I've long been intrigued by the luxury hotel timeshare market, where you get the quality and amenities of a five star hotel combined with the square footage of a residential vacation home. A prime example of this type of property is Four Seasons Aviara in Carlsbad, CA. Back in the day, Four Seasons managed both a hotel here along with a collection of 1 and 2 bedroom vacation homes. The hotel is now managed by Hyatt (as a Park Hyatt) but Four Seasons still maintains the Residence Club. The golf, tennis, pools, and restaurants make for a fabulous "no compromises" vacation in my book. The only problem I've had is finding another Aviara. Turns out there's a level of quality above luxury hotel timeshares, called Luxury Fractionals or Private Residence Clubs. With these you get somewhere around a 1/10th ownership of a fully managed vacation home, usually in a resort setting with access to amenities like a golf course, beach, or skiing. The problem here is cost and commitment as these fractionals typically sell for around $200,000 down and $25,000 per year in maintenance fees. But there are levels to these things. Properties at the top of the Luxury Hotel Timeshare market can get so nice that they're on par with Luxury Fractionals, so much so that owners are willing to trade time between them. The trick is finding owners at "different but like-quality" properties, across brands we may or may not be familiar with, interested in swapping time. Enter Elite Alliance. In Ep 236 of our podcast (subscription required) I detailed how we stayed at the Harbor Court Residence Club at the Rosewood Bermuda, booked through Elite Alliance. The stay was fantastic from beginning to end but I was just as intrigued by Elite Alliance's part in this because if I understand how they operate it has the potential to unlock this type of vacation experience at locations all over the world. This episode is a discussion with Elite Alliance President and Partner Rob Goodyear. We discuss what Elite Alliance is and how they got started, how they vette properties in their portfolio to ensure a consistent quality of experience, what it takes to participate in Elite Exchange, and more. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Thanks to Rob for coming on the show!

Episode 41: Show Notes. Note: The video of this podcast can be viewed on Youtube, find it here. Family travel can be just as affordable and rewarding as a solo one. To help us gain a better perspective of traveling the world with kids in tow, we are joined today by the renowned travel expert, author, and Senior Editor at Fortune Recommends, Dia Adams, who begins our conversation by highlighting the importance of travel conferences in building community. We discuss Dia’s hit column, What’s in Dia’s Wallet, and what her role at Fortune entails before learning about her affinity for less-lavish hotels, how vendoming has evolved since she first coined the term, how she developed Camp Mom as the perfect family travel hack, and how she’s cultivated travel hacking in her kids. We also unpack the power of perspective, how to have a Disney experience without going to Disney World; what Dia thinks about miles and points devaluations, and how to connect with today’s remarkable guest! Key Points From This Episode: [00:49] Welcoming Dia Adams as she highlights the importance of travel conferences. [05:51] What’s in Dia’s Wallet: Exploring her role at Fortune Recommends. [11:30] Why she loves Choice Hotels but tries to steer clear from Hyatt. [14:40] How she coined ‘vendoming’ and how the term has evolved. [17:57] The ins and outs of Dia’s family travel hack, Camp Mom. [27:36] Why it’s important to immerse yourself in the experience of each destination. [32:40] How Dia has cultivated travel hacking in her kids, and the pros and cons thereof. [38:30] The undeniable power of perspective!  [44:28] How to make the most of Disney as seen in Dia’s book, Disney World Hacks.  [49:01] What our guest thinks about the latest wave of miles and points devaluations.  [56:01] How to connect with Dia and her work. Quotes: “I just want people to be a little bit more – I don’t know if you’re following this TikTok trend – a little more mindful, a little more demure about their miles choices.” — @TheDiaAdams [09:24] “Almost every success I’ve ever had in my career has been due to a rant.” — @TheDiaAdams [14:59] “I tend to base trips on a vibe these days. Like, how do I want to feel during this trip? Everything else kind of goes from that.” — @TheDiaAdams [32:30] “One time, there was a last-minute ferry sale to Hawaii, and I asked the kids if they wanted to go to Hawaii, and they’re like, ‘Nah, we’re good. We went last year, we’re good.’ One of the kids actually said to me once, ‘One private island a year is enough for me.’” — @TheDiaAdams [36:57] “A family of four — for a Spring Break-type vacation — from New York, could fly to Paris and spend a week in Paris and three days at Paris Disneyland for the same price as a week in Orlando at Disney.” — @TheDiaAdams [45:58] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dia Adams Dia Adams on LinkedIn Dia Adams on X Dia Adams on Instagram  Fortune 

Episode 40: Show Notes. We’re heading back to the high seas! During this episode, Tom shares all the details of his recent trip with Virgin Voyages cruise line, from costs, to rooms, drinking, dining, entertainment, and more. Join us as he gets candid about what he loved, tolerated, and disliked during the trip along with tips for you to get the most out of your booking with them. We discuss the differences between the Virgin Voyages experience and what you would have on Royal Caribbean; from the points-based redemption system to the egalitarian nature of your booking. He even goes into the perks included in your stay! You’ll also hear us touch on the trend of choosing style over comfort or plating over flavor as more businesses start to cater to an Instagram generation. Tom talks about everything from embarking and disembarking to the room service system, configuring his accommodation to suit him and his friend, and more. Don’t miss this informative conversation! Thanks for tuning in. Key Points From This Episode: [00:37] The topic of this episode: Virgin Voyages and Symphony of the Seas. [01:04] Tom’s recent experience on the adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages. [02:48] Points-based redemption using Virgin Atlantic miles. [03:19] Costing of the all-inclusive cruise and how it compares to hotel experiences. [05:02] Additional costs and inclusions. [06:54] The egalitarian nature of the cruise line experience. [08:47] Where the five-night cruise started and the ports where it stopped.  [09:41] Considering whether or not embarkation and disembarkation have been optimized on this line.  [12:21] Details of the cabin and bathroom that Tom stayed at.  [13:30] Why the hammocks are such a highlight on the cruise.  [12:18] Changing the configuration of the room in order to accommodate changes. [17:59] The trend of choosing style over comfort on the cruise.  [19:22] Food on the cruise and how it reflects catering to an Instagram generation. [23:35] Communal dining and Korean Barbecue on the cruise. [25:09] Why Tom recommends making dining reservations. [26:45] Details on the plant-based restaurant, Razzle Dazzle, on board the cruise.  [28:13] Their best dining experience: the Italian restaurant, Extra Virgin. [30:35] The steakhouse which is the most popular option.  [32:54] Eating at the fusion restaurant, Agave. [33:54] How Virgin’s Test Kitchen compares to Wonderland on Royal Caribbean.  [34:54] Buffet and culinary options on the cruise (including an ice cream shop!) [39:54] The room service system and how it enabled Tom and his friend to load up on supplies. [42:34] What the Bimini Beach Club experience was like for him. [44:02] Stopping in the Dominican Republic. [45:44] Why opportunities to add spend and get points are limited at Virgin Voyages.  [48:14] CocoCay and why it is considered the jewel of the experience. Quotes: “The balcony cabins all come with a hammock and normally I would say this is a gimmick and nobody would use it, but I found it to be very comfortable.” — @TktweetsKim [13:28] “I have to make [a] shout out to [a] venue I spent quite a lot of time at called the Social Club which was this area with bar games [like] snooker, a bunch of board games, and a bar selling bar food.” — @TktweetsKim [38:33] “[If] you enjoy white sand and blue water, it’s hard to do better than what the Bimini Beach Club provides.” —

Episode 39: Show Notes Are you bored of the usual tourist travel tropes and looking for more? Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple trip into an unforgettable adventure? In this episode, we dive into the art of ‘sightDOING’ with travel expert Becky Pokora, who transforms ordinary travel experiences into extraordinary, hands-on journeys. Becky is a seasoned travel expert and writer passionate about adventure and exploration. As the founder of the travel blog sightDOING, she shares her experiences and tips on active travel and immersive adventures. Becky has a knack for discovering unique destinations and engaging activities, encouraging her readers to dive deeper into their travel experiences. In our conversation, we explore the secret behind authentic travel, why first-hand travel recommendations are superior, and the benefits of going with the flow. Discover strategies for finding the best experience while traveling and helpful resources to get you started. Becky recounts some of her most memorable travel moments, including seeing a volcano erupt, attending an ice festival in China, and experiencing the wonders of Antarctica. She also shares advice for communicating when you don’t speak the local language and red flags to watch out for when looking for accommodation. Join us as we journey into the world of authentic travel with Becky Pokora. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [00:45] Background about Becky, her travel blog, and the concept of ‘sightDOING.’ [04:12] Strategies she uses to uncover special and authentic travel experiences. [08:35] Hear about some of the unconventional travel experiences she has had. [13:03] Rigid travel planning versus taking a more unstructured approach. [16:38] An example of a top non-traditional travel experience she had in Mexico. [20:57] She shares the most underrated travel options available in Mexico.  [25:40] Why knowing the local language is not a prerequisite for authentic travel. [29:38] The Harbin Ice Festival and her New Zealand and Australia travel highlights. [38:45] Her approach to finding accommodation and why hotels are not always an option. [44:00] SightDOING in Antarctica and recommendations for those considering the trip.  [52:51] Final takeaways for listeners and how to contact Becky. Quotes: “That first-hand touch from someone that you trust and from someone where you understand their frame of reference is a great way to filter [travel ideas].” — @sightDOING [7:20] “Sometimes taking what is easy is a legitimate way to plan a trip or plan an activity.” — @sightDOING [10:33] “Sometimes even when you have fantastic plans, they just get rearranged based on conditions or things you never expected.” — @sightDOING [20:00] “I like hotels but a lot of places I go don’t have a lot of hotels which means you have to get a little bit more creative.” — @sightDOING [39:01] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: sightDOING sightDOING on X sightDOING on Instagram sightDOING on Facebook sightDOING on Pinterest Becky Pokora on LinkedIn Airbnb

Dive into the world of travel rewards as the hosts discuss enticing transfer bonuses, like a 70% boost from Chase to Marriott. United’s premium cabin awards are getting pricier, prompting a look at the evolving landscape of airline miles. Learn about the latest credit card offers from JetBlue and Amex Bonvoy, along with alternative strategies for booking partner awards. Qantas emerges as a savvy option over British Airways for domestic travels. Get ready for tips on maximizing loyalty programs and optimizing flight booking experiences!

A Norway Trip Report...on today’s Milenomics² Podcast 01:00 Scope: 2 weeks in Norway. Oslo, Tromso, Lofoten then back to Oslo for a few days.  Wanted to get away from people.  Love the coast, and Norway has a LOT of coastline Spent most of our time in the arctic Circle (but not considered the arctic) Map: 10:12 Outbound: Air France. LAX-CDG Plus a 4hr layover. Flight was smooth and the daytime departure was nice Got to experience the new LAX Air France lounge. Open 3 weeks ago. New is always better. 4hrs in CDG was perfect with kids. Got through immigration, train to the 2F terminal, settled into a lounge, everyone showered and then about 45 minutes later we were off to the gate Kids meal was pre-ordered and was great. CDG-OSL very basic, service by Amelia (by Air France) 20:10 Getting to Oslo from the airport Fly to vs Vy.  Trains run every 10-20 minutes. Travel time is less than 30 minutes.  Flytoget calls itself the 'fastest' airport train. This might be true, but only by a minute or two. Vy is a few minutes slower. Faster than driving even. Flytoget has Kids free vs VY so the prices start to converge when you take this into consideration approx $12 - 24 per person one way. Taxi was about $125. We had 4 of these one ways to do so we needed to get good at them. Vy app is not as good as the Ruter app for buying tickets with US credit cards. Stick to the Ruter app. Ruter and VY app cannot buy flytoget tickets, so Ruter + Flytoget app are the ideal combo. Tickets can also easily be bought at the ticket machines. 25:20 Clarion hotel the hub (a strawberry hotel) Location is great, just off Oslo central station 810(!) rooms. Norway's Largest hotel. Did not feel this big. Booked family size room for 16000 points With a Strata Premier this is 8000 TYP transferred to Choice. Included a pull out sofa which was already set up for us. Includes full buffet breakfast with omelette and crepe station. Nice, newish hotel.  Certainly a great way to spend TYP and appreciate they book family rooms. Came back and worked to get connecting rooms. Seemed willing to even give some partial extra credit for the family room vs. 2 regular rooms. 30:58 Oslo: World city, really a great feel to the city, full of energy, parks and fantastic amounts of museums. 20+ Hours of daylight. People outdoors and a city that is alive. Paris and Prague feels. But English is a first or second language in most signs and interaction. Summer in Norway is Wildflower season. The landscaping in the cities is beautiful. Be Aware of your surroundings at night. There were some sketchy areas we stumbled into. Nothing too rough but still, be aware. Food was easy to find and diverse Interesting food halls: Oslo Street Food or Barcode Street Food Most world cuisine was easy to find and well done. Getting around is so easy. There are very few people driving cars. Taxis only really. Malls. So many m

Trevor, an adventurous traveler, shares captivating tales from his recent family trip to the stunning French and Italian Rivieras. He discusses the joys and challenges of multi-generational travel, highlighting how logistics can complicate family outings. Trevor reveals insider tips on hotels, accommodations, and even the best local dining experiences. He brings listeners along for a cheese tour and shares humorous misadventures from their drives. Get ready to be inspired for your own Mediterranean family escape!

Explore a menagerie of travel topics in this episode: from a Vegas hotel experience to airline industry insights, including possible mergers. Discover the evolution of airport lounges, lifestyle influences on travel choices, and the real cost of inflation during a trip to Charlotte. A fun and thought-provoking discussion awaits!

In this episode, we dive into the adventures of Spencer Howard, the founder of Straight To The Points, as he shares his recent Asia Pacific trip experience. Straight To The Points is a service that helps travelers find and book premium airline award tickets using points and miles, helping save time and money. In our conversation, Spencer shares his incredible 6-week journey through New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, highlighting the breathtaking sights and unique experiences he and his family encountered. Hear about his flight on Air New Zealand, what makes it a family-friendly airline, and tips for traveling with a newborn. Discover why convenience is key when traveling with a newborn, the importance of planning, and how he planned the overall trip. We discuss Hyatt alternatives in Sydney, his scenic route to Tokyo, and why you should go to a baseball game in Japan. Spencer also shares his favorite hotel stays, what makes for a great hotel experience, invaluable travel hacks, and more! Join us as we unpack the ins and outs of planning your Asia Pacific trip with Spencer Howard! Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Introducing today’s guest, Spencer Howard. [01:41] Outline of today’s topic and what listeners can expect. [03:38] His motivation for the trip and traveling with a newborn. [06:29] Flying Air New Zealand from Texas, Houston. [10:00] The main difference between Queenstown and Aukland. [11:47] Finding a hotel, getting around, and how to use your points in New Zealand. [15:04] Why he chose convenience over price when making bookings. [17:15] Spencer’s New Zealand highlights and why he would go back. [22:05] Sightseeing in Sydney and his stay at the Capella Sydney. [27:04] His alternative route to Tokyo and changing the itinerary on a trip. [31:18] His Japan experience, the hotels, and going to a baseball game. [42:52] What inspired him to go to Japan and how he planned the trip. [47:28] Find out more about Spencer and his company, Straight To The Points. Quotes: “Air New Zealand obviously does not have first-class but they will let you buy the bigger seat. That was worth it.” — @spencerformiles [6:57] “Convenience matters, I think, when you are traveling with a little one.” — @spencerformiles [15:46] “[The Capella Sydney Hotel] truly is an amazing hotel that I would prefer to stay in when I go back.” — @spencerformiles [22:35] “You can get, what I would say is a reasonably priced, nice hotel in Sydney if you are not using points.” — @spencerformiles [24:37] “Finding the information important to your travel faster I think is important so I am just trying to save people some hours.” — @spencerformiles [50:09] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Spencer Howard on LinkedIn Spencer Howard on X Spencer Howard on Instagram Straight To The Points Points Wire Air New Zealand Virgin Atlantic British Airways

Exploring Q3 5x categories for credit cards, transfer bonuses for airline miles, DeltaOne lounges, decline in giftcard usefulness, challenges with ATM fees for international travel, and benefits of eSIM data plans for staying connected abroad.