Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

Traveling home has never been trickier! The hosts share personal tales of trips planned without a clear route back. They dive into the challenges of airline alliances and the allure of fifth freedom flights. There's a humorous chat about the scarce arrival lounges and how procrastination leads to incomplete bookings. Also discussed are 'unicorn' destinations that are harder to access nowadays. Finally, they explore the quirks of accommodating dining experiences and urge listeners to stay tuned for more travel insights!

Episode 57: Show Notes. Sometimes you just need to do some travel banter! And who better to do it with than TravelZork Travel’s Michael Trager? In today’s conversation, we discuss our recent travel experiences and dig into the nitty gritty of points, upgrades, flight paths, and so much more. To kick things off, we hear all about Michael’s recent trip to Madrid and the benefits of American Airlines' ConciergeKey status, which Michael has access to thanks to his wife, Ellen! We then discuss optimal flight paths to Europe from different parts of the US, why JetBlue is on the naughty list this week, and how to optimize your next trip to Vegas. Next, we explore the flagship lounge and dining experience on different airlines, before discussing why it sometimes makes sense to pay for travel (because you can’t do everything on points) and the exceptional cases where we break our own rules. We also dive into Marriott points and benefits, including getting the fifth night free, the challenges of hotel hopping, and the importance of a positive arrival experience; especially if you have your family in tow. Finally, Michael tells us the essential details and updates for ZorkFest 2025, including the festival’s four-star accommodation, their new miles and points labs, their epic foodie and beverage dining experience, the speakers they have lined up, and much more. Be sure to tune in to hear the full scope of our travel banter conversation with Michael Trager! Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:49] Introducing TravelZork Travel’s Michael Trager. [00:03:17] All the details of Michael’s visit to Madrid. [00:06:00] The benefits of having ConciergeKey status. [00:12:07] Debating the value of a premium economy cabin. [00:16:09] Optimizing your flight from different parts of the US to Europe. [00:21:09] Reasons why JetBlue is on the Naughty list this week. [00:29:43] Why is Michael saying farewell to his trip to Greece this summer. [00:31:26] Getting special awards and upgrades with American Airlines. [00:34:17] Key considerations for optimizing your trip to Vegas. [00:35:17] Getting access to the flagship lounge and dining. [00:41:38] Words of appreciation for connoisseur classes. [00:44:26] How to balance point accumulation and spending. [00:49:31] Tips for navigating Marriott points and benefits, including fifth night free. [00:53:49] The challenges of hotel hopping and the benefits of a good arrival experience. [00:58:18] Our thoughts on The White Lotus and tourism. [00:59:46] Getting information right in travel content. [01:01:43] Your guide to a positive arrival experience. [01:09:42] Details and Updates for ZorkFest 2025. [01:15:24] ZorkFest events: dining, live podcasting, master classes, hotel bookings, and private gaming experiences. [01:18:03] The speaking lineup you can expect from this year’s ZorkFest. [01:20:22] Booking, tickets, and hotel information. [01:22:12] What makes ZorkFest such a unique, unmissable event. [01:25:16] Lessons you can expect to learn on casino loyalty and risk management. [01:36:11] Why Michael refers to himself as an American Airlines fanboy. [01:40:52] Where you can find Michael online. [01:43:07] Parting words for today’s travel banter. Quotes: “The amount of trouble to position to JFK and then to leave, like, three, four, five, six, hours between the flight to then get a lie flat seat for a flight that maybe is six hours of which maybe, if all of the stars align, you get four hours of sleep. And that's like, if you're really lucky.” — Michael Trager [17:33] “JetBlue is on my very naughty list, really naughty list this week.” — Michael Trager [21:19] “That has been a thread or a mantra on this podcast, ‘book the flight or book the room you want’.” — @tmount [56:29] “When you hit the ground, that's going to set the tone for your entire trip.” — @tmount [56:57] “Nothing's gonna be as good as a nice, quiet hotel room on the ground for you to recover.” — @TktweetsKim [01:04:34] “Value is so personal, right? People need to respect that, and a lot of people don't. They think that their truth is the only truth.” — @TktweetsKim [01:09:23] “This is the first time we are truly having ZorkFest at a very bougie casino property with a very bougie, true four-star room product.” — Michael Trager [01:11:01] “There are things you learn from casino advantage players like Anthony Curtis, or things that you learn from casino loyalty, that can be parsed to the miles and points world technique-wise.” — Michael Trager [01:25:30] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michael Trager Michael Trager on LinkedIn TravelZork Travel TravelZork TravelZork on Facebook TravelZork on X TravelZork on Bluesky TravelZork on Instagram TravelZork on YouTube TravelZork, ZorkCast (and ZorkFest too!) - Casinos, Vegas, Miles & Points on Facebook Join the Zork Fest Mailing List Yo-11 Podcast | ZorkCast on Spotify BAEC GOLD + GGL + Premier [British Airways Executive Club] Facebook Group Hyatt Privé Deals Facebook Group Cunard | Queen Mary 2 + Entire Line | Cruise Deals, Discussion + Promotions Facebook Group The M Resort and Spa and Casino, Las Vegas Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

Discover the impressive 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and learn how to navigate credit card referrals to maximize benefits. Explore options like Two Player Mode to secure even more rewards. The discussion highlights the importance of strategic application timing and the intricacies of travel bookings using points versus cash. Inflation in the travel portal is real, making the comparison of hotel and flight prices crucial. Uncover tips for optimizing points through versatile cards and household co-mingling.

Dive into the world of cruising as the hosts share their adventures on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas and Princess Cruise Lines' Sun Princess. Discover the ups and downs of travel logistics, humorous flight mishaps, and delightful dining experiences aboard these two ships. Enjoy highlights from mesmerizing ice and aqua shows, fun audience participation events, and the challenges of coordinating family trips. Gain insights into loyalty rewards, casino experiences, and the evolving culinary scene at sea.

Dive into the world of bygone airline luxuries, from Thai Airways' pampering spa massages to memorable first-class experiences with Lufthansa and Etihad. Explore the nostalgic charm of exclusive lounges and the extravagant services that have vanished post-COVID. Discover unique private jet adventures and reminisce about carrier amenities, like prized amenity kits that evoked special memories. It's a heartfelt reflection on what air travel once was, sprinkled with humor and longing for the golden age of flying!

Reflecting on the early chaos of COVID-19 lockdowns, a globetrotter shares his gripping escape from Japan to Thailand, navigating confusing travel restrictions. He offers insights into the stark contrast of bustling tourist spots turned desolate and the resilience of locals during the pandemic. The conversation shifts to exciting airline upgrades and mileage strategies, alongside the revival of community events for travel enthusiasts. Explore the evolving world of travel rewards and the connections formed through shared experiences with fellow adventurers.

Join aviation enthusiast Han Chicago as he shares tales from his luxurious multi-leg journey across the skies. Discover why he favors the A380 luxury suite over the Emirates Game Changer suite and hear about his sensational experience in Etihad’s Residence suite, complete with a surprise birthday cake. Han dives into premium airline services and booking strategies, revealing insider tips for maximizing airline miles. From lavish lounges to unique culinary delights in-flight, he paints a vivid picture of aspirational flying that travel lovers won’t want to miss!

Join a thrilling journey to Australia as the host recounts unforgettable travel tales, including a humorous midair encounter and delightful experiences at Qantas lounges. Hear about visits to the world’s largest LEGO store and the iconic Taronga Zoo, alongside tasty food adventures. Dive into the highs and lows of different airlines, as well as tips for navigating Sydney’s public transport. Finally, enjoy reflections on the charming cityscape, memorable gelato, and the breathtaking Sydney Opera House!

Dive into the world of everyday carry essentials for travel! Discover the benefits of carry-on luggage and explore top brands like Briggs & Riley and Tumi. The conversation highlights essential travel accessories, from portable fans to multi-charging cables. Compare travel clothes and everyday attire, with a nod to fan favorites like lululemon. Learn about eSIMs for seamless connectivity abroad and hear tips for parents traveling with toddlers. Packing strategies, luggage durability, and tech solutions make this a must-listen for any traveler!

Joey Redmond, a passionate traveler and co-host of the Travel Bros Podcast, dives into the evolving world of loyalty programs. He shares insights on the partnership between Alaska and American Airlines, discussing its potential impact on traveler perks. Joey also highlights strategies for maximizing hotel rewards, including points arbitrage and leveraging IHG status. He recounts his charming experience in Turks and Caicos, detailing unique hotels and critiques of the local airport. Tune in for practical tips to enhance your travel rewards game!