloft Tainan 33:27 - Taipei highlights Enjoyin...
Epic Trip - Back to Back Asia in First Class, New JAL, DMZ, Angkor Wat & More with Han Chicago
February 22, 2024 14:00 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MBEpisode Description On this episode Han Chicago joins Shawn to discuss his recent epic back to back First Class trips to Asia. Products discussed include the new Japan Airlines First Class, Korean Air First Class, Etihad's customer service, Singapore's foot well, a lofty Holiday Inn plus the redemptions along the way. Han also discusses avoiding the Park Hyatt Siem Reap plus his favorite parts of Angkor Wat and why you should visit now. He also discusses why Seoul is so underrated, visit...
Hyatt Concierge Frustration, Companion Pass Shortcut & New Vegas Status Match
February 15, 2024 11:30 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the Super Bowl in Las Vegas and what the experience is like seeing U2 at the Sphere. They also discuss tons of new card offers that have dropped in the past week including a fast track to the Southwest Companion Pass. Other topics include: Hyatt concierge frustration, losing Vendome, Chinese New Year & Joe’s upcoming trip to Taiwan. Episode Notes 0:00 - Las Vegas baby 16:44 - Shawn spring break updates and pivots, Hyatt concie...
Attempted Vendoming, Missing Icon, Epic Universe & Foreign Currency Return Trap
February 08, 2024 11:30 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the newly announced Epic Universe park in Orlando. This new theme park should be on everyone’s radar and we’ll tell you why. We also discuss the trap when returning things in a foreign currency, Shawn attempts to Vendome, Joe isn’t impressed with Trip It Pro and why Icon of the Seas will have to wait for next time. Episode Notes 1:54 - Joe’s no good very bad weekend 9:58 - TripIt Pro and Halfday 16:49 - Losing money on a ret...
Miracle in Hawaii - Surviving A 1,000 Foot Fall, The Dramatic Rescue & Lessons Learned with Ian Snyder
February 01, 2024 20:17 - 41 minutes - 76.7 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn is joined by Mark Ostermann and Ian Snyder to discuss a recent set of events that could have proved tragic, but thankfully has a happy ending. Ian recently fell 1,000 feet during a difficult hike in Hawaii and spent 3 days waiting to be rescued. We discuss the story, his rescue and all of the lessons learned along the way with the laughter and fun you would expect! This is a crazy story you definitely want to hear. Enjoying the podcast? Please c...
Traveling to Every Country in the World with Ryan Smith
January 25, 2024 17:48 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn is joined by former MtM Contributor Ryan Smith to discuss his recent accomplishment of visiting every single country in the world. We'll discuss his journey as a writer in the miles and points space plus dive into his country collecting. Find out how his journey began, how he chose his last country and all of the amazing and challenging things along the way. Episode Notes 0:00 Freelancing in this space & what it is like being a writer. 08:25 ...
MGM Gets Bonvoyed, Getting Around Hyatt's Quirks and Last Minute Spring Break
January 18, 2024 11:30 - 41 minutes - 38 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the announced details of the new MGM/Marriott partnership. It is coming much later than expected (in fact we still don't have a date), but is it better than Hyatt's previous partnership and what sort of benefits will you get when staying? They also discuss some of Hyatt's quirks, Shawn's last minute Paris Spring Break trip and a checking account bonus that is lucrative and easy to grab. Episode Notes 6:04 - MGM Bonvoy details ...
Google Gets Sued, Problems to the MAX and United’s Adventure Week
January 11, 2024 11:30 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss how travel has changed over the years plus share some of their recent woes including double bookings and the Mexico award dilemma. They also discuss a big lawsuit against Google, United’s Adventure Week, some nice new airline portal bonuses and the fallout from Alaska’s scary MAX incident. Episode Notes 0:00 - Shawn’s jealous of Joe 4:20 - Check free cruise offers 6:24 - Old men yell at clouds 19:14 - More MAX problems, t...
NYE Around the World, Hyatting NYC & Moving Amex Offers
January 04, 2024 11:30 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe welcome the new year with some discussions about celebrations around the world. They also discuss a new potential way you can move Amex Offers between cards plus Joe discusses his recent NYC trip including food and hotel recommendations. Episode Notes 0:00 - Dealing with end of year credits 4:16 - Visiting NYC 6:41 - Travel inspired by New Year’s Eve 16:53 - Don’t get scammed! 28:05 - Move AMEX offers around 30...
Mattress Run Gone Wrong, Bilt's Mixed Changes & End of Year Insanity!
December 28, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutes - 71.6 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn is joined by PDX Deals Guy to discuss the end of year happenings in the miles & points space. They also discuss the brand new Ritz in Portland, Bilt's big changes and how we should look at them plus how a simple mattress run can go so wrong. Episode Notes 0:00 - End of year insanity 6:00 - Update on Buyers Groups 11:45 - Mattress run gone horribly wrong 21:35 - Ritz Portland review - Stunning new property 29:50 - Bilt's...
Going for 2% & Travel Naughty vs. Nice
December 21, 2023 11:30 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe discuss their naughty and nice lists for the miles & points space. They also debate the simplicity of 2% cashback, go over the Freedom Q1 bonus categories and discuss Bilt’s 16th transfer partner. Episode Notes 0:00 - Holiday talk and housekeeping/updates 10:11 - Hoarding 2% cashback cards 16:18 - New Bilt partner 21:35 - Q1 Chase Freedom categories 22:57 - Don’t sleep on Choice Hotels 25:20 - 2023 Naughty and ...
Hyatt & Marriott’s New Luxury Properties, Overlooking Choice, Chase’s Edit & The Most Lucrative Amex Offers Ever!?
December 14, 2023 11:30 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe discuss some recent targeted Amex Offers for Marriott and Hilton cards that might just be the best we have seen. From big multipliers to free nights, Amex is really incentivizing cardholders to spend. We also discuss Chase’s strange new luxury travel portal, why you shouldn’t overlook Choice Hotels and all of the cool luxury properties that Hyatt and Marriott are opening in the next couple of years. Episode Notes 0:00 - B...
Alaska’s Big Bet, Diamond Does Disney & More Thoughts on Hyatt.
December 07, 2023 11:30 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe recap the latest Diamond meetup in Orlando. They also discuss Alaska’s huge announcement and acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines plus Joe chimes in on the Hyatt changes announced last week. Episode Notes 0:00 - MtM Diamond meetup recap and thoughts 7:50 - Hyatt changes 20:19 - Alaska buys Hawaiian 26:47 - Marriott/Celebrity 30:20 - Amex offers chat Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review ...
Redefining Loyalty? Hyatt Announces Huge Changes for 2024!
November 30, 2023 14:07 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBEpisode Description Disclosure: Hyatt invited me to their headquarters in Chicago to learn about this announcement. They provided my room, meals and flights, but did not dictate how this news is covered. On this episode Shawn discusses the big changes coming to the World of Hyatt program in 2024. He flew to Hyatt’s headquarters in Chicago to get all of the details and shares them here with you! Shawn and Joe also discuss positive IRS changes, de-briefing from Black Friday and more. Joe r...
Following the Rules, Southwest Devalues & Amex Concerns
November 16, 2023 08:30 - 42 minutes - 28.8 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss a recently announced devaluation by Southwest Airlines. As a revenue based program should they devalue their points? They also discuss some of the concerning changes with Amex, how you can earn thousands of bonus points with portal bonuses right now, some positive United changes and the points & travel rules we don’t mind following. Episode Notes 10:00 - Is AMEX devalued? 15:27 - Southwest devaluation 20:17 - United status...
More Consolidation, Bonvoy Gets Better & Top 50 Travel Destinations for 2024
November 09, 2023 08:30 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss even more consolidation happening in the travel realm. Similar to hotels and airlines we are seeing two major amusement park operators join forces, but will it be good for consumers? They also discuss the return of a good 3 free night Marriott offer, how Bonvoy is making a popular perk better, custom liveries and the top 50 travel destinations in the world. Episode Notes 6:52 - Six Flags/Cedar Fair merger 13:03 - Alaska Airli...
Chase Just for You, Wyndham Vacasa Deval & Andaz Costa Rica
November 02, 2023 07:30 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the recent tragic storm in Acapulco and how people are being impacted. They also look at some big targeted Chase offers, detail how Wyndham devalued Vacasa redemptions and Shawn reviews the Andaz Papagayo in Costa Rica. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, G...
Citi’s New Transfer Partner, Amex “Upgrades” Hilton Cards, Delta Backtracks & Seats.Aero Sued
October 26, 2023 07:30 - 45 minutes - 31 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss some recent changes in the hotel space. These include Hyatt’s Home & Hideaways launching, Chase expanding their Luxury hotel collection and Citi adding a transfer partner that may actually present a great value. On the loyalty front just as Delta backtracked some of their many negative changes to SkyMiles, Southwest announced tweaks to their program that may make some flyers happy. We also discuss the Seats.Aero lawsuit, the changes...
Chicago Seminars Drama, Hilton Timeshare Windfall, Buyers Group Dangers & Crazy Choice Deal with Mark Ostermann
October 19, 2023 07:30 - 53 minutes - 37 MBEpisode Description On this episode Mark Ostermann returns to the show to discuss his recent trip to New York which was driven by a very lucrative timeshare offer. He discusses what it was like to deal with the presentation and how he earned 150K points in about 15 minutes. He also dives into Roosevelt Island, the Conrad Midtown and how New York feels a bit different these days. Other topics discussed include: an amazing and profitable Choice experience deal, some of the past Buyers Group ...
Amex Gold Overhaul, Premium Hotel Programs & Luxury Travel Advisors with Jason Lawenda
October 12, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn is joined by Jason Lawenda of Mobius Journeys to discuss the hobby and luxury travel. Jason is a luxury travel adviser who has built a business helping others in the miles & points hobby book travel. We discuss whether becoming a travel agent is the "ultimate travel hack", why you might want to look at premium hotel programs like Impresario and Prive plus how American Express changed the Gold cards and what that means for the future of other cards....
Delta Revenge Matches, Transparent Resort Fees, Hyatt Expands Again & More!
October 05, 2023 07:30 - 37 minutes - 44 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and joe discuss the targeted 4th quarter spending offers across Chase cards. These offers come with up to 10X points so it is definitely worth checking to see what you have been targeted for. Other topics discussed include: the evolution of family seating policies, Hyatt’s expansion to vacation rentals, how resort fees are becoming more transparent, the new Capital One lounge in Dulles and how Delta’s competitors are stepping up with revenge status...
Picking up 75K, New Global Entry App & 10 Words Ruined By “The Hobby”
September 28, 2023 07:30 - 42 minutes - 29 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss why 0% APR offers can be something to look for and how Shawn grabbed a quick 75K Membership Rewards on a no annual fee card. They also discuss the return of Chase Ink 90K offers, Global Entry’s new app and why it probably isn’t important, more info on the Chicago Seminars and 10 words that are ruined by the miles & points hobby. Episode Notes 9:43 - Blue Business Plus and small business discussion 22:33 - Chase Ink 90K 25:41 -...
Delta Downgrades Skymiles, Las Vegas Hacked & Why to Jump on Frontier’s Big Status Match!
September 21, 2023 07:30 - 46 minutes - 55.3 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the recent hacks of many of the major Las Vegas casinos. Both Caesars and MGM suffered cyberattacks, but what has the reality been on the ground and should it affect your decision to go to Vegas? They also go into the details of the brand new Fontainebleau Las Vegas megaresort including when it is opening and why it has been under construction for over 15 years. Other topics discussed include: Credit card 4th quarter 5X bonus catego...
United's Interesting New Product, Canada Quirks, Hyatt's New Premium Credit Card & More
September 14, 2023 07:30 - 47 minutes - 55.6 MBEpisode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe discuss so some of the quirks of Air Canada plus a recap of the MtM Diamond meetup in Vancouver. They also discuss links for increased Chase Ink offers, remembering 9/11, United's new narrowbody business class, Marriott's soft landing, what JetBlue is doing to merge with Spirit and Hyatt's new survey that teases a premium credit card offering you will want to know about! Episode Notes 0:00 - Vancouver MTM Diamond meetup s...
Hilton Lounge Downgrades, 30 Days On A Cruise Ship & A Traveler's of Flying
September 07, 2023 07:30 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss some new Hilton Amex no lifetime language offers and ponder how their lounges have changed in the past few years. They also discuss whether 30 nights on a cruise ship is a dream or a nightmare, how Priority Pass is getting more expensive and why even the most seasoned flyers can become overwhelmed with fear. Episode Notes 4:20 - Air Canada redemption to YVR 7:32 - Thirty (!) day Carnival cruise 16:20 - Growing up in the mile...
New Cathay First, JetBlue's Dirty Secret & Those Who Divide Us
August 31, 2023 07:30 - 38 minutes - 26.1 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the quirky new Cathay Pacific First Class seat that is coming to the 777-9. It is sure to be a popular product when it launches. They also discuss how JetBlue will raise fares after the Spirit merger and why divisive people are hurting the miles and points hobby. Episode Notes 10:28 - Cathay Pacific new first class seats 15:28 - Jetblue raising Spirit prices 18:43 - Renting timeshares with points 23:36 - Be positive Enjo...
Amex Plat Deval, Hidden City Lawsuit and the Joys of Revisiting
August 24, 2023 07:30 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBEpisode Description In this episode Shawn and Joe discuss some of the latest news in the space including a hidden city ticketing lawsuit from AA and whether the practice should be allowed or not. They also discuss the negative changes coming to Amex Plat, Hilton's new fall promo, using gift cards to buy gift cards and why Frontier is being sued over their all you can fly pass. Episode Notes 9:46 - Hilton bonus points 14:39 - Frontier gets sued 19:18 - Gift cards to buy gift cards ...
Epic Trip - Australia & New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup & Experiencing the “Skycouch”
August 17, 2023 07:30 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBEpisode Description In this episode Joe is back from his epic trip to Oceania (how do you pronounce that!?) We discuss his experience at the Women’s World Cup, visiting hobbits, why Sydney felt like visiting Asia and a whole lot more. Plus - thoughts on Air New Zealand’s Skycouch and what Joe would do differently next time. Enjoy! Episode Notes 3:26 - How being a wandering nomad is different from “vacation” 8:29 - Air NZ Skycouch 15:19 - Park Hyatt Auckland 18:57 - Sightseeing in...
Gems of Eastern Europe, Marriott's New Offer & Another Take on Virgin Voyages
August 11, 2023 02:59 - 56 minutes - 41.9 MBEpisode Description In this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Contributor PDX Deals Guy to talk about his two recent trips to Europe and the many miles & points redemptions along the way. From a Virgin Voyages cruise using Membership Rewards to exploring Budapest, he got around. We discuss Heidelberg, Budapest, Kotor, Split and Dubrovnik along with his flights, hotels and that big red cruise ship. Episode Notes 03:28 Maui Fires 05:16 Chase Marriott Transfer Bonus & Card Offer 12:45 Co...
Choice Eats Radisson, Starlux Alaska Frenzy & FI For Cheaper Travel with Benjy Harmon
August 03, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes - 66.9 MBEpisode Description In this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Contributor Benjy Harmon to discuss his recent travels including some of the nicer domestic lounges and AA's super unique Flagship First. Other topics discussed include: why the Air France credit card is worth a look, the Starlux Alaska Airlines booking frenzy, Choice and Radisson joining together and how FI can make for cheaper travel. Episode Notes 04:00 Chelsea Lounge JFK 08:17 AA Flagship First review 10:20 Why Delta Sk...
Customer Service AI, Ranking Hotel Points & Legislation to Kill Travel Rewards
July 27, 2023 07:30 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBEpisode Description In this episode Shawn and Joe discuss new legislation that may end up killing credit cards rewards. Is this something to worry about and would it be better for customers? Other topics discussed include: Joe’s Star Wars hotel experience, ranking hotel points based on desirability, automated customer service and AI plus an airline phone scam you probably need to hear about. Episode Notes 0:00 - Galactic Starcruiser and the experiential travel space 12:10 - Credit ca...
Big Southwest Offer, Marriott Beats Hyatt, Car Lease Hacking & More!
July 20, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn is joined once again by MtM Contributor PDX Deals Guy. They discuss the big news of Marriott taking over as MGM's partner in Vegas, a big Southwest card offer with an interesting way to earn the companion pass, how Prime Day was and how you can save now, United's new domestic First Class seat and buying a car now plus how you can potentially hack a lease. Episode Notes 2:00 - Hyatt is out and Marriott is in with MGM in Vegas 12:07 Big AA Exec...
Trip Cancelation Tips, Another Devaluation & Chicago Seminars Drama
July 13, 2023 07:30 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss how to use those lucrative Amazon Pay with Points deals that surface around Prime Day. They also discuss another devaluation, new Chase spending offers and exactly what is happening with the Chicago Seminars plus where you can see Shawn speak. Episode Notes 0:00 - Summer travel updates and discussion 11:35 - Chicago seminars 19:13 - Amazon pay with points is back! 23:09 - Cathay Pacific devaluation 26:32 - Chase spend bo...
Complainer Gets Banned, Miles & Points Study, Save on Hyatt & More
July 06, 2023 02:39 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss an interesting travel study that shows more and more people are relying on travel rewards than ever before. They also discuss a person getting banned by Hilton for complaining, new Hyatt Amex Offers and how Prime Day is right around the corner. Episode Notes 9:20 - Barclays survey 15:59 - Hilton clawback 20:07 - Hyatt AMEX Offers 22:56 - Prime Day 26:39 - Chase IHG upgraded bonus 29:42 - AMEX Clawbacks Enjoying th...
The Beauty of Norway, Good Card Offers & The Case Against Travel
June 29, 2023 07:30 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss cruising to Norway, London hotels for families and how Shawn and family ended their 7 week adventure. They also discuss an interesting article arguing against travel, struggling with a costly business class upgrade, a great AA card offer, Southwest extending their popular deal and how to grab $10 in free Lyft credit. Episode Notes 2:20 - Wrapping up Shawn’s Europe trip 13:11 - London and getting home 23:59 - Bilt day July ...
An Epic Trip - Iceland, Faroe Islands & Copenhagen - An Insane Whirlwind Adventure with Mark Ostermann
June 15, 2023 07:30 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBEpisode Description On this episode Mark Ostermann returns to chat with Shawn and Joe about his recent 40th birthday trip which packed a ton of stuff into just a few days. Mark will talk about achieving his dream of going to the Faroe Islands, whether the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is worth it, Copenhagen vs. Amsterdam and some of the incredible sights (and bars) along the way. Plus find out how he got there and back including why Lufthansa’s new business class is much better than their old pr...
Episode 200 Reunion! Hyatt Family Resorts, Travel FOMO & The Danger of Not Knowing Your Limits in the Hobby
June 08, 2023 01:47 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBEpisode Description In this 200th episode of the podcast Mark Ostermann makes his triumphant return to chat with Shawn and Joe about his recent travels including bar hopping Manhattan, staying in Jersey and if the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay holds up as a family destination. We also discuss travel FOMO and how it has become such a huge part of our society. Plus we dive into some recent happenings that are a good reminder of why we must all know our limits and how we must manage our risk...
Macau & Hong Kong Trip Report, Booking the "Skycouch" & Europe Is So Expensive!
June 01, 2023 07:15 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBEpisode Description On this episode Joe Cheung joins Shawn to talk about Macau and Hong Kong including some hotel reviews and why Macau is not a knockoff Vegas. Plus what is it like traveling in these parts of China post-pandemic? Joe also discusses booking the closing Star Wars hotel and the quirky Skycouch to New Zealand. Other topics covered include: a sweet Virgin Voyages points deal, Bilt's June giveaway, how Google Lens is a gamechanger and why BA Avios redemptions in Europe can be...
Stranded in Memphis, JAL's Coffin Suite & Japan Hotel Overload with Jasmine Coomer
May 25, 2023 07:30 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBEpisode Description In this episode Jasmine Coomer returns to talk with Shawn about their recent travels, how she was stranded in Memphis and why Graceland is worth the hefty admission fee. Plus is the new Hyatt Caption brand any good? They also discuss their recent adventures in Japan and flying in Japan Airlines business class in their unique coffin suite. Other topics discussed include: how traveling in Japan is so much easier than it used to be, which points hotel is best for Tokyo D...
7 Deadly Sins of Travel Hacking & Behind the Curtain of Freelancing with Lee Huffman
May 18, 2023 07:30 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn is joined by long time miles & points blogger and podcaster Lee Huffman from Bald Thoughts. Shawn and Lee discuss some of the pitfalls of miles & points and how to avoid them. They also discuss freelance corporate content vs. personal blogs, the dangers of some travel hacking social media content, leaving his job to relocate across the country, the joys and realities of family travel and some of the cool places to see around his new home in Tenness...
Rakuten's Big Week, Air New Zealand's Skycouch and a New Southwest Perk
May 11, 2023 07:30 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBEpisode Description In this episode Shawn and Joe discuss their trip planning, a new Southwest perk, Rakuten’s big week, travel pet peeves and a whole lot more! Plus, some random landscaping talk that’s sure to be a lot of fun. Episode Notes 6:01 - Trip planning to New Zealand, Japan, Asia and more 23:10 - Southwest adds a long needed perk 25:14 - Rakuten’s big week 30:44 - Travel grievances 37:10 - Shawn visits Wynn Las Vegas Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving ...
Last Minute Shift to Japan, The Ultimate Travel Hack & Some Chase Apps Skipping 5/24
May 04, 2023 07:30 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBEpisode Description In this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the many recent changes to travel plans including a last minute business class saver award to Japan and how Shawn just couldn’t resist. They’ll talk through the planning process, getting hotels and upgrades plus the Japan rail pass. Other topics covered include: recent Chase Sapphire Preferred apps avoiding 5/24, the 165K IHG Business card offer, understanding Hilton’s food and beverage credit and the Ultimate Travel hack. Episode...
Chase Sapphire Preferred Offer, Bilt Dining and Goodbye to Bed Bath and Beyond
April 27, 2023 07:30 - 33 minutes - 23 MBEpisode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer going public, the new Bilt dining program and reminisce about some old Bed, Bath and Beyond plays. You will be missed! A little bit. We spend some time chatting about the current cost of earning miles and points and also reminisce about old coupon deals and chat some general travel. Episode Notes 12:02 - 80K Chase Sapphire Preferred now public 16:01 - The current status of earning miles an...