Kyle Potter, founder of Thrifty Traveler and expert in flight and hotel deals, shares exclusive insights on Black Friday travel offers. He reveals a rare 60% discount for listeners on Thrifty Traveler subscriptions, emphasizing its value for savvy travelers. Kyle also recalls his luxurious stay at Hermitage Bay in Antigua, and discusses effective strategies for maximizing travel miles with major airlines. The conversation highlights lucrative homeownership tools and exciting hotel discounts, making it a must-listen for both travelers and aspiring homeowners.
The podcast emphasizes the joy of maintaining travel traditions, enhancing experiences and creating lasting memories during busy seasons.
Listeners learn about the competitive advantages of Hilton's loyalty program and how it has improved in value relative to Hyatt.
The discussion highlights various Black Friday travel deals, stressing the importance of timing and being informed to save on travel costs.
Deep dives
The Importance of Travel Traditions
The podcast emphasizes the significance of maintaining travel traditions, as highlighted by the host and the guest discussions. Traditions in travel can enhance the overall experience and create lasting memories, contributing to personal happiness and fulfillment. Engaging in familiar activities during trips, such as dining at beloved eateries or revisiting favorite destinations, adds comfort and nostalgia. These practices are particularly relevant during busy travel seasons, allowing individuals to find joy in their journeys amidst the hustle and bustle.
Hilton vs. Hyatt Loyalty Programs
The conversation contrasts the benefits of Hilton and Hyatt loyalty programs, with a focus on recent improvements within Hilton's offerings. It is highlighted that Hilton's acquisition of brands like SLH has closed the gap in perceived value against Hyatt, particularly concerning point redemption opportunities. Guests recount personal experiences staying at luxurious properties and finding external value within Hilton's program that may not have previously existed. While some argue Hyatt remains superior for certain benefits like suite upgrades and free breakfast, there is growing acknowledgment of Hilton's competitive edge, especially for casual travelers.
Maximizing Points for Luxury Stays
Listeners are guided on how to maximize points for luxury hotel stays, specifically through examples involving high-value redemptions. The podcast discusses how redeeming points for properties like Hermitage Bay in Antigua can yield an exceptional value when comparing against cash rates. A detailed breakdown shows how travelers can earn significant value by booking luxury accommodations while leveraging elite status and promotional offers. This aspect reinforces the benefits of strategic planning and informed decision-making when utilizing travel points.
The Launch of Built's Home Buying Tool
A new home buying tool from Built is introduced, which integrates rental payments with home purchasing opportunities. Users can now leverage their rent payments to discover affordable homes based on their current monthly spending, providing a clearer picture of potential mortgage costs. Additionally, the tool offers rewards in the form of points for using specific agents, allowing users to accumulate significant points alongside their home purchase. This initiative aims to ease the path to homeownership for many individuals by presenting streamlined information and valuable incentives.
Black Friday Travel Deals and Tips
The podcast highlights various travel deals and discounts available during the Black Friday sales period, particularly those offered by travel service providers. Notable offers include discounted subscription services for flight alerts and promotions from loyalty programs, allowing travelers to book deals efficiently and effectively. Guests discuss the importance of timing and staying informed about these offers to leverage them for future trips. The dynamic conversation serves as a reminder to take advantage of limited-time deals that can significantly enhance travel planning and save costs.
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Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler is back with us this week, and he's got an exclusive deal only for Miles To Go listeners/viewers! Save 60% on a new Thrifty Traveler subscription using the code GO60. This is the best deal I can recall seeing for a Thrifty Traveler subscription. I've been a paid subscriber for years and I'm a BIG fan of their service.
PRO TIP: Make sure you add on the $24.99 "Hotel Deals" subscription. If you get one hotel deal that you can take advantage of, you'll pay for years of this subscription!
Kyle is also breaking down his awesome stay at Hermitage Bay in Antigua. Hermitage Bay was one of the very first hotel deals Thrifty Traveler launched with. You can use your Hilton Honors points to redeem for a villa at this incredible property.
Richard is breaking down a new opportunity to earn hundreds of thousands of Bilt Rewards points if you're purchasing a new home!
And, we're breaking down other great Black Friday deals, such as a great hotel deal from Aeroplan and a killer price on Points Path Premium!
If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways.
We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month.
