MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

TMT News - Juicy Chase Card Rumor, AA's Cheater Tech, Spirit Frontier Merger & America's Most Insane Pool! Oct 30, 2024

Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!

Episode Description

This week rumors have been swirling about a potential new premium card offering from Chase. Will a business version of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card be coming and what can we expect from the welcome offer, annual fee and perks? Will this be a popular card for the market? In other news Frontier & Spirit are talking merger again. It's probably the best move for both airlines. We also discuss: AA's new cheater tech, end of Ink's 90K offer, a Delta employee allegedly stealing and selling merch, Citi's interesting new hotel transfer partner and the most insane hotel pool in the United States. Episode Guide

0:00 AA’s cool new “cheater” technology
1:20 Delta employee allegedly steals & sells merch
3:10 Frontier & Spirit trying to merge again
5:30 Hyatt taking over a Margaritaville
7:21 Chase Ink Unlimited 90K end is near
8:18 Chase Sapphire Reserve business rumor
11:40 Diving into Citi’s new ThankYou partner Preferred Hotels
14:10 How good are Preferred Hotels properties
15:18 Cool S - Most insane pool in the United States?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Airline Seat Fee Scams, Chase Insurance Changes & Fascinating Survey Data Behind the Points Hobby! Oct 28, 2024

Episode Description

In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss various aspects of travel, including airline experiences, travel insurance, airport layouts, and the dynamics of the miles and points hobby. Shawn recently went to SLC for the day and he shares his experiences doing a same day turn on Frontier and walking the new SLC terminal building. Mark previews his Orlando trip and the two discuss travel insurance in the wake of possible changes to Chase's card protections. Finally the two are joined by David Ocamb from the Ocamb Group to go over some interesting data collected about the miles & points hobby. We dive into who you are, what makes you tick and why people shouldn't get caught in FOMO. Fascinating data that you don't want to miss! Episode Guide

0:00 The “scam” of airline seat fees and assignments
3:10 Previewing Mark’s Orlando trip
5:01 One day trip to Salt Lake City - Frontier same day turn
9:20 Why the new Salt Lake City airport terminal kind of sucks
13:30 Changes to Chase card insurance protections?
16:40 Travel insurance strategies & “self insurance”
24:34 Diving into the miles & points hobby demographics data
28:00 Some of our biggest surprises from the survey data
36:40 How much time are people spending & other key takeaways

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

TMT News - Big Alaska Mileage Play, Easy 20K Amex, Travel Trolling, Real Mario Kart & Transfer Bonus Overload! Oct 23, 2024

Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!

Episode Description

This week the Alaska/Hawaiian merger fallout moves forward as the company is trying to combine loyalty programs. Until that happens there may be an opportunity to double dip with credit cards, but is it a good play and which Hawaiian Airlines cards should you consider before they go away forever? In other news Amex is back with 20K Pay Over Time offers. These can be the easiest points you'll ever earn if you are targeted. We also discuss: Spark Cash $750, the new United Mile Play offers, all of the many transfer bonuses right now, a hack to score an empty middle seat and where you can play Mario Kart in real life. Episode Guide

0:00 Viral hack for ensuring an empty middle seat
0:47 Ultimate travel troll - Once in a lifetime experiencial travel
2:03 Mark’s incredible Choice “experience” redemption
4:00 Don’t overlook housesitting - Incredible way to save on travel & pet sitting
7:35 Hawaiian Airlines credit card play before it is too late
9:56 Cap One Spark Cash $750 welcome offer with waived annual fee
11:11 Amex Pay Over Time 20K Offers - Easiest points ever!
12:45 United Mile Play offers - Huge potential depending on your offer
14:30 Most credit card transfer bonuses ever?
17:53 BattleKarts some really cool “s” to seek out on your next trip

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Spooky Time in Salem, Alaska Air Changes & Wins & Disney's New Theme Park at Sea Oct 21, 2024

Episode Description

In this conversation, Mark discusses his recent trip to Salem, Massachusetts, focusing on the Halloween experience and the historical significance of the area. He shares insights about the attractions, food, and the overall vibe of Salem during the Halloween season. The conversation then shifts to Alaska Airlines, highlighting recent changes in their loyalty program, including the ability to earn qualifying miles through award flights and shopping. Other topics discussed include: new flight routes, the evolution of MTM Travel and our different shows, parenting lessons learned from buying a phone for Mark's son, the rise of content creation in the digital age, and the unique offerings of Disney's crazy new cruise ship. Episode Guide

0:00 Introduction & visiting Salem, MA for Halloween - Food, fun and what to do
11:29 Digging into Alaska’s new milestones and other huge changes
14:35 Is airline status a scam?
21:40 The crazy things we say in the miles & points hobby
24:10 Behind the show housekeeping & important life lessons
37:19 Disney’s insane new cruise ship - Theme park at sea?

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Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

TMT News - Huge Hyatt AA Changes, Uber's Pricing Games, Bank Bonus Windfall & Capital One Lounge "Hack" Oct 16, 2024

Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!

Episode Description

This week American Airlines and Hyatt announced a ton of changes to their ongoing partnership. Points earning from the past is gone, but in its place are a ton of new "milestone rewards" and perks you can choose. Both Hyatt and AA members will be able to choose perks at various milestones plus will be able to purchase status for the day with points and more. Is this an improvement over the old Hyatt American Airlines partnership? In other news it seems Uber is being sneaky again. Some data points seem to show them charging more for people with Uber Cash, but is it a game and who is winning? In other #news we cover some new card offers, go over three awesome bank bonuses to pursue, discuss a true American castle, show you how to fast track into Capital One lounges and fight over the Wendy's Spongebob popup. Episode Guide

0:00 Wendy’s Spongebob popup
1:00 More evidence of Uber overcharging
3:46 How to fast track into Capital One lounges
6:32 Best ever AAdvantage Business card 75K offer
7:39 Last chance for Southwest 85K / companion pass timing
8:45 Bilt adds two new transfer partners
10:16 AA/Hyatt announce tons of partnership changes/milestone rewards
12:17 Do these new partnership rewards make sense as a choice?
13:40 AA status for a day - Is this going to be worth it?
15:27 Great bank bonuses for Chase, US Bank & Wells Fargo - Up to $900
19:05 American castles? Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Value of "Free" Weekend Trips, New Mexico's Incredible Balloon Fiesta & MTM Travel Goes Video! Oct 14, 2024

Episode Description

On the first video edition of MTM Travel (you can still listen!) Shawn & Mark discuss some of their recent escapades including Mark's time in New Mexico for the balloon fiesta and his upcoming trip to Salem, MA for Halloween festivities. New Mexico features a number of surprises including unique food and interesting landscapes. Joe Cheung also joins in discussing his recent points funded trip to see the Mets and all of the fun we've had over the years of doing this podcast.

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Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

TMT News - 2025 Trending Travel, 5 Free Hyatt Nights, Paid Hyatt Place Breakfast, LoungeBuddy Dies & Newark! Oct 09, 2024

Twenty Minute Travel has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Podcast or watch it on Youtube!

Episode Description

This week Chase was in the news a lot for a number of different reasons. To start, they added Air Canada lounge access for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. This is a good perk, but it has a huge downside. Chase also released their Q4 spending offers on cards with targeted deals giving 5-7X back on grocery and more. Finally, Chase also has newly increased offers on Sapphire Preferred and the World of Hyatt credit card. The latter is giving 5 free nights as a welcome offer. Is this better than points? In other news after 5 years of ownership, American Express has announced they are killing off LoungeBuddy. RIP. We also discuss: a fire at Newark airport, the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, 2025 trending travel destinations, Virgin Atlantic going revenue based, the search for Ramada's "CEO" and the new show we are launching on this channel. Episode Guide

0:00 Newark can’t have nice things
0:36 You can be Ramada’s new “CEO”
3:15 Amex’s 2025 trending travel destinations
5:07 Hyatt Place paid breakfast spreading?
8:17 Sapphire Preferred’s new 60K offer with a twist
9:47 Hyatt’s new 5 free night welcome offer
11:37 Sapphire Reserve adds Air Canada lounge access
13:10 Amex shutting down LoungeBuddy
14:49 Lucrative targeted Chase spending offers for Q4
16:23 Virgin Atlantic revenue based redemptions - Good or bad?
17:58 Mark visiting the Albuquerque Balloon Festival
19:14 Our new show coming to this channel

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Childhood Independence & Travel, Frontier's Big Glitch & A Big Announcement for the Show! Oct 05, 2024

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast, hosts Shawn and Mark discuss the exciting changes to the show, including Mark's return as co-host and the introduction of video content. They share their recent travel experiences, including redeeming Frontier Miles and visiting Cedar Point amusement park. The conversation delves into the challenges of parenting in today's world and the importance of giving children independence while traveling. They also provide hotel recommendations and wrap up with future plans for the podcast.

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Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Twenty Minute Travel - Amex Kills Popular Cards, China's Insane Drone Show, Alaska Transfer Drama, Tricky Hyatt & New 100K! Oct 02, 2024

Twenty Minute Travel has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Podcast or watch it on Youtube!

Episode Description

This week American Express announced the death of several of their cards including the Cash Magnet and the popular Everyday cards. With the loss of Everyday, is Amex retooling their lineup in preparation of a new card or are they trying to push customers up to their more expensive Gold card? In other news the Alaska/Hawaiian merger drama continued this week as transfers from American Express broke briefly, but then came back again. Some terms leave us a bit worried about the future of transfers, but the big question is whether it makes sense to move points now or not. We also discuss China's insane 10,000 drone show, where to use the Hilton Aspire credit, Aeroplan's new 100K welcome offer, 5% categories for the 4th quarter, Hyatt's fall promotion, a tricky Hyatt property and new Amex Offers you want to know about. Episode Guide

0:00 Saving money for travel
0:39 Alaska/Hawaiian transfer woes and developments
2:44 Will Amex to Hawaiian transfers remain & should you transfer now?
4:25 One Hyatt’s tricky “mandatory” charge
7:10 Chase Aeroplan’s new 100K welcome offer
8:30 RIP to Amex Everyday cards
10:05 Will Amex replace the Everyday cards in their lineup?
11:20 4th quarter 5% Categories for Chase, Citi and Discover
13:24 Hyatt’s new fall promotion is sort of terrible
14:37 Hilton Aspire Resort Credit - How to use it & where it works
15:56 New Amex Offers for Marriott, Hilton, Lowe’s & Google Pay
17:35 China’s INSANE 10,000 drone show

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Sneaky Uber, Citi's Aggressive Move, JetBlue's Lounges & Do This Soon! Sep 28, 2024

Episode Description

In this episode, Joe and Shawn discuss various topics related to travel, credit cards, and the evolving hotel industry. They delve into the controversy surrounding Uber's pricing strategies, particularly in relation to American Express credits, and explore the importance of community connections at travel events. The conversation also touches on the upcoming changes to American Express Schwab limits, Citi's pursuit of an exclusive partnership with American Airlines, and JetBlue's plans for new lounges. Additionally, they discuss Oyo's acquisition of Motel 6 and the competitive landscape of shopping events between Walmart and Amazon.

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Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Twenty Minute Travel - Alaska Scores Big, Citi Fighting Hard, Free Starbucks from Marriott & Visiting the Top Gun Bar! Sep 25, 2024

Twenty Minute Travel has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Podcast or watch it on Youtube!

Episode Description

This week Alaska Airlines closed on their merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The government laid out a ton of rules for the new airline to follow including keeping the value of points and allowing points to be transferred 1:1 between programs. This has opened up some opportunities to get Alaska miles as Amex is now basically a transfer partner. In other news tons of new increased card offers dropped this week including Southwest, Hilton and Marriott. We also discuss the new way to change your Southwest companion and the best strategy to get two years of the Companion Pass with these new offers. Other topics include: The Top Gun bar in San Diego, a suspended soccer field in China, how Citi is going hard for the AA card business, Jetblue's new lounges and how to get free points or coffee from Starbucks and Marriott. Episode Guide

0:00 Hangovers are temporary travel meme
0:32 Alaska now a defacto Membership Rewards transfer partner
2:15 Government lays down several rules for Alaska merger
4:07 JetBlue announces airport lounges coming to two major airports
5:14 JetBlue’s new premium credit card?
6:03 Visiting the Top Gun bar in San Diego
8:31 Other takeaways from Mark’s San Diego trip
9:41 Southwest increased offers & companion pass strategy
12:03 Increased offers for Hilton cards as well
12:59 Playing the Amex upgrade/downgrade game
13:57 Bonvoy Business 5 free night offer returns
14:45 Citi is going hard for the AA credit card business
16:28 Big payday coming for American Airlines?
17:43 How to change your Southwest Companion online
18:38 Starbucks/Marriott partnership - Free points or coffee!
21:00 Suspended Chinese soccer field 600 feet above the ground

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Simplicity in Travel, Hilton's Big Score & Amex Account Hacked? Sep 19, 2024

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast, hosts Shawn and Joe discuss a variety of topics ranging from sports banter to travel tips. They share a personal story about a potential hack on Joe's American Express account, emphasizing the importance of security measures and password management. The conversation shifts to family travel, discussing the balance between using points and creating memorable experiences. They also touch on changes to American Express Uber credits, the introduction of free Wi-Fi on airlines, and the addition of Graduate Hotels to the Hilton Honors program. Finally, they reflect on Benjy's travel tips, highlighting the importance of simplicity in travel planning.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Changing Landscape, Behind Our Content & Chicago Seminars with Mark Ostermann Sep 13, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast, Shawn is joined by Mark Ostermann. The two discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences with homeownership challenges to the influence of social media on travel. They share insights on upcoming travel events, the evolution of miles and points, and the behind-the-scenes aspects of content creation. The conversation also touches on the impact of TikTok trends and the changing landscape of travel rewards, culminating in an exciting announcement about future travel plans.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Navigating Flight Delays, Cruise Industry Boom & Anatomy Of A Trip - Seattle, Spokane & Coeur d'Alene Aug 22, 2024

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Episode Description

On this episode, Shawn and Joe discuss their experiences with flight delays and cancellations due to weather and air traffic control issues. They explore the growing trend of experiential travel on cruise ships and the impact of COVID-19 on the cruise industry. Shawn also shares his trip to Seattle, Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, and Silverwood. He highlights the Wild Waves amusement park in Seattle, which he found to be disappointing. He also discusses his passion for roller coasters and his goal to ride every wooden coaster in the United States. In Spokane, Shawn stayed at the DoubleTree and enjoyed the revitalized downtown area and Riverfront Park. Coeur d'Alene impressed him with its beautiful lake, charming town, and famous golf course. He also visited Silverwood, a family-owned amusement park with old-school charm and several roller coasters. Shawn concludes by sharing his positive experience flying Allegiant Airlines.

Links

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Overlooked Card Benefits, The Marriott Offer Worth Grabbing & Disney's Insane Announcements with Benjy Harmon Aug 15, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Senior Contributor and head moderator of the Diamond Lounge Benjy Harmon to break down the new Bonvoy Bevy offer including why it provides an incredible amount of value in the first year. They also dive into some of the more overlooked card benefits out there and break down all of the announcements Disney recently made including 23 new things coming to their parks in the next few years.

Links

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Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Last Minute Travel Changes & Anxieties, Tipping Culture, InKind Deals & The World's Biggest Arby's! Aug 08, 2024

Episode Description

In this episode, Shawn and Joe discuss various topics including the changes in low-cost carriers, their upcoming trips, the InKind app, and the controversy surrounding tipping and resort fees. They explore the recent changes in low-cost carriers, such as Spirit Airlines adding first class and other airlines adopting similar practices. They also discuss their upcoming trips and the challenges they faced with changing plans. The hosts then delve into the InKind app, which offers discounts and deals at various restaurants. Finally, they address the issue of tipping and resort fees, emphasizing the importance of not punishing tipped employees for these surcharges before diving into unpredictable hotel amenities and the world's biggest Arby's.

Links

InKind $25 off $50 for signing up (referral link) - https://milestomemories.com/go/inkind
Biggest Arby's - https://milestomemories.com/worlds-biggest-arbys/
Unpredictable amenities - https://milestomemories.com/hotel-amenities-and-services/

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Lucky Traveling, Bilt’s Big Cut, Evaluating Airline Changes & The Olympics! Aug 01, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode of the podcast Joe Cheung joins Shawn to discuss his recent good luck while traveling plus the two dive into all of the recent airline changes, Bilt’s big negative Rent Day moves and the Olympics.

Episode Notes

1:14 - Olympics

10:59 - Joe survived the Delta meltdown

17:34 - SciFi corner

24:43 - Jetblue and Southwest changes (recorded before Spirit changes!)

30:37 - Bilt devaluation

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Podcast

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Southwest Ends "Cattle Call", Amex Gold "Enhancements" & Debating Hawaii with Mark Ostermann Jul 25, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn is joined by Mark Ostermann from MtM Vegas, 20 Minute Travel & Travel on Points to talk some of the big news of this week. To start, Southwest dropped a bomb by announcing the end of their "cattle call" boarding policy in favor of assigned seats. They also dropped a few other tidbits which will either have you excited or concerned. We also discuss the announced changes coming to the Amex Gold card which include more credits and a higher annual fee. Finally we debate Hawaii as Mark recaps his recent trip to Maui and why it wasn't as good as he expected.

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Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Incredible National Parks & Brutal Devaluations with Joe Cheung Jul 11, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Joe joins Shawn to discuss his recent adventures to some of the most popular national parks. They discuss logistics, where he stayed, some of the cool nature along the way and why sometimes road trips can be fun. They also discuss a trio of brutal “devaluations” that dropped in the past week.

Episode Notes

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Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Evolving Family Travel, Not Chasing Deals & Disneyland Tips with Leslie Harvey Jul 04, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn is joined by Leslie Harvey from Trips with Tykes and Disney Deciphered. The two discuss family travel and how it evolves over time plus some of the tricks Leslie uses to ensure her family trips go as smoothly as possible. The two also discuss Leslie's first time in Japan, why she is exploring more budget airlines, some interesting takeaways from her recent European trip and Leslie closes out with a few Disneyland tips. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Three Lessons from a Travel Hacker + Thoughts on Bilt & Wells Fargo with Benjy Harmon Jun 20, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Senior Editor and Moderator for our Diamond Lounge Benjy Harmon. Benjy is well known as being one of the most prolific members of the miles & points hobby, but today he is bringing three important lessons he thinks you should know. They might just change the game for you or at least help you enjoy miles & points even more. We also dive into our favorite times of year to travel and what we think about the recent Wells Fargo/Bilt news. Episode Notes

00:00 Introduction and Overview
07:58 Breaking down the best times to travel
12:58 Bilt/Wells Fargo Hot Takes
20:30 3 important lessons from an expert travel hacker
29:44 Embrace barriers to entry
33:18 Focus on the fun!

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Haunted Hotels, Pet Cafes & Our Fantastic Last Minute Bookings to Hawaii, Japan & Taiwan! Jun 13, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn is joined by Joe Cheung to recap his recent trip to Hawaii, Japan and Taiwan. The trip was booked mostly last minute, built around a Starlux business class redemption home. Shawn discusses his time in Hawaii including why the Grand Hyatt Kauai has lost some luster, his last minute ANA A380 Flying Honu business class redemption, why Japan has become such an amazing family travel destination, being haunted at the Grand Hyatt Taipei and why last minute travel continues to work for him. Another amazing trip mostly paid for by miles & points! Episode Notes

00:00 Introduction and Overview
08:50 Review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai & Using Hawaii for Japan travel
15:31 Using Points for last minute flights and accommodations
21:37 Pet cafes, cool Japanese culture & why Japan might be the best family friendly travel destination for Americans
27:45 Stay at the Hyatt Centric Ginza
31:38 Budget-Friendly Option: Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay (For Disney but also Tokyo too?)
35:16 Unforgettable Experience at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
39:38 Haunted Grand Hyatt Taipei & Flying in Style with Starlux Airlines
45:44 The Thrill of Last-Minute Trips

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MtM's Origin Story + Preview of 20 Minute Travel! Jun 07, 2024

Episode Description

Learn about the MtM origin story plus get a preview of Shawn's new Youtube show/podcast 20 Minute Travel. We'll be back with a normal episode next week! Links

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Thinking Outside of the Box in the Miles & Points Hobby with Dia Adams May 30, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn is joined by long time creator and Senior Editor at Fortune Recommends Dia Adams. Dia has long been one of the people who thinks outside the box in this hobby. From which hotel programs are a sleeper to why FOMO is something to be avoided, she brings opinions that aren't always the mainstream and that's a good thing. On this show we discuss why meetups are key, how the demographics of the space have changed, lessons learned the hard way, how status can be overrated and much more! Episode Notes

1:45 - Dia's journey as a miles & points creator
4:03 - Family Travel for Real Life
13:05 - How great redemptions can solidify you in the hobby
17:28 - Thinking outside of the box
24:05 - Lessons learned the hard way
30:15 - Points are not an asset
32:11 - Vendoming
35:36 - Curated content and social media FOMO
41:34 - Why credits are meant to go to waste
44:56 - How status can be wildly overrated

Links

Dia at Fortune Recommends

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Visiting Japan for the 1st or 37th Time with PDX Deals Guy May 23, 2024

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast, Shawn Coomer is joined by PDX Deals Guy to discuss his recent first ever trip to Japan. How it was flying JAL, making last minute changes, hotels, food and how hard is it for a first time traveler? Plus bullet trains and whether it makes sense to day trip to Kyoto. Shawn also provides an update on his upcoming trip which is both crazy and changing rapidly but should be fun. Get ready for some inspiration as we bring you the virtual sights, smells and tastes of Japan to inspire your travels!

Episode Notes

02:31 - Why Shawn's upcoming trip is crazy
08:33 - Flexibility and last minute flight changes
15:57 - Tokyo hotels including Hilton Shinjuku & Hyatt Regency
23:12 - Bullet training to Kyoto
28:30 - Priorities & What to do - first time in Japan
34:26 - Tackling Japanese food
40:33 - How tech is making it easier than ever to travel to Japan

Links

PDX Deals Guy Twitter

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Conrad Orlando Wow, Rise of Video, Free Cruise Strategies & The Changing Game with Mark Jackson May 16, 2024

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast, Shawn Coomer and Mark Jackson discuss various topics related to travel, including alternate content, cruising, and hotels in Orlando. They talk about the shift from reading blogs to watching videos, the popularity of cruising, and how to score deals while generating spend on cruises. They also review the Conrad hotel in Orlando and compare it to other Hilton properties in the area. Additionally, they discuss the Brightline train service in Florida before diving into the evolution of earning miles and points, AI and the changing landscape of shopping portals.

Episode Notes

04:21 - Creating a different kind of travel content
05:55 - Strategies for saving and spending on cruises
11:30 - Is Virgin Voyages worth booking with the latest offer?
14:52 - Being blown away by Conrad Orlando - Does it live up to the brand?
20:55 - Which Hilton for Disney World?
23:38 - Future of high speed trains and Brightline Florida
27:34 - How Mark is earning his miles & points
31:10 - Suckered into AA Loyalty Points?
34:08 - Checking our shopping portal strategy & how the game has changed

Links

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Time for Some Big Announcements! May 09, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn and Joe recap the Denver MtM Diamond meetup including some tips for your next Denver trip and how the Grand Hyatt is holding up. They also announce some exciting changes and are joined by a special guest for one more thing.

Episode Notes

Subscribe to 20 Minute Travel!

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Demystifying Hilton Brands, Hilton Honors Insights & Southwest’s Big Change? May 02, 2024

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss Shawn’s recent trip to Nashville and all of the takeaways from his time spent there. They go over why there are so many brands these days and how consumers are changing. Plus will there be more changes to Hilton credit cards and how will they integrate all of their upcoming partnerships into the program? Joe also discusses his Spirit adventure and why Southwest may be finally moving away from their cattle call boarding.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Flying Spirit

8:06 - DOT forcing airlines to pay penalties

10:55 - Southwest boarding changes

16:26 - What Shawn learned at Hilton

29:55 - The Conrad brand

33:04 - Hilton brand expansion

37:05 - Hilton credit cards

41:09 - Hilton experiences

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Evolution of the Miles and Points Space, Extreme Tracking & Picking Cards with Grant Thomas Apr 25, 2024

Episode Description

In this episode, Shawn and Grant discuss their experiences in the miles and points hobby. They talk about the evolution of the space, the changing credit card landscape, and strategies for maximizing rewards. They also touch on the importance of organization and tracking, especially when it comes to credit card offers and free night certificates. Finally they dive behind the scenes of upcoming trips, share their love of Scandinavia and discuss how cruise hacking has become such a good opportunity lately.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Introduction to Travel with Grant
7:58 - Keeping up with the changing game
16:29 - Keeping track of credit cards and various offers
21:51 - Dealing with free night certificates
28:17 - Are Hilton cards changing again?
32:06 - Higher annual fees are a challenge
35:04 - Why people shouldn't underestimate InKind
38:21 - Behind Grant's upcoming bookings
44:03 - Enjoying tons of free cruises

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Maximizing 0% APR Offers, Turning Down An Amazing Retention Offer & Is Chase's Disney Offer Good? Apr 18, 2024

Episode 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. On the credit card side of things, a new offer for Chase Disney Visa cardholders has been released, but is it actually good? Other topics discussed include: turning down an amazing Amex retention offer, the importance of doing the math to determine if the annual fee on a credit card is worth it, a 250K Amex welcome offer, the strategy of using 0% APR offers to earn interest on money while avoiding interest charges on credit cards and Shawn shares his upcoming trip to Nashville with Hilton and his plans to explore their different hotel brands.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Recording on the road & Eclipse FOMO
8:56 - Chase Disney Visa card offer - Is it good?
13:36 - Changes to Disney's Disability Access Service - More planning required
19:58 - Turning down an amazing Amex retention offer
23:41 - 250K targeted Business Platinum Offer
26:15 - Interesting Amex referral offers you shouldn't overlook
28:12 - Pursuing credit cards without a sign-up bonus
32:28 - Taking advantage of 0% APR offers & why what is old is new again
35:35 - Preview of Nashville & meeting with Hilton

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Global Entry Price Increase, Spirit Airlines Booking and Wynn Status Matches Apr 11, 2024

Episode 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

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Down a Hilton in Vegas, Amex Changes Again, 3% Everywhere Coming & More! Apr 04, 2024

Episode 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 minimize churning?

23:11 - Amex Hilton Business updates

26:26 - Chase Sapphire Reserve removes Priority Pass

30:13 - Robinhood 3% card

35:10 - Founders Card and Caesars

39:32 - The value of the Swan Reserve

44:36 - How Google is hurting independent blogs

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Defeating Jetlag, Meta Smartglasses for the Win, United's New Feature & Is Rio/Hyatt An Amazing Opportunity? Mar 28, 2024

Episode 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 affiliate link) - A new must have for travel?
10:09 Timeshifter app experience - Does it work to save you from jetlag
12:18 Rio/Hyatt partnership - On the ground experience
18:49 IHG Diamond Treatment & spending towards status
22:33 Being done with Spirit Airlines
25:26 Frontier's new seating is an elite downgrade
28:04 What the heck is going on with Boeing
30:05 Great Chase Disney card offers & why you might want one
34:07 United's new pooling feature

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Spring Break In Europe - Flights, Hotels, Practical Advice & Gratitude Mar 21, 2024

Episode 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 repositioning
4:45 AA Business Class to Europe
6:40 How cool is Lisbon?
8:53 Why you need to start doing free walking tours in Europe & elsewhere
10:50 Hyatt Regency Lisbon
13:22 Daytripping from Lisbon - Stunning coastline, castles and more
18:50 Onward to Paris & why we didn't redeem miles for our flight
22:33 A great hotel for visiting Disneyland Paris
25:36 Paris hotel struggles & why we chose Hyatt Regency
33:51 Eiffel Tower & Louvre - Why we returned
36:50 Air Tahiti Nui Business Class
40:42 Takeaways from the trip

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Rethinking Your Hotel Loyalty & Elite Status Game with Benjy Harmon Mar 14, 2024

Episode 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? Mar 07, 2024

Episode 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 Feb 29, 2024

Episode 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

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Epic Trip - Back to Back Asia in First Class, New JAL, DMZ, Angkor Wat & More with Han Chicago Feb 22, 2024

Episode 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, visiting the DMZ, his favorite place to eat in Singapore, where you want to stay when in Bangkok and more. A jam packed episode. Enjoy!

Episode Notes

01:56 - Solo trips & how they have changed over the years
05:12 - Korean Air First Class & Seoul
11:36 - Underrated Seoul & DMZ Tour
19:04 - Japan Airlines new First Class
25:28 - Park Hyatt Tokyo Before It Closes
29:45 Singapore Quirky Rooms & Hawker Fun
33:54 Visiting Cambodia & Angkor Wat
41:01 - Bangkok Takeaways - Best Area?
44:12 - Flying Etihad - Disappointing Service
48:24 - Homesickness During Travel?
53:38 - Importance of Networking in the Hobby

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Hyatt Concierge Frustration, Companion Pass Shortcut & New Vegas Status Match Feb 15, 2024

Episode 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 concierge frustrations

27:25 - Joe’s going to Taiwan

39:08 - Credit card updates

New green restrictions: https://milestomemories.com/new-bonus-restriction-for-american-express-green-card/

US Bank Business Altitude Power: https://milestomemories.com/us-bank-launches-new-business-altitude-power-card/

Southwest CP + 30K offer after $4K spend in 3 months: https://milestomemories.com/southwest-cards-companion-pass-30k-3/

Amex Delta NLL: https://milestomemories.com/amex-delta-offers-with-no-lifetime-restriction-2/

JetBlue 70K after $1K (normally 60K): https://milestomemories.com/improved-jetblue-plus-card-offer-earn-70000-points/

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Attempted Vendoming, Missing Icon, Epic Universe & Foreign Currency Return Trap Feb 08, 2024

Episode 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 return??

26:38 - Shawn’s spring break updates

31:51 - EPIC Universe

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Miracle in Hawaii - Surviving A 1,000 Foot Fall, The Dramatic Rescue & Lessons Learned with Ian Snyder Feb 01, 2024

Episode 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.

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Traveling to Every Country in the World with Ryan Smith Jan 25, 2024

Episode 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 The community of country counters & proving your “track record”
16:59 Setting a goal of visiting every country
24:56 Most challenging countries/experiences
38:27 Favorite countries/experiences through Ryan’s entire journey
47:57 The exposure to travel via social media
53:47 Choosing the “last country” and completing the journey

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MGM Gets Bonvoyed, Getting Around Hyatt's Quirks and Last Minute Spring Break Jan 18, 2024

Episode 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
15:38 - Las Vegas eras
18:38 - Dealing with Hyatt's quirky award rules
30:04 - Shawn plans spring break
38:41 - Chase business bank bonus

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Google Gets Sued, Problems to the MAX and United’s Adventure Week Jan 11, 2024

Episode 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, the airplane not the badly named streaming service

28:30 - United Adventure Week

31:06 - Shopping portal bonuses for the week

32:39 - Early year spending

33:48 - Google gets sued

38:24 - Why it’s annoying to book travel to Mexico

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NYE Around the World, Hyatting NYC & Moving Amex Offers Jan 04, 2024

Episode 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

30:32 - Alaska increases bag fees

Best Buy link

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Mattress Run Gone Wrong, Bilt's Mixed Changes & End of Year Insanity! Dec 28, 2023

Episode 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 upcoming changes

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Going for 2% & Travel Naughty vs. Nice Dec 21, 2023

Episode 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 Nice lists

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Hyatt & Marriott’s New Luxury Properties, Overlooking Choice, Chase’s Edit & The Most Lucrative Amex Offers Ever!? Dec 14, 2023

Episode 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 - Brief Nevada casino trip recap and travel thoughts

12:37 - Edit by Chase Travel Portal

15:24 - AMEX spend bonuses

19:01 - Max Rewards and Card Pointers

22:57 - Don’t sleep on Choice Hotels

28:01 - New Hyatt and Marriott properties

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Alaska’s Big Bet, Diamond Does Disney & More Thoughts on Hyatt. Dec 07, 2023

Episode 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

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Redefining Loyalty? Hyatt Announces Huge Changes for 2024! Nov 30, 2023

Episode 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 rants about streaming.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Breaking News! Big Hyatt loyalty changes!

11:22 - Normal intro

17:13 - NYC hotel recommendation requests (Hyatt)

24:32 - Black Friday streaming deals (+ rant)

35:03 - Black Friday portal bonuses

46:15 - No 1099s?

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Following the Rules, Southwest Devalues & Amex Concerns Nov 16, 2023

Episode 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 earning change

24:22 - Portal bonuses

26:48 - Miles and points rules to follow

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More Consolidation, Bonvoy Gets Better & Top 50 Travel Destinations for 2024 Nov 09, 2023

Episode 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 Airlines Mickey’s Toontown livery

17:21 - Marriott Bonvoy card offer and suite upgrade changes

24:14 - Jetblue tile bonus offer

33:48 - Lonely Planet top 50 destinations

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Chase Just for You, Wyndham Vacasa Deval & Andaz Costa Rica Nov 02, 2023

Episode 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.

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Citi’s New Transfer Partner, Amex “Upgrades” Hilton Cards, Delta Backtracks & Seats.Aero Sued Oct 26, 2023

Episode 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 made to Hilton’s Amex cards and whether the new “Amex family rule” will spread to all cards across their portfolio.

Episode Notes

8:53 - Shawn’s headed to Costa Rica

14:04 - Seats.Aero sued by Air Canada

18:45 - Delta partially walks back its changes

24:40 - Southwest improves A-List

29:06 - AMEX lifetime language changes

35:19 - Hilton Surpass and Aspire updates

38:45 - New hotel booking options news

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Chicago Seminars Drama, Hilton Timeshare Windfall, Buyers Group Dangers & Crazy Choice Deal with Mark Ostermann Oct 19, 2023

Episode 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 deals gone wrong, an update on the Travis Scott ticket deal fiasco and a recap of the Chicago Seminars including how it went and a little drama that happened along the way.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Chicago Seminars recap and drama

14:42 - PFS and Travis Scott issues (update)

23:51 - Mark in NYC - hotel experiences

31:46 - Mark’s super secret way to get out of timeshare presentations

40:16 - Mark’s amazing Choice Privileges redemption (in New Jersey!?)

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Amex Gold Overhaul, Premium Hotel Programs & Luxury Travel Advisors with Jason Lawenda Oct 12, 2023

Episode 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.

Episode Notes

0:00 How the miles & points hobby has changed
08:21 Amex Gold card changes - New family rule coming to every card?
13:58 Business Gold revamp and 150K targeted offers
16:13 Luxury travel advisers and the miles & points hobby
23:29 Diving into luxury hotel programs (Prive, Impresario, etc.)
28:14 The Ultimate Travel Hack?
32:42 Jason’s current points earning strategies

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Delta Revenge Matches, Transparent Resort Fees, Hyatt Expands Again & More! Oct 05, 2023

Episode 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 matches after the recent SkyMiles changes.

Episode Notes

8:08 - Jetblue family seating changes

11:58 - More hotels making fees visible

14:51 - Two new hotel brands

20:14 - Capital One Lounge Dulles

24:55 - Status matches for disgruntled Delta Skymiles members

32:44 - Q4 Chase spending offers

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Picking up 75K, New Global Entry App & 10 Words Ruined By “The Hobby” Sep 28, 2023

Episode 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 - Global Entry 28:48 - 10 words miles and points have ruined

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Delta Downgrades Skymiles, Las Vegas Hacked & Why to Jump on Frontier’s Big Status Match! Sep 21, 2023

Episode 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 categories, the big changes Delta made to Skymiles and why the Frontier status match opportunity is maybe the best deal going on right now.

Episode Notes

7:56 - New Frontier status match

18:37 - Delta’s massive status devaluation

28:46 - Vegas news and meltdowns

42:25 - Q4 credit card bonuses

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United's Interesting New Product, Canada Quirks, Hyatt's New Premium Credit Card & More Sep 14, 2023

Episode 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 stories and Air Canada

18:46 - Premium Hyatt Chase card?

25:44 - Marriott status soft landings

30:24 - Chase Ink offers

31:40 - Jetblue/Spirit merger updates

39:00 - United’s new narrowbody business class

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Hilton Lounge Downgrades, 30 Days On A Cruise Ship & A Traveler's of Flying Sep 07, 2023

Episode 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 miles and points game

21:20 - Useless Hilton lounges

26:11 - Priority Pass lounge price increasing

28:54 - Hilton No Lifetime Language offers

31:13 - Fear of Flying and some of our roughest flight experiences

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New Cathay First, JetBlue's Dirty Secret & Those Who Divide Us Aug 31, 2023

Episode 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

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Amex Plat Deval, Hidden City Lawsuit and the Joys of Revisiting Aug 24, 2023

Episode 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

22:00 - AMEX Platinum devaluation

33:40 - Should you revisit destinations?

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Epic Trip - Australia & New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup & Experiencing the “Skycouch” Aug 17, 2023

Episode 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 New Zealand

33:24 - Sydney and Australia

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Gems of Eastern Europe, Marriott's New Offer & Another Take on Virgin Voyages Aug 11, 2023

Episode 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 Condor Business Class Review & Alaska Redemption
15:18 Cathay's new first class seat
21:30 European redemption rundown
29:05 Virgin Voyages redemption - worth it?
31:58 Split, Dubrovnik & Kotor!
38:54 Virgin Voyages stateroom argument
44:14 Virgin Voyages food
48:06 Virgin entertainment & casino

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Choice Eats Radisson, Starlux Alaska Frenzy & FI For Cheaper Travel with Benjy Harmon Aug 03, 2023

Episode 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 SkyClub LAX is remarkable
13:36 How FI Can Make Travel Cheaper
16:00 Starlux Alaska Airlines Redemptions
22:11 Choice Hotels & Radisson Integration
28:50 Why the Air France Credit Card Is Worth a Look

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Customer Service AI, Ranking Hotel Points & Legislation to Kill Travel Rewards Jul 27, 2023

Episode 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 card rewards going away?

19:32 - Hotel loyalty programs ranked

25:09 - Don’t get scammed googling phone numbers

28:40 - American Airlines and AI

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Big Southwest Offer, Marriott Beats Hyatt, Car Lease Hacking & More! Jul 20, 2023

Episode 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 Executive card changes
19:46 Amazon Prime Day recap and more pay with points
24:32 Prime Day & Buyers Groups in 2023
26:36 Southwest Chase offer - Companion Pass with 1 card
29:59 United's new domestic first class seat
33:23 Lease Hacking - Buying a car & the EV loophole

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Trip Cancelation Tips, Another Devaluation & Chicago Seminars Drama Jul 13, 2023

Episode 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 bonuses

29:24 - Dealing with travel disruptions

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Complainer Gets Banned, Miles & Points Study, Save on Hyatt & More Jul 06, 2023

Episode 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

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The Beauty of Norway, Good Card Offers & The Case Against Travel Jun 29, 2023

Episode 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

25:05 - Southwest credit card extensions and companion pass discussion

32:59 - Barclay’s AA increased bonus

35:42 - The case against travel

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An Epic Trip - Iceland, Faroe Islands & Copenhagen - An Insane Whirlwind Adventure with Mark Ostermann Jun 15, 2023

Episode 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 product.

Episode Notes

Mark’s here one last week! And now at Travel on Points!

0:00 - Booking a trip to Iceland/Faroe Islands/Copenhagen

7:12 - Iceland

18:26 - Faroe Islands

34:23 - Copenhagen

38:23 - An epic story

49:01 - Flying home

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Episode 200 Reunion! Hyatt Family Resorts, Travel FOMO & The Danger of Not Knowing Your Limits in the Hobby Jun 08, 2023

Episode 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 as we pursue more miles & points. Can the pursuit of miles & points become an addiction and how can you protect yourself from disaster?

Episode Notes

Mark Ostermann from Travel on Points and original podcast co-host returns for our 200th episode!

4:39 - Joe’s Nordstrom adventures

10:38 - NYC bar hop

19:01 - Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

28:24 - Exposure and risk in the miles and points game (Reddit thread)

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Macau & Hong Kong Trip Report, Booking the "Skycouch" & Europe Is So Expensive! Jun 01, 2023

Episode 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 a great deal.

Episode Notes

1:04- Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland

14:54 - Using FHR in Macau

26:27 - Australia update

28:01 - Galactic Starcruiser closing

39:45 - Virgin Voyages cruise on points

45:25 - Bilt Rent Day

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Stranded in Memphis, JAL's Coffin Suite & Japan Hotel Overload with Jasmine Coomer May 25, 2023

Episode 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 Disney, the best Hyatt Place in the world, whether the Park Hyatt Kyoto is worth 40K points per night, why the Hyatt Regency Osaka isn't worthy of being a Hyatt and how the G7 summit presented challenges in Hiroshima.

Episode Notes

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7 Deadly Sins of Travel Hacking & Behind the Curtain of Freelancing with Lee Huffman May 18, 2023

Episode 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 Tennessee.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Intro and hello to Lee Huffman from Bald Thoughts and We Travel There

8:45 - Bald Thoughts background and history

20:09 - Freelancing vs. having your own blog

27:40 - The Seven Deadly Sins of Travel Hacking

39:21 - How do you know who to trust on social media?

47:02 - Traveling in Tennessee

Automatic Miles Millionaire

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Rakuten's Big Week, Air New Zealand's Skycouch and a New Southwest Perk May 11, 2023

Episode 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

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Last Minute Shift to Japan, The Ultimate Travel Hack & Some Chase Apps Skipping 5/24 May 04, 2023

Episode 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 Notes

0:00 - Stranded in Memphis

4:51 - Japan!

14:26 - Park Hyatt Tokyo closing for refurbishment

18:35 - Hilton food and beverage credit experiences

22:51 - Las Vegas resort fees updates

30:12 - The golden rule

36:30 - Chase IHG offer

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Offer, Bilt Dining and Goodbye to Bed Bath and Beyond Apr 27, 2023

Episode 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 and points

23:51 - Bilt dining

27:40 - RIP BBB

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Chase Shutdown, Big Bonvoy Bonus Returns, New vs. Old Hyatt & Expedia Killing Popular Program! Apr 20, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss Charlotte and Joe's recent revelations about the Hyatt House brand. Hyatt's limited service brands can be broken into "old" and "new" categories and there is a big difference even under the same brand.

Other topics discussed in this episode include: missed opportunities for student discounts to save on travel, Expedia launching a new rewards program while killing an old popular one, LifeMiles is back with a transfer bonus, Marriott Bonvoy has brought back a popular welcome offer and Chase Aeroplan Pay Yourself Back has claimed its first victim with a full shutdown for violating the promotional terms.

Episode Notes

8:04 - Hyatt House brand old vs. new

16:24 - Hyatt family rate and how it can save you money

19:29 - Marriott Bonvoy Boundless big offer returns

21:39 - Missed opportunities with student discounts

24:49 - Expedia launching new rewards program and killing a popular old one

27:07 - Lifemiles transfer bonus to multiple programs

28:12 - Chase Aeroplan Pay Yourself Back shutdown

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Citi Retention Windfall, Analyzing 5X Categories & Does Virgin Voyages Live Up to the Hype? Apr 13, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss Citi retention strategies, some recent data points and how you can get multiple offers with just one phone call. They also dive into rotating 5X categories on some cards and United's new promo that may be worth looking at.

In the main segment Shawn discusses his recent Virgin Voyage top to bottom looking at the cabins, service, entertainment and the food. This adults only cruise line delivers a unique experience in many ways but it also falls flat sometimes. Overall is it worth booking a Virgin Voyage, especially if a new points promo surfaces this year?

Episode Notes

9:42 - Q2 5x categories

12:38 - United MilePlay promo

14:02 - Citi retention offers

19:25 - Shawn’s trip on Virgin Voyages

21:17 - Stateroom

28:41 - Food

40:48 - Entertainment

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Taking A Different Perspective on Miles & Points with Benjy Harmon Apr 06, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Senior Contributor and miles & points expert Benjy Harmon. Benjy is known for looking at “the hobby” in a different way and urges others to do the same.

Topics discussed in this episode include: the importance of goals in the hobby, how to keep the miles & points game fun, changing our perspectives on things over time, lifestyle creep with miles & points and why cashing in points is something you might want to seriously consider even if it isn’t the popular thing to do.

Episode Notes

3:21 - Benjy’s background

7:52 - Cashback vs. Travel rewards

17:50 - The analytical side of the hobby

21:20 - AMEX offers

28:42 - Better late than never

36:47 - Losing AA elite status

44:24 - The value of free night certificates

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Epic Trip - Back to Back Europe “For Free”, Swiss Business Review & Best Domestic Redemptions with Ian Snyder Mar 30, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Senior Contributor and FamilyFlysFree author Ian Snyder. Ian has been earning and redeeming miles & points at a high level for many years and also writes for Award Wallet and other outlets.

In this episode we dive deep into Ian’s recent back to back Europe trips which included treks to Scandinavia and Switzerland. He breaks down his redemptions on AA, SAS, Swiss and United plus gives us reviews of the United Polaris lounge and some of the cool things he saw along the way. We also discuss his bond to Guy Fieri, the Victorian Village and how much of a headache it is flying out of a small town airport.

Episode Notes

6:16 - Copenhagen/Malmo

15:28 - Flying to Europe

20:12 - Scandanavia

28:33 - A creative return flight

38:49 - AA Flagship First

44:58 - Ferndale

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Another Sudden Devaluation, Booking Headaches & Sapphire Reserve’s True Value Mar 23, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the headaches that can be associated with booking awards. Joe’s recent booking included misinformation, strange phone numbers hangups and a lot of patience. Was it worth it?

Other topics discussed include: the true value of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Hyatt’s tricky new Bonus Journeys promotion and Alaska’s sudden devaluation that adds to a list of recent painful announcements.

Episode Notes

1:24 - Shawn’s upcoming Virgin cruise

7:27 - Revenge travel and prices

11:44 - Booking headaches for Australia

27:17 - Another Japan devaluation?

34:15 - Chase Sapphire Reserve value

38:20 - Hyatt bonus journeys

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The Death of Sweet Spots, Nostalgia Travel & Crazy Chase Sapphire Bonus Coming Mar 16, 2023

Episode Description

In this episode Shawn & Joe discuss the recent death of a few award sweet spots. Is the rise of virality on social media platforms like Tik Tok causing deals to die sooner and does this mean casual travelers really shouldn’t invest time and energy into learning the miles & points hobby?

In other news Amazon has brought back their popular Amex Membership Rewards Pay with Points deal. You can save up to 50% off if you are targeted and this works on gift cards. Chase also is releasing a massive welcome offer on the Sapphire Preferred that should get people looking at this card and the Ultimate Rewards program if they aren’t already.

Episode Notes

3:41 - Nostalgia travel

9:46 - Award sweet spots ending and thoughts on the state of the miles and points “hobby”

Chris tweet

Spencer tweet

20:59 - Big Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus

30:08 - Amazon + Membership Rewards deal is back

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Hyatt's Ugly Changes, Big Chase Offer Ending & The Crazy Road to Cabo Mar 09, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn discusses his return to the Waldorf Cabo and why he isn't in Japan instead. Miles and points present the ultimate in flexibility and thankfully they came in handy here. How is the Waldorf Cabo on a second visit?

In other news Shawn and Joe discuss the big Hyatt changes and how they are just plain ugly. Plus what is the first thing you do in a hotel room, why you might want the apply for the Chase Ink 90K offers before they disappear soon and how Southwest is trying out new tweaks to their boarding process. Will it help?

Episode Notes

0:10 - Why’s Shawn in Cabo?

7:07 - Chase Ink bonuses ending

10:30 - Southwest boarding changes

13:57 - Massive Hyatt devaluation

24:26 - You do what when you enter a hotel room?

29:36 - Hyatt Regency Miami impressions

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Award Alerts, Biz Plat True Value & Disney Cruise Line Concierge Review Mar 02, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Joe returns from his trip to talk about Disney Cruise line concierge level, the costs and whether it's worth booking over standard rooms. Is it possible to score an upgrade for cheaper than the full cost?

Shawn and Joe also talk Genting Highlands, the Alila Kuala Lumpur, pains with Chase Travel, award alerts and what exactly the Amex Business Platinum is worth.

Episode Notes

2:28 - Shawn Reece round the world trip updates

7:40 - Award alerts and using Spencer’s newsletters to snag great seats

11:35 - A low category luxury Alila property bookable on points?

17:09 - Avoid booking experiences via Chase portal

19:38 - How much are the AMEX Business Platinum benefits worth?

33:52 - Joe’s epic Disney trip

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Nomadic Life, Earning & Burning on the Road & The Power of Community with Amy & Tim Rutherford Feb 24, 2023

Episode Description

In this episode Shawn talks with Amy & Tim Rutherford from GoWithLess. Amy & Tim are nomads who retired early and now spend their days traveling full time. They have started an amazing community of travel hackers and nomads and meet up with people all over the world.

This episode touches on a lot including the challenges of living on the road, the ultimate travel hack, earning miles & points while moving and how you may want to reign in your spending now so that you can have all of the freedom you want later. Their story is an inspiring one and I hope you enjoy!

Episode Notes

3:49 How Tim & Amy retired in their late 40s and became nomads.

7:58 Bougie for cheap in Bali

10:29 The challenges of a nomadic lifestyle

19:40 Building a community of travelers

27:27 Housesitting & why it can be an amazing way to travel

35:36 Earning miles & points while on the road

40:18 Earn & burn or save & spend slow

43:08 Best advice for people looking at the Nomadic lifestyle and/or FIRE.

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Juicing Up Your Miles & Points Earning in 2023 with PDX Deals Guy Feb 16, 2023

Episode Description

In this episode Shawn and long time MtM contributor PDX Deals Guy discuss the earning side of the miles & points hobby and how people are juicing up there earnings via reselling of various types.

Gift card, merchandise and ticket reselling can lead to great returns, but there are potential headaches along the way. Buyers Clubs can also be a good way to earn points, but what are some of the pitfalls you will run into? If you’re ready to take your earning to the next level then you don’t want to miss this episode!

Episode Notes

1:57 - The man, the myth, the legend: PDX Deals Guy

7:17 - Avoiding the time suck in the hobby and reselling

10:41 - Ticket reselling

21:20 - Gift card reselling

30:30 - Merchandise reselling

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Mileage Portal Bonuses, Southwest Companion Pass Offer, New Delta Perk & Uber Almost Got Shawn! Feb 09, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the new Southwest card welcome offers that include a year+ of the Companion Pass. They also discuss new airline mileage portal bonuses, Shawn’s interesting run in with Uber at the airport, a new rewarding perk of Delta cards and an update on Joe’s controversial booking.

Episode Notes

0:30 - Updating Joe’s Delta redemption plus thoughts on award bookings now that airlines have given us added flexibility
16:38 - Uber almost gets Shawn paying double
20:38 - New Southwest Companion Pass offer
25:12 - New shopping portal bonuses

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Redemption Shaming, Miles & Points for Budget Travel and is MSC As Bad As They Say? Feb 02, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss how we redeem points and why it doesn’t always mesh with what others would do. Redemption shaming can be a problem in the hobby, but how can we all do better?

We also discuss miles & points for budget travel and how they can be incredible to get more travel when not focusing on premium redemptions, IHG’s best ever 175K welcome offer and how MSC stacks up to other cruise lines. Are they as bad as their reputation?

Genie+ guide on Trips with Tykes

Episode Notes

2:25 - Joe “wastes” a bunch of Skymiles (also: new 15% off for Skymiles credit card owners)

15:48 - Shawn’s son backpacking through Asia

24:07 - Starting your 18 year old in miles and points

27:05 - MSC cruise review

35:04 - Shawn at Disney

47:16 - IHG 175,000 point bonus

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Growing Up Miles & Points with John Ryan Jan 26, 2023

Episode Description

On this episode MtM Contributor and miles and points phenom John Ryan joins Shawn to discuss some of the challenges of being so young in the miles & points hobby and how he learned to travel for “free” at such a young age. Learn his favorite award sweet spots, how the phone can be an incredible tool and some of the cool places the hobby has taken him.

Follow John @vegasteenager on Twitter!

Episode Notes

3:22 - How John became the family’s travel planner

14:22 - Favorite hotel loyalty programs

16:29 - Favorite airlines and frequent flyer programs

22:51 - The benefits of traveling young

27:48 - Earning points as a teenager

28:58 - Trip searching tips and tools

31:28 - Using social media effectively

38:04 - Favorite hotel and destination

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Unlimited Pay Yourself Back, a New Hilton Brand and Hyatt's Botched Promo Jan 19, 2023

Episode Description

On today’s episode of Miles to Memories Shawn and Joe chat about their early spending plans for the year and new credit cards they’re working on. They also discuss Hyatt’s botched IT on their latest promo, a new Hilton brand and a short theme park update. Plus, unlimited pay yourself back on Aeroplan?

Episode Notes

1:48 - Quick theme park updates

12:04 - Hilton Spark

16:25 - Hyatt IT biffs their latest targeted promo

24:20 - Aeroplan unlimited(?) pay yourself back

28:52 - Kicking off 2023 in credit card spending

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Disney Planning & Saving in 2023 with Leslie Harvey Jan 12, 2023

Episode Description

Shawn and Joe are joined by Leslie Harvey from Trips with Tykes to talk Disney in 2023. Going to Disney parks has grown into a complicated task, but Joe and Leslie have you covered with all of the latest info and what you need to know before visiting.

In this episode we tackle both coasts (Disneyland and Walt Disney World) talking strategy and what we have to look forward to as far as new attractions. Where can people still save money in 2023 and what are the main differences between a Disneyland and Walt Disney World trip.

Episode Notes

Listen to Disney Deciphered on Apple Podcasts or watch on Youtube!

Contact Joe at josephcheung@travelmation.net if you need help planning a Disney trip!

2:20 - What’s new and what’s coming to Disney?

8:40 - Park reservation system

12:19 - Genie+

20:31 - Paid individual lightning lanes

25:13 - Disneyland

30:34 - Trip planning thoughts

35:03 - Saving money on Disney

44:20 - Disney with points, is anything left?

47:02 - Final tips and thoughts

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

MtM Origin Story with Jasmine Coomer Part 2: Miles, Points and the Memories Made Along the Way Jan 09, 2023

Episode Description

On this second part of the MtM Origin Story Shawn and Jasmine talk about the miles & points part of their journey. Learn about some of the dream trips they have taken for free and why that first taste of hotel elite status was so yummy.

They also dive into their decision to go semi-nomadic with their 7 year old daughter, somewhat recreating their original trip from 2007. What are the challenges of this type of travel and how do miles and points factor in? How does homeschooling affect things and what other challenges factor into family world travel?

Enjoy!

Episode Notes

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

MtM Origin Story with Jasmine Coomer Part 1: A Family ‘Round the World Jan 05, 2023

Episode Description

Join Shawn and his wife Jasmine for a fun conversation that explains the origin of Miles to Memories. In this first part we talk about our decision to sell everything to travel around the world with our 6 year old son and some of the crazy stuff that happened along the way.

From hostel life to rat infested cruises it was quite an adventure. And we did it all with a kid. Is this a good thing and how can children benefit from this type of travel?

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Episode Notes

0:00 - Shawn and Jasmine’s Background
12:43 - Selling all our stuff and traveling around the world with a 6 year old!

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Did Chase Suspend 5/24, Winter Travel Meltdown & 2023 Predictions! Dec 29, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we say goodbye to Mark with one last session of Doordash Diaries. We also discuss the crazy Southwest meltdown, why Chase didn't suspend 5/24 and our predictions for miles, points & travel in 2023!

Episode Notes

03:52 Crazy winter weather & Southwest meltdown
10:55 Is it time to get travel insurance?
15:08 Insane Christmas travel story
20:17 Doordash Diaries returns
29:34 Did Chase get rid of 5/24 temporarily?
32:25 Our predictions for 2023 in miles, points & travel

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Epic Europe Trip Report: Lost Luggage, Missing Cheese & Everything In-between Dec 22, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Mark breaks down his epic trip through Europe. He had 6 action packed days of trains, planes & automobiles that included losing luggage, expensive cheese, randomly walking into the 12th best restaurant in the world and more.

Episode Notes

3:45 - Basics of the trip
5:04 - Rebooking into Polaris
7:00 - Polaris experience
11:15 - Rome
21:55 - Ryanair to Austria
25:44 - Vienna
37:31 - Cheese disaster
41:58 - Salzburg
48:21 - Munich
52:01 - EU 261

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JetBlue’s Loyalty Shakeup, Hilton Aspire Rumor & Disney’s Strange New Cruise Ship! Dec 15, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the most recent Miles to Memories Diamond meetup in Austin (new sign ups are open for a limited time!), Venture X devaluation of Priority Pass and begin our goodbye for our soy sauce rice loving friend. Also - stop trying to make Real ID happen.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Cruise industry updates and chat
12:29 - Jetblue Mosaic changes
26:04 - Hilton Aspire thoughts and potential annual fee changes
31:45 - Utilizing pay with points promos

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Austin Stays Weird But Awesome, Is A Toilet In Your Shower A Deal Breaker & Mark Says Farewell Dec 08, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the most recent Miles to Memories Diamond meetup in Austin (new sign ups are open for a limited time!), Venture X devaluation of Priority Pass and begin our goodbye for our soy sauce rice loving friend. Also - stop trying to make Real ID happen.

Episode Notes

2:50 - MTM Austin meetup recap
17:53 - Priority Pass devaluation
28:48 - Real ID postponed again
33:22 - Mark says farewell

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

200K+ Amex from Black Friday, Europe in the Winter, End of Year Must Dos & More! Dec 01, 2022

This episode is sponsored by LifeMiles. Sign up for free to begin earning and redeeming miles for flights, hotels and car rentals. Sign-up now

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we recap Black Friday and Cyber Monday including which deals we pursued and which we didn't. Shawn earned over 200K Membership Rewards while shopping, but was this year as good as the past?

We also update you on a Capital One/Spirit customer service surprise and Mark talks about the final itinerary for his upcoming European Christmas Markets trip. We also dive into how to get ready for the end of the year in the hobby and which deals died this year that will be sorely missed.

Episode Notes

1:09 Black Friday/Cyber Monday recap
5:55 Chrome extensions we use to earn & save
13:27 Spirit/Capital One customer service surprise
18:22 Frontier eliminates phone customer service
21:36 Mark's final Europe itinerary
25:30 Things to do in Europe in the Winter
27:11 Miles & points end of year checklist
34:20 Our long strategy on Saks credits
27:23 Maximizing holiday card spending offers
39:11 Deals we lost this year that hurt

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Amex's Frustrating New Glitch, St Louis Is Heavily Underrated & Big Shakeup At Disney Nov 24, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Amex’s latest annoying glitch with new accounts, why St Louis is a heavily underrated family travel destination and Disney’s massive shake up.

Episode Notes

4:14 - Chapek out at Disney
14:04 - Mark’s not going to Hawaii anymore
22:18 - Amex activation woes
27:55 - Citi IT nonsense and finding lost money
32:55 - St. Louis trip report

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

The Ease Of Online Passport Renewals, United "Revamps" Their Program & Bank of America's Frustrating Fraud Department Nov 17, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Mark’s recent run in with the Bank of America fraud department, how United has devalued their program and Joe’s experience with an award booking service. We also discuss how awesome renewing your passport online is.

Episode Notes

- 3:32 - Joe’s point.me experience

- 15:49 - United “enhancements”

- 21:01 - Online passport renewal

- 26:58 - Mark battles the Bank of America fraud department…again

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Scammers Come For Shawn's Family, Next Level Timing Of Applications & Hitting The Southwest Companion Pass Nov 10, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about the scammers coming after Shawn’s dad, why now is the time to go all in on the Companion Pass and how to time credit card applications to perfection. We also discussed if we went after the Bank of America spending day and car rental prices changing after bookings.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Shawn’s family almost gets scammed
10:42 - Southwest companion pass offers
18:00 - Timing credit card applications
28:58 - Bank of America bonus spending day
33:39 - Car rental prices changing after booking?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Making $25k From Miles & Points, Chase Saving The Day & Eating The Gummy Bear of Death Nov 03, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Chase saving Joe’s welcome offer blunder, Frontier’s new promotion that could offer awesome value, Mark playing dumb games and winning stupid prizes and Chase’s best ever offers are now online.

Episode Notes

9:41 - Chase Ink bonus updates
12:17 - Joe almost misses a sign up bonus!
18:33 - Mark’s breaks down making over $25,000
37:07 - Shawn’s buying Frontier’s new game changing product

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Are You Working Status Or Is Status Working You, Chase's Juicy Offers & Capital One Bringing The Heat Oct 27, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about fighting the urge to chase status when it doesn't make sense. We also talk about Capital One upping their game with new lounges and an interesting airport restaurant concept. We also discuss how Chase is being overly generous with their new offers and especially by matching the new offers pretty far back.

Episode Notes

7:30 - Southwest Companion Pass changes and status merry go rounds
16:10 - Spending days w/ banks
22:36 - Chase bonus bumps and matching
25:31 - Capital One increasing credit card perks
34:41 - Did Mark book 2 rooms again?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Hyatt Points Lost In Translation, How IHG Diamond Stacks Up & Maximizing Player 2’s Free Night Cert Oct 20, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark’s recent trip to Chicago and his negative experience with Joe’s wife (not really), Hyatt Globalists and fake Globalist treatment, more adventures in the air for Shawn, IHG giving out Diamond like candy and a whole lot more.

Episode Notes

2:34 - Mark in Chicago
10:07 - The Thompson
24:32 - Prime Day 2 experience
27:48 - IHG Diamond status offer
28:43 - Kimpton in Miami and Little Havana

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Amex Can Charge Your Closed Cards, Free Night Cert Improvements & Target Is Getting Interesting Oct 13, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss some recent news including Hilton and Marriott free night certs, the credit card competition act and an card that Amex charged…after it was closed? Plus some juice to be squeezed out of Target!

Episode Notes

5:37 - Hilton free night certificates
12:33 - Marriott free night certificates
22:01 - Credit card competition act
31:06 - Target deals
38:05 - Amex charged a closed card?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Seattle Trip Report: Alaska Airlines First Impressions, Gum Wall, Pike Market & The Tiny Space Needle Oct 06, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark’s recent trip to Seattle as he unnecessarily slanders some of the cities landmarks and Alaska Airlines. Along the way we learn how miles and points helped Mark to make the trip a little more comfortable.

Episode Notes

7:23 - Basics of Seattle trip
10:33 - Mark’s not a fan of Alaska Airlines
15:42 - Hotel 1000 LXR, A Hilton Property
21:49 - Sightseeing and touring Seattle
34:17 - Some trouble flying home

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

The Good & Bad Of Waldorf Astoria Cabo, Why Point.me Is Worth Your $1 & Marriott Drops Some New Clunkers Sep 29, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss some new Marriott duds, point.me, and have an extended banter section that you might want to skip (use the timestamps). Also - Shawn shares the highest of highs and the lowest of lows from his recent stay at the Waldorf Astoria in Cabo.

Episode Notes

12:21 - point.me
23:40 - Another live search by Joe
25:13 - New Bonvoy cards
36:46 - Waldorf Astoria Cabo - the good
45:53 - Waldorf Astoria Cabo - the very bad

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Pick Pocketed in Mexico City, Floating Gardens, The Shout & A Big Earthquake Scare Sep 22, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the MTM Diamond Patreon meetup and how pickpockets got the best of a lot of people. Plus why Mexico City is worth a visit and Shawn experiences a big earthquake!

Episode Notes

5:06 - Pickpocketed!
12:50 - Mexico City
29:18 - Hampton Inn Mexico City
32:47 - Six Flags in Mexico City

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Newest Carnival Ship Is Walmart Of The Seas, Last Chance To Double Dip & Mean Review Reading Sep 15, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Shawn’s experience on the Carnival Mardi Gras (Walmart of the Seas) and discuss how to get through to AMEX chat faster and the power of Google Flights.

Episode Notes

4:36 - Carnival Mardi Gras
8:10 - Shawn’s free stateroom
13:12 - Questionable ship design and clientele
26:06 - Food and entertainment
39:52 - Credit card news and updates (Marriott Brilliant, AMEX chat reps, Google Flights)
48:36 - MEAN REVIEW

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Has The FHR Gravy Train Come To An End, Southwest Companion Pass After 1 Flight & Confessing Our Travel Hacking Mistakes Sep 08, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss a last minute trip to Portland Maine, Shawn fighting for his insurance payout and Amex cracking down on FHR gaming. We also discuss a huge number of transfer bonuses, errors we make paying bills and Southwest’s intriguing new Companion Pass offer.

Episode Notes

5:13 - Last Minute Labor Day trip to Portland, ME
14:19 - Shawn’s late, late travel insurance payout
16:46 - AMEX adds anti gaming FHR terms
20:14 - AMEX Membership Rewards bonuses
22:52 - Don’t forget to turn on autopay!
34:33 - New Southwest Companion Pass offer

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Maximizing New Hyatt Business Card Offer, 13 Recent Application Results & Finding Gems In Northern Ohio Sep 01, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark’s recent trip to Ohio, batting 0.692 on credit card applications, how to handle trips with non miles and points friends and give some TV recommendations to close out the summer!

Episode Notes

2:43 - Getting to Mexico City
6:31 - Mark visits…Ohio?
13:45 - Traveling with non miles and points friends
18:58 - Hyatt Business credit card offer
24:24 - Recent credit card applications
29:59 - Random TV talk

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

New Marriott Card Wishes, Be Careful Filling Out Apps On Chrome & Full Disney Cruise Alaska Report Aug 25, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Joe’s recent Disney cruise through Alaska, how Mark completely messed up his Amex application and our wish list for the new rumored Marriott cards.

Episode Notes

8:01 - Mark AMEX sign up almost fail

15:08 - New Bonvoy card predictions

22:37 - Alaska on Disney Cruise Line

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Downside Of Partner Award Bookings, Why We Do & Don't Avoid Travel Portals, New Bonvoy Cards & Hyatt's Overwhelming Map Aug 18, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn & Mark discuss the latest in miles & points including two new Marriott cards that are probably coming, tacos in Mexico City, what you need to know about partner awards and bank travel portals, a new best ever bonus for Citi Double Cash and how Choice Hotels responded to Mark's issues.

Episode Notes

2:00 Discussing Marriott brands Le Meridien & AC Hotels

4:26 Update on Mark's Choice Hotels issues

8:02 Partner bookings issues & flight changes - Delta edition

13:17 What happens to an upgrade during irregular operations

14:52 The problems and benefits of bank travel portals

21:46 Citi Double Cash has the best bonus ever. Learn more on Travel Freely

24:29 2 New rumored Marriott Bonvoy cards coming?!?

28:52 Is Bonvoy Platinum status worth it?

29:33 Hyatt hotel map - A handy tool for wanderlusting

33:11 Choosing Hyatt all-inclusives in the Cancun area

38:09 Why tacos in Mexico City are so good

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Epic Trip - International First Class, Maldives & Quirks of Southeast Asia with Han Chicago! Aug 11, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Han from Chicago joins Shawn & Mark to discuss his recent epic trip to the Maldives & Southeast Asia which included international first. business & even economy class, fancy hotels & a lot more along the way. We'll dive into redemptions, product reviews & discuss why you should definitely plan a trip to Asia.

Episode Notes

03:49 Planning Han's whirlwind international trip

08:26 Maldives redemptions & terrible airport

10:18 Flying Etihad economy & Abu Dhabi First Class Lounge

14:14 Qatar award including A380 & leased Cathay 777

16:51 Maldives regrets & overwater bungalow experience

19:22 Southeast Asia mall culture

23:35 KL Batu Cave, monkeys & Petronas Towers

27:40 FHR in Southeast Asia - Mandarin KL & Conrad Singapore

29:55 Singapore Hawker Centers

37:39 Big trips in the age of Covid & what to consider

38:55 Upgrading Swiss business award & first class experience

43:45 Han's favorite international First Class products

49:09 Takeaways from this epic trip

54:44 Why you should travel to Asia

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Choice Hotels Robbed Me, How To Do Hyatt Like A Champ & The Best Chase Card Out There Aug 04, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how Choice Hotels ripped off Mark, how to do Hyatt like a boss even if you have no status & the most valuable Chase personal card is surprising. We also make more Resy mistakes and have a joke challenge for all the listeners.

Episode Notes

2:42 - Shawn and Joe’s updated travels

11:31 - Cruise changes

13:21 - Choice Hotels nightmares

20:37 - Hyatt Prive

31:40 - Chase personal card ranking updates

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The Best Amex Since Sliced Bread, The Deals We Miss Most & Massive Resy Amex Welcome Offers Return Jul 28, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories we discuss some new credit card offers, an AMEX card you may never have heard of and the great deals that we miss (RIP).

Episode Notes

3:54 - The AMEX card you didn’t know about

7:58 - The big Spark Travel Elite bonus

12:40 - Increased Resy AMEX Platinum offers

17:23 - Deals we miss the most

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

IHG's Sly Devaluation, Best Chase Offer Ending & Are Getaway Deals Even Worth The Effort? Jul 21, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories we discuss an amazing offer ending, a great Hyatt tip, how IHG devalued their all time high offer on the sly and stacking deals for big wins. We also get a rundown on how Joe and Mark’s vacations imploded right before their eyes.

Episode Notes

1:51 - Mark's "vacation"

7:44 - Dealing with rescheduling travel

17:58 - IHG devaluation

21:46 - Bonvoy Boundless offer ending TODAY

27:50 - Daily Getaways

30:59 - Mark's sweet Dell quad stack

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Visiting Alaska, Amazon Prime Day & is Carnival as Bad as They Say? Jul 14, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast PDX Deals Guys joins to discuss visiting Alaska with Shawn on Carnival Cruise Line, the pros and cons of their "free" cruise and some thoughts on maximizing Amazon Prime Day.

Episode Notes

4:57 - Prime Day

13:35 - The cruise

19:12 - Carnival impressions

28:18 - Food

37:40 - Entertainment

41:09 - Casino

46:07 - Touring Alaska

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Preparing For When Travel Goes Off The Rails, Double Dipping Amex's Latest Change & Our Favorite Airline Travel Hacks Jul 07, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss some tips on navigating this crazy travel season. A dos and don’ts so to speak. We also share our readers favorite airline hacks plus one of our own. Lastly, we wrap up by debating whether the Bonvoy Brilliant’s recent changes could actually be a good thing for you.

Episode Notes

8:38 - Tips for getting through summer travel

24:17 - Airplane hacks

33:10 - Bonvoy Brilliant

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Racking Up Freebies In Atlantic City, New Amex Play & Smuggling 31 Beers On Southwest Jun 30, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Shawn’s recent trip to Atlantic City and how he was able to rack up hundreds in value. We also talk about Mark making all kinds of mistakes on Southwest when smuggling 31 beers home and wrap up debating if the new Amex checking account is worth your attention.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Travel updates

9:17 - Mark’s beer wins and Southwest fails

18:19 - Atlantic City status matches

29:54 - AMEX calculations

37:19 - Airbnb blowback

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Amex Tossing Out 260K Offers & What That Means, Delta Crashes Our Meetup & How The Government Missed Their Chance With The Airlines Jun 23, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss our recent MtM Diamond meet up in Detroit and some changes with the group at the end of the month. We also discuss Delta having another meltdown this weekend and how the government failed us when giving all of that bailout money early in the pandemic. And, of course, we talk about some more absolutely insane Amex offers.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Detroit meetup

10:16 - MtM Diamond closing to new members

14:57 - Delta weekend meltdown

23:14 - MORE absolutely insane Amex welcome offers

28:43 - Quarterly bonus categories

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Hotel Program Shakeup, Dirt Cheap Flight Home From Europe & Amex Still Dropping Bags Of Points Jun 16, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss a shakeup in the hotel world with Choice buying Radisson Americas and what that means. We also talk about Amex dropping more massive offers, booking last minute international flights for cheap, Wells Fargo dropping the ball and more!

Episode Notes

4:36 - Booking last minute award flights this summer

12:07 - No more inbound testing

16:49 - More AMEX bonuses!

23:32 - Choice buys Radisson, goes upscale

31:35 - Wells Fargo Update

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Navigating The Amex No Lifetime Language Offers Windfall, Visiting The Loch Ness Monster & How To Get Back To The US Jun 09, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the craziness of Amex no lifetime language offers and what you can do with them. We also discuss the process of testing for US re-entry, Shawn visiting the Loch Ness monster and why Mark slept in a tent outside his own home.

Episode Notes

0:25 - Scotland and Shawn's trip updates

10:11 - Mark's in a tent!

15:36 - Re-entering the United States from other countries & travel insurance.

31:13 - AMEX No Lifetime Language offers

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Miraval Berkshires Review, The First Ever Andaz Fails Us & Returning To Childhood Travel Jun 02, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Shawn’s trip around Europe and how Hyatt failed him in London. We also get a review of Berkshire Miraval from Joe’s recent stay. Lastly, we discuss Mark’s throwback travel over the holiday and how we all caught the travel bug.

Episode Notes

3:40 - London

12:36 - The Baltics

19:49 - Miraval Berkshires

31:30 - Childhood Travel Inspirations

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Are Partner Flights A Thing Of The Past, Best Personal Chase Card & Virgin Voyages vs Disney Cruises May 26, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we are joined by special guest Mark Jackson from Brad’s Deals. We discuss Mark’s recent travels including many major cruise lines and seeing how they stack up against each other. He gives us some insight to summer deals and what has been popular at Brad’s Deals. We also discuss summer travel, if partner awards are on their way out and what the most valuable Chase cards are right now.

Episode Notes

1:54 - Catching up

7:33 - Mark Jackson compares Disney / Virgin / Royal Caribbean & Carnival cruise lines

26:46 - What is popular this summer at Brad’s Deals? Potential reselling items.

29:53 - Thoughts on summer travel and are partner awards dead?

41:31 - Chase personal cards rankings. Which one offers the most value in year 1?

Follow Mark Jackson on his YouTube channel

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Are Hyatt Lounges Gone For Good, Insane Offers Keep Rolling In & Hyatt Loses Cosmo In Vegas May 19, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss whether or not Hyatt lounges will ever open again domestically. We also discuss Shawn getting on another boat, Choice actually having sweet spot redemptions, Amex keeps rolling out insanely profitable offers and how MGM bonvoyed Hyatt at the Cosmo.

Episode Notes

4:58 - Shawn's on a boat again

9:07 - Detroit FC meetup

12:59 - Crazy AMEX bonus

17:10 - MGM buys Cosmo, bonvoys Hyatt lovers

21:56 - Choice hotels give value??

27:16 - Copenhagen/Scandavia/Shawn updates

36:28 - Will Hyatt lounges reopen?

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Hyatt’s Big Expansion, Complications Booking Last Minute Travel & Why You Should Always Ask For More May 12, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Hyatt’s big expansion into all inclusive resorts, how far we go for big miles and points wins plus an update on Joe’s JetBlue saga. We also talk about the ports Shawn visited on the way to Europe, Mark’s Chicago trip and the headaches of booking travel last minute now.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Shawn in the Atlantic

5:13 - Mark in Chicago

11:37 - Getting the Wells Fargo bonus

16:38 - New Hyatt All Inclusives

21:55 - Jetblue compensation

26:13 - Mark's going to Hawaii!

33:51 - Shawn Europe planning issues

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Cruise Hacking - Free Cruises, Maximizing Offers, Status Matching & CRAZY Prices Right Now May 05, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn will discuss all of the craziness in the cruise industry and some amazing deals you don't want to miss out on before the cruise industry returns to normal. Recorded from his Transatlantic cruise somewhere in the middle of the ocean, he discusses strategies for saving on the 3 major mass market cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL) plus how you can utilize casino and hotel status to get free cruises & more. Plus Ellie joins in to review the Carnival Pride from a kids perspective. Enjoy!

Episode Notes

01:55 - Why Shawn has 6 cruises booked right now

02:38 - Carnival Fun Match - Status match for free cruises

06:18 - Types of Carnival offers & what to do if they don't offer you a free cruise

08:39 - Carnival casino match on board experience - How it works

10:51 - Maximizing Carnival free cruise offers

11:16 - Carnival Pride mini review

16:42 - Ellie's review of Carnival Pride from a kid's perspective

18:40 - Maximizing gift cards, cashback offers & more

20:00 - Saving big on Royal Caribbean & being opportunistic

20:52 - Utilizing Royal Caribbean & MGM Rewards partnership

22:21 - Transferring a cruise to a travel agent for free

23:28 - Royal Caribbean's RoyalUp. Amazing upgrade opportunities

27:04 - Cruise line past guest offers are amazing right now

32:06 - How NCL is pricing their cruise deals

33:22 - Comparing Carnival, Royal Caribbean & NCL

34:43 - One last way to get casino offers on cruise ships

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Boycotting Summer Travel, How To Get Better Compensation & JetBlue’s Problems Continue Apr 28, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Joe’s recent trip to California and how the JetBlue experience is still pretty bad. We do a live request for compensation and he talks about his stay at Hyatt Regency Long Beach. He discusses some of the other touristy stuff they did in the LA area and then we share our thoughts on summer travel and why Mark is thinking of giving it a pass until fall.

Episode Notes

5:26 - Jetblue woes continue, Joe's experience

10:28 - Hyatt Regency Long Beach upgrade

12:28 - Will lounges never reopen?

15:57 - Touristy stuff in LA

23:29 - Boycotting summer travel

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New IHG One Rewards Deep Dive, Is Hyatt Coconut Point Worth The Hype & Masks Go Away Apr 21, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about the end of the mask mandate and how travel prices are skyrocketing including Amtrak. We also dive into the big changes to IHG One Rewards, Shawn gives a detailed review of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point & Mark talks about his must frustrating food delivery ever!

Episode Notes

1:44 End of the mask mandate 3:34 Amtrak points & how prices have skyrocketed 6:45 Delta one-ways same price as roundtrip using SkyMiles? 10:14 Hyatt Regency Coconut Point review - Worth the hefty cost? 18:23 IHG One Rewards - What is new, what we like & what we don’t about the new program 23:05 IHG Milestone Rewards - Suite upgrades, lounge access and more 30:35 Which major program is best & why all of these new hotel brands? 34:21 Dasher Diaries - Delivering food to a factory or a prison?!?

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Travel Is Getting Messy Again, The Worst Airport In 'Merica & A Massive $1500 Bank Bonus Apr 13, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how airlines are melting down and how travel is getting rough, right before peak summer season. We also discuss the best & worst airports for TSA and we were surprised by how some ranked. Lastly we talk about a huge money making opportunity and why it may even be worth a road trip.

Episode Notes

00:41 - Vegas Meetup

10:14 - Jetblue has sucked and its solution is to buy Spirit

17:35 - Wells Fargo $1500 bonus

23:33 - Best and worst airport wait times

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Earning Stacks Of Cash, 8 Interesting Citi Facts & Common Mistakes American Travelers Make Apr 07, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss turning this hobby into a cash earning machine, for $14,000 to be exact. We also discuss Shawn’s visit through memory lane at the last Blockbuster, Mark getting a nice Amex upgrade offer by calling in and 8 interesting facts you may not know about Citi.

Episode Notes

4:25 - Mark's stacks on stacks on stacks

13:56 - AMEX upgrade call experience

16:13 - The Last Blockbuster

23:33 - Citibank Facts

32:21 - What you don't know about visiting Korea

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Time To Amex & Chill, Cents Per Point Is A Myth & World's Most Beautiful Places Mar 31, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss managing our Amex portfolios and how it can get overwhelming at times. We also discuss why cents per point shouldn’t be a major focus, our favorite places for natural beauty and finding value after Marriott’s devaluation.

Episode Notes

3:50 - AMEX spring cleaning

9:28 - Marriott dynamic pricing live

12:28 - Most beautiful places we've visited

20:14 - Reevaluating cents per point

30:38 - Jetblue/AA reciprocal benefit improvements

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When To Jump Off The Chase 5/24 Bandwagon, Reward Good Service While Traveling & Dasher Diaries Mar 24, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss when it makes sense to jump off the Chase 5/24 bandwagon. We also get an update on Shawn’s travels up the California coast and into Oregon. We discuss why it is important to recognize great service while traveling, when Best Western blows Hyatt away & more Dasher Diaries stories.

Episode Notes

2:38 - Shawn hanging out in Portland

5:14 - Dasher Diaries

9:42 - When is it time to focus on, or move on from, Chase 5/24

22:30 - Shawn's staying in Best Western and Hyatts

33:07 - Remember to reward great service while traveling

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Is World of Hyatt Card Now Worthless, Doing Atlantis On The Cheap & 14 Day Transatlantic Cruise Mar 17, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss if the shine has worn off the World of Hyatt card some, Shawn taking a 14 day transatlantic cruise to save on airfare and Chase extends Pay Yourself Back. We also talk about booking Atlantis Bahamas on the cheap, Marriott certificate points posting and an update on Shawn’s California road trip.

Episode Notes

5:07 - Shawn's California updates

9:28 - Visit Atlantis on the cheap

13:31 - Shawn's trip planning

17:40 - 14 day transatlantic cruise

20:59 - Marriott certificate wins

24:32 - Hilton devaluation

27:42 - Pay yourself back lives

30:53 - Chase Freedom vs. World of Hyatt card

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The Good & Bad Of Elite Status, Massive Amex Retention Offers, DC Conrad & Southern California Trip Reports Mar 10, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we debate whether or not status is overrated and if people ignore the true cost. We also discuss massive Amex retention offers, a new Dasher Diaries story. Lastly, Mark talks about his recent trip to DC and Shawn talks about his travels around SoCal

Episode Notes

00:31 - Washington DC trip report

7:17 - Dasher Diaries

21:37 - Shawn updates his travels around SoCal

30:44 - Huge AMEX retention offers

34:41 - Status FIGHT

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Marriott Devaluation, The Truth About Blogging & Is Disney Club Lounge Access Worth It Mar 03, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we take a look behind the curtain of travel blogging. We also talk about the massive Marriott devaluation, Joe’s trip to Disney and if the expensive club access add on is worth it.

Episode Notes

7:08 - Hyatt Regency MCO

9:47 - Disney trip

13:29 - Boardwalk Inn Club Level

18:47 - Bonvoy devaluation and upcoming IHG changes

27:40 - State of independent blogs (Lucky’s article)

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Hyatt Globalist May Not Be Worth It For You, Road Tripping & Hip New Hotel Brands + Dealing With Terrible Hotel Neighbors Feb 24, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss roadtripping the U.S. including some interesting stops along the way and booking activities through Chase Ultimate Rewards. We also discuss hotel neighbor revenge, what to expect with the tru by Hilton and Avid by IHG brands, Hyatt's devaluation, why Globalist isn't for Mark and why you don't have to do what everyone else does.

Episode Notes

1:20 - Road Tripping - Hyatt Regency Jacksonville & St. Augustine, FL

4:36 - Tru By Hilton - What to expect

7:30 - Arriving in New Orleans during Mardi Gras & why Elizah Jane is an awesome Hyatt redemption

13:21 - Avid by IHG - What to expect

17:07 - Booking activities through Chase Ultimate Rewards - Discount on space and the bayou

19:03 - Getting stuck by Frontier & Dallas ice storms

21:15 - 3 Options when your Frontier Flight is cancelled

24:29 - Mark walks out of a Doubletree & hotel neighbor revenge

32:14 - Breaking down Hyatt's recent devaluation

38:56 - Quitting Globalist after one year

44:37 - Why different voices and opinions matter

48:27 - Ventana Big Sur the new Maldives? You don't have to do what everyone else does

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Bank's Customer Service Is Seriously Lacking, Our Best Upgrade Stories & Travel Is Looking Up Feb 17, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how bank’s customer service has seriously diminished. We also talk about our most unexpected, or favorite, upgrades from hotel or airline status and why now is the time to plan for summer travel.

Episode Notes

8:06 - Hilton Superbowl promo

11:28 - BofA fraud update

18:35 - Our best upgrades

27:01 - Time to plan summer travel

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Bank Of America Fraud Fiasco, Big Airline Shakeup & What Being On A Cruise Ship Is like Right Now Feb 10, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Bank of America’s crazy fraud department requirements, why the Spirit and Frontier merger isn’t good for us and Shawn shares what it is like getting aboard a cruise ship these days. We also talk about how surprising the worst ranked airline in the US is and Mark shares how Uber’s technology has failed him.

Episode Notes

5:05 - Mark vs. Bank of America’s fraud team

17:53 - What cruising Royal Caribbean is like right now

28:33 - Jetblue…the worst airline?

31:09 - Frontier and Spirit merging

36:30 - Signing up for Uber and Swagbucks bonus

41:22 - Lock in Amazon Prime before the price increase

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Profitable Retention Offers, Dirt Cheap Cruises & What Is With All These New Airlines? Feb 03, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Amex paying Mark actual cash to keep a card open and other retention offers. We also discuss a recent round of applications, Hyatt’s expansion continues and a new airline launching for discounted flights to Asia. We finish it off with some dirt cheap cruise talk.

Episode Notes

2:44 - Doordasher Diaries

12:45 - AMEX retention offers

17:18 - Credit card mini app-o-rama

22:12 - New Hyatt properties

28:25 - Flying to Asia through...Alaska?

32:39 - Cruise corner

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Worst Business Class Flight Ever, IHG Making Big Moves & The Scammers Are Winning Jan 27, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how the fraudsters are winning, what we think of the IHG refresh and whether or not it has us jumping on board and what a horrible business class flight experience is like. Mark also gives an update on his DoorDash experience and Shawn gives updates on his big trip.

Episode Notes

2:57 - Doordash Chronicles

12:17 - Paypal fraud update

20:32 - Shawn trip planning updates

26:35 - New IHG cards

34:43 - SAS J

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Hyatt Ventana Big Sur Review, PayPal Scammers Getting Creative & Flying To Turkey To Buy Rugs Jan 20, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we have a special guest Derrick Dye from Travel on Point(s). We talk about his recent trip to Alila Ventana Big Sur and if it lived up to the hype. We also discuss how he booked his upcoming whirlwind trip to Turkey and what his plans are while he is there. We finish up discussing Mark’s run in with the PayPal dispute department and see how worthless they really are.

Episode Notes

2:04 - What is Travel on Point(s)?

10:01 - Ventana Big Sur

22:47 - Last minute travel cancellations

24:11 - Buying rugs in Turkey

31:46 - Paypal fraud

44:40 - What grinds Derrick's gears?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Grand Hyatt Kauai Still Impresses, Joe Wins A Medal At Disney, DoorDash Delivery Tips & Tricks Jan 13, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Shawn’s trip to Hawaii and why the Hyatt Regency Kauai is still a favorite. We also discuss Joe getting his medal on at Disney and Mark gives his DoorDash delivery tips and tricks and overview of the program.

Episode Notes

4:35 - Jetblue flight cancellations

7:23 - New Mosaic perk

10:50 - runDisney

18:48 - Dealing with Hawaii covid regulations

24:17 - Grand Hyatt Kauai

29:35 - AA flight upgrades

35:38 - Door Dashing

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Joe's Chase Account Gets Robbed, How We Are Using Our Airline Credits & US Bank Gets One Over On Mark Jan 06, 2022

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Hyatt giving away bonus points for otherwise worthless perks. We also talk about our Amex airline credits game plans, how US Bank beat us at our own game and Joe getting his Chase account robbed.

Episode Notes

1:33 - Dealing with expiring Hyatt awards

10:11 - AMEX end/beginning of year credits

19:57 - Booking more Amex offer cruises

22:02 - Tricksy US Bank

27:09 - Robbed!

36:00 - Mark gets a new job

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Terrible Holiday Gifts, Best Trips of 2021 & Planning 2022 Travel! Dec 30, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about some of the worst Christmas/Chanukah gifts we have received over the years. Plus Shawn & Mark discuss some of the highlights of 2021 travel including coolest redemptions, best places visited and our favorite moments. We also dive into our 2022 plans, some of the pains of planning almost two years into the pandemic and the many cool things we are planning.

Episode Notes

1:51 - Worst Christmas/Chanukah/holiday gifts we've ever received

6:30 - Travel in 2020 and 2021 was all a blur

13:30 - MtM Diamond meetups were a highlight

15:05 - Making thousands of dollars & great memories in Michigan

22:10 What we're most looking forward to in 2022 travel wise

25:31 - Difficulties of committing to 2022 travel

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Chase’s Big Time Flop, California Trip Report & Mark Does WHAT To His Eyebrows!? Dec 23, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Shawn’s recent trip to the bay area in California, planning future travels in this environment and what to do with expiring Hyatt free night certificates. We also give a quick overview of the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, discuss Shawn’s big family shake up and Chase’s recent dud.

Episode Notes

6:37 - The last day of school

10:38 - Planning trips in this environment

16:21 - Bay area trip

24:53 - Expiring Hyatt free nights

26:56 - Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

28:42 - Another Chase dud

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Best Deal in AA Miles History? Delta Devaluation & Instacart Gift Card Warning Dec 16, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Delta’s recent devaluation, buying American Airlines miles at less than half a cent and maximizing Amex Offers for the holidays. We also talk about a potential Southwest devaluation, why Instacart gift cards are dangerous and how to save money on Amazon.

Episode Notes

5:50 - Instacart followup

11:44 - Delta eliminates basic economy mileage earning

16:48 - Southwest adds a fare class

19:38 - Holiday shopping with AMEX offers

24:14 - Simply having a wonderful miles time

28:44 - Upcoming travel plans

37:55 - Amazon pay with points

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Drinking Around the World, Free Cruises, Hacking Frontier & When Car Buying Goes Wrong Dec 09, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn and Mark talk about drinking / eating around the world at Epcot. We also discuss earning free cruises through status matches, taking advantage of Frontier status, a new timeshare offer and Mark’s Instacart gift card failure.

Episode Notes

2:40 - MTM Diamond meetup in Orlando: Great success!

14:16 - Instacart’s gift card department is worthless

23:33 - Disneyland stole my Airpods, kind of

27:13 - How my car rental turned profitable 4 years later

35:21 - Getting multiple cruises for free via status matching

41:59 - Frontier status has been valuable so far

49:00 - New Timeshare deal

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Chase Drops 5/24 On Some Cards, Joe Gets Bonvoyed & Amex Reverses Shutdowns Dec 02, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Chase finally dropping 5/24, well on some cards at least. We also talk about Mark’s house being overtaken by covid, Joe getting the bonvoy’d treatment and Amex finally righting their wrong.

Episode Notes

7:10 - Mark's covid experience

15:07 - No more 5/24?

21:33 - Joe Gets BONVOYED

36:19 - AMEX reinstatements

39:21 - Bonvoy displays resort fees

40:25 - Solid credit cards to consider

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

BOA Premium Card Is A Bust, Two Truths One Lie & What The MtM Crew Is Thankful For Nov 25, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast the majority of the team gets together to discuss Bank of America’s new hot (garbage?) card, play some games and share what they’re thankful for.

Thank you everyone for listening and Happy Thanksgiving!

Episode Notes

8:13 - New BofA premium card

20:20 - Two truths and a lie

32:43 - Giving thanks

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Winning at Walt Disney World in 2022 & Beyond: Mastering the Many Changes with Leslie Harvey Nov 18, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Leslie from Trips With Tykes joins along with Disney Deciphered podcast co-host Joe to talk about the myriad of changes that have come to Disney World lately. What you need to know about how those changes affect you so you can plan a successful Disney vacation.

Episode Notes

6:53 - Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration

8:47 - New attractions

16:34 - New fireworks shows

23:44 - The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel

29:17 - Staying on vs. off site

36:03 - New miles and points hotels to consider

39:34 - Disney Genie+, the Fastpass replacement

51:59 - Top tips for planning your vacation

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Behind the Curtain of Travel Loyalty Programs, Bilt Rewards, Venture X & Family RV Travel with Richard Kerr Nov 11, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode we speak to Richard Kerr who is the Director of Travel Rewards for Bilt Rewards. He gets a little nerdy with us and pulls back the curtains a bit into the other side of travel loyalty programs. What goes into developing a great program and how it may be different than you think.

We also dive into Bilt Rewards including how it works and why it is different than other "rent payment" services that have come before. We also talk family RV travel on the heel of Richard's recent 40+ day RV trip and discuss the brand new Capital One Venture X card including what we like and some of the questions we still have about this premium card.

Find more about Venture X here: https://milestomemories.com/capital-one-venture-x/

Episode Notes

2:28 - Talking Atlanta & Braves World Series Win
7:39 - Richard's long stories background in points & miles
11:12 - Working directly with 2 U.S. presidents
12:06 - How Bilt allows you to earn rewards on rent
17:04 - The Bilt Mastercard, ecosystem & transfer partners
20:49 - Behind the scenes of the formation of the Bilt loyalty program
24:28 - Pulling back the curtain on loyalty programs - the other side
27:49 - The RV lifestyle and family road trips
31:32 - Over the top campgrounds and the ones that are scary
35:07 - Planning a 40+ day family RV road trip
37:17 - RVing and camping at Walt Disney World - Worth the effort?
42:49 - New Capital One Venture X card
46:49 - Unique tech behind Capital One's travel portal
49:39 - Will Venture X Keep People in Capital One's ecosystem?
54:22 - How to apply for Venture X & support MtM

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Chase Fails Mark, Canceling The Most Valuable Card Out There & Racking Up Points With 5X Offers Nov 04, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about canceling the most rewarding card on the market, Chase’s customer service failing and maximizing the tons of 5X offers this quarter. We also talk about an awesome Hilton credit card targeted offer, Chase adding more limited time perks and our favorite Amex Offer returns.

Episode Notes

8:21 - Maximizing 5X card offers

17:08 - Mark cancels WHICH card?

23:23 - Mark runs WHAT kind of business and it causes WHAT problems for a business checking sign up?

39:26 - Hilton targeted offer

40:10 - Chase month of more

40:43 - Shop small offer

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Living It Up On Moskito Island, Marriott Devaluation & American Airlines Revamps Program Oct 28, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn shares the details of his recent trip to Moskito Island traveling like the rich and famous. We also talk about Marriott gutting their program, American Airlines completely changing up their program

Episode Notes

4:42 - Moskito Island

16:11 - Moskito highlights, bookable on points?

21:51 - American Airlines flight mistakes

25:36 - San Juan trip report

28:47 - Marriott loyalty program changes

35:48 - American Airlines loyalty program changes

43:57 - AMEX credits checklist

44:39 - Best Choice Hotels redemptions

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Our Travel Grump Triggers, Our Biggest Travel Blunders & Are The Amex Business Platinum Changes Good? Oct 21, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we are joined by a special guest Bethany Walsh of Bougie Miles. We discuss our biggest travel pet peeves, our biggest travel blunders and whether or not the new Amex Business Platinum changes are good or bad. We also talk about avoiding resort fees in Vegas, why Mark loves the newest Citi ThankYou point addition and maximizing a new Chase Freedom Flex opportunity.

Episode Notes

4:44 - Our Biggest Travel Mistakes

13:23 - Changes To Amex Platinum Business - What We Like Or Hate About It

18:10 - Travel Grumps - What Drives Us Nuts!

31:32 - Citi ThankYou Points newest partner Choice Hotels is sneaky good

32:34 - How to avoid resort fees in Las Vegas

33:46 - Chase Freedom Flex has some additional 5X earning capabilities

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Are Amex Shutdowns Overreaching, New Hyatt Card Falls Flat & Fort Meyers Beach Trip Report Oct 14, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about a slew of Amex shut downs, an underwhelming Hyatt card launch and Mark’s trip to Fort Myers Beach. We also talk about the power of the product change, stacking credits on Hyatt stays & how to get some free food.

Episode Notes

4:37 - AmAxe

17:24 - Florida trip report (not Disney!)

25:22 - Chase Hyatt business card

31:12 - Cleaning out the Chase closet

32:06 - Stacking Hyatt credits

32:49 - Favorite dining apps

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Awesome Hyatt Category 4 Trip Report, Why Is Puerto Rico So Cheap & Marriott Playing Suite Games Oct 07, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk Marriott playing games with suite upgrades, Mark’s recent trip to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay and why is Puerto Rico so cheap right now? We also talk about game planning Delta status, Southwest’s Disney plant and Shawn’s Amex Business retention offer.

Episode Notes

5:56 - Marriott hotel playing games with suite inventory

11:17 - Getting to Hyatt Chesapeake

16:16 - How was the hotel?

19:32 - Golfing

22:50 - Beer

26:34 - Cheap flights to Puerto Rico and requesting recommendations

31:19 - Rental car status matches

32:49 - Delta status planning

33:38 - Disney World + Southwest 50th anniversary plane

35:43 - AMEX retention bonuses alive and well

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Our Dream Hyatt Premium Card, Massive Bonvoy Card Offers & Redeyes Are The Best...Or Are They? Sep 30, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about what we would want in a Hyatt premium card, Marriott blowing the doors off with their increased offers and why redeyes are the best...or are they? We also talk about more rumored coupons for the Amex Platinum coupon book, end of month reminders and 40+ Amex Platinum benefits.

Episode Notes

5:43 - Marriott card increased offers

12:35 - Redeyes

26:29 - Hyatt premium card rumor

33:50 - American Express Platinum new benefits

35:49 - Making use of American Express Platinum benefits

37:08 - End of month checklist

Cleaning Out The Credit Card Closet, Hilton Playing Games & Bougie Vegas On The Cheap Breakdown Sep 23, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss cleaning out our credit card closet, Mark doing Vegas as bougie as possible at a huge discount. We also discuss Hilton playing games with their new breakfast credits, an awesome HBO Max deal and the US reopening to international travelers.

Episode Notes

6:36 - Cleaning out the credit card closet

13:12 - Four Seasons Vegas

19:36 - Waldorf Astoria Vegas

31:07 - Hilton playing breakfast credit shenanigans?

37:31 - Where Mark stayed in Vegas

38:13 - US reopens to fully vaccinated international visitors

39:22 - HBO Max deal

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

How To Scale Up Deals, Flight Attendants' Pet Peeves & Make Money For Your Miles & Points Knowledge Sep 16, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the stupid stuff we do that flight attendants hate, how to social engineer your way to more points and how quickly travel is changing. We also talk about how you can make some money from your miles and points knowledge, how to use Aeroplan miles and why class action settlements can be awesome...even if they take forever.

Episode Notes

7:18 - Flight attendants hate when you do these things on a plane.

15:40 - Updated covid restrictions

20:49 - What we've learned from Mint coins about who to trust and scaling deals

37:19 - Miles and points presentations?

38:58 - What you can do with 100K Aeroplan miles

39:38 - Class action lawsuits

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American Airlines Can Now Leave You Stranded, Are All Inclusives Overrated & So Many Transfer Bonuses Sep 09, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Amex’s transfer bonus bonanza, AA’s latest consumer unfriendly move and whether staying at all-inclusives are our jam. Also, a really random Southwest companion pass offer to consider and happy 4 year anniversary to Mark!

Episode Notes

0:00 - 4 years of MARK

5:29 - Amex Transfer Bonuses Galore, Which Ones Do We Like Best?

Transferring Membership Rewards to United Miles

16:51 - American Airlines Can Now Leave You Stranded Thanks To New Terms

24:20 - Are All Inclusives Worth The Cost?

Hyatt Buys A Ton Of New All Inclusives

34:32 - Make Easy Money With The RebatesMe Promotion

35:46 - Earn A Southwest Companion Pass After Just One Flight

36:42 - $10-$50 Off Amazon With One Membership Rewards Point

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Why We Had A Break Up With Citi, Hyatt's Under The Radar Offer & Where Would We Want To Work Remote Sep 02, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss where we could go if we could work remotely for a year, why we had a breakup with Citi and whether or not we took the Schwab cash out plunge. We also talk about Hyatt’s underrated offer, using Citi’s system to our advantage and some new Chase Offers.

Episode Notes

6:54 - Why Citi dumped us

14:22 - Working remotely - where would you go?

26:03 - Schwab cashout ending

33:59 - Why isn't anyone talking about the World of Hyatt card?

37:31 - Citi mileage marriage boost

39:39 - Hyatt/AA fast track status

42:03 - Chase offers

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Can You Really Trust A Travel Blog, Are Hotels Playing Award Night Games & Disney's New Fastpass System Blows Aug 26, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss if you can trust travel blogs or not. We also discuss Joe’s month long trip, whether we like the Disney Fastpass news, Mark’s awesome Amex Platinum retention offer and more.

Episode Notes

6:55 - Can you trust travel blogs?

17:40 - Joe's 2400 mile road trip

33:24 - Disney's Fastpass replacement

45:02 - AMEX retention offers

46:59 - Top 10 Dead Disney rides

49:50 - More Atlantic City status matching!

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Our Most Expensive Trips, When To Pick Cash Over Points & Are The Sapphire Changes All That Good? Aug 19, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Bethany Walsh from Bougie Miles joins us to discuss the recent changes Chase made to their Sapphire cards. Why is Chase Sapphire Reserve getting very little love and does it make sense over the now supercharged Sapphire Preferred?

Plus we'll also dive into the economics of Mark's Alaska trip including why he paid so much cash for it compared to only using points. We'll also go over our most expensive trips ever, debate when you should use cash or points to pay for a trip and discuss how awesome Pacific Time is!

Episode Notes

04:10 - An unexpected suite at Vegas' newest hotel

06:46 - When to use points or cash when booking travel

12:17 - How Bethany opened Mark's eyes about using cash instead of the cheapest points option

14:09 - Miles and points with business deductions (Not legal or financial advice.)

17:28 - The economics of a travel hacked Alaska trip

21:14 - The most expensive cash trips we have ever taken

26:20 - How you could save even more on booking Alaska

28:13 - Chase makes big update to Sapphire Cards

32:43 - Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Premier

34:17 - Chase Sapphire Reserve changes

36:18 - Upgrading and downgrading Chase cards and what you should know

39:26 - Is it worth pursuing World of Hyatt status with the new card offer?

41:50 - Citi/Sears bonkers 15X spending offer

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Will Travel Always Suck, Crazy Card Offers Roundup & An Amazing Denver Meet Up Aug 12, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we debate if travel will ever return to normal or if it will continue to suck. We also go over a new slew of huge credit card offers and talk about our amazing meetup in Denver. We finish up discussing Clear being a lifesaver and the sign up process, Citi’s quirks & easy tips on meeting minimum spend.

Episode Notes

2:22 - Some notes on the “free” Audible subscription

6:59 - Will travel stay crazy forever?

15:24 - Denver MTM Diamond meetup

23:14 - Alaska credit card new welcome bonus

26:34 - US Bank Triple Cash

28:55 - Citi Premier 48 month rumor

31:43 - Chase Ink new designs

34:37 - CLEAR signup

35:58 - Meeting spending requirements

36:28 - Citi ThankYou Point quirks

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Would You Leave A Covid Free Country, Interesting Travel Trends & More Restrictions Aug 05, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we debate if we would leave a completely covid free country like Zoe is to go home. We also talk about the quickly changing travel landscape and new mandates, some interesting travel survey results, saving for college with travel hacking skills and what happens to your travel insurance if you cancel your credit card.

Episode Notes

7:49 - Stranded in Tonga, what would you do?

19:25 - Covid precautions coming back

31:17 - Other travel effects

42:50 - College saving

44:22 - Credit card travel insurance

45:51 - The RAT is back?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Which Hotel Program Is Most Rewarding, Citi Now The Hardest Approval & Recent Applications Jul 29, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how Citi has become the hardest approval in the game, which hotel gives you the best bang for your buck and we share our recent application successes. We also talk about how long miles and points transfers take, Amazon freebies and our favorite travel gear.

Episode Notes

5:20 - MTMPod credit card application successes

14:00 - Citi application rules changing?

22:30 - Most valuable hotels to spend at

31:58 - Travel gear recommendations

33:06 - Amazon freebies/promos

33:45 - How long miles and points take to transfer

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Citi’s Surprising New Partner, Michigan Fun & The Best Airport Jul 22, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss what makes airports good, a new Citi ThankYou point transfer partner and Shawn’s trip to Michigan. Plus, why you should get your passport renewed NOW!

Episode Notes

3:46 - Citi adds AA as a transfer partner

10:28 - Michigan trip report

12:05 - Getting flights

15:05 - Hotels

18:07 - Sightseeing in Michigan

21:47 - What makes a good airport?

29:04 - Passport renewal delays

30:44 - Chicago Athletic Association Hotel Review – A Hyatt Property

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Chase Sapphire Rumors, Citi Best Ever Offer, Amex's Craziness & National Parks Trip Report Jul 15, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about the massive offer Citi has rolled out for the Premier and how Amex is giving away points like candy. We also discuss the new Chase Sapphire rumors and how it stacks up to the competition. Joe shares his experience visiting a national park this summer.

Episode Notes

5:18 - Citi Premier best bonus

13:23 - Chase Sapphire rumored updates

21:42 - Acadia Trip Report

38:31 - AMEX turns into Oprah

44:05 - M1 finance

44:58 - Tips for visiting the UK

46:20 - CLEAR AMEX offer

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Getting Casino Status On The Cheap, Vegas' Future Expansion & When Buying Batteries Gets Real Weird Jul 08, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we take a detour and introduce the new MtM Vegas podcast that just launched. Shawn and Mark discuss Resorts World’s $150 free money offer dieing, the issues they have had so far and what is next for Vegas. We also discuss how to get top tier status on the cheap, get all the free goodies and how to avoid parking fees. Mark finishes it off with his most bizarre Vegas memory that is sure to get you thinking What The Heck!?

Episode Notes

2:28 - Resorts World followup

16:20 - What’s next for Las Vegas?

28:29 - Avoiding parking fees in Las Vegas

32:14 - Waiving Caesar’s resort fees

36:38 - Current comp offers

43:13 - Making the most of status matches

47:19 - Storytime with Mark - “The Batteries Incident”

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Amex Platinum Has Massive Changes, Resorts World Grand Opening Review & East Coast Trip Report Jul 01, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discussing the increased Amex Platinum fee and all of the new “benefits” or should we say coupons. Shawn and Mark talk about their thoughts of the Resorts World opening and Shawn talks about his recent trip to the East Coast. We also talk about things you shouldn’t do in China and a great option for return to the US testing.

Episode Notes

6:25 - Shawn's East Coast trip

10:51 - Rental cars

11:29 - Hotel stays

15:16 - Jersey shore

22:58 - Resorts World Las Vegas impressions

33:51 - Big changes to the AMEX personal Platinum card

44:16 - 15 things to know if you're visiting China

45:28 - Covid testing kits

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Airbnb Pays To Hide Sexual Assault, Cave Diving In The Cenote Of Mexico & Amex Giving Away Points Like Candy Jun 24, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we are joined by Ian Snyder. He shares the details of his recent trip to Merida, Mexico and swimming in the depths of a cenote (weird shaped rocks and all). We also discuss Airbnb deploying shady bagmen, how Amex seems to be giving away points these days and tips for traveling as a solo female.

Episode Notes

8:18 - Ian goes to Mexico

10:48 - Trip highlights

12:51 - Getting there

15:26 - Swimming in cenotes

24:40 - Issues with Chase Travel

29:49 - AirBnB’s bag men

38:48 - MORE AMEX bonuses

43:05 - Traveling as a solo female

43:44 - Traveling without the internet

45:04 - Flying widebody planes

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Alaska Trip Report, Why Women Aren't Featured In The Hobby & New Miles to Memories Shows Launching! Jun 17, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Bethany from Bougiemiles.com fills in for Joe. Mark breaks down his trip to Alaska with his son talking about the good, the bad and why he probably wouldn’t go back. We also discuss why females aren’t properly represented in the miles and points hobby, announce a new Miles to Memories Youtube show and talk about why the Redcard bonuses are sneaky good.

Episode Notes

3:53 - Alaska trip report

12:37 - Food issues in Alaska

19:34 - Activities in Alaska

28:12 - Why are women treated differently in the hobby?

37:02 - Target Redcard bonus

38:01 - 30 things learned about traveling before turning 30

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Miles & Points YouTube, Crypto Credit Cards & More Record Offers Coming? Jun 10, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Dustin from Waller’s Wallet joins the podcast to chat about the burgeoning miles and points Youtube community, Crypto based credit cards and the new Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K bonus. We debate whether we’ll see more bonuses come and whether crypto credit cards are...a bit scammy?

Episode Notes

7:04 - Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K offer - best ever

13:19 - Miles and points Youtube - is video better than blogging? (Waller’s Wallet & Miles to Memories Youtube pages)

20:36 - Why do some bigger miles and points blogs not find as much success on Youtube?

27:23 - Upcoming crypto credit cards: valuable or scammy?

38:03 - New Chase Sapphire Lounge opening in Boston

39:07 - US Bank Altitude Connect

40:11 - Free hotel breakfast guide

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Should Alcohol Be Banned On Flights, Are We Ruining Travel For Our Kids & Elon Musk's Vegas Tunnels Explained Jun 03, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss whether or not banning alcohol makes sense for domestic travel with the rise of unruly passengers. We also debate whether or not we are ruining travel for our kids, how the new Vegas Tesla tunnels work, why Airbnb may be bad for our lives & what it was like to get a Real ID.

Episode Notes

5:19 - Bad behavior on flights

13:01 - What is the Vegas Loop?

25:55 - Are we ruining travel for our kids?

35:57 - Has Airbnb been a net negative on our lives.

37:12 - Getting a Real ID & why you might not need to.

38:31 - History of California Adventure

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Don't Be A Jerk Rant, Are Banks Invading Our Privacy & Is Free Breakfast Really Overrated? May 27, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss where vaccinated travelers get special treatment, are banks invading our privacy and whether or not free breakfast is overrated. Mark also does a rant about people not being jerks, a great car rental tip and some juicy new spending offers.

Episode Notes

5:41 - Credit information sharing between banks?

15:01 - Destinations for vaccinated travelers

21:40 - Mark rant!

26:14 - Hilton's breakfast changes - good, bad or something in between?

37:07 - Barclays spending offers and Amex upgrade offers

37:48 - Taking a pass on Disney World

38:33 - Car rental tips

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Post Pandemic Miles & Points Predictions, Best Hyatt Regency in Orlando & MtM Diamond Decoded May 20, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the future of miles and points post pandemic, the glutton of unused miles out there and of course devaluations. We also discuss the best Hyatt Regency in Orlando, decoding the MtM Diamond group, tourist no nos in Japan and much more.

Episode Notes

3:57 - Miles and points in a post pandemic world

10:56 - How to plan travel post pandemic

17:40 - Comparing Hyatt Regencies in Orlando

25:43 - Kennedy Space Center and Brevard Zoo

33:11 - What do you get with MTM patreon?

39:18 - What not to do in Japan

40:08 - Discover retention bonuses

40:39 - Maskless in Vegas

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Truths About TPG, Worst Card Offers & Overhyped Maldives May 13, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the truths about TPG, go into detail about the amazing Southwest change trick and remember our worst sign up bonuses ever. We also talk about avoiding the miles & points hype trains like the Maldives and some amazing credit card offers plus a lot more.

Episode Notes

4:16 - What TPG and video game websites have in common

13:57 - The Southwest change trick

18:40 - Our worst credit card sign up bonuses

26:51 - Choo Choo Maldives

34:00 - Best offer for Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve ending

34:53 - The Velocicoaster

36:32 - Quitting Amazon Prime

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Each Bank’s Biggest Weakness, A Tax Proposal With Big Travel Hacking Implications & Lake Tahoe Trip Report May 06, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss each bank’s biggest weakness, a troubling new tax law proposal that could change travel hacking and Shawn’s recent trip to Reno / Lake Tahoe. We also update you on Mark’s savings for college, the best Japanese onsens and award travel acronyms.

Episode Notes

5:48 - Lake Tahoe Trip Report

15:30 - Citi weaknesses

18:48 - Chase weaknesses

21:28 - AMEX weaknesses

24:48 - BofA weaknesses

27:06 - Troubling new tax rule?

32:56 - Money for college

34:22 - Japanese onsens

35:52 - Award travel acronyms

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Travel Is A Struggle, Amex’s Positive Change & Solo Travel With Kids Apr 29, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Joe’s recent travels and how travel is not ready for prime time. We also give some tips on how to stay ahead of the bumpy ride that is travel. We then discuss Amex’s positive change, why solo travel with our kids is amazing and Marriott’s stupidly insane credit card fee.

Episode Notes

3:20 - Travel not ready for prime time

9:45 - Ideas for saving stress and time during current travel conditions

13:32 - AMEX increases credit card limit

20:50 - Planning a last minute trip

22:14 - Solo family travel

29:14 - Hotel charges a credit card fee??

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Chase Made Their Portal Worthless, Capital One Revamps Their Program & Is The Citi Premier Worth Even More Now? Apr 22, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss why the Chase portal is now worthless, miles and points plays we avoid like the plague and whether the latest Citi Premier refresh adds value. We also talk about combining those pesky Amex Uber credits, Capital One greatly improving their program and if Bellagio jumped the shark pulling out their bathtubs.

Episode Notes

4:56 - Does being able to cash out Citi Premier make it more valuable now?

12:41 - Miles and points plays we avoid like the plague.

22:02 - Is the Chase travel portal now completely useless?

29:43 - Capital One vastly improves their program.

31:06 - How to combine Amex Uber credits for max value.

32:52 - Did Bellagio make a mistake removing the bathtubs?

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Amex Tries To Break Up Families, The Best Chase Card is Surprising & Doing Florida On The Cheap Apr 15, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Amex’s negative Centurion Lounge changes, the new king of Chase card welcome offers & how Shawn saved money on his latest Florida vacation. We also discuss American Airlines’ best kept secret and how snazzy Bellagios new rooms look.

Episode Notes

5:21 - United Quest and Chase personal card rankings

13:29 - AMEX Centurion removes guest privileges

20:29 - Saving money on car rentals in Florida

24:43 - How Shawn saved money on hotels in Florida

39:29 - AA reduced mileage awards

40:29 - Bellagio room renovation

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Why Does IHG Suck, Our Favorite One Card Wallets, Maxing Out Delta's Promo & Status Apr 08, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Bethany from Bougie Miles joins us to talk about how IHG’s latest devaluation is the last straw, maxing out Delta’s new promo and how to get status on the cheap and our favorite one card wallets. We also talk about a new airline status match opportunity, an awesome new Virgin Atlantic change and 5 amazing places to visit.

Episode Notes

4:50 - IHG devaluation

14:26 - One card wallet

21:03 - Delta status opportunities, How To Earn Delta Status Cheaply

28:21 - 5 Favorite locations after 140+ countries visited

29:15 - Founderscard Virgin Atlantic status

30:26 - Flying to Japan with miles or other miles

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Preferred Blows Reserve Out Of The Water, Easy Miles & Points Wins, Shawn Hits Up South Beach Apr 01, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Shawn’s recent visit to South Beach and Central Florida. We also talk about why the Sapphire Preferred has been kicking the Sapphire Reserves butt lately. Lastly, we talk about the small miles and points wins we love, and hate.

Episode Notes

8:56 - The Best Sapphire card

18:40 - Easy wins that bring joy

23:56 - Shawn went to Miami!

37:19 - Free golf with hotel stay

38:24 - Don't be your own worst enemy

40:03 - Hilton certificates are...not ideal

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Bumpy Travel Future, Free Night Shopping Spree & Hyatt Invades Vegas Mar 25, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about our plans to use our plethora of free night certificates, how the return to travel will be mighty bumpy and Hyatt’s big new move into Vegas. We also go over the Disneyland reopening, how Amex is giving bonuses out early and the application rules for every bank!

Episode Notes

6:59 - Hyatt taking over Vegas

15:49 - The bumpy road back to travel

24:23 - Using our free night certificates

34:06 - Disneyland is reopening, check out Disney Hacks

35:01 - AMEX gave Mark his sign up bonus early

35:47 - Credit card rules by bank

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Amex Dropping Bombs, Our Bougie Birthdays & Our First Mileage Run Of 2021 Mar 18, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about a mileage run to Panama, Amex’s amazing new offers and stacking the deals for big wins. We also talk about our favorite birthday trips, maxing out Chase Freedom’s new categories, Hyatt’s continued expansion and much more.

Episode Notes

5:55 - Shawn's winning! (Panama airfare deal and mileage run)

14:01 - Insane increased Amex sign up offers

18:58 - Coolest birthday trips

30:55 - Maxing out Chase Freedom’s 2nd quarter

31:39 - Hyatt 1,000 Hotel Promo

32:58 - Amex Hilton & Bonvoy transfer bonuses

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Smuggling Booze Into Hotels & Cruise Ships, Citi Fraud Fiasco Update & Was Frontier Status Even Worth $49 Mar 11, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about maxing out Frontier status, yeah that is a thing. We also discuss Virgin Hotels’ food policy and if we sneak food and drinks while traveling and Mark updates everyone on his Citi fraud fiasco. Lastly we talk about some increased card offers, Disneyland, wanderlust in Bhutan and a booking flights guide.

Episode Notes

5:43 - Frontier status match and how much a pain it was to use

12:59 -No drinks or food for Virgin Hotels

21:34 - Disneyland cleared to reopen

25:21 - Update on Citi fraud fiasco

32:22 - The curious case of Bhutan travel

33:35 - Delta has increased offers on their cards

34:19 - How far in advance can I book my flights

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Why Resort Fees Aren't All Bad, Application Spree Results & The Craziness Of North Korean Money Mar 04, 2021

Episode Description

In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we debate resort fees and discuss why they maybe aren't so bad. We also take about saving for college with travel hacking, recent application spree results and why North Korean money is so interesting.

Episode Notes

3:45 - Resort fees - are they as bad as everyone says they are? (Shawn’s solution)

17:27 - Mark’s application spree

23:03 - North Korean currency and foreign currencies in general

30:00 - Mark’s college savings update

31:45 - The Affirm “Debit” card

34:43 - AMEX launches cell phone protection

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Citi Just Got Dumber, Chase's Misleading Offer & Riding That Cash Out Money Train Feb 25, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 80 we talk about Citi’s crazy fraud systems, Chase’s fool’s gold offer, a lawsuit that involves manufactured spend and why Mark went points broke. We also talk about Baha Mar offering up private jets, Hyatt’s new promo & more.

Episode Notes

7:39 - Cashing out all of the points

15:56 - Manufactured spending lawsuit

22:47 - Chase 10X earning overrated

26:52 - Citi is dumber than expected

40:51 - Baha Mar’s insane covid guarantee

42:20 - Hyatt Bonus Journeys

42:49 - Bitwarden

43:20 - Dell Amex offer

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Credit Card Blind Spots, Best Travel Apps & A California Trip Report Feb 18, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 79 we talk about our favorite travel apps, Shawn shares details from his recent trip to California and we share our travel hacking blind spots. We also talk about locked ThankYou points, JetBlue’s customer friendly change and how to get Apple News+ for free.

Episode Notes

6:20 - Best travel apps

13:43 - Shawn's CA trip report, 3 Hyatts!

25:27 - Credit Card/Travel Hacking Blind Spots

30:11 - Getting locked Thank You Points back

30:56 - Jetblue says goodbye to change fees

34:14 - Apple News+ for free

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Traveling The World For 11 Weeks, Getting Malaria & Swimming with Hammerheads Feb 11, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 78 we are joined by Miles to Memories contributor Ryan to talk about his 11 week around the world trip. We discuss his itinerary, catching malaria, swimming with hammerhead sharks, getting stranded for a week and everything in between.

Episode Notes

9:02 - General itinerary

12:25 - Stranded in Ecuador

14:22 - Covid testing on the road

21:52 - Malaria!?

27:35 - Swimming with sharks

29:59 - Hot air balloon in Cappadocia

32:09 - Is everything cheaper right now?

35:32 - Final tips

38:13 - AMEX 125K offer & how to get it

39:01 - Blue Business Plus/United Mileage Explorer elevated offers

40:04 - AMEX credits delayed

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Massive Amex Credits, NoMad Vegas Overview & Saving For College With Hacking Skills Feb 04, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 77 we talk about Amex giving away hundreds of dollars to cardholders with their no credits. We also share an awesome way to track the credits each month, Shawn’s recent stay at the awesome NoMad hotel in Vegas and how Mark is paying for college with travel hacking skills.

Episode Notes

6:38 - Amex limited time offers

14:52 - NoMad hotel stay

23:15 - Mark's paying for college!

28:17 - MORE Amex offers

30:04 - Jetblue Mint to London

32:54 - Moomoo

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What We Hate About Travel Hacking, Easy $1000 Offer & Florida Trip Report Jan 28, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 76 we talk about a new $1000 offer from Brex, a trip report from Mark on his weekend getaway to Florida and what we hate in this hobby. We also talk about a Kauai quarantine loophole, Hyatt offering free covid testing & a nice Founderscard extension.

Episode Notes

6:06 - BREX

14:56 - Sarasota trip report

19:01 - What it's like to visit Florida right now

22:58 - What Mark hates in this hobby

30:39 - Kauai quarantine exemption

31:50 - Hyatt offering free covid testing in Latin America

32:31 - Founders Card extension

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Award Alerts, What Flyertalk is Good For & Booking Travel Deals Now w/ Spencer Howard Jan 21, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 75 Spencer Howard from Straight to the Points and author of the amazing award alerts newsletter swings by to chat about AMEX travel credits, why right now is a great time to book future award travel and the future of his award alerts service.

Subscribe to Spencer’s award alerts newsletter or follow him on Instagram!

Episode Notes

4:57 - Spencer’s miles and points story

12:22- Award alerts premium newsletter!

20:34 - United Travelbank no longer working for AMEX travel credits. Other options?

28:44 - Is now a buyer’s market for award travelers? (Bloomberg)

41:11 - Disneyland annual passes cancelled

42:12 - Taking a break from credit cards rewards

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Bonvoy Making Themselves Useful, Virgin Atlantic Reversal & Hotels Review Rant Jan 14, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 74 we discuss Bonvoy’s customer friendly changes, Virgin Atlantic walks back their devaluation some, are Citi ThankYou points overrated & a hotel reviews rant.

Episode Notes

10:43 - Positively Bonvoyed?

20:45 - Virgin Atlantic Devaluation - good news

23:36 - Hotel Reviews rant

41:06 - Straight to the Points Premium

42:11 - Amex Uber Credits

42:30 - Citi ThankYou Points - overrated?

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Application Plans For 2021, Amex Offers Bonanza & Virgin Destroys Their Program Jan 07, 2021

Episode Description

In episode 73 we discuss the amazing new Amex offers that launched, our application plans for the first part of 2021 and Virgin destroying the value of their program.

Episode Notes

3:04 - AMEX offers

9:26 - Virgin Atlantic devaluation

12:40 - Las Vegas deals through Amex and Chase

16:44 - Mark's 2021 credit card sign up strategy

25:51 - Around the web

26:54 - Rio Las Vegas

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Seasons Greetings, Our Favorite Segments & MEAN REVIEWS Dec 31, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 72 we each share our favorite segments from the show in 2020. We go back to the rice and soy sauce incident, why traveling with kids sucks and a nightmare stay at the Atlantis. We also read our favorite mean reviews from the year. Enjoy!

Episode Notes

1:27 - Joe's favorite mean review

2:54 - Why traveling with kids sucks

14:19 - Shawn's favorite mean review

18:09 - Nightmare stay at Atlantis

36:12 - Mark's favorite mean review

38:19 - The infamous Cathay Pacific first class review

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Which Program Will Devalue First, Favorite Holiday Trips & Are We Done Cashing Out? Dec 24, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 71 we discuss whether or not we are done cashing out points, for now. We also talk about our favorite holiday trips of the past and ones we are looking forward to in the future. Lastly, we speculate which program will devalue first in 2021, two cards you should get right now and say goodbye to Observation Deck.

Episode Notes

1:38 - Catching up

9:26 - Holiday travel highlights and goals

16:43 - Which airline will devalue first?

20:47 - Are we still cashing out points?

24:37 - Trips we’re looking forward to in 2021

33:49 - Two cards to sign up for right now

35:31 - Back to Vegas construction tour

36:03 - The last Observation Deck

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Amazon's Tricky Games, Walmart Aims To Shut Down MS & Chase Adds New Transfer Partner Dec 17, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 70 we discuss whether or not MS is dead at Walmart, something Amazon shoppers need to be aware of and Chase’s newest transfer partner. We also talk about our Chase Freedom first quarter plans and our Thompson Playa Del Carmen review.

Episode Notes

4:16 - Chase's new transfer partner (Details on the new Aeroplan)

12:38 - Walmart shutting down MS???

22:05 - Amazon playing games with our points

29:01 - Bionic Boost

30:12 - Chase Freedom Q1 bonus categories

31:49 - Thompson Playa Del Carmen

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Maxing Out Hidden Deals, Amex Shutdown Spree & What Is NYC Like Right Now? Dec 10, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 69 Bethany Walsh of Bougie Miles returns to the podcast! We discuss what NYC is like right now, what countries you can visit without quarantining right now and thinking outside the box with a Paypal Key play (that no longer exists, alas).

As we recorded, news broke that AMEX shut down a bunch of accounts so we discussed that as well. All that plus rapid fire on a fun episode!

Episode Notes

Subscribe to Bethany’s Youtube channel!

4:27 - What’s NYC like right now for residents and tourists? (Curbed article)

18:39 - A clever play with PPK and Plastiq and AMEX shutdowns (!)

28:55 - Countries Americans can visit without quarantining

40:11 - AA offering at-home covid testing for travelers

41:42 - Getting a USPS refund

42:35 - Amex shutting down accounts (updating)

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Hyatt Rocks Our World, End of Year Housekeeping Tips & Maxing Out A Vanishing Disney Redemption Dec 03, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 68 we talk about Hyatt’s amazing new promotion and why Shawn isn’t a huge fan of it. We also talk about end of year housekeeping, maxing out a Disney redemption before it vanishes, getting kickbacks for Amazon returns and much more.

Episode Notes

5:05 - All about Hyatt's new generous status offer

28:03 - Black Friday reflections

34:41 - End of year housekeeping

40:38 - Kohls Amazon returns

42:49 - An "old" United business class flight

43:40 - Using ThankYou points for Disney World Tickets

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Huge Reselling Blow, Black Friday Deals & Tips, Awesome Retention Offers Plus What We Are Thankful For Nov 26, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 67 we talk about a big blow to Best Buy resellers and the gift card game overall. We also discuss Black Friday deals, share some tips, discuss avoiding spending creep and recent retention offer data points. Lastly, we talk about what we are thankful for even in the train wreck of 2020.

Episode Notes

9:48 - Is Best Buy gift card reselling dead?

15:13 - Apple/Target gift card deal

18:35 - Week of Black Friday

20:00 - Walmart pickup is ruined

23:20 - Miscellaneous Black Friday tips

25:55 - Obscure credit card offerings that may or may not have value

32:56 - What we're grateful for

40:13 - Recent retention offer data points.

40:55 - Avoid spending creep

41:40 - Thanksgiving foods that won't get through TSA

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Was American Jailed For A Bad Review, New 5X Spending Bonuses & Is It Time To Plan A Disney Trip Nov 19, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 66 we talk about how an American was jailed for more than a bad review, some nice new 5X offers and if there are just too many to juggle right now. We also talk about planning for a post pandemic Disney trip, why you shouldn’t use our Platinum links and a ton more.

Episode Notes

9:00 - Jail time for a review?

17:18 - Citi 5X bonus

22:27 - Planning a post pandemic Disney World vacation

34:12 - Why you shouldn’t use our AMEX Platinum links

36:34 - Las Vegas Airport video

38:03 - Korean Air buys Asiana

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Tons Of Insane Welcome Offers, More Walmart Issues & Did Miraval Live Up To The Hype? Nov 12, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 65 we talk about some massive new welcome offers that were launched this week. We also discuss some more issues with liquidation at Walmart stores and Shawn gives us an overview of his Miraval stay and whether the juice is worth the squeeze or not.

Episode Notes

5:01 - New Chase Ink offers

8:13 - AMEX Platinum and Gold offers

14:15 - Co-branded airline card offers

17:46 - Walmart issues

22:30 - Miraval Tucson

41:26 - Getting hotel compensation

42:45 - Chase Avios bonus

44:09 - 22% off Hyatt stays

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Airport Discrimination Story, Country Hopping West Africa & What Are Points Really Worth? Nov 05, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 64 we have a special guest, Ryan from Miles to Memories. We discuss his recent trip to West Africia, how he was denied boarding, discriminate against in the airport and other shenanigans that happened along the way. We also talk about point valuations and play a fun game in the outtakes.

Episode Notes

2:43 - Mark in Vegas!

6:09 - Mile and point valuations

20:06 - Ryan's trip to Africa

21:53 - Adventures at the airport

29:20 - Dealing with tricky border crossings

37:37 - Flying to Mauritania (!?)

40:17 - Smoking in Casablanca

43:13 - Circa Tour Video

43:26 - Chase Sapphire Preferred first

44:53 - Maximizing Uber credits

48:37 - Bonus Segment! International Destination: Real or Fake?

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Walmart Money Order Issues, Amex Gold Refresh & Preparing for 4th quarter Oct 29, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 63 we discuss the Amex Gold refresh, some unfounded worries (at least for now) about money orders at Walmart and getting ready for Q4 reselling and gift buying.

Episode Notes

1:07 - Mark's flying!

6:51 - AMEX Gold changes

13:07 - Walmart MO concerns?

18:39 - Black Friday month long sales and preparations

30:19 - Citi Prestige 4th night free analysis

32:26 - Las Vegas casinos being sold?

33:21 - Disney layoffs and how you can help

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Wrongly Denied Boarding, New Chase Spending Offer & Prime Day Wins Oct 22, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 62 we discuss getting wrongfully denied to board a flight, Chase rolling out a new spending offer, an increased bonus ending and our favorite Prime Day wins. We also talk about Delta’s juicy status match offer and a shout out to the great Daryl Grove.

Episode Notes

6:00 - Prime Day

15:15 - New Chase spending offer

19:02 - Denied boarding for a flight??

27:32 - CSP increased bonus ending

28:50 - Delta status match offer

29:41 - Shoutout to Daryl Grove

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Popular Gift Card Deal Dead, New Anti Gaming Language & Racking Up Points With Retention Offers Oct 15, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 61 we discuss a popular gift card deal ending and what to do when a deal dies. We also talk about our latest retention offer wins and losses and best overall practices. Lastly, we discuss Citi adding some new anti gaming language, Centurion lounge reopenings, Vegas walking tours & more.

Episode Notes

9:54 - Taking advantage of retention offers

21:55 - RIP to a great gift card deal

29:03 - New Citi gaming restrictions?

35:34 - Centurion Lounges reopening

37:19 - Circa opening in Las Vegas

40:01 - Taking inventory of your credit cards

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Racking Up Rewards Without Spend, Why 5 Free Nights Are Bad & Shocking Vegas Violence Oct 08, 2020

Huge 100K Offer, Why Traveling With Kids Sucks & Chase Extends Popular Program Oct 01, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 59 we discuss why family travel sucks sometimes, the best miles for international first class and a massive 100K offer. We also talk about Chase extending their popular program, continued issues with the Hilton Surpass & much more.

Episode Notes

6:47 - Chase Pay yourself back extended

8:48 - 100K Cap One Venture offer

14:58 - Hilton Surpass continues to have issues with grocery spend

17:51 - Why family travel sucks

36:29 - A dark horse credit card

37:57 - Best miles for international first class travel

38:28 - End of month checklist

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When MS Turns Into Marriage, Saving Thousands With Everyday Rewards & Amazing Amex Offers Sep 24, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 58 we have a special guest, Grant Thomas from Travel with Grant. During the episode we talk about when MS turns into marriage, savings thousands using everyday rewards and Grant’s recent travels. We also give World of Hyatt & Delta customer service tips.

Episode Notes

5:45 - Introducing Grant

10:50 - Grant's current road trip to Carmel/Monterrey

16:24 - MSing a wife

22:38 - How did Travel with Grant start?

26:31 - The importance of community

31:38 - Saving $6K on Everyday Rewards

43:48 - World of Hyatt Customer Service Tip

44:28 - Tons of hotel AMEX offers

45:02 - Delta award ticket refunds tip

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Istanbul Trip Report, Tips For Using Turkish Miles & Cats Gone Wild Sep 17, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 57 we have a special guest, Ian Snyder, who talks about his recent international trip to Istanbul. We talk about the travel experience during the pandemic, customs, top sights in the city and all the dang cats! Ian also shares Turkish redemption tips, we talk about Hyatt’s amazing promo and maxing out the Hyatt Brand Explorer perk.

Episode Notes

3:25 - Introducing Ian

8:13 - Turkey basics

12:45 - Istanbul as a tourist

19:32 - Istanbul cats

22:39 - Immigration and customs during covid-19

26:45 - Turkish redemption tips

29:46 - Have any of Ian's 48 hour trips been affected by delays?

31:54 - Hyatt Brand Explorer

33:17 - 7 least visited countries

34:25 - Hyatt Bonus Journeys Promo

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Chase Flex Shenanigans, Flying To Buy Gift Cards & Why Using A Disney Travel Agent Makes Sense Sep 10, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 56 we discuss why people flew across the country for a gift card deal, how the rules keep changing for the Chase Flex card and how a travel agent can save the day at Disney. We also talk about the most popular posts of August, being the only person staying in a hotel & Vegas’ newest property.

Episode Notes

7:27 - Using a Disney travel agent

16:47 - Using Disney gift cards

20:17 - People flew from Texas to Michigan for gift card deal

24:18 - Chase freedom flex strategy

37:09 - August Top 5 Posts

38:11 - Circa construction tour

42:31 - Renting out an entire hotel

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When Pigs Fly: Chase Flexes Lineup, Target Pays & Airlines Eliminate Change Fees! Sep 03, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 55 we discuss Chase bringing the heat with their newest credit card launch. We also talk about airlines actually doing a customer friendly change, getting compensation from Target, the different types of US Passports & more.

Episode Notes

8:43 - New Vegas show!

10:52 - Chase Freedom FLEX and other changes

19:22 - Getting paid back by Target

23:52 - Airlines eliminate change fees

30:07 - US passport types

31:01 - Vegas visitor numbers

32:09 - Is the US Bank Altitude Reserve overrated?

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Staying Covid Free in Tonga, Getting Reacquainted with Citicards & A Cape Cod Trip Report Aug 27, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 54 we discuss what it is like living in a Covid free country, Chase shutdowns and reversals and Joe’s Cape Cod trip report. We also talk about playing the upgrade / downgrade game with Citi and how Mark lost brown bag roulette.

Episode Notes

1:12 - Natty Ice!

7:47 - Mortgage rates are super low

12:54 - Cape Cod trip report

19:10 - How Tonga has stayed covid-19 free

24:46 - Adventures with Citi applications and annual fees

33:52 - Chase shutdowns and reversals

36:45 - A great timeshare deal

38:44 - Don't make late payments!

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Our Next Credit Cards, Our Next Family Vacations & Our Evolving Travel Views Aug 20, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 53 we discuss the next credit card we have our eyes on, what our upcoming family travel plans look like and if our thoughts on travel have changed at all. We also talk about Aeroplan’s new award chart and its sweet spots, a new way to cash out ThankYou points and popular YouTube videos.

Episode Notes

7:57 - What are the next credit cards on our radar?

18:15 - Our family travel plans for the near future.

25:43 - Have our thoughts changed on travel?

34:13 - Aeroplan details and sweet spots

35:05 - New valuable Thank You Points cash out option

More info - https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/on-my-mind-shop-your-way-gift-cards-are-a-big-deal/

37:29 - Vegas and Laughlin YT videos

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Increased Amex Welcome Offers, Maximizing Southwest's New Offer & Vegas' Catastrophic Numbers Aug 13, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 52 we discuss maxing out Southwest’s new voucher system, how awful Vegas’ travel numbers look and some juicy new welcome offers on Amex cards. We also go over how to get credit from Amazon when they mess up and Aeroplan’s new award chart.

Episode Notes

7:58 - Aeroplan initial impressions

12:11 - Vegas crowds and numbers

24:00 - Southwest convert to points

34:15 - AMEX Gold and Platinum offers

35:33 - Getting paid for late Amazon shipments

37:56 - Choice Privileges Aspirational Options

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Trouble at the Lake House, Chase Extends Valuable New Feature & Apple's Gift Card Changer Aug 06, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 51 we discuss Chase extending the popular Pay Yourself Back feature, using travel hacking to pay for college, awesome Amex Offers & when a house inspection goes horribly wrong.

Episode Notes

1:33 - Choice Hotels CC

6:40 - Mark's Lake House update

13:08 - iTunes working for all Apple products, is it a good or bad change?

19:09 - Chase pay yourself extended

31:26 - Using miles and points to pay for college

33:44 - Dell and Staples AMEX offers

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Chase's Excellent Offer, Vacation Report & Being Stranded In A Foreign Country During The Pandemic Jul 30, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 50 we discuss Mark’s trip to a lake house, Chase’s awesome new grocery spend welcome offers and being stranded in a coronavirus free country.

Episode Notes

13:53 - Mark's lake trip

23:06 - Mark bought a house

29:18 - Chase Freedom and Freedom Unlimited New Offers

37:40 - Stranded in Tonga without the coronavirus

38:56 - Miraval BOGO promo

41:04 - Observation Deck with Tiny Urban Kitchen

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Five Must See Destinations, Hyatt Suites Bookable Online and Double Dipping Your Retirement Savings Jul 23, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 49 we discuss five places you should consider visiting that you haven’t before, whether Hyatt suites being bookable on points is a good or bad thing overall and how to invest credit card rewards into retirement for extra savings.

Episode Notes

5:57 - Hyatt suites bookable online with points

11:50 - How To Double Dip Your Credit Card's Cash Back Rate - Tax Free Earnings X2

19:54 - Five places you should visit

38:08 - Target Redcard perks

39:01 - iPhone class action lawsuit, claim $25 cash

40:28 - Analysis of the American Airlines DOT complaint response by Middle Age Miles

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Selling Your Credit Score, Are Amusement Parks Safe & When Reselling Turns Into Bankruptcy Jul 16, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 48 we discuss whether or not selling your credit for cash is worth it, are amusement parks safe right now and when reselling leads to huge losses. We also talk about earning those spouse points with Amex account manager, reminder to check your passports & more.

Episode Notes

5:49 - Disney is open, are amusement parks safe?

15:54 - Credit piggybacking

23:38 - TPM went bankrupt, how can you protect yourself in the future

31:57 - AMEX account manager

33:04 - Check your passport expirations

35:01 - MTM Youtube channel

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Chase Backtracks, Amex Clawbacks & Our Flashbacks To Our First International Travels Jul 09, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 47 we discuss Chase shutting down their bonus earning error, massive Amex clawbacks and reminisce about our first international travel experiences. We also talk about the best bank bonuses out there right now, amazing Vegas hotel rates & more.

Episode Notes

9:35 - Chase 5X was an error

15:14 - AMEX RAT claws back Hilton, Delta and Bonvoy points.

21:36 - American Airlines lawsuit shows how far they will dig. (h/t paxex.aero)

24:16 - Remembering our first international trips.

40:01 - The best nation wide bank bonuses this month

41:18 - Vegas has amazing hotel rates (practically free)

42:23 - Fluz Shop Small codes for Amex.

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10x on Chase Sapphire Reserve, Advice for Beginners and Covid Vacations Jul 02, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 46 we discuss the newest spending bonuses on the Chase Sapphire cards. We also talk about things we knew when we first started this hobby, a potential Vegas shakeup and vacations we would take right now if we could.

Episode Notes

7:36 - Chase Sapphire Reserve new bonuses

13:02 - What we wish we knew when we were beginners

21:40 - Covid's got us thinking of traveling to _____

31:08 - The international flying experience right now

32:34 - AMEX Platinum credits

33:07 - Luxor closing?

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4 Card AMEX Wallet, Disney Ticket Reservations and Wynn Calls Us Scammers Jun 25, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 45 we discuss Wynn calling customers scammers, Vegas paying people to wear masks and the perfect 4 card Amex wallet. We also discuss how to get your Disney reservations set up, issues with Virgin Atlantic miles & how to max out Citi ThankYou point earning.

Episode Notes

7:05 - Wynn calls people scammers for using comp promo

13:26 - Vegas casino gives free slot play for wearing masks

18:25 - How to get Disney reservations for the reopening and beyond

25:48 - The perfect AMEX 4 card wallet

27:01 - Blue Cash and Everyday cards

30:59 - Delta cards

36:55 - Hilton cards

42:02 - Business cards

46:04 - Virgin Atlantic and Delta problems?

47:17 - Citi TYP maximization

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Cashing Out Ultimate Rewards, Mask Shaming Experience & Why We Don't Give Friends Travel Advice Jun 18, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 44 we discuss the ugly side of mask shaming and Mark’s recent experience. We also discuss upgrading to the CSR, cashing out Ultimate Rewards points, why we don’t talk to friends about miles and points anymore & much more.

Episode Notes

5:53 - Talking to friends about miles and points

15:50 - Mask shaming is ugly & Mark’s recent experience.

24:19 - CSR upgrade & cashout plans

31:53 - Strange business questions from American Express

33:08 - Chase 3Q Freedom categories

35:21 - Disney reopening dates are set

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New Vegas Meet Old Vegas, Travel Fears & Our Future Bookings Jun 11, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 43 we discuss Vegas opening back up, how it is different and how it hasn’t changed. We also discuss Shawn’s recent travels and what it felt like to be on the road plus upcoming travel plans.

Episode Notes

10:34 - Las Vegas reopened!

26:48 - Our summer travel plans

35:57 - Universal Orlando re-opening

37:23 - Chase Sapphire Reserve 5X

38:02 - Tri-state area travel restrictions to Florida

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Dealing With Negative Amex Changes, Identity Theft & New Reasons For Canceling Travel May 28, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 42 we discuss negative Amex changes, new reasons for cancelling travel and what is like to fly during the pandemic. We also talk about Vegas, theme parks and casinos in general opening back up, maximizing Amex credits and identity theft.

Episode Notes

3:12 - Vegas and other locations reopening

9:11 - AMEX's old but new four credit card limit

15:30 - Cancelling travel and avoiding travel shaming

27:08 - Someone applied for a credit card in my name!

36:26 - Recent flying experience during the pandemic

37:04 - Maximizing new AMEX credits

38:03 - Theme parks reopening

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Talking FIRE, House Sitting & Travel Hacking with GoWithLess May 21, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 41 Shawn and Mark sit down with Amy & Tim from Go With Less to talk all things FIRE, retiring early, travel hacking, house sitting and everything in between.

Episode Notes

1:16 - Introducing Go with Less

7:50 - Learning about FIRE

13:51 - Youtube channel

18:07 - has COVID-19 changed FIRE calculations

22:33 - House sitting

30:23 - Travel hacking on the road

39:44 - Travel hacking advice

45:00 - Best money advice

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Canceling Amazon Prime, Is Chase 5/24 Worth The Sacrifice & A Disney Reopening May 14, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 40 we discuss if Amazon Prime is still worth it or should we give it the boot, is Chase 5/24 worth waiting for and the first Disney park reopens. Plus we discuss a mini application spree, great Hyatt free night cert redemptions and a 20% Marriott discount you can lock in now.

Episode Notes

5:36 - Should we cancel Amazon prime?

13:49 - Shanghai Disneyland and Disney Springs openings

19:49 - Will the US Disney parks open soon? (no, probably not)

26:24 - Getting under 5/24 - is it still worth it?

34:27 - A mini application spree

35:49 - Best non US low category Hyatts

38:34 - Marriott gift cards on sale

43:00 - Charity for the troops and 60K AA offer

Cuarantine Cay 5K for Give Kids the World

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Vegas Reopening, New Credit Card Benefits and Changes May 07, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 39 we discuss the massive amount of credit card refreshes and perk changes from Citi, Chase and Amex. We also discuss Vegas reopening and what it will look like, the best nationwide bank bonuses and an amazing video of planes parked across the country.

Episode Notes

1:23 - Chase card refresh and benefit changes.

7:40 - Citi card refresh and benefit changes. (AA Exec card $225 credit)

13:10 - Is Las Vegas reopening soon?

30:26 - AMEX card refresh and benefit changes.

Platinum and Centurion credits
Business card credits
$200 statement credits
New Hilton card benefits
MSing to lifetime Hilton Diamond (Miles per Day)

41:47 - The best nationwide bank bonuses.

42:46 - Awesome video of planes parked on the runway.

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

AMEX Rumors, Tightened Credit Card Restrictions and Planning Future Trips Apr 30, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 38 we discuss what our first trips will look like after the pandemic and will they will be. We also talk about Chase and other banks cracking down on new applications, Amex refreshing their card lineup & Chase’s new retention process plus much more.

Episode Notes

7:28 - What will our first trips look like after the pandemic?

19:27 - Chase & others cracking down on credit card applications.

25:49 - AMEX card refresh rumors

30:19 - The IRS website update for people still looking for a stimulus check.

31:25 - Awesome Disney flyover video while the park is abandoned.

32:00 - Chase’s new retention offer pop-up. Is it good or bad for us?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 37 - Earning Miles and Points from Home, Reselling Updates and Best Dining Experiences Apr 23, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 37 we discuss how we are racking up miles and points while at home and discuss our most memorable dining experience while traveling. Shawn also announces a new Disney podcast, we play would you rather travel edition and of course outtakes!

Episode Notes

0:00 - Life updates

8:08 - Disney Hacks podcast

10:48 - How are we earning miles and points during quarantine?

21:49 - Best dining experience

28:39 - Would you rather?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 36 - Social Distance Rules in Hong Kong, Sign Up Bonus Extensions and Companies Treating Customers Well Apr 16, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 36 we discuss how social distancing is being handled in different countries and how much tougher the school system is. We also talk about cards we have been downgrading to avoid the large annual fees and banks giving minimum spending requirements. Lastly we discuss companies that are getting it right and others that messed the bed during the pandemic.

Episode Notes

5:00 - Social distancing in Hong Kong

10:08 - Credit card downgrades and cancellations

14:17 - Minimum spend requirement time extensions

17:02 - Companies getting it right

24:19 - Would you rather?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 35 - Relief for Small Businesses, Sanitizating Strategies and Would You Rather? Apr 09, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 35 we catch up on life at home, play a travel centric game of would you rather and talk about the stimulus / relief options available to small business owners. We also talk about our process for sanitizing groceries and food delivery and an update on Miles to Memories and a big thank you to our readers and listeners!

Episode Notes

0:00 - Catching up

11:32 - Small business loans

16:54 - Would you rather?

24:57 - Our new normal, sanitizing our deliveries

32:41 - MTM going forward and thank you!

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 34 - The Future of Sign Up Bonuses, Finding the Best Deals and Trip Cancellations with Mark Jackson of Brad's Deals Apr 02, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 34 Shawn and Mark sit down with Mark Jackson of Brad’s Deals.

We discuss how to find the best deals, how to earn extra income right now and our favorite miles & points redemptions. We also talk about Mark’s background, how he joined Brad’s Deals and dealing with our many travel cancellations.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Who is Mark Jackson?

4:40 - How Mark ended up at Brad's Deals

7:45 - How credit card sign up bonuses and offers might change in light of recent events

11:34 - Finding the best deals, currently hitting any travel deals?

20:15 - How to earn extra income right now from bank bonuses, etc.

25:45 - Mark's favorite miles and points redemptions

31:22 - Dealing with trip cancellations

35:22 - What will Disney look like when it reopens?

39:22 - Money saving tips

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Ep. 33 - Unique Amsterdam Toilets, Vegas Goes Quiet, and Should You Convert Your Points to Cash? Mar 26, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 33 Joe and Shawn talk about whether or not we should be cashing in miles and points to use for other things. We also discuss an eerie and quiet Vegas and Disney. We give you an update of our homelife and wearing our new hats as homeschooling teachers. Plus Mark shares his funny Amsterdam toilet story.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Updates on home life and how week 2 of sheltering in place is going

8:41 - Home schooling challenges

15:01 - Vegas and Disney go dark

20:12 - Is now the time to turn points into cash?

29:14 - Mark's experience with Amsterdam street toilets

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Ep. 32 - Turkeys, Hotel Status Going Forward, and Dat Quarantine Life Mar 19, 2020

Episode Description

Mark shares his story about a wild turkey attacking him, we all discuss what it is like social distancing at home with our families. We share some tips on free programs the kids can use while at home. We also discuss Disney & Las Vegas’ complete shut down, hotel status going further and the outtakes are pretty epic!

Episode Notes

4:18 - Wild turkeys attack Mark

12:13 - Life at home in the age of social distancing

18:18 - Isolation clusters

23:26 - The future of delivery services and how important they are.

26:28 - Hyatt Centric tries to rip Shawn off

28:19 - What's going to happen to hotel status qualification?

29:05 - Disney's shutdown

35:46 - Las Vegas casinos close

39:30 - Miles to Memories going forward and what we plan on covering for the time being.

41:38 - Some free online resources for kids that we're using

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Ep. 31 - Coronavirus, Coronavirus, and a Hot Cruise Tip Mar 11, 2020

Episode Description

With coronavirus at the forefront of our minds, we discuss how it has affected our upcoming travel. We also debate the economic effects on the travel industry and how it might affect miles and points in the long term. Plus, some crunchy outtakes.

Episode Notes

0:56 - How coronavirus is affecting our planned (and unplanned) travel (Shawn's Hyatt Globalist extension) 12:45 - The coronavirus effect on the travel industry 19:11 - Will coronavirus lead to some good miles and points deals? 30:42 - Working from home 33:23 - Las Vegas buffets on hiatus 34:42 - A benefit of owning cruise stock right now

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 30 - Coronavirus Updates, Chase Sapphire Reserve Decision and How Miles to Memories Makes Money Mar 05, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 30 we talk Coronavirus sweeping the world and if we are changing any of our travel plans and how to save money on upcoming travel because of it. Plus we give you a peak behind the curtain on how Miles to Memories (and other blogs) make money. Lastly, we break down how we decide on spending cash or points for travel.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Coronavirus travel updates (personal and at large)

16:14 - Chase is putting CSR cardholders in a tough spot

21:36 - How Miles to Memories & all blogs make money - a view behind the curtain

34:56 - Do we spend cash or miles for flights and how do we decide?

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 29 - AMEX Rat Claws Back Airline Incidentals, Alaska Joins Oneworld and Corporations Don't Need Our Defending Feb 27, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 29 we talk about Amex clawing back airline incidental credits, why do people continue to defend corporations and Amex popup data points. We also talk about negative FHR changes in Vegas, a new centurion lounge and Alaska joining Oneworld.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Shawn's at Disneyland again (shocker)

4:25 - Will the novel coronavirus affect Joe's upcoming travel?

6:57 - Hyatt Regency Orange County impressions

9:50 - AMEX RAT claws back refunded airline incidentals

18:19 - Why do we defend corporations? Let's not.

30:17 - Alaska joining Oneworld

34:27 - AMEX popup from referals

36:32 - Negative Amex FHR change

39:14 - Centurion CLT lounge open

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 28 - Hyatt Changes, Visa Troubles and Who Got Shutdown by AA? Feb 20, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 28 we talk about the toughest countries to visit, the good & bad of the recent Hyatt changes, Joe’s American Airlines shutdown and Alaska joining Oneworld plus their stealth devaluation. We also discuss getting 20% off Netflix and organizing your busy travel calendar.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Visiting Daytona Beach

7:49 - Shawn's on a t-shirt!

10:39 - New september meetup dates

12:59 - Hyatt category changes, the good and the bad

20:06 - Tough countries to visit and visa stories

28:24 - Who got shutdown by AAdvantage

39:24 - Alaska joins Oneworld and stealth devalues Singapore redemptions

40:47 - New website!

42:01 - Organizing your travel calendar with family

44:33 - Sofi 20% off Netflix promo

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Ep. 27 - New Orleans Meetup, 100K Bonus and Bonvoyed Again Feb 13, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 27 we talk about our recent event in New Orleans and more of Mark’s craziness. We also discuss the Marriott devaluation, Southwest’s 100K offer, seeing celebrities while traveling, the easiest airline status and tons more!

Episode Notes

0:00 - New Orleans meetup wrap up

5:00 - New Orleans as a city, flights, hotels, Biloxi

14:26 - Joe's weekend away

17:48 - Credit card draft

19:31 - Southwest 100K credit card bonus

24:40 - Celebrity sightings while traveling

32:02 - Bonvoy me twice...

36:09 - Alaska status is the easiest to earn

37:32 - Hyatt double points promo

39:01 - Disney price increases

41:23 - New Priority Pass restaurant in Seattle

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 26 - Coronavirus Concerns, Flagship Lounge at JFK and Mark's Ridiculous Cathay Pacific First Class Review Feb 06, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 26 we talk about Mark’s recent Cathay Pacfic first class flight and how he thinks it may be overrated. We also discuss the Coronavirus, everyone getting slammed with 1099’s, the best co-branded hotel cards & more!

Episode Notes

0:00 - AA web specials for the win and New Orleans meetup

5:09 - 1099’s from Chase and American Express

7:29 - Coronavirus and how it changes our travel patterns

16:17 - How Mark booked his Cathay First flight

19:09 - JFK AA Flagship Lounge and First Dining review

24:16 - Cathay’s service and food review, and hilarity ensues

32:50 - Thoughts on the seat and hard product

35:34 - Final thoughts overall and why it may be overrated

37:10 - How to match to Caesars Diamond now

38:41 - Bizarre credit card that you can’t use to buy anything

40:05 - 5 best co-branded hotel cards

40:46 - 5 great Spirit Airlines tips

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 25 - New United Card, No More Points Breaks and Uber Shutdowns Jan 30, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 25 we talk about Americans horrible new seats, Uber shutdowns and a massive new 100K welcome offer. We also discuss the newest Centurion lounge, Pointbreaks going away and Singapore’s new hold cost plus plenty more!

Episode Notes

0:00 - Mark is getting excited for Cathay first this weekend!

4:54 - Shawn gives his thoughts on the new American Airlines Oasis seating

7:04 - Thoughts on the new Phoenix Centurion lounge

10:02 - New Chase United card with massive 100K welcome offer.

15:59 - Pointsbreaks seems to be done for good.

21:21 - Uber locks accounts that loaded gift cards

27:27 - Is Lyft Pink actually more expensive?

30:16 - Hotel category changes coming to Wyndham hotels.

31:46 - Singapore now charges a $25 hold fee.

33:25 - New Chase contactless offer

34:34 - Chase is sending out 1099’s for referrals

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 24 - Getting Seats with Basic Economy, Under 5/24 Strategy and an Atlantis Disaster Jan 23, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 24 we talk about traveling about Shawn’s Atlantis disaster, what to do when you are under Chase 5/24 and how the largest mall in America is an epic fail . We also talk about flying basic economy with kids, Amazon’s awesome deal and our favorite posts of 2019.

Episode Notes

0:00 America’s largest mall & visiting NYC

11:16 Game plan for when you are under Chase 5/24

17:57 Should you book basic economy with kids?

25:19 Shawn’s recent stay at the Atlantis

28:22 Why the Atlantis is one of the worst run hotels out there

50:56 20% off Amazon up to $50

52:02 Baha Mar playing games with Shawn’s Hyatt booking

52:45 Our favorite articles of 2019

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 23 - What's the Best Chase Card, 120K Hotel Offer and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Jan 16, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 23 we talk about traveling after a tragedy, if the Ink Preferred is now the best Chase card and Uber’s changes in California. We also talk about Shawn’s thoughts on Rise of the Resistance maxing out Aeroplan miles and Radisson’s increased welcome offer.

Episode Notes

0:00 Checking in about our recent trips

8:06 Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge & Rise Of The Resistance

17:51 How to get on Rise Of The Resistance

20:53 Plane shot down by 2 missiles & traveling after a tragedy

26:07 Is the Ink Preferred now the best Chase card?

32:05 Maxing out Aeroplan in 2020

33:53 New Staples gift card deal

34:29 Increased Radisson offer

38:06 Uber changes things in response to new California law.

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 22 - Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes, 100,000 Hilton Points and Is Loyalty a Scam? Jan 09, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 22 we talk about the CSR devaluation, an amazing timeshare offer and whether or not loyalty programs and status are a sham. Shawn also previews his thoughts on Baha Mar so far and how to find mistake rates plus all of the best deals of the week. Don’t forget about the outtakes either!

Episode Notes

5:29 - Shawn gives his initial thoughts on Baha Mar

11:27 - How we find out about mistake rates

13:09 - Are loyalty programs and status a complete sham?

25:06 - The Chase Sapphire Reserve has some major (negative) changes.

34:14 - 100K in points and 4 nights for $349

38:16 - Half off awards on Fiji Airways with Alaska miles

39:37 - Is a Disney annual pass worth the cost

40:27 - A crazy scam and riding a bus across the country

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 21 - Is AMEX Platinum Worth It, Beginning of the Year Checklist and the Park Hyatt NY Jan 02, 2020

Episode Description

In episode 21 we discuss why the Amex Platinum isn’t worth the fee, our checklist for 2020 & our thoughts on the Park Hyatt NYC. We also discuss our recent travels, the latest deals and Shawn absolutely kills the outtakes!

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

05:45 Country Inn & Suites/Radisson
13:43 Amex Platinum Discussion
23:34 Park Hyatt New York - Suite Stay
32:36 Beginning of the Year Stuff to Do
38:10 Hyatt 40 Night Benefit Selection
40:12 Shopping Portal Guide for 2020
41:54 Sam’s Club Amex Offer
42:22 Cards with Primary Car Rental Insurance

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 20 - The Arrogance Of This Hobby, Baha Mar Mistake Fares, Elite Status Plans for 2020 & Issues With Rakuten Dec 26, 2019

Episode Description

In episode 20 we discuss the negative side of this hobby, the one perk or loophole we love for 2020 and sweet spots with Avios. We also discuss an awesome American status match, our upcoming elite status plans and issues with Rakuten. Thanks to Bethany from Bougie Miles for standing in!

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

2:00 - Star Wars Review (No Spoilers!)

6:30 - Hitting up Baha Mar mistake rates in January

9:00 - Using Caesars Diamond Atlantis Perk

14:00 - The negative side of this hobby - arrogant and condescending people

16:30 - People are given a hard time about domestic travel

18:50 - Judging people for not flying first class with your miles and points

20:35 - Correcting people with no tact

22:15 - It is okay to go back to the same place more than once.

24:15 - The one perk, benefit or loophole we love for 2020.

28:00 - Mark’s painful upcoming flight that will mean two days without a shower or bed

29:15 - Delta Status Challenge for 2020

33:50 - Mileage Running for AA Gold

35:30 - Mark's Elite Status for 2020

36:45 - Hyatt Regency Portland First Look

38:15 - Issues with Rakuten - Check Your Payouts

39:55 - Founderscard American Airlines Elite Challenge

41:20 - Best ways to redeem BA Avios

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 19 - Best Credit Cards for Dining, Intro to Gift Card Reselling and AA Shutdowns Dec 19, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 19 we discuss the latest with American Airlines account shut downs, the best cards for dining and a quick review of the best Hyatt Regency in the US. We also talk about gift card reselling for miles and points and go over all of the best deals of the week.

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

2:29 - Joe gives you some updates on his credit card applications

8:54 - We discuss the best credit cards for dining.

10:12 - American Express Gold card

12:19 - Citi Prestige card

14:54 - Chase Sapphire Reserve

17:29 - The rest of the best for dining

20:58 - Shawn gives a quick hotel review on two Hyatt San Francisco properties.

29:55 - How to get started in gift card reselling.

43:46 - Chase Freedom’s first quarter categories and our plan of attack.

46:23 - Lots of airline portal bonuses.

47:34 - American Airlines account shut downs.

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 18 - Hyatt Devaluation, Skipping Southwest's Companion Pass & The New Star Wars Ride Dec 12, 2019

Episode Description

In episode 18 we discuss our why The Companion Pass may be overvalued, getting top American Airlines status for free & how awesome Rise of the Resistance is. We also talk about Hyatt’s recent devaluation, what programs allow points pooling & a Vegas landmark being sold.

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

240 Joe talks about how awesome Rise of the Resistance is - no spoilers!
1222 Hyatt Globablists are being targeted for free Executive Platinum staus with American Airlines
1910 The Southwest Companion Pass isn’t all it cracks up to be.
2512 We discuss the recent Hyatt devaluation
3049 There are a ton more programs that allow points pooling than we thought
3142 RIO Hotel in Vegas has officially sold
3543 It is possible to get a CNB Crystal Infinite Visa refund
3719 You can still cash in your Hyatt free night certs for points (YMMV)

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 17 - Is Black Friday a Scam, Hitting Bonuses with Plastiq and a Credit Card Disaster Dec 05, 2019

Episode Description

In episode 17 we discuss our favorite Black Friday deals and if they are really deals. We also talk about using Plastiq to rack up points, a massive Hyatt card offer, traveling to the UK is cheaper for kids, deals and Joe’s horrific Thanksgiving story.

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

2:29 - What was our favorite Black Friday deal & is it a scam?

7:50 - Tips for finding the best deals during Black Friday/Cyber Monday

13:34 - Using Plastiq to earn a Hyatt free night

17:22 - Other plastiq ideas

20:56 - Joe’s Hyatt dilemma in real time

23:37 - Have you overpaid for your family flights to the UK?

27:55 - Massive targeted World of Hyatt credit card offer

28:50 - 10% back in Discover cashback via mobile wallet

29:19 - Get 10% off Target gift cards this Sunday

32:01 - Joe’s horrific Thanksgiving story

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.6% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $50 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 16 - MTM Thank Yous, Priority Pass and Tipping Debates Nov 28, 2019

Episode Description

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! In this pre-recorded episode we discuss what we're thankful for in miles and points, debate proper tipping protocol and discuss how we're prepping for miles and points in 2020. We also discuss the best Priority Pass memberships you can get with credit cards and end with some extended Thanksgiving outtakes that you may (or may not) be thankful for!

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

1:08 - What we're thankful for in the miles and points world 6:59 - Tipping overseas. When to tip? Where to tip? Why is it so confusing sometimes?! (Some tipping food for thought). 17:31 - Preparing for the new year and earning tons of miles and points in 2020. Finishing up travel credits, running for elite status and more 25:43 - Best Priority Pass memberships via credit card Once again, thanks for listening and hope everyone celebrating Thanksgiving has a great holiday!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.6% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $50 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 15 - Special Chase Credit Card Offers, Holiday Spending Strategies and Holiday Travel Tips Nov 21, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 15, we take a look at the special Chase "black star" credit card offers and how you can get them, discuss our strategies for holiday spending and chat about why we don't love traveling over the holidays. Will there be outtakes? Only one way to find out!

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

1:02 - Recent and upcoming trips

7:06 - Hong Kong updates

10:27 - Chase "black star" credit card pre-approvals and why they're special (how to de-link your personal and business accounts)

19:16 - Holiday spending strategies and tips 24:52 - Target 10% off and gift card reselling 29:31 - Holiday travel thoughts and tips 34:58 - New and improved Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare deal 36:29 - Newly announced American Airlines routes 37:35 - Disney 4 park magic ticket 38:47 - You can still book Turkish flights online

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.6% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $50 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 14 - Status Matches, Avoiding Shutdowns, and More Bulk Toiletries Nov 14, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 14 we discuss status matching airline status, avoiding shutdowns and the hotel toiletries trend. We talk about AA's negative change, Vegas resort & Hilton's easy offer.

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:56 - VegasDO recap

4:20 - Has Joe found a way into his wife's good credit card graces? (Spoiler alert: probably not!)

10:09 - Disney+ tangent

12:07 - The value of status matching (Shawn's recent experiences)

21:09 - Ad break

22:12 - Are we good customers in the banks eyes? Can we be? (A recent Chase shutdown and revival story)

2827 - Toilet(tries) talk (Hyatt moving to bulk toiletries)

34:32 - Everything is gross

38:09 - AA web specials not showing up on partners

40:20 - New and unimproved Las Vegas resort fees for 2020

40:59 - 5000 points for a phone timeshare pitch (h/t DoC)

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.6% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $50 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 13 - Two Player Mode with an Unwilling Participant, So Long CNB, and Family Travel Nov 07, 2019

Episode Description

In episode 13 we discuss more Amex shutdowns, CNB nuking their beloved card and tips for family travel. We also talk about Joe's unique 2 player mode set up, ANA around the world tickets, money making deals & other great tips!

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:53 - Amex RAT shutting down accounts and further clawbacks

4:51 - City National Bank guts its Visa Infinite card

10:32 - Tips for family travel

15:57 - Break

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Podcast SoFi Investment referral link

17:34 - Two player mode with an unwilling participant

31:28 - Redeeming ANA miles for premium cabins

32:03 - Discover 2020 quarterly bonuses

34:23 - Mint coin deal (big ROI)

37:10 - Virgin Atlantic low award cancellation fees (via Frequent Miler)

39:06 - Kroger limiting gift card purchases

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.6% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $100 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 12 - The Scariest Threats to the Miles and Points Hobby Oct 31, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 12 we discuss the SoFi & American Airlines award frenzies. We also discuss what our fears are for the hobby going forward, upcoming travels and how we plan for them, how to save at Disney & Waldorf Astoria plus other deals. Happy Halloween!

If you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

3:30 - SoFi Money - not too late to get an easy $50 or more

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9:29 - American AAdvantage Web Specials - did we get cheap flights to the South Pacific?

15:41 - Halloween Special - our fears about what could go "wrong" for miles and points enthusiasts. what would scare us the most?

- Interchange fee decreases leading to decreased rewards

- Banks cracking down further on credit card sign up rules

- World of Hyatt no longer being a Chase transfer partner

23:23 - Our current miles and points earning and savings strategies for upcoming trips

31:43 - Waldorf Astoria Resort Credit Offer (link)

33:02 - Save 15% on Disney gift cards! (link)

34:56 - The AMEX Green Card revamp - is it any good?

37:02 - Guide to round the world tickets (link)

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.8% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $100 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 11 - The Amex RAT Strikes Again Oct 24, 2019

Episode Description

In episode 11 we discuss the Amex RAT out in full force, Hyatt's terrible room charge policy, NYC's hidden gem plus the Chicago Seminars and only the best deals!

Be sure to check out some of our favorite miles and points podcasts, We Travel There, Miles to Go, and Now Boarding!

Also, if you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:58 - Chicago Seminars

4:17 - Miles to Memories VegasDO (details!)

8:28 - Hyatt Room Charges, Problem Resolution & Watching Card Charges

15:35 - Break

16:42 - The Amex RAT is back on the attack

28:20 - How to slay the Amex pop-up

30:28 - New Sesame Place opening in California

32:23 - 5x Ultimate Rewards opportunities (Office Depot/Max and Staples)

33:29 - Roosevelt Island in NYC

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.8% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $100 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 10 - Our Favorite No Annual Fee Cards and Tales from Orlando Oct 17, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 10 we discuss our recent travels, timeshare presentations, our favorite no annual fee cards and why you should bill everything back to your room. We also give you some tips on some great deals and the best outtakes yet!

This episode is sponsored by the new MtM Award Booking Service - save time and stress and let MtM book your awards for you!

Also, if you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Joe at Disney

3:20 - Mark at Universal

7:25 - How Mark handles timeshare presentations and how he saved on his hotel

13:18 - A Disney hotel for adults?

16:26 - Final Delta Vacations Update - getting some money back

19:52 - Pro tip: charging things to your hotel room

24:07 - Break

25:07 - Our favorite no annual fee credit cards and ones we don't us much (read more on the best no annual fee cards)

32:05 - No lifetime limit American Express credit card sign ups

33:51 - Citi in branch higher bonus offers

35:44 - Sakura Card and $200

38:10 - The Grand Hyatt SFO is open!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.8% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $100 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 09 - Rough Hotel Experiences and How Much Value Chase Has Lost Oct 10, 2019

Episode Description

We discuss some of our roughest hotel experiences ever and debate how much value Chase Ultimate Rewards and Chase in general has lost with all the recent changes. In outtakes we find out why we never record in the morning.

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Freely, the MtM recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Pain points when prepping for travel

3:54 - Rough hotel experiences and trips

19:43 - Break

20:38 - How much value has Chase lost with all the new changes? (United partner booking changes.)

28:55 - Timeshare offers and "reconsideration"

30:58 - Sofi Money - (MtM full review and our referral link)

33:14 - Amazon and Chase Ultimate Rewards Promotion

33:50 - The Plastic Merchant Bankruptcy

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform!

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want some easy money? SoFi Money is offering $50 for signing up through our referral link and funding your account with $100. It only takes 2-3 minutes! Get 1.8% APY and unlimited ATM reimbursements worldwide with no monthly fees and no hoops to jump through for an easy $50 bonus! Then get $100 when you refer your friends!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 08 - Traveling Despite Travel Advisories and AMEX Delta Card Changes Oct 03, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 8 we talk about the violence in Cancun and how we deal with traveling to places deemed dangerous. We also take a deep look at the Delta credit card changes and increased offers, talk about quirky first class travels, various news and deal topics plus outtakes.

This episode is sponsored by the new MtM Award Booking Service - save time and stress and let MtM book your awards for you!

Also, if you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

1:22 - Upcoming travel plans

7:27 - How we handle traveling to places that might be deemed dangerous by some (Decapitation in Mexico)

16:38 - Break, check out the new MtM Award Booking Service!

17:40 - AMEX Delta credit card changes

30:47 - Our quirkiest first class experiences (Cheapest ways to experience international first class)

37:20 - Global Entry renewal timeframe

37:42 - AMEX Uber credit fixed

39:21 - More 5X deals at office supply stores, 5X deals we miss

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 07 - Citi Double Cash Transfers to TYP and Happy Guy Issues Sep 26, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 7 we discuss Citi DoubleCash becoming the IT card, how Vegas casinos are being bought and sold at a record pace and Home Depot draining gift cards. We end with some quick deals plus some outtakes!

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Disney Deciphered, a podcast helping you save money, time, and stress on your Disney vacation.

Also, if you're looking for a way to organize your credit cards, check out Travel Freely, the Miles to Memories recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:00 - What we've been up to: Mark's visit to Yankee Stadium and various Disney trip planning stories from Shawn and Joe

6:55 - Issues with gift cards bought at Home Depot with Happy Guy cards

12:05 - Vegas Casino News (link)

19:15 - Miles to Memories Vegas meetup

20:40 - Break

21:46 - Citi Double Cash points to be transferable to Thank You Points

30:20 - Discover auto converting IT cards to IT Miles? (link)

32:29 - Chase checking and savings bonuses ($600)

34:27 - Hawaiian introduces basic economy

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 06 - Debating Resort Fees and Our Travel Addictions(?) Sep 19, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 6 of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss travel addiction, Twitter fights, credit card rumors and debate resort fees plus how to fix them. We also go over the best deals for the week and outtakes finish off the episode.

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Freely, the MtM recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:00 - Banter and how do you pronounce VRBO?

4:18 - Resort Fees - what is the ideal way we want to see these handled? Does Marriott's new "resort fee as a percentage of stay cost" help or hurt miles and points users? Did Shawn start a Twitter fight? (Frequent Miler post on percentage resort fees working out for him)

15:33 - Rumor Mill - CNB Crystal Visa Infinite card changing their airline incidental credit? Is the card still worth keeping?

20:53 - Break

22:54 - A discussion about travel addiction and how it affects us and our miles and points game. (Mark's thoughts about his experiences here and here)

34:07 - Don't be a troll

36:09 - Quick Hits: Hotel and Car Rental Promotion Roundup

39:20 - Quick Hits: Chase Freedom 4th Quarter categories and strategy

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform!

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 05 - The FOMO and Stress of Deals, More Vegas Fees and CardCon Trip Report Sep 12, 2019

Episode Description

In episode 5 we discuss resisting every deal and beating FOMO for your own sanity. We dive into Las Vegas' latest despicable fee and how resort fees in general are getting out of control. Shawn and Mark also give an overview of their week at FinCon and CardCon and why meetups and conferences are important in this space. They also overview their stay at the Park Hyatt in DC, go over some quick deals and there are some outtakes of course!

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Freely, the MtM recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

$1400 RT in business class to Japan

1:33 - How the Delta Vacations deal went wrong for Joe (temporarily)

6:12 - The stress that sometimes comes with "good deals" and when good deals go bad (Shawn's Jetblue account getting hacked)

12:55 - What causes our FOMO and dealing with it

20:00 - Break

22:10 - Cardcon and Fincon trip report, the value of networking

33:56 - Park Hyatt DC Impressions (Trip Advisor reviews)

39:14 - Las Vegas introducing more dumb fees h/t View from the Wing (Tips for avoiding Vegas resort fees)

46:10 - Quick Hits (Discover stacking, AA portal bonus)

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform!

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 04 - Our Most Useless Cards, Retention Calls and the Delta Vacations Deal Sep 05, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 4 of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the most useless cards we carry and why we still hold onto them. We take a deep dive into retention calls: how to do them, what to say and why they are important. We wrap up the episode discussing the amazing Delta vacations offer (expires Friday 9/6) plus some quick hit deals & of course outtakes!

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Freely, the MtM recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

0:00 - What we've been up to: Hanging out in Northern Michigan, adjusting Hong Kong travel, and upcoming conferences

6:23 - Upcoming Miles to Memories meetups 7:24 - Retention calls: What are they, what are best practices, and tips and tricks (Citi Retention strategy guide) 20:28 - Break 23:29 - Our most useless/least used credit cards in our collections 30:20 - How we handled the Delta Vacations Deal (still good until Friday, September 6th!) 42:03 - Quick hits: Chase adds Emirates, Fee Free Visa Gift Cards at Staples, Priority Pass price increases, and British Airways Visa surcharge rebates

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform!

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 03 - Business Credit Cards and Pressure on the Miles and Points Hobby Aug 29, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 3 we discuss the awesome Delta Vacations deal, Hilton & Hyatt promos, IHG’s garbage accelerate promo and National’s awesome rent 2 get 1 free promo. We go into detail on business credit cards: How tough is it to get them and who is eligible for them? On our hot topic of the week we discuss whether or not the miles & points hobby is dead or dying. Plus we got some outtakes yo!!!

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Freely, the MtM recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

For more in depth discussion, click the links in the timestamps!

2:34 - Discussing the Delta Vacations deal (expires 8/30)

5:25 - Applying for business credit cards (What still earns 5X on Chase Ink?)

10:51 - Our favorite and most used business cards

15:24 - One of the hosts has never heard of CC roulette

17:03 - Break

18:38 - Are miles and points dead? What pressure is the hobby currently facing and what might be coming in the future?

32:01 - Hilton Honors paid stay promo

34:05 - Some Hyatt hotels on sale (link)

35:39 - IHG accelerate promotion

36:21 - National's 1-2-Free Promotion

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform!

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 02 - Atlantic City Status Matches, Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and the Apple Card Aug 24, 2019

Episode Description

In Episode 2 we discuss how to max out Atlantic City status matches and come home a winner. We also discuss Star Wars Galaxy Edge at Disney World and how it compares to its Westcoast counterpart. We wrap up the episode discussing the newly launched Apple Card, share Shawn & Miles to Memories’ story plus more outtakes!

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Freely, the MtM recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

2:23 What we've been up to

4:02 Comparing Star Wars Galaxy's Edge(s) on East and West Coasts, plus thoughts on the land (Galaxy's Edge Review)

8:36 - Atlantic City status matches (Guide)

16:35 - Encore Boston and Ocean in AC status match

20:54 - Break

22:46 - Details and thoughts on the new Apple credit card

34:31 - the Miles to Memories story

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform!

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Ep. 01 - Vegas, Hong Kong, Disney, and Miles to Memories Podcast Introductions Aug 22, 2019

Episode Description

In the inaugural episode Shawn, Joe, & Mark discuss hacking Las Vegas with Amex FHR credits, the situation in Hong Kong, and why Disney is the "worst vacation ever." Or is it? We finish off the show with introductions and background info on Mark, Joe, and dishwashers. Plus, outtakes!

We'd really appreciate if you subscribed to the podcast to get new episodes every week! See the subscription links below.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Freely, the MtM recommended tool for tracking & organizing credit cards.

Episode Notes

1:43 - A positive change to Fine Hotels and Resorts at the Waldorf Astoria in Las Vegas (Waldorf Astoria and AMEX Fine Hotels and Resorts)

6:54 - Points options in Las Vegas

10:09 - How Hong Kong protests are affecting travel. Is it affecting our plans? (Hong Kong Travel Warning)

17:39 - Break

19:13 - Is a Disney Vacation the Worst Thing Ever? Our thoughts.

33:07 - Getting to know Joe

39:52 - Getting to know Mark

Shawn and Alice

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform!

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Introducing the Miles to Memories podcast! Aug 08, 2019

Coming soon: the Miles to Memories podcast! Join us each week as we discuss the latest news, tips, and tricks in the miles and points world so you can travel more for less!

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