Episode Description On this episode Shawn is joined by former MtM Contributor Ryan Smith to discuss his recent accomplishment of visiting every single country in the world. We'll discuss his journey as a writer in the miles and points space plus dive into his country collecting. Find out how his journey began, how he chose his last country and all of the amazing and challenging things along the way.  Episode Notes 0:00 Freelancing in this space & what it is like being a writer. 08:25 The community of country counters & proving your “track record” 16:59 Setting a goal of visiting every country 24:56 Most challenging countries/experiences 38:27 Favorite countries/experiences through Ryan’s entire journey 47:57 The exposure to travel via social media 53:47 Choosing the “last country” and completing the journey 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!

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the announced details of the new MGM/Marriott partnership. It is coming much later than expected (in fact we still don't have a date), but is it better than Hyatt's previous partnership and what sort of benefits will you get when staying? They also discuss some of Hyatt's quirks, Shawn's last minute Paris Spring Break trip and a checking account bonus that is lucrative and easy to grab.  Episode Notes 6:04 - MGM Bonvoy details 15:38 - Las Vegas eras 18:38 - Dealing with Hyatt's quirky award rules 30:04 - Shawn plans spring break 38:41 - Chase business bank bonus 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!

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss how travel has changed over the years plus share some of their recent woes including double bookings and the Mexico award dilemma. They also discuss a big lawsuit against Google, United’s Adventure Week, some nice new airline portal bonuses and the fallout from Alaska’s scary MAX incident. Episode Notes 0:00 - Shawn’s jealous of Joe 4:20 - Check free cruise offers 6:24 - Old men yell at clouds 19:14 - More MAX problems, the airplane not the badly named streaming service 28:30 - United Adventure Week 31:06 - Shopping portal bonuses for the week 32:39 - Early year spending 33:48 - Google gets sued 38:24 - Why it’s annoying to book travel to Mexico 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

Episode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe welcome the new year with some discussions about celebrations around the world. They also discuss a new potential way you can move Amex Offers between cards plus Joe discusses his recent NYC trip including food and hotel recommendations. Episode Notes 0:00 - Dealing with end of year credits 4:16 - Visiting NYC 6:41 - Travel inspired by New Year’s Eve 16:53 - Don’t get scammed! 28:05 - Move AMEX offers around  30:32 - Alaska increases bag fees Best Buy link 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

Episode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn is joined by PDX Deals Guy to discuss the end of year happenings in the miles & points space. They also discuss the brand new Ritz in Portland, Bilt's big changes and how we should look at them plus how a simple mattress run can go so wrong.  Episode Notes 0:00 - End of year insanity 6:00 - Update on Buyers Groups 11:45 - Mattress run gone horribly wrong 21:35 - Ritz Portland review - Stunning new property 29:50 - Bilt's upcoming changes 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

Episode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe discuss their naughty and nice lists for the miles & points space. They also debate the simplicity of 2% cashback, go over the Freedom Q1 bonus categories and discuss Bilt’s 16th transfer partner. Episode Notes 0:00 - Holiday talk and housekeeping/updates 10:11 - Hoarding 2% cashback cards 16:18 - New Bilt partner 21:35 - Q1 Chase Freedom categories 22:57 - Don’t sleep on Choice Hotels 25:20 - 2023 Naughty and Nice lists 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

The hosts discuss targeted Amex Offers for Marriott and Hilton cards, Chase's luxury travel portal, why Choice Hotels should not be overlooked, and the opening of new luxury properties by Hyatt and Marriott.

The podcast covers topics such as the Diamond meetup in Orlando, the changes in Hyatt's loyalty program, Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, maximizing MX offers with the Max Rewards app, and rewards maximization and gratitude towards their Diamond members and the community.

Big changes announced for the World of Hyatt loyalty program in 2024; Positive IRS changes discussed; Black Friday streaming deals and portal bonuses; Hotel recommendations in New York City; Comparison of subway systems; Holiday season deals for streaming services; Changes in IRS regulations for 1099 forms.

They discuss Southwest Airlines' devaluation, concerning changes with Amex, portal bonuses for earning thousands of bonus points, positive United changes, and the points & travel rules they don’t mind following.