Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & Miles

In this reflective mid-year episode, DeAndre Coke shares a transparent recap of his wins, mistakes, and evolving strategies in the world of travel, points, and miles. From achieving American Airlines Platinum Pro and Hyatt Globalist status to acquiring new credit cards for long-term value, DeAndre walks through the intentional moves he’s made to maximize rewards. He candidly discusses lessons learned from redemption missteps—such as transferring Amex points for less-than-ideal value—and the importance of preserving transferable points whenever possible. The episode also explores how buying hotel points can serve a strategic role, the benefits of tracking hotel rates for rebooking opportunities and using card perks creatively to offset costs. With a wedding and honeymoon on the horizon, DeAndre closes with thoughts on financial responsibility and long-term planning, reminding listeners that optimizing travel shouldn't come at the expense of financial health.Key Highlights:Elite Status Earned: Achieved American Airlines Platinum Pro and Hyatt Globalist status using strategic flights and mattress runs.Card Strategy: Focused on acquiring new cards, including Citi cards, to build up transferable points.Redemption Lessons: Made point transfer choices that were not optimal, reinforcing the importance of evaluating redemption value.Hotel Points Strategy: Purchased hotel points to preserve transferable points for flights.Rate Tracking: Saved money by rebooking hotel stays when rates dropped.Creative Benefits Use: Used various card perks—like Walmart+ or dining credits—to offset spending.Financial Responsibility: Encourages listeners to make credit decisions based on financial health and not just points goals.Consult a Pro: Consider speaking with a financial advisor, especially before making large purchases or going through significant life changes.Looking Ahead: Plans include wedding-related expenses and optimizing honeymoon travel.Resources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

In this episode of Quick Hits, DeAndre Coke breaks down a wave of updates shaking up the travel rewards space. From JetBlue’s game-changing “25 for 25” promotion, which could land travelers 25 years of elite Mosaic status and up to 350,000 points, to Turkish Airlines’ 6-Continents Challenge with a million-mile prize, there’s no shortage of bold airline promos this week. He also shares a major win for Points Path users, as the award-pricing browser extension is now available on Safari, making it easier than ever to spot significant point redemptions. However, not all the news is good—Virgin Atlantic has increased its surcharges on business class redemptions, and Zil’s payroll-on-credit-card feature has been reintroduced with new nuances in how transactions are coded, which could affect the number of points users earn.With that in mind, DeAndre emphasizes the importance of community testing and feedback, especially as reward categories and codes continue to shift. Learn more about how processing a credit card for payroll works hereKey takeaways: JetBlue’s 25 for 25 Promo: Fly to 25 JetBlue destinations by year-end to earn Mosaic status for 25 years and up to 350,000 bonus points.Award Flights Qualify: JetBlue’s promo includes award flights, JetBlue Vacations, and cash bookings—but excludes Blue Basic fares and partner-operated flights.Turkish Airlines Challenge: Fly to six continents with Turkish Airlines by October 27 to earn 1 million Miles&Smiles miles—cash bookings only.Points Path on Safari: The Points Path extension now supports Safari, letting users see award pricing directly in Google Flights.Virgin Atlantic Surcharge Hike: Surcharges for business class flights to the U.K. have more than doubled, now $586 one-way.Dynamic Pricing Remains: Virgin Atlantic still employs dynamic award pricing, making it more challenging to find consistent sweet spots.Zil Money Payroll Feature Returns: You can once again run payroll on credit cards with Zil Money, but coding changes affect point bonuses.Coding Affects Rewards: Zill transactions now code as “computer software stores,” which may reduce category bonuses on some cards.Resources:Act now - Protect your points!Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

Kelley Halpin, founder and CEO of Mesa, discusses her innovative platform that enables homeowners to earn points on their mortgage payments. She shares exciting details about the Mesa Homeowner's Card, its zero-fee structure, and partnerships with brands like Lowe's. The conversation highlights the importance of catering to modern homeowners, especially women, and how Mesa enhances their financial experience. Listeners also learn about maximizing points through everyday expenses and new travel transfer partners, revolutionizing how we think about homeownership rewards.

In this episode of Quick Hits, DeAndre Coke unpacks the latest developments in the points and miles space—from sweepstakes to shocking benefit changes. He highlights a massive 1 million-mile Capital One sweepstakes in partnership with The Points Guy, as well as a record-high 175,000-point welcome offer from American Express. DeAndre also explains how it looks like ZilMoney is back with the ability to process credit cards for payroll, after a long awaited hiatus.But it’s not all good news: DeAndre breaks down the loss of the 35% rebate on the Amex Business Platinum and previews a major overhaul coming to Amex cards this fall. He also outlines current transfer bonuses between programs, such as Amex-Hilton, Chase-Marriott, and Avios, and provides practical advice on when these transfers make sense. It’s a fast, insightful roundup of what’s happening now in the rewards world—and what savvy travelers should watch out for next. Learn more about how processing a credit card for payroll works hereKey takeaways: Capital One Sweepstakes: The Points Guy is giving away 1 million Capital One miles to one lucky winner.Historic Amex Offer: Amex Personal Platinum is offering a record-high 175,000-point welcome bonus.Business Platinum Downgrade: Starting September 18, the 35% Pay with Points rebate will be limited to your selected U.S. airline.Amex Card Refresh Coming: A major overhaul for Platinum and Business Platinum cards is expected this fall, likely including higher annual fees.Transfer Bonus – Amex to Hilton: Up to 25% bonus on transfers, boosting the typical 1:2 ratio to 1:2.5.No Hard Pull on Amex Apps: You can view approval status and bonus offers without triggering a hard credit pull.More Amex Changes Coming: Expect more statement credits, added complexity, and potential card design updates.🎉 Enter the 1 Million Miles Giveaway from The Points Guy and Capital OneResources:Hyatt Bonus Points PromotionAct now - Protect your points!Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

In this episode, Taryn and DeAndre dive into their spontaneous trip to Roatan, Honduras, uncovering why this Caribbean island deserves a top spot on your travel list. From snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters to relaxing at the Kimpton Grand Roatan, they highlight how to travel luxuriously while still being budget-conscious. The conversation also explores local dining, vibrant nightlife in the West End, and their visit to the Mayan Eden animal sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism.They share practical tips for using points to offset travel costs, relying on eSIMs for hassle-free connectivity, and selecting the right activities to strike a balance between adventure and rest. From reef explorations to spa treatments, the episode offers inspiration for travelers seeking to make the most of a Caribbean getaway. Roatan left a deep impression—and by the end of this episode, it might just end up on your travel bucket list too.Key Highlights:Roatan’s appeal: The island combines natural beauty, affordability, and unique experiences.Reward travel: Leveraging points can make luxury travel to Roatan more accessible.Stay experience: The Kimpton Grand Roatan stood out with its excellent service and amenities.Connectivity tip: Saily eSIM provided seamless mobile access during the trip.Diving adventures: Roatan is ideal for both beginner and experienced divers.Local culture: Dining and nightlife in the West End offer an authentic island vibe.Meaningful excursions: Visiting Mayan Eden highlighted the importance of responsible tourism.Stay connected abroad with Saily eSIM. Use Code BOLDLYGO for a 15% discount.Resources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Napa Valley is famous for its wine, but this trip brought something louder than Cabernet—an orange Lamborghini Huracán Performante. 🍷🔥Join me as I explore Napa in luxury with vineyard views, wine tastings, poolside relaxation, and a jaw-dropping supercar experience that took things to the next level. From scenic sips on Spring Mountain to winding roads near Lake Berryessa, this trip was anything but typical.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to combine high-end wine country vibes with the thrill of 600+ horsepower, this bonus episode is for you.📍 Where We Stayed: The Estate Yountville🚗 Supercar Rental: Napa Valley Supercars🍇 Wineries Visited:Barnett VineyardsBarron's Family WineryVGS Chateau PotelleResources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!This month's best current card offersBoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Interested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth Management Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

In what is the longest “Quick Hits” episode ever, DeAndre Coke shares key updates from the travel rewards world and a major shift for the podcast: joining the Voyascape network, a dedicated hub for top-tier travel podcasts. He dives into urgent news, including a once-in-a-lifetime Amex points transfer loophole that’s about to end, and a long-awaited Chase feature that now lets you transfer credit lines online. DeAndre also explores tech innovations, such as the TSA’s expanding support for digital IDs, changes in Hilton’s loyalty program (farewell to late checkout), and new Hyatt promotions that could be worth a booking—listener questions about flight booking strategies round out this information-packed episode.If you're looking to maximize your cards, eyeing your next redemption, or just keeping up with the latest changes, this week’s episode is packed with updates that savvy travelers won’t want to miss.Key takeaways: Big news: The podcast is now part of the Voyascape network, bringing travel-focused sponsorships and broader reach.Sapphire Refresh: All of the new updates to the Sapphire Reserve and Business Sapphire Reserve credit cardsAmex points loophole: A rare transfer window is closing soon — take action before it vanishes.Chase update: You can now transfer credit lines between Chase cards online — no phone call required.TSA innovation: More airports are supporting digital IDs for faster, app-based security checks.Hilton changes: Late checkout has been removed as a benefit — a significant downgrade for loyalists.Hyatt Promotion: Earn Bonus Points for Eligible Stays Through September.New Aruba resort: Hyatt’s Secrets Baby Beach has officially opened — adult-only and all-inclusive.Flight booking tips: Early and last-minute bookings tend to yield the best award space.Community engagement: Listener questions and feedback are always welcome and shape future episodes.Resources:Hyatt Bonus Points PromotionAct now - Protect your points!Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Dr. Kevin Lin, a board-certified sleep surgeon and avid traveler, to unpack the complexities of jet lag and how to travel more comfortably. They explore what happens to your body’s circadian rhythm during long-haul travel, why traveling east hits harder than going west, and how each traveler’s response to jet lag can differ. Dr. Lin shares expert advice on using melatonin, timing meals, and adjusting sleep schedules before departure. The episode delves into the role of technology, including apps like TimeShifter and light therapy, in helping to regulate your body clock across time zones. Practical tips for hydration, smart napping, and managing alcohol consumption on flights are discussed, along with strategies for athletes and frequent flyers to optimize sleep and performance. If you're trying to stay sharp for a business meeting or energized for vacation, this episode offers science-backed strategies to help you show up rested and ready.Key Highlights:Dr. Kevin Lin’s background: A sleep surgeon with a passion for travel and optimizing rest.Understanding jet lag: It's a misalignment of your circadian rhythm due to time zone shifts.East vs. West: Traveling east often causes worse jet lag because it shortens the body’s day.Personalized reactions: Jet lag affects people differently—preparation is key.Smart prep: Begin shifting your schedule a few days before travel.Melatonin insights: Best taken 3–4 hours before target bedtime in small doses.Meal timing: Adjust your eating schedule to match the destination’s schedule to help synchronize your internal clock.Sunlight exposure: Morning light helps reset your body faster upon arrival.Light therapy tools: Helpful for managing long-haul jet lag when natural light isn’t an option.Napping strategy: Keep naps short (20–30 minutes) to avoid feeling groggy or experiencing sleep disruption.Sleep trackers: Can help build awareness, but shouldn't be the sole metric of sleep quality.Tips for frequent travelers & athletes: Consistency, nutrition, and hydration are essential for high performance.Resources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!This month's best current card offersBoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.TravelsConnect with Kevin:Instagram: Kevin Lin

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke dives into the latest updates from the world of travel rewards and points strategies. He covers listener feedback, highlights a new all-inclusive Hyatt resort in Saint Lucia, unpacks the devaluation of Iberia Avios, shares tips for upgrading to Emirates First Class without elite status, and revisits the ZilMoney payroll-on-card saga. He also breaks down rumors about significant changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve and answers a listener’s question about building credit as a college student. This episode provides timely guidance for maximizing redemption value amid changing reward structures and transfer ratios. DeAndre also shares personal insights on why booking all-inclusive stays with points can lead to outsized value—and how small booking details like guest count can make a big difference. If you’re managing your family’s rewards strategy or just starting to build credit, you’ll find plenty of smart, actionable insights packed into this week’s updates.   Key takeaways:  Chase IHG Certs Clarified: 60K certs cannot be topped off—unlike the 40K ones. New Hyatt All-Inclusive: Secrets Saint Lucia Resort is now bookable with points. Iberia Avios Devaluation: East Coast to Madrid redemptions increase by 19%. Emirates Upgrade Workaround: Non-elites can still upgrade at check-in using miles. ZilMoney Update: Payroll on credit card may return by end of June. Sapphire Reserve Rumors: $795 fee and new travel and dining benefits may be on the way. Building Student Credit: Capital One SavorOne Student is a solid early credit card option. Authorized Users & Credit History: Adding children to fee-free cards can help build long-term credit.   Resources: Act now – Protect your points! Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultation Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel Sign up for our newsletter! This month’s best current card offers BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group   Interested in Financial Planning? Truicity Wealth Management   Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year) Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card) Travel Freely Point.me FlightConnections.com Thrifty Traveler Premium LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:  Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!   Connect with DeAndre Coke:  Instagram: BoldlyGo.world TikTok: BoldlyGo.world  Website: BoldlyGo.world YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels      

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with Emmanuel, the founder of CardPointers—a game-changing app designed to help travelers optimize their credit card usage and maximize points and miles. Emmanuel shares how a personal challenge managing multiple cards led him to build CardPointers, and how the app has evolved into a powerful tool for both beginners and seasoned travel hackers. The conversation highlights standout features, including automated offer tracking, an Autopilot mode that recommends the best card to use based on your location, and an Augmented Reality interface that displays savings opportunities at nearby stores. Emmanuel also breaks down the differences between the free and pro versions, upcoming features, and how CardPointers protects user privacy without requiring sensitive logins. This episode delivers practical insights, pro tips, and plenty of inspiration for smarter travel.   Want to sign up for CardPointers? Use our link here   Key Highlights: CardPointers origin: Born from Emmanuel’s personal need to simplify credit card tracking. Smart card recommendations: The App shows which card to use for every purchase. Built-in offers: Automatically integrates bank deals to boost savings. Autopilot & AR mode: Recommend cards based on real-time location and store data. No sensitive data required: Maintains complete user privacy and security. Free vs Pro: Free version is great for beginners; Pro unlocks advanced tools. Future features: Includes shopping portal integration and on-device analytics. Maximized redemptions: Helps unlock luxury travel with points and miles. Flexible strategy: Users are encouraged to take it slow and build over time. Track Chase 5/24: Keeps tabs on account limits to help with time applications.   Resources: Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel Sign up for our newsletter! This month’s best current card offers BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group   Interested in Financial Planning? Truicity Wealth Management   Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year) Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card) Travel Freely Point.me FlightConnections.com Thrifty Traveler Premium LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:  Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!   Connect with DeAndre Coke:  Instagram: BoldlyGo.world TikTok: BoldlyGo.world  Website: BoldlyGo.world YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels   Connect with CardPointers: Website: CardPointers.com Instagram: CardPointers