Is the Maldives worth it? | Ask Us Anything Ep70 | 10-2-24

Oct 8, 2024

In this lively discussion, Steven Pepper, a savvy Frequent Miler listener and gift card expert, shares insights from his recent Maldives trip. He dives into the luxurious experiences at overwater villas and underwater restaurants while weighing the costs of such splurges. The hosts also tackle pressing questions about navigating award flight availability, the challenges of using debit cards for money orders, and the complexities of Delta Amex companion certificates. Packed with tips and humor, this talk is a must-listen for travel enthusiasts!

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ANECDOTE

Maldives Anniversary Trip

Steven Pepper celebrated his 20th anniversary with a trip to the Maldives.
He stayed at the Conrad Maldives and enjoyed the underwater restaurant.

ADVICE

Tips for Finding Award Availability to Asia

Award availability to Asia is currently low.
Use tools like Points.yay, be flexible with dates and airports, and consider alternative airlines like EVA Air.

ADVICE

Choosing US Airport Hubs

Consider airport hubs based on availability rather than preference.
East Coast airports tend to be older and less convenient than those on the West Coast.

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In addition to our regular weekly podcast, we also host an Ask Us Anything Live on YouTube once a month where the Frequent Miler team answers listener questions about points, miles, rewards cards, and whatever else comes to mind. This episode originally aired on October 2, 2024. Greg was busy vacationing, but the rest of the gang answered a broad range of listener questions about points, miles, and rewards cards.

(00:35) - Is the Maldives worth it?

(06:25) - Nick, how painful will the virgin dynamic pricing be?

(08:03) - Is anyone finding it harder to use debit cards for money orders?

(10:45) -Why is award availability to Asia so bad right now, and is there any relief in sight?

(15:13) - Which US airport hub do you like to transit through (ie ease of traveling through terminal, number of connecting destinations, lounge access, etc)

(18:40) - Miles and Earn Burn is saying that the recently AMEX Biz Gold to Plat upgrade offer links may not be "safe" to use. What is your take?

(20:44) - When do you think the strata elite or wells beyond will come out?

(24:37) - In general, what services do you rec for big or ongoing purchases that don’t usually take credit cards? Other than the % fee, should we be careful using these services?

(29:40) - Delta Amex companion certificates terms are very restrictive. Any best practices to find eligible fare class for non-holiday weekends far in advance?

Read Greg's post about companion certificates here: https://frequentmiler.com/travel-companion-tickets/

Watch our How To video about using Delta Companion Certificates here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-use-delta-companion-certificates-video/

(31:42) - What has been the most outstanding deal so far in 2024 and will you do a coffee break if an outstanding deal happens?

(36:33) - Hi FM Team, what was your most difficult / challenging travel experience and what did you learn from it?

(49:25) - What do you guys think about Aero plan card in the context of them extending the PYB for travel at 1.25 Cpp especially with possible transfer bonus from Chase. Good way to cash Chase UR Points ?

(51:32) - Does Amex allow stacking of offers? Specifically, looking to stack a $100 credit with a 15k MR point bonus for a Leading Hotels resort in Rome. The hotel is listed on both Amex offers. Thanks

(52:47) - If the Barclays Aviator red converts to Citi Strata, can I product change to a Custom cash and immediately apply for Citi Strata for the SUB?

(54:10) - Is there any airline proram where if i buy my ticket with miles I can still earn miles? TY 4 all you do!

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