Latest Awardtravel Podcast Episodes
Redefining Loyalty? Hyatt Announces Huge Changes for 2024!
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - November 30, 2023 14:07 - 53 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 ...
Following the Rules, Southwest Devalues & Amex Concerns
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - November 16, 2023 08:30 - 42 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 bonu...
More Consolidation, Bonvoy Gets Better & Top 50 Travel Destinations for 2024
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - November 09, 2023 08:30 - 44 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 M...
Chase Just for You, Wyndham Vacasa Deval & Andaz Costa Rica
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - November 02, 2023 07:30 - 47 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 p...
Citi’s New Transfer Partner, Amex “Upgrades” Hilton Cards, Delta Backtracks & Seats.Aero Sued
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - October 26, 2023 07:30 - 45 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 jus...
Chicago Seminars Drama, Hilton Timeshare Windfall, Buyers Group Dangers & Crazy Choice Deal with Mark Ostermann
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - October 19, 2023 07:30 - 53 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 ...
Amex Gold Overhaul, Premium Hotel Programs & Luxury Travel Advisors with Jason Lawenda
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - October 12, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 "u...
Delta Revenge Matches, Transparent Resort Fees, Hyatt Expands Again & More!
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - October 05, 2023 07:30 - 37 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 seat...
Picking up 75K, New Global Entry App & 10 Words Ruined By “The Hobby”
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - September 28, 2023 07:30 - 42 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 importan...
Delta Downgrades Skymiles, Las Vegas Hacked & Why to Jump on Frontier’s Big Status Match!
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - September 21, 2023 07:30 - 46 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 bra...
United's Interesting New Product, Canada Quirks, Hyatt's New Premium Credit Card & More
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - September 14, 2023 07:30 - 47 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 la...
Hilton Lounge Downgrades, 30 Days On A Cruise Ship & A Traveler's of Flying
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - September 07, 2023 07:30 - 43 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 expensiv...
New Cathay First, JetBlue's Dirty Secret & Those Who Divide Us
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - August 31, 2023 07:30 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 ...
Amex Plat Deval, Hidden City Lawsuit and the Joys of Revisiting
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - August 24, 2023 07:30 - 44 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 ca...
Epic Trip - Australia & New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup & Experiencing the “Skycouch”
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - August 17, 2023 07:30 - 57 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 ...
Gems of Eastern Europe, Marriott's New Offer & Another Take on Virgin Voyages
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - August 11, 2023 02:59 - 56 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 Heidel...
Choice Eats Radisson, Starlux Alaska Frenzy & FI For Cheaper Travel with Benjy Harmon
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - August 03, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 Alask...
Customer Service AI, Ranking Hotel Points & Legislation to Kill Travel Rewards
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - July 27, 2023 07:30 - 42 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 desirab...
Big Southwest Offer, Marriott Beats Hyatt, Car Lease Hacking & More!
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - July 20, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 no...
Trip Cancelation Tips, Another Devaluation & Chicago Seminars Drama
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - July 13, 2023 07:30 - 41 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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...
Complainer Gets Banned, Miles & Points Study, Save on Hyatt & More
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - July 06, 2023 02:39 - 38 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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...
The Beauty of Norway, Good Card Offers & The Case Against Travel
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - June 29, 2023 07:30 - 48 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 offe...
An Epic Trip - Iceland, Faroe Islands & Copenhagen - An Insane Whirlwind Adventure with Mark Ostermann
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - June 15, 2023 07:30 - 54 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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, Co...
Episode 200 Reunion! Hyatt Family Resorts, Travel FOMO & The Danger of Not Knowing Your Limits in the Hobby
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - June 08, 2023 01:47 - 52 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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...
Macau & Hong Kong Trip Report, Booking the "Skycouch" & Europe Is So Expensive!
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - June 01, 2023 07:15 - 51 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 th...
Stranded in Memphis, JAL's Coffin Suite & Japan Hotel Overload with Jasmine Coomer
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - May 25, 2023 07:30 - 57 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 f...
7 Deadly Sins of Travel Hacking & Behind the Curtain of Freelancing with Lee Huffman
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - May 18, 2023 07:30 - 56 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 danger...
Rakuten's Big Week, Air New Zealand's Skycouch and a New Southwest Perk
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - May 11, 2023 07:30 - 52 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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, Asi...
Last Minute Shift to Japan, The Ultimate Travel Hack & Some Chase Apps Skipping 5/24
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - May 04, 2023 07:30 - 40 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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. Oth...
Chase Sapphire Preferred Offer, Bilt Dining and Goodbye to Bed Bath and Beyond
Miles to Memories - Conversations About Miles, Points & Travel - April 27, 2023 07:30 - 33 minutes ★★★★★ - 111 ratingsEpisode 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 mile...
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