

Geobreeze Travel
Julia Menez
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 22, 2021 • 44min
How AirBnB Superhosts Saved $90k on a First-Class Trip with Spencer and Ashley | Ep 18
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Spencer and Ashley are rising stars in the world of Canadian reward travel, and have booked numerous first-class trips on points and miles, including a $90,000 trip to Dubai. Doesn't even matter if that's in Canadian or American dollars, it's super impressive either way!
In today's episode, Spencer and Ashley share with us some tips for how to take advantage of 2-player mode referrals, how they're able to get a ton of points and miles by being AirBnB superhosts, and some of the key differences between Canadian and American travel hacking programs.
Spencer and Ashley also mention that one of the key ways they've been able to level up their game so quickly is by connecting with others in the Canadian points and miles community, and I couldn't agree more. The best travel hack is always to make friends with people who can show you even more travel hacks. If you would like to connect with the community at one of the meetups I host for podcast listeners and featured guests like Spencer and Ashley, you can sign up for invites to the next one at geobreezetravel.com/hangouts.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction: $90K Dubai Savings
(06:55) - Maxing Card Points as Airbnb Superhosts
(17:23) - $400 Savings, Lessons
(22:10) - Canadian Business Cards
(26:18) - Shopping Portals, Deals
(29:56) - $90K Luxury via Airbnb
(35:41) - Caution, Canadian Tips
(41:47) - Conclusion
You can find Spencer and Ashley at
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerandashley
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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.

Feb 14, 2021 • 29min
How to Travel Hack a $17K Honeymoon to Bora Bora with Panny Zhao | Ep 17
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Panny from @pannyzhao1 and her husband Louie recently hacked an amazing $17,000 honeymoon to Bora Bora, including a first-class flight on United Polaris! In this episode, we are going to discuss exactly how they did that.
Panny is an ER nurse in New York City, so please go show her some love on her Instagram and thank her for all she did during the cluster year of 2020 (and continuing on into 2021). It's also worth noting that she and Louie were able to able to travel hack this trip without the benefits of job-related travel, without side gig or small business spend going through their cards, and without hacky hacks like manufactured spending. It is possible!
Additionally, in this episode, we discuss how to get a free upgrade using my free upgrade email template. You can find this template at https://www.geobreezetravel.com/download-gifts.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(04:45) - Travel Hacking: Initial Steps
(11:25) - Benefits of IHG Card
(15:38) - First Class to Tahiti
(18:13) - COVID Impact on United Flight
(20:12) - US Travel to Bora Bora During Pandemic
(21:49) - Future of Travel Hacking
(25:57) - Tips and Conclusion
You can find Panny at
https://www.instagram.com/pannyzhao1
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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.

Feb 7, 2021 • 36min
How to Travel Hack a $55K Maldives Proposal with Juan Escobar | Ep 16
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Juan Escobar from @juanricardojr recently took an incredible trip to the Maldives, where he proposed to his now-fiance Sarah (congrats again, guys!). In this episode, Juan and I discuss which cards he used to book his first-class flights and overwater bungalow at the St. Regis Maldives, what the health and safety procedures around Covid-19 were like for his trip, and how Juan goes about travel hacking large purchases from distressed houses to engagement rings. Also, if you are looking at planning a wedding anytime soon, please make sure you are strategically allocating all of that wedding spend so that you can get your honeymoon for free like Juan is going to do!
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction: $55K Maldives Proposal
(03:44) - Cashback to Travel Points
(07:46) - Strategic Card Use
(12:37) - Maldives Proposal Planning
(19:24) - Budgeting, Points, Ring
(22:11) - Maldives Bookings
(28:45) - Value Maximization, Family
(33:11) - Conclusion
You can find Juan at
https://www.instagram.com/juanricardojr
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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 31, 2021 • 36min
How to Get 8 Business Class Flights for 125K Points with Max Do | Ep 15
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Max from @maxmilespoints is known for creating some of the best graphics that break down points and miles concepts into easy-to-understand 10-slide Instagram posts. If you have ever thought that learning travel hacking was overwhelming and you're not even sure where to start, I highly recommend a visit to Max's Instagram page.
In this episode, Max and I discuss how he was able to fly to 8 destinations around the world in business class for only 125,000 points, which is basically 1 or 2 sign up bonuses. This amazing redemption also includes the story of Max's proposal to his wife at the Al Maha luxury desert resort in Dubai -- a hotel that typically goes for more than one thousand dollars per night! Everyone who's looking for proposal ideas, please grab a pen and take some notes. Maybe spend your next date night listening to this podcast with your significant other...
Max also talks about how your ability to travel hack is very much dependent on how much you know, and as you've heard me say before, the best way to effectively absorb a bunch of points and miles knowledge is to talk with others in the community. If you're interested in learning more about how to book incredible trips like Max's, please come join one of our Geobreeze Travel podcast off-air hangouts! We invite travel hackers of all expertise levels to hang out, ask questions, and offer advice with other points and miles enthusiasts! The link to sign up for the next one is at https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction: 125K Points World Trip
(06:16) - Maximizing Points Priority
(09:43) - Earning: Corporate Cards, Side Gigs
(15:26) - Missed Chances, Special Olympics
(18:21) - Luxury World Trip Booking
(23:52) - Efficient Planning, Dubai Proposal
(28:29) - 125K Amex Points, 8 Flights
(31:56) - Conclusion
You can find Max at
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxmilespoints
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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, 2021 • 30min
House Hacking, Side Hustles, and Dating Hacks with Kelly Gagnon | Ep 14
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Kelly Gagnon from @effthejoneses is hacking everything as a location-independent full-time side hustler -- she's house hacking, travel hacking, dating hacking, you name it. And we're going to be discussing exactly what that means in today's episode!
Additionally, Kelly and I discuss how one of the best productivity hacks we've found, both in travel hacking and elsewhere, has been to simply ask someone your questions. It's seriously such a time-saver!
And I know it can be daunting to reach out and ask for help, either because the person never gets back to you or even worse, you get an unnecessarily mean response on certain internet forums. So to help with spreading the joys of traveling for free, especially to people who have previously felt super confused or like this hobby wasn't for them, I offer completely free 30-minute coaching sessions for you to pick my brain and ask me about your travel hacking questions. You can sign up at calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat. See you there!
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction: Hacking, Hustles, Productivity
(03:01) - Kelly's Side Hustles
(05:00) - Dog Sitting, House Hacking, VIPKid
(07:59) - House Hacking, Travel, Cards
(10:27) - Location Independence with Companion Pass
(15:22) - Travel Extension, Dating
(20:46) - Budget Tracking, Apps
(24:51) - Conclusion
You can find Kelly at https://www.instagram.com/effthejoneses
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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 17, 2021 • 38min
Getting Out of Collections + Travel Hacking Clinical Trials with Gio Ramirez | Ep 13
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Today's featured guest is Gio Ramirez from @hella_points_bro.
Gio is a first-generation Filipino American, born and raised in the Bay Area and currently residing in San Antonio Texas. He's run more than 25 marathons and has taken part in some incredibly creative ways to generate side hustle income and points and miles, including being a test subject in clinical trials.
In today's episode, Gio and I discuss how to get out of trouble with Collections, if you find yourself in that situation, and how exactly does payment, miles and points, or pretty much anything else logistically work when you're a clinical trial test subject for days or weeks at a time.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(02:58) - Credit Improvement, Collections
(09:13) - Card Apps, Timing, Evolution
(13:02) - Money via Trials, Opportunities
(16:59) - Tax Concerns, Hacking Tales
(20:46) - First Class Travel, Miles
(24:57) - Future Plans, Credits, Hotels
(28:34) - Retention Offers, Negotiation
You can find Gio at
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hella_points_bro
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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 10, 2021 • 41min
Using Points to Worldschool Kids and Adopt from the Philippines with Katie Holden | Ep 12
(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Katie Holden has been in the travel hacking game for more than 15 years! She and her husband use points and miles to craft a truly incredible lifestyle, including using points to adopt their son from the Philippines and homeschooling their kids while traveling around the world for free.
In this episode, Katie and I discuss how she and her husband use different hacks to keep their family's expenses super low, including how to get the good stuff by dumpster diving!
And if you want to learn even more next-level travel hacking secrets, with the ability to get your questions answered in real-time, please come join one of our Geobreeze Travel podcast off-air hangouts! We invite travel hackers of all expertise levels to come and make new friends who love this hobby too! The link to sign up for an invite to the next one is in the show notes at https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction: Adoption, Homeschool Hacking
(03:43) - Discovering Hacking, Adoption Points
(08:49) - Philippines Adoption: Points, Paperwork
(12:50) - Organized Adoption with Miles
(15:56) - Homeschooling, Hacking Education
(22:16) - Loyalty Programs for Adoption
(28:50) - Balance Earning, Redemption
(35:00) - Conclusion
You can find Katie at
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiestraveltricks
Website: https://www.katiestraveltricks.com
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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 3, 2021 • 36min
How to Earn 3 Million Points in a Year with Kyle's #hackhabits | Ep 11
Disclaimer: (Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Kyle balances his life as an executive by day with his ultra-disciplined hack habits that will earn him and his family approximately 3 million points this year.
In this episode, Kyle and I discuss his hack habit routines, multiple streams of income, and even a story about using points to rescue people from a hurricane.
And if you want to learn even more next-level travel hacks, so that you too can earn millions of points each year, please come join one of our Geobreeze Travel podcast off-air hangouts! We invite travel hackers of all expertise levels to hang out, ask questions, and offer advice with other points and miles enthusiasts! The link to sign up for an invite to the next one is in the show notes at https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction: Earning 3 Million Points
(04:25) - Kyle's Earning Routines
(08:11) - Avoiding Mistakes, Point Max
(12:03) - Multiple Income Streams
(16:36) - Hacking Strategies for Comfort
(20:42) - Credit Card Rewards Max
(25:54) - Southwest Award Benefits
(29:42) - Chase vs. Amex: Point Consolidation
You can find Kyle at
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/packyourbagwithpoints
Website: https://www.packyourbagwithpoints.com
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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 27, 2020 • 32min
How to Avoid Annual Fees and Meet Minimum Spend with Sheldon Martin | Ep 10
Disclaimer: (Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Sheldon Martin retired from the corporate world at age 26 and now runs brands such as Lifestyle Credit Repair and Credit Millenial to teach others about travel hacking and credit.
In this episode, Sheldon and I discuss what I am going to refer to as "level 17 hacky hacks". These are the types of tricks that are far beyond even what I've attempted in my own personal travel hacking lifestyle. We're talking about the kinds of tricks that you would only know about if you are reading the fine print in credit law and regulation, which spoilers -- most of us mortals do not. Today, Sheldon's giving us some samples of the types of tricks he teaches in his insider group to avoid annual fees, generate points and miles without increasing your budget, and more. Enjoy!
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(06:47) - Card Shutdown Prevention
(11:49) - Manufactured Spend Tips
(15:38) - Fee Avoidance, Minimum Spend
(18:44) - Instagram Following
(22:10) - Free Travel Focus, Redemption
(25:22) - Business Expenses, Rewards
(29:53) - Conclusion
You can find Sheldon at
Instagram: https://instagram.com/creditsheldon
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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 20, 2020 • 41min
Travel Hacking Side Hustle Ideas with Toni Perkins-Southam | Ep 9
Disclaimer: (Click 'more' to see ad disclosure)
Toni Perkins-Southam is the voice behind the Award Travel 101 Instagram account. She is a mom of four children and is a freaking magician when it comes to generating points and miles in creative ways!
In this episode, Toni and I discuss different side hustles to pair with your travel hacking hobby, how to earn enough points and miles for a family of 6, and what kinds of activities might get your points and miles account shut down (and what to do if that happens to you). We also discuss the funny story behind the name of her blog nachosconhuevos.com.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction: Creativity in Travel Hacking
(04:13) - Card Accumulation, Rewards
(08:20) - 500,000 Ultimate Rewards
(11:41) - Side Hustle Challenges
(16:57) - Reselling iPads for Profit
(21:09) - Hacking Tips, Point Benefits
(28:18) - Points via Card Deals
(35:10) - Conclusion
You can find Toni at
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/awardtravel
Instagram
https://instagram.com/tonisoutham
Website
https://www.nachosconhuevos.com
You can find Julia at:
Website: https://www.geobreezetravel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel
Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards
Hangouts: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/hangouts
Patreon to access recordings of hangouts: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravel
Free 30-minute coaching call: https://www.calendly.com/geobreeze/free-introductory-chat
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.


