

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

Oct 6, 2022 • 46min
Seattle Trip Report: Alaska Airlines First Impressions, Gum Wall, Pike Market & The Tiny Space Needle
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark’s recent trip to Seattle as he unnecessarily slanders some of the cities landmarks and Alaska Airlines. Along the way we learn how miles and points helped Mark to make the trip a little more comfortable. Episode Notes 7:23 - Basics of Seattle trip 10:33 - Mark’s not a fan of Alaska Airlines 15:42 - Hotel 1000 LXR, A Hilton Property 21:49 - Sightseeing and touring Seattle 34:17 - Some trouble flying home 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Sep 29, 2022 • 59min
The Good & Bad Of Waldorf Astoria Cabo, Why Point.me Is Worth Your $1 & Marriott Drops Some New Clunkers
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss some new Marriott duds, point.me, and have an extended banter section that you might want to skip (use the timestamps). Also - Shawn shares the highest of highs and the lowest of lows from his recent stay at the Waldorf Astoria in Cabo. Episode Notes 12:21 - point.me 23:40 - Another live search by Joe 25:13 - New Bonvoy cards 36:46 - Waldorf Astoria Cabo - the good 45:53 - Waldorf Astoria Cabo - the very bad 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Sep 22, 2022 • 43min
Pick Pocketed in Mexico City, Floating Gardens, The Shout & A Big Earthquake Scare
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the MTM Diamond Patreon meetup and how pickpockets got the best of a lot of people. Plus why Mexico City is worth a visit and Shawn experiences a big earthquake! Episode Notes 5:06 - Pickpocketed! 12:50 - Mexico City 29:18 - Hampton Inn Mexico City 32:47 - Six Flags in Mexico City 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Sep 15, 2022 • 53min
Newest Carnival Ship Is Walmart Of The Seas, Last Chance To Double Dip & Mean Review Reading
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Shawn’s experience on the Carnival Mardi Gras (Walmart of the Seas) and discuss how to get through to AMEX chat faster and the power of Google Flights. Episode Notes 4:36 - Carnival Mardi Gras 8:10 - Shawn’s free stateroom 13:12 - Questionable ship design and clientele 26:06 - Food and entertainment 39:52 - Credit card news and updates (Marriott Brilliant, AMEX chat reps, Google Flights) 48:36 - MEAN REVIEW 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Sep 8, 2022 • 44min
Has The FHR Gravy Train Come To An End, Southwest Companion Pass After 1 Flight & Confessing Our Travel Hacking Mistakes
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss a last minute trip to Portland Maine, Shawn fighting for his insurance payout and Amex cracking down on FHR gaming. We also discuss a huge number of transfer bonuses, errors we make paying bills and Southwest’s intriguing new Companion Pass offer. Episode Notes 5:13 - Last Minute Labor Day trip to Portland, ME 14:19 - Shawn’s late, late travel insurance payout 16:46 - AMEX adds anti gaming FHR terms 20:14 - AMEX Membership Rewards bonuses 22:52 - Don’t forget to turn on autopay! 34:33 - New Southwest Companion Pass offer 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Sep 1, 2022 • 37min
Maximizing New Hyatt Business Card Offer, 13 Recent Application Results & Finding Gems In Northern Ohio
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark’s recent trip to Ohio, batting 0.692 on credit card applications, how to handle trips with non miles and points friends and give some TV recommendations to close out the summer! Episode Notes 2:43 - Getting to Mexico City 6:31 - Mark visits…Ohio? 13:45 - Traveling with non miles and points friends 18:58 - Hyatt Business credit card offer 24:24 - Recent credit card applications 29:59 - Random TV talk 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Aug 25, 2022 • 44min
New Marriott Card Wishes, Be Careful Filling Out Apps On Chrome & Full Disney Cruise Alaska Report
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Joe’s recent Disney cruise through Alaska, how Mark completely messed up his Amex application and our wish list for the new rumored Marriott cards. Episode Notes 8:01 - Mark AMEX sign up almost fail 15:08 - New Bonvoy card predictions 22:37 - Alaska on Disney Cruise Line 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Aug 18, 2022 • 41min
Downside Of Partner Award Bookings, Why We Do & Don't Avoid Travel Portals, New Bonvoy Cards & Hyatt's Overwhelming Map
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn & Mark discuss the latest in miles & points including two new Marriott cards that are probably coming, tacos in Mexico City, what you need to know about partner awards and bank travel portals, a new best ever bonus for Citi Double Cash and how Choice Hotels responded to Mark's issues. Episode Notes 2:00 Discussing Marriott brands Le Meridien & AC Hotels 4:26 Update on Mark's Choice Hotels issues 8:02 Partner bookings issues & flight changes - Delta edition 13:17 What happens to an upgrade during irregular operations 14:52 The problems and benefits of bank travel portals 21:46 Citi Double Cash has the best bonus ever. Learn more on Travel Freely 24:29 2 New rumored Marriott Bonvoy cards coming?!? 28:52 Is Bonvoy Platinum status worth it? 29:33 Hyatt hotel map - A handy tool for wanderlusting 33:11 Choosing Hyatt all-inclusives in the Cancun area 38:09 Why tacos in Mexico City are so good 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Aug 11, 2022 • 57min
Epic Trip - International First Class, Maldives & Quirks of Southeast Asia with Han Chicago!
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Han from Chicago joins Shawn & Mark to discuss his recent epic trip to the Maldives & Southeast Asia which included international first. business & even economy class, fancy hotels & a lot more along the way. We'll dive into redemptions, product reviews & discuss why you should definitely plan a trip to Asia. Episode Notes 03:49 Planning Han's whirlwind international trip 08:26 Maldives redemptions & terrible airport 10:18 Flying Etihad economy & Abu Dhabi First Class Lounge 14:14 Qatar award including A380 & leased Cathay 777 16:51 Maldives regrets & overwater bungalow experience 19:22 Southeast Asia mall culture 23:35 KL Batu Cave, monkeys & Petronas Towers 27:40 FHR in Southeast Asia - Mandarin KL & Conrad Singapore 29:55 Singapore Hawker Centers 37:39 Big trips in the age of Covid & what to consider 38:55 Upgrading Swiss business award & first class experience 43:45 Han's favorite international First Class products 49:09 Takeaways from this epic trip 54:44 Why you should travel to Asia 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Aug 4, 2022 • 42min
Choice Hotels Robbed Me, How To Do Hyatt Like A Champ & The Best Chase Card Out There
Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how Choice Hotels ripped off Mark, how to do Hyatt like a boss even if you have no status & the most valuable Chase personal card is surprising. We also make more Resy mistakes and have a joke challenge for all the listeners. Episode Notes 2:42 - Shawn and Joe’s updated travels 11:31 - Cruise changes 13:21 - Choice Hotels nightmares 20:37 - Hyatt Prive 31:40 - Chase personal card ranking updates 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License