MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

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 the podcast we dive into Shawn's recent trip to Oahu which included stays at Disney's Aulani in a 2 bedroom villa and the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. We'll go over the hotels including who should and shouldn't stay at Aulani plus some of the issues Shawn ran into at the Hyatt Regency. We also discuss visiting the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, plenty of snorkeling and everything else we did on this one week trip. All paid for with a little bartering and miles & points. Episode Guide 0:00 Oahu trip review - Aulani, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, North Shore, Pearl Harbor and more 2:28 Flying United to Honolulu - TravelBank redemption 3:57 Bartering for our “free” trip to Aulani 6:10 Aulani room review - 2 bedroom villa - Is it dated? 8:25 Kids everywhere - Is that a dealbreaker for visiting Aulani? 11:44 The Disney of Aulani - Planning in advance 15:41 Bottom line on Aulani - Is it worth the price or should you go elsewhere? 19:56 Heading up to Oahu’s North Shore - Snorkeling, Turtle Bay, Surfing & Famous Filming locations 26:12 Visiting the Dole Plantation - Gardens, trains and more 27:40 Hyatt Regency Waikiki problems on arrival 32:18 Shawn’s terrible room at the Hyatt Regency & how they fixed it 34:57 Hyatt Regency Waikiki Ocean Front Suite 39:21 Visiting Pearl Harbor and bringing history to life for children 44:32 Final takeaways from this Oahu trip - What’s next? Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast 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! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. 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  

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Hilton was in the news as they added some terms that change the way lounge access is given to elites. Specifically they excluded some hotels, but is this really new or are they just updating policies that have already existed? Plus which elite status actually gets you guaranteed lounge access?   In other news the UK has backtracked a bit on their e-visa and transit passengers. Find out what you need to know if you are heading to the UK. We also discuss United's double billing problem, where to find the best Amex welcome offer deals, a cool bar in the middle of a redwood forest, Hyatt disappointing Bonus Journey promotion and why it could be cheaper to live on a cruise ship.   Episode Guide 0:00 Living on a cruise ship - Cheaper than living in Manhattan? 0:51 UK’s e-visa backtrack 2:22 Tip for faster transit when in London Heathrow 3:36 Hilton makes changes to lounge access terms 6:01 Alaska Airlines 75K Business card offer + “World Famous Companion Fare” 7:18 Tricks for getting approved for Bank of America credit cards 8:05 Where to find the best American Express card offers 10:25 Hyatt Bonus Journeys promo is here 11:55 United TravelBank double billing issue 13:46 Cool S - Bar in the middle of the redwood forest 15:10 The majesty of redwood forests Links Redwood bar - https://www.travelandleisure.com/glen-blair-bar-redwood-forest-california-train-7971207 World cruise cheaper than Manhattan - https://www.travelandleisure.com/holland-america-world-cruise-cheaper-than-manhattan-rent-8719395 UK Backtrack - https://viewfromthewing.com/heathrow-travelers-celebrate-uk-scraps-eta-rule-for-transit-passengers-after-pushback/ Hilton changes - https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/01/13/hilton-honors-terms-conditions-changes-for-club-access-eligible-stays/ Alaska 75K - https://milestomemories.com/alaska-airlines-business-card-75k-bonus/ How to find the best Amex deals/offers - Amex Gold 90-100K - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-gold-90k-welcome-offer/ Amex Gold Resy - https://milestomemories.com/amex-gold-resy/ Amex Plat 150K - https://travel-on-points.com/150k-amex-platinum-offer/ Amex Plat Resy + 15X dining - https://milestomemories.com/amex-platinum-card-resy-offer-with-100k-bonus-plus-15x-on-dining/ Amex Biz Gold 200K - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-business-gold-130k-offer/ Amex BIz Plat 250K - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-business-platinum-150k-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, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

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 the podcast we dive into our 2025 trip planning including some of the headaches we are facing booking big trips for ourselves and others. We also dive a bit more into family travel, the pains of homeschooling, not underestimating children and some of the places we are eyeing to visit in the upcoming year. Links: Point.me (Shawn's referral) Seats.aero (Shawn's referral) Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast 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! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. 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  

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Hyatt was in the news a lot as their credit cards came in window for higher offers while they added Venetian as a new partner. We go over the details of the card offers including why you may not want to jump on this round. We also go into detail of the Venetian partnership explaining the benefits and what Hyatt customers get in terms of benefits and value when booking at Venetian. Hint: it isn't much. Variable pricing is also in effect which is a troubling trend for Hyatt. Will it spread?   In other news Flying Blue devalued their program overnight with awards going up as much as 25%. We also discuss: a cruel airport trick, why you shouldn't leave your balcony door open on a cruise ship, Chase's targeted 5-7X offers, Airbnb's poor fire response, how to earn 10X AA miles for donating to fire relief and travel destinations that live up to the hype.   Episode Guide 0:00 The meanest of airport tricks 1:36 Why you should follow the rules on a cruise ship 3:14 Airbnb’s poor LA fire response - Reason to book hotels? 5:14 Venetian Las Vegas officially joins World of Hyatt 6:45 Who should book Venetian via Hyatt & what benefits you can expect 8:32 Rio Las Vegas vs. Venetian for Hyatt customers 9:47 Increased offers on both Hyatt credit cards 12:04 Chase sends out 5-7X targeted spending offers - How to check 13:40 How to use & extend the IHG Premier United TravelBank credit 15:57 Flying Blue’s overnight devaluation 18:21 Earn 10X AAdvantage miles when donating for LA fires 19:31 Cool S - Travel destinations that live up to the hype Links Airport walkway trick - https://x.com/somakazima/status/1878084848314658925?s=46 Birds on a cruise - https://x.com/stoppfeenin/status/1876888616867135592?s=46 Airbnb fire issues - https://x.com/anammostarac/status/1876872587738833184/photo/1 Hyatt/Venetian partnership - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-venetian-las-vegas-partnership/ Hyatt card offers - https://milestomemories.com/new-bonuses-for-hyatt-cards/ Chase targeted offers - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-my-bonus-spending-offers/ United IHG - https://travel-on-points.com/ihg-card-united-travelbank-credit/ Flying Blue deval - https://travel-on-points.com/flying-blue-devaluation/ 10X AA for fire donation - https://travel-on-points.com/los-angeles-fire-donations/ Andy Luten Cool S - https://x.com/andystravelblog/status/1860825360595914809 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! 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

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss various aspects of travel planning, including their upcoming trips, the pros and cons of timeshares, the debate between using Airbnb versus hotels, and the intricacies of booking award travel. They also touch on the use of travel tools and why being cheap isn't always the best option. The episode ends with some discussion of Phuket which Shawn calls the Cancun of Thailand. Find out where to visit in Southern Thailand instead and why you might want to avoid this tourist hotspot. Links: Point.me (Shawn's referral) Seats.aero (Shawn's referral) Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast 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! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. 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  

This week dives into Hyatt's recent elimination of a beloved suite upgrade trick, leaving frequent travelers questioning their loyalty status. There's also buzz about a lucrative Amex Platinum offer that could elevate your rewards game. Explore clever travel tips and tackle the changing landscape of paying taxes with credit cards. Plus, enjoy highlights of spectacular New Year's celebrations around the world, complete with dazzling drone shows, and learn about innovative theft protection for gift cards.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description In this episode of MTM Travel, Mark shares his recent trip to Asia, detailing the chaos of his travel plans, the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok, and the unique culinary experiences he encountered. From disastrous flight cancelations and changes to exploring local culture, Mark's journey is filled with insights and tips for travelers. During the trip Mark visited Bangkok and Singapore and stayed in the Conrad Centennial and Hyatt Regency Bangkok. He reviews the hotels, his experiences, the food and his unique takeaways from his quick trip. He also discusses his Cathay Pacific business class journey, the scramble to fix a crazy last minute canceled flight and why he really didn't enjoy the Singapore Business Class seat. Buckle up and enjoy!Episode Guide Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast 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! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. 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  

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, Shawn is joined by Joe Cheung as Mark is traveling around Asia. The two discuss various timely topics including Disney's free dining offer, Joe's travel experiences in New Jersey, skiing with family, and their New Year's Eve adventures in New York City. They also share insights about Park Hyatt New York and shopping at the insane American Dream mall, highlighting the differences in shopping experiences and the challenges of traveling during busy times. Other topics discussed include: Disney's new free dining offer, traveling to open our minds, Rio's new Hyatt Globalist breakfast and New Year's Eve bucket list destinations. We'll be back to our normal schedule next week with the main podcast on Monday and the news on Wednesday! Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast 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! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. 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  

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week the government began cracking down on a few things in the travel/finance space. First, they are targeting resort and other junk fees with new rules that will help consumers a lot. The government is also suing many of the big banks and Zelle over the service. Will this end up with better consumer protections?   In other news Chase Freedom turns 15 this year, but is their celebration worth actually pursuing? We also discuss our favorite flights, hotels and trips of 2024, Southwest's new elite perks and seating scheme, 5% bonus categories for 2025, Hilton's sudden devaluation and a crazy video of an AA flight flooding in midair. Episode Guide 0:00 Crazy flooded AA plane 1:06 New junk fee rules for resort fees and more 3:45 Why resort fees aren’t always bad in the miles & points hobby 4:24 CFPB sues big banks over Zelle fraud issues 6:48 Southwest announces how new seating policy works 8:39 All of the credit card 5% bonus categories for Q1 10:00 Chase Freedom’s “big” 15th birthday celebration 12:00 Chase cuts Ink referral amounts and limits 13:46 Credit card “triple dip” opportunities 15:58 Hilton’s big devaluation & new variable pricing 17:42 Cool S - Our favorite travel from 2024 18:38 Our favorite flight from 2024 20:08 Favorite hotel(s) from 2024 21:38 Our favorite trips of 2024 Links AA flood - https://x.com/hustlebitch_/status/1869410368176771159?s=46 FTC Rules - https://milestomemories.com/ftc-bans-hidden-fees/ CFPB Zelle - https://dannydealguru.com/cfpb-sues-chase-bank-of-america-and-wells-fargo/ Southwest Seating - https://travel-on-points.com/southwest-seating-policy/ 5% Cats - https://travel-on-points.com/5-categories-for-first-quarter/ Chase referral cap - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-ink-referral-offers/ Triple dips - https://travel-on-points.com/bank-of-america-increased-offers/ https://travel-on-points.com/why-december-is-the-best-time-to-open-new-amex-cards/ Hilton Deval - https://travel-on-points.com/hilton-no-notice-devaluation/ 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! 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

This discussion dives into the challenging pitfalls of the miles and points hobby, highlighting Shawn's struggles with reselling and the evolving landscape ahead. Illness during travel gets a spotlight, illustrating the emotional toll and choices faced by travelers. The talk also covers Hilton's significant devaluation, introducing new pricing tiers and complexities. Plus, they vent about the frustrations of Amazon reselling, including restrictive policies and seller challenges, while navigating the engaging and sometimes chaotic world of travel rewards.