

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!
Shawn Coomer & Mark Ostermann
The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way.
Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.
Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2026 • 39min
Best Deals for The New Year, Pacman In Real Life, Saks Warning & Maximizing Chase Credits!
Explore thrilling travel tales, including chaotic New Year's Eve in Vegas and a lucky flight connection upgrade. Discover the best travel deals of 2025, with insights on transferring points to American Airlines and maximizing Chase credits. Learn why it's wise to use Saks credits before potential bankruptcy, and hear about the viral real-life Pac-Man exhibit that brings gaming nostalgia to life. Dive into clever hacks for travel perks and stay updated on exciting tourism trends!

Dec 29, 2025 • 41min
End of Year Credit Blitz, Surprising New Card Apps & Christmas on the High Seas!
Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we shake off the post-Christmas blues with some fun discussion about travel and credit cards. Shawn just returned from his Christmas cruise on Princess. He discusses how it was unique plus his strategy for earning free casino cruises. We also discuss: how we're maximizing all of our end of year credits, Mark's lesser known triple dip, struggling with kids & technology, InKind's expanded bonus + snow tubing in Norway and the Six Flags Saudi Arabia opening. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:25 Christmas cruising on the high seas 4:09 Shawn's free cruise casino strategy 9:25 The parent's struggle with technology 12:27 How cruises expand a child's social world 15:14 Maximizing end of year credits - The big blitz & tricks along the way 23:55 Mark's lesser known end of year triple dip 30:55 InKind keeps getting better + increased referrals 35:43 Snow tubing in Norway + Six Flags Qiddiya opens Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Dec 15, 2025 • 38min
Disney Drinking Inflation, Abrupt Card Shutdown, Dangers of Fintech, Easy 15K & Transfer Devals!
Exploring the rising costs of drinking around the world at Epcot, the hosts weigh in on inflation and share tips to enhance the experience. They dive into the buzzing interest in Saudi Arabia's tourism and unique attractions. Mark reveals his solo trip plans to the Azores, while discussions on the risks of fintech cards unfold, particularly after the abrupt closure of Mesa's accounts. The episode also highlights methods to earn easy points through promotions, alongside shifts in point transfer partnerships making headlines.

Dec 8, 2025 • 54min
Thanksgiving to Europe, San Antonio Impresses, Visiting Ted Lasso & The Forgotten Paris Hyatt!
Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Mark returns to recap his Thanksgiving family adventure to London and Paris. From flights to hotels and what to do, he covers his unique perspective on these two iconic cities. Shawn also recaps this weekend's MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio and the two contemplate whether big family trips are worth it. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 Recapping the MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio 4:25 Airline seat picking hack 7:57 Frontier's interest on board credit card offer 11:12 Flying AA Business to London on Thanksgiving 17:00 Exploring London, takeaways and the tube 22:55 Mark's favorite things in London 27:29 Visiting Ted Lasso & the chunnel 31:27 Hyatt Regency Paris review - Underrated? 36:44 Galavanting around Paris, Louvre and other things to see 44:42 Paris vs. London and final takeaways Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
Family Travel Social Media Trap, The Traveler's Disconnect & World's Largest Cruise Ship Review!
Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Joe Cheung joins Shawn to catch up on some travel happenings. During the show Joe discusses and reviews his time on the world's largest cruise ship. It has a lot to do, but is Star of the Seas worth the premium price? We also discuss: post Thanksgiving, the traveler's dilemma, Paris vibes and the social media trap all traveling parents fall into. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 The blessing/curse of traveling with extended family 6:15 Traveling with travelers vs. non-travelers 15:04 How travel planning falls on "us" 19:48 Trip planning for Paris/London - What to do? 25:55 Chase finally ads lifetime language - Big restriction! 30:40 Being a good customer to the banks? 36:57 Hyatt's weird Guest of Honor technological quirk Links Joe Cheung - https://www.youtube.com/@disneydeciphered https://www.instagram.com/asthejoeflies/?hl=en Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Nov 24, 2025 • 46min
Chase's Huge New Restrictions, Hyatt's Tech Gremlin, London/Paris Planning & A Traveler's Stress!
Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Mark discusses his upcoming extended family trip to London and Paris. We discuss how all of the trip planning falls to the traveler, how it becomes so stressful and why technology is making it harder for the non-traveler. What is on the books for the Paris/London trip, what makes those cities great and why do we put up with family trips if they are so stressful? In other news Chase dropped the hammer finally with the addition of restrictive lifetime language on several popular cards. As churning becomes more difficult with these new rules is it time to contemplate whether or not you are a good customer to the banks? We also discuss: Hyatt's Guest of Honor tech gremlin on last minute bookings and what you can do about it. Enjoy! 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 The blessing/curse of traveling with extended family 6:15 Traveling with travelers vs. non-travelers 15:04 How travel planning falls on "us" 19:48 Trip planning for Paris/London - What to do? 25:55 Chase finally ads lifetime language - Big restriction! 30:40 Being a good customer to the banks? 36:57 Hyatt's weird Guest of Honor technological quirk Links Chase lifetime language - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-ink-preferred-business-card-now-includes-once-per-lifetime-language/ https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-adds-restrictive-language-to-ink-cash-ink-unlimited-cards/ Hyatt Guest of Honor - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-denies-guest-of-honor/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Nov 17, 2025 • 40min
Huge Credit Card Settlement, More Negative Chase Rules, Best Free Cruise Score & VentureX 400K!
Discover the potential impact of a major credit card fee settlement that could reshape the travel rewards landscape. Learn about the latest restrictive rules from Chase and how they might affect your benefits. Hear about the big bonuses on Capital One's Venture X card and a creative way to secure a fantastic free cruise in the Mediterranean. Plus, get the scoop on exciting plans to experience the world's tallest roller coaster. Tune in for insights that are both enlightening and entertaining!

Nov 10, 2025 • 46min
Hyatt's Bombshell Deal & New Card, Bilt Grows Up, Favorite SoCal Hotel & Aviation Meltdown Avoided?
Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we cover the latest in the FAA cancelation fiasco as a deal appears to have been reached to reopen the government and bring flights back to 100%. We also discuss Bilt's big news about their new cards and perks coming in 2026, Chase & Hyatt extending their partnership and teasing a new card plus Mark's return to SoCal including the Universal Studios VIP tour and his favorite beach hotel in the United States. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:15 FAA cutbacks over? Deal finally reached 3:11 Delta marketing conspiracy? 6:15 We still have an aircraft controller problem 9:40 Bilt Rewards transition details - Mortgage payments! 13:31 Rakuten adds Bilt as cashback partner 17:25 Miles N More added for first time as a U.S. transfer partner 21:47 Chase & Hyatt extend partnership - New perks and cards?! 27:15 Sapphire Reserve 200K offers coming? 29:15 Universal Studios VIP again - Still worth it? 35:37 Oceana LXR Hilton review - Favorite property in SoCal? Links Hyatt premium card - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-status-on-sapphire-reserve-cards/ Bilt/Rakuten - https://travel-on-points.com/bilt-rewards-rakuten-payout/ Rove Miles - https://travel-on-points.com/rove-miles-adds-miles-more-transfer-partner/ Bilt Changes - https://travel-on-points.com/bilt-cardless-timeline/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Nov 3, 2025 • 40min
Big Chase Rumors, Cap One's Rough New Rules, How AI Is Changing the Game & No More Sole-Props?
Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss a number of Chase related topics including a rumor that they may be changing how they process business card applications. We also discuss possible Sapphire upgrade offers, how legacy Sapphire Reserve cardholders can grab their perks and why you might want to grab an Ink 90K before it is too late. Other topics include: Capital One's rough new family rules and how AI is changing the miles & points game. Is technology our enemy in this hobby? 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 6:46 Legacy Sapphire cardholders get new perks 12:46 Chase Sapphire upgrade offers coming soon? 17:17 Chase Ink 90K offers ending soon 19:10 No more sole-prop on business cards? 25:30 Capital One's rough new family rules 29:45 How AI will change the miles & points space Links Chase Sole Prop Rumor - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-some-banks-possibly-chase-might-limit-business-card-applications-to-eins/ CSR upgrade - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/source-upcoming-offer-coming-for-chase-sapphire-preferred-to-sapphire-reserve-upgrades/ Cap One family rules - https://travel-on-points.com/capital-one-family-rules/ Sapphire benefits - https://travel-on-points.com/activate-sapphire-reserve-card-perks/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Oct 27, 2025 • 38min
New AA Globe, Citi's Forced Generosity, 24 Hour Chinese Spas & New Portal with Big Payouts & Xfers!
Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss Citi quite a bit including their curious new $350 annual fee AA Globe card. Does this mid-tier card bring anything new to the market and is it worth pursuing? We also discuss: learning more culture, Citi's generous offer to Strata Elite members affected by a glitch, how they are shutting down some cardmembers, a new portal that has transfer partners & big portal payouts + what 24 hour spas are like in China. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:33 Shutting down the cottage & parent melancholy 5:44 Learning more about Mexican culture, burial traditions 8:56 Relaxing itinerary or getting home as soon as possible? 11:00 Citi's new AA Globe coupon book? 15:02 Is the 90K Globe welcome offer worth pursuing? 19:22 How banks decide which perks/benefits to add with new cards 20:53 Citi's very generous customer resolution for Strata Elite - Were they forced into it? 26:00 Citi shutting down some Strate Elite cardholders 28:43 Rove Miles - New portal with transfer partners - 1,500 free miles offer 33:15 24 hour spas in China + other crazy attractions Links Citi AA Globe - https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-aadvantage-globe-mastercard Rove Offer - https://travel-on-points.com/rove-miles-shopping-portal/ Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!


