Exploring Alternative Hotel Loyalty Programs and Unique Travel Experiences | 3min snip from Milenomics ² Podcast

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TravelStories Episode 48: Festivus with Dia Adams

Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

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CHAPTER

Exploring Alternative Hotel Loyalty Programs and Unique Travel Experiences

This chapter focuses on diverse hotel chains beyond the familiar North American brands, showcasing experiences with lesser-known loyalty programs. The speaker highlights the benefits of using transferable points for unique stays, such as upgraded rooms at competitive rates in Panama City.

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Episode notes

Episode 48: Show Notes

What’s the holiday season without a little airing of grievances? Join us for our Festivus 2024 special, where we pull no punches as we dive into the biggest wins and fails of the travel and loyalty program world for 2024. Dia Adams joins us to share her pros and cons of loyalty programs, explain country-specific regulations that hinder travel point usage, and unpack Google’s impact on freelance travel advisors. We also explore the best and worst loyalty programs of 2024, the top airline redemption stories, and our Festivus miracles of the year. Join us for insights, laughs, and a look back at an eventful year in travel. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

[0:01:07] Introducing Dia Adams and the meaning behind Festivus.
[0:03:20] Dia tells us about her main grievances toward loyalty and hotel programs.
[0:08:15] Hear about Dia's criticisms of banks and the Christman gift options for members.
[0:11:50] Bonus grievance: Google delisting travel sites and its impact on the community.
[0:17:30] Thomas shares his perspective on loyalty programs, Google, and banks.
[0:30:20] Trevor talks about his grievances with Turkish Airlines and Bank of America.
[0:35:13] Unpack the Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines merger and its effects on loyalty programs.
[0:40:22] What airlines, loyalty programs, and banks got it right, according to Thomas.
[0:50:43] Explore Hotels.com's One Key loyalty program and why Dia thinks it is a good deal.
[0:59:12] Why Choice's one-to-two loyalty program is a great program alternative.
[1:04:31] Discover the pros and cons of Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program.
[1:14:52] Find out what bank made Trevor's "feat of strength" list for the best loyalty program.
[1:17:22] Festivus miracles: celebrate highlights from the year and our favorite moments.
[1:35:42] Final takeaways, how you can contact Dia, and a thank you to our listeners.

Quotes:

“Until you have stayed in numerous hotel rooms in Europe, you don't understand the size of hotel rooms in Europe.” — @TheDiaAdams [0:6:19]

“If you are using the traditional programs, you could be sitting on a million points and not be able to spend them outside of the United States.” — @TheDiaAdams [0:7:58]

“It definitely doesn't sound like [Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines] are in any rush to merge into a single program.” — @TheDiaAdams [0:37:19]

“If you are someone who really only wants luxury, Choice also now books into preferred hotels and resorts.” — @TheDiaAdams [1:02:45]

“American Express, you are my beastie this year. Keep the good times rolling.” — @tmount [1:16:57]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dia Adams

Dia Adams on LinkedIn

Dia Adams on X

Dia Adams on Instagram