
Geobreeze Travel
A show for anyone looking to level up their award travel lifestyle! Points strategy coach and speaker, Julia Menez, interviews award travelers from all walks of life about their points and miles stories and secrets. You won't find these by simply Googling "best points and miles blog."
The Geobreeze Travel podcast features interviews with a diverse population of award travelers, including voices that are normally underrepresented in larger points and miles blogs and media (e.g. women and people of color). Because everyone should get to talk about traveling for next to no cost.
Latest episodes

Jan 30, 2024 • 38min
Everything You Need to Know About Plaza Premium with Sangeeta from Plaza Premium | Ep 170
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Hey there, points people! Today, I'm chatting with Sangeeta, a Global Marketer from Plaza Premium Group.
In this episode we discuss what sets Plaza Premium apart from other programs/lounges, earning rewards points just by visiting lounges, redeeming those points, and so much more! Most hear Plaza Premium and just think of it as a lounge program, but Sangeeta tells us all about the different offerings from Plaza Premium and how you can get access to them today!
If you’re looking for a card that can gain you access to the Plaza Premium lounges, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. It's a staple for seasoned and new travelers alike.
If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you’re not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations at geobreezetravel.com/consultations !
➤ Check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card HERE
➤ Waitlist for The Points Accelerator
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:40 - Get to know Sangeeta and how she got started with Plaza Premium
04:13 - Background of Plaza Premium
05:51 - Different services offered from Plaza Premium
08:05 - Does Plaza Premium have loyalty programs?
09:15 - How to earn and redeem points
09:57 - How far the points go
10:53 - How fast the points post to your account
12:30 - The Plaza Premium redeeming experience (drinks)
12:48 - Plaza Premium lounge locations
13:31 - Where people use the concierge offering
14:44 - Where is their concierge available?
15:27 - How to book Plaza Premium's various services/offers
15:38 - How to access the lounges
16:59 - Plaza's partners
17:50 - How much a day pass to the lounge costs
19:29 - What food are in the lounges
20:16 - Non-standard offerings in the lounges
21:38 - Getting into the lounges with credit cards
22:55 - Does Plaza Premium offer grab and go
23:56 - Plaza locations
27:23 - Plaza Premium's pass system
28:18 - Do you get to bring guests?
29:26 - Leveraging Avianca as a partner
30:24 - PPL passes
31:13 - PPL partners
32:46 - What makes Plaza Premium unique
34:16 - Sangeeta's favorite Plaza Premium lounge
35:53 - Lounge on arrivals
36:52 - Learning more about PPL
37:06 - Outro
==
➤ You can find Plaza Premium Group on Instagram
➤ You can find Julia through her Free Course (includes hotel upgrade email template) | Instagram | Credit Card Links | Patreon | YouTube
➤ Sign up for the newsletter for exclusive access to free coaching calls!
➤ Ask me a question or request a free award search tutorial HERE!
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Jan 25, 2024 • 20min
Tutorials: The Best Ways to Find Tropical Award Availability
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
➤ Sign up for free coaching through the newsletter
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/free-...
➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Free credit card consultations
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/consu...
➤ Seats.Aero: https://seats.aero/r/tffyknc4
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Flying etBlue to the Caribbean
02:32 - Using JetBlue Partners to get to Hawaii
08:37 - Using Point.me to find the best deals
11:12 - Using seats.aero for hotels (rooms.aero)
13:49 - Using Awayz to find hotels
15:43 - Flying to the Tahiti and Fiji
19:53 - Outro
=====
You can find Julia at:
➤ Free course: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Website: [https://www.geobreezetravel.com](https://www.geobreezetravel.com/)
➤ Instagram:
/ geobreezetravel
➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
➤ Patreon:
/ geobreezetravel
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue .com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress .com to learn more.

Jan 23, 2024 • 33min
Planning Trips to Hawaii, India, and Thailand with Sarthak | Ep 169
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Hey there, points people! Today, I'm chatting with Sarthak, a student from the Points Accelerator Program.
In this episode we dive into strategies to get even more points aside from just opening cards, little known ways to book Qatar Airways QSuites, saving tens of thousands of dollars on luxury travel and so much more!
For those diving deeper into the world of points and miles, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. It's a staple for seasoned and new travelers alike.
If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you’re not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations at geobreezetravel.com/consultations !
➤ Check out the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card HERE
➤ Waitlist for The Points Accelerator
Points Accelerator students receive a token of appreciation in exchange for recording podcast episodes or providing video testimonials.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
04:12 - Sarthak's background
05:15- How does his career fir into points and miles?
06:23 - Sarthak's interest in travel and where he's going
07:13 - Using points on Hawaii trip
08:10 - Where to after Hawaii? - Hooked on points!
09:09 - How man cards did Sarthak open in 1 year? What is he doing for points?
12:00 - 5/24 approvals trick?
14:00 - What did Sarthak get after his core cards?
15:04 - Plan to continue earning points after sign up bonuses
15:55 - When buying points makes sense
18:16 - Sarthak's future trips
19:50 - Flying QSuites
20:52 - How Sarthak is transferring AMEX points
22:44 - Sarthak's upcoming hotel stays
23:57 - Wife Hack!
24:20 - Getting your player 2 on board with points and miles
25:50 - How much Sarthak has saved with points and miles
27:55 - Country hopping tips
28:20 - Booking a surpsie trip for Sarthak's wiffe
30:03 - Taking advantage of Southwest and upcoming travel
30:45 - Julia's support to her community
31:28 - Outro
==
➤ You can find Julia through her Free Course (includes hotel upgrade email template) | Instagram | Credit Card Links | Patreon | YouTube
➤ Sign up for the newsletter for exclusive access to free coaching calls!
➤ Ask me a question or request a free award search tutorial HERE!
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Jan 18, 2024 • 25min
Tutorials: How to Book This Amazing Japan Trip on Points
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
➤ Sign up for free coaching through the newsletter
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/free-...
➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Free credit card consultations
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/consu...
➤ Seats.Aero: https://seats.aero/r/tffyknc4
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Positioning Flight LAS-LAX and AMEX Platinum hacks
04:00 - Booking a hotel for the positioning flight
07:11 - Flying to Tokyo
10:42 - Booking hotels in Japan
19:05 - Cost breakdown of the trip
25:04- Outro/conclusion
=====
You can find Julia at:
➤ Free course: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Website: [https://www.geobreezetravel.com](https://www.geobreezetravel.com/)
➤ Instagram:
/ geobreezetravel
➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
➤ Patreon:
/ geobreezetravel
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue .com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress .com to learn more.

6 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 58min
How to Print Points and Money with John Pham from TheMoneyNinja.com | Ep 168
Guest John Pham from TheMoneyNinja.com discusses how he turned his passion for personal finance into a full-time job. Topics include getting the AMEX Black card in college, optimizing time in business and travel hacking, crazy stories with the AMEX concierge, reselling Southwest flights, running an E-com business, maximizing spend, and the importance of passion, focus, and delegation.

Jan 11, 2024 • 20min
Tutorials: When Booking Through The Portals Makes Sense
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
➤ Sign up for free coaching through the newsletter
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/free-...
➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Free credit card consultations
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/consu...
➤ Seats.Aero: https://seats.aero/r/tffyknc4
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:17 - IHG vs Bank Portals
04:15 - Example using the portals vs directly through the airlines
07:35 - Using the AMEX portal
13:46 - Earning points with the portals
19:00 - Flight newsletters
20:10 - Outro
=====
Flight Newsletters Mentioned:
Ashley Gets Around: https://ashleygetsaround.com/
Straight to the Points: https://straighttothepoints.co/
Roame.Travel - https://roame.travel/
Thrifty Traveler - https://thriftytraveler.com/
You can find Julia at:
➤ Free course: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Website: [https://www.geobreezetravel.com](https://www.geobreezetravel.com/)
➤ Instagram:
/ geobreezetravel
➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
➤ Patreon:
/ geobreezetravel
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue .com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress .com to learn more.

Jan 9, 2024 • 35min
Title: Saving $20K on Family Trips in One Year with Hani | Ep 167
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Hey there, points people! Today, I'm chatting with Hani, a student from The Points Accelerator Program.
In this episode we dive into how Hani flew her entire family on first class flights all around the world! For those diving deeper into the world of points and miles, consider the Capital One Venture X card, which is one of the most popular cards for accessing different airport lounges.
If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you’re not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations at geobreezetravel.com/consultations !
➤ Check out the Capital One Venture X Card HERE
➤ Waitlist for The Points Accelerator
Points Accelerator students receive a token of appreciation in exchange for recording podcast episodes or providing video testimonials.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
04:12 - Introducing Hani, a student from the Points Accelerator
07:20 - Hani's day to day and how she earns points
10:53 - Advice to get significant other into points and miles
14:19 - Sleeping and eating on planes
15:34 - How much Hani has saved with points and miles
16:38 - Who is paying for first class flights?
17:36 - How Hani has time to travel
20:13 - Learning the points game
21:33 - Hani's next trip(s)
25:17 - What would Hani's trips cost in cash?
26:15 - How is Hani getting time off?
27:57 - Hani's top tip
30:25 - Traveling with kids
33:09 - Outro/Conclusion
==
➤ You can find Julia through her Free Course (includes hotel upgrade email template) | Instagram | Credit Card Links | Patreon | YouTube
➤ Sign up for the newsletter for exclusive access to free coaching calls!
➤ Ask me a question or request a free award search tutorial HERE!
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Jan 4, 2024 • 28min
AMA: How Much I Made, What I'm Hiring for, Biggest Expenses, and More
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
➤ Sign up for free coaching through the newsletter
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/free-...
➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Free credit card consultations
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/consu...
➤ Seats.Aero: https://seats.aero/r/tffyknc4
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Emirates vs Qsuites
02:10 - Is traveling as a job less fun?
03:11 - How does Julia time manage?
04:00 - Passive Income Ideas
05:19 - Julia's loyalty programs
06:00 - Why can't that be said on Instagram?
06:32 - Biggest misconception about influencers
07:11 - Julia's client services
07:44 - How many points should you have?
09:02 - Should you get a Bilt card if you own a house?
10:47 - How many cards Julia and her husband have
12:19 - Julia's obsession!
13:30 - Julia's Patreon benefits
14:33 - How much Julia saved for retirement
15:19 - How much Julia makes
17:16 - Julia's investments and toys
18:23 - How to become a creator
20:39 - Julia's non travel hacking hobbies
21:03 - Julia's bikini pics?
22:17 - How much Julia made as an actuary
23:05 - How Julia spends her money
24:02 - Julia's accounting strategies
25:07 - How to be as cool as Julia!
26:56 - Outro
=====
You can find Julia at:
➤ Free course: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Website: [https://www.geobreezetravel.com](https://www.geobreezetravel.com/)
➤ Instagram:
/ geobreezetravel
➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
➤ Patreon:
/ geobreezetravel
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue .com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress .com to learn more.

Jan 2, 2024 • 39min
Expert Shopping Strategies for Maximizing Travel with Jen from dealswelike.com | Ep 166
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Hey there, points people! Today, I'm chatting with Jen from DealsWeLike.com
In this episode we dive into Jen’s journey from a 9-5 career in consulting to running her own points and miles blog! We go over many of the unique hurdles you may face as an avid travel hacker such as buying points, flying business vs economy, how to acquire a companion pass for multiple programs, maximizing shopping deals and so much more!
For those looking to acquire a Southwest Companion Pass and/or fill your Southwest Points bank, consider the Southwest Credit cards that will jumpstart your points earning and fast track you to that companion pass!
If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you’re not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations at geobreezetravel.com/consultations !
➤ Check out the Southwest Premier Card HERE
➤ Check out the Southwest Priority Card HERE
➤ Check out the Southwest Plus Card HERE
➤ Waitlist for The Points Accelerator
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
04:02 - How Jen got into points and miles
05:50 - Jen's favorite deals
07:58 - Finding mistake fares
09:10 - Favorite mistake fare
10:48 - Do you always need to fly Business class?
11:44 - Finding deals
13:03 - Instagram vs reality
14:11 - Comparing and contrasting companion passes
23:11 - Mileage runs
25:18 - When to buy points
29:45 - The best shopping deals?
36:01 - Jen's #1 piece of advice
36:20 - Jen's recommendation and outro
==
➤ You can read Jen’s Blog HERE
➤ You can find Julia through her Free Course (includes hotel upgrade email template) | Instagram | Credit Card Links | Patreon | YouTube
➤ Sign up for the newsletter for exclusive access to free coaching calls!
➤ Ask me a question or request a free award search tutorial HERE!
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Dec 28, 2023 • 29min
Tutorials: Traveling The Middle East with Points and Miles
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
➤ Sign up for free coaching through the newsletter
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/free-...
➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Free credit card consultations
https://www.geobreezetravel.com/consu...
➤ Seats.Aero: https://seats.aero/r/tffyknc4
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Las Vegas to Cairo
05:06 - Booking a hotel in Cairo
06:13 - Cairo to Dubai
11:28 - Booking a Dubai hotel
13:40 - Dubai to Istanbul
16:21 - Booking a hotel in Turkey
18:04 - Istanbul to Vegas
20:48 - A night in London
23:10 - Total cost of trip
29:08 - Conclusion
=====
You can find Julia at:
➤ Free course: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/freec...
➤ Website: [https://www.geobreezetravel.com](https://www.geobreezetravel.com/)
➤ Instagram:
/ geobreezetravel
➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
➤ Patreon:
/ geobreezetravel
Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as milevalue .com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress .com to learn more.