Churn and Burn

I review my stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, discuss my thoughts on the island and San Juan, and share some tips I learned while planning my 2025 trip to Japan. Also, check out my Youtube Channel for hotel room reviews https://www.youtube.com/@churnandburnpodcast

I trade in my Delta Global upgrades for pennies on the dollar and try my luck at the Westin Anaheim Resort. Also, I experience the Capital One Premier Collection perks for the first time and realize I've been hosed.

Paul joins us for an absolutely stunning Asia trip report featuring the Park Hyatt Saigon, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, ANA The Room business class, Singapore Business Class, and many other amazing redemptions he made! Check out Paul's blog: https://emptynestermiles.com/

One of the most common questions I get on a weekly basis is: "What is the best Hyatt for a trip to New York?" Luckily, I've stayed in nearly all of them at one point or another, and I decided to put out this episode to settle the score once and for all. If you know someone who has asked this question, please send them this episode. I hope it helps.

We discuss: -How to use Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards without inducing rage -Finding value in Delta GUCs -St. Regis Florence -Park Hyatt Milan -St. Regis Rome (again) -Delta (LATAM) A350 Business class

Daren joins the podcast for our first destination guide. Destination Guide is a new format where we choose an amazing destination a break down ALL of the award travel options available to you, whether it be Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG orotherwise. We also discuss food, stuff to do, airports and ways to travel there, and anything else worth mentioning. Hope you enjoy, and share with your award travel friends interested in Monterey!

Kristin discusses her amazing points trip featuring: Etihad Business Class, Hilton Labriz Resort, Ca Segrado Venice, Ajman Saray Resort. Can Kristin convince me that SLH hotels aren't a scam? Will Hilton let us use Free Night Certificates to book SLH? Listen in to find out!

I discuss the terms of Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts credits, as well as the subtle ways they can actually be gamed for usefulness. Also, some brief trip reports from Montreal and San Francisco!

Join Hutton as he shares his thrilling travel hacking journey to Europe for his 60th birthday, featuring tips on booking Turkish business class flights and staying at fabulous points hotels. Discover the power of expert-led tours in Dublin and Savannah, and learn how unexpected layovers in Istanbul led to delightful adventures. Experience the beauty of Italy and Greece, filled with iconic sites like the Coliseum and Santorini, while uncovering the joys of spontaneity and strategic travel planning.

Matt joins the show to discuss his trip and how he booked the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, British Airways First Class, and the mythical British Airways Concord room.