MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel! Is the World Too Unstable to Travel Right Now? + Booking the Atlantis Bahamas HACK!
Mar 3, 2026
They discuss how recent Middle East events have disrupted flights and traveler plans. Stories of diverted flights and how airlines handled stranded passengers come up. The conversation covers using miles and flexibility to reroute and a clever points hack to access Atlantis pools via a budget property. They compare Bahamas, Bermuda, and Hawaii for cost, water quality, and family fit.
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Use Points And Flexibility To Escape Travel Disruptions
- Do leverage miles, points, and flexibility to reroute or book last-minute alternatives when flights or borders close.
- Mark explains using points, lounges, and quick rebooking can avoid $5,000+ fares and get you home faster.
Don't Rely On Embassies To Bail You Out
- Don't assume your government can rescue you in a crisis; register with embassies and plan contingencies before travel.
- Shawn cites the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem telling citizens they couldn't help tens of thousands during recent unrest.
Think Laterally When Routes Close
- Try creative on-the-ground solutions like crossing to a neighboring country or using lounge agents to rebook when routes are blocked.
- Mark gives the example of driving to Oman from Dubai or talking to agents to find alternative flights with points.