Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & Miles

Join DeAndre as he shares exciting updates from his honeymoon across Hong Kong, Fiji, and New Zealand. Discover the challenges of juggling baggage on a tiny Fiji flight and the rejuvenating stay at the Park Hyatt Auckland. Experience the beauty of Queenstown, including a breathtaking flight into Milford Sound. Plus, get sneak peeks of an upcoming luxury RV trip to Hobbiton and a return flight booked with Qantas points. Stay tuned for more detailed insights and travel strategies!

Reflecting on an eventful 2025, the hosts share how they turned everyday spending into millions of points for unforgettable travel experiences. They discuss strategic card signups, smartly buying points for affordable luxury stays, and the advantages of a coordinated travel partnership. Unique insights like earning miles instead of interest and standout destinations like Mexico City and Roatan make this recap engaging. As they set their sights on ambitious goals for 2026, they inspire listeners to craft intentional travel plans that align with reality.

A side-by-side comparison of bookings at a Las Vegas hotel reveals surprising shortcomings for Hyatt Globalist members. DeAndre shares how his friend's Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts reservation provided guaranteed perks like breakfast and late checkout, which he lacked despite elite status. He breaks down the actual value of the benefits and highlights the importance of these amenities in Vegas. The discussion concludes with practical tips on choosing the best booking strategy based on travel style.

In this honeymoon edition of Quick Hits, DeAndre shares travel updates from Fiji as he and Taryn reach the halfway point of their month-long journey through Hong Kong, Fiji, and New Zealand. With no major breaking news in points and miles this week, the episode shifts focus to firsthand experiences, destination insights, and reflections from the road.DeAndre highlights an extraordinary stay at Namale Resort, an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury property known as Fiji’s top resort. He breaks down what makes Fiji unique compared to destinations like the Maldives, emphasizing the depth of local culture, community connection, and unmatched service. The episode also touches on family-friendly travel in Fiji, including how resorts seamlessly integrate childcare into the guest experience.Looking ahead, DeAndre previews the next leg of the honeymoon in New Zealand, including stops in Auckland, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and a multi-day RV adventure across the South Island. The episode wraps with reflections on community engagement, gratitude for listener support, and encouragement to consider Fiji as a standout destination, even if it’s not a traditional points-and-miles hotspot.Key takeaways: Honeymoon update: This Quick Hits focuses on travel experiences rather than news as DeAndre and Taryn continue their month-long honeymoon.Fiji standout: Namale Resort delivers an ultra-personalized, adults-only luxury experience with a small guest count and expansive grounds.Cultural depth: Fiji’s warmth, hospitality, and local connection set it apart from other luxury island destinations.Not a points play: Namale isn’t ideal for traditional hotel points, but the experience delivers outsized value for special occasions.Family-friendly Fiji: Many resorts offer built-in childcare, making Fiji appealing for both couples and families.What’s next: The honeymoon continues to New Zealand, including Queenstown, Milford Sound, and a South Island RV journey.Community love: The WhatsApp community continues to inspire with shared trips, photos, and questions from around the world.Interested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementResources:Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravelsMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel PodcastCheck out this month's sponsor and support our showJoin the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/journeyhttps://joinbilt.com/journeyCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

This episode features DeAndre’s guest appearance on GeoBreeze Travel Podcast, hosted by Julia Menez. In this conversation, DeAndre revisits the most impactful lessons from the first year of Revolutionizing Your Journey, highlighting practical points-and-miles strategies pulled directly from the show’s most popular episodes. Topics include maximizing everyday spending through shopping portals, choosing the right cards based on real data, avoiding common beginner pitfalls, and using simple tools to decide when to pay cash versus points.The episode also weaves in personal travel experiences and redemptions that shaped the show’s early direction, offering a clear snapshot of the podcast's travel philosophy. For newer listeners, this serves as a guided recap of key episodes worth revisiting, all conveniently linked in the show notes. And while new recordings are paused during the honeymoon, behind-the-scenes travel moments continue on Instagram—from lie-flat business-class seats to luxury lounges and unforgettable destinations.Key Highlights:Points with purpose: Strong financial habits create the foundation for sustainable travel rewards.Transferable points matter: Flexibility unlocks better redemptions and more destinations.Shopping portals are a force multiplier: Everyday purchases can dramatically accelerate point balances.Data beats guesswork: Card recommendations backed by real spending patterns outperform generic advice.Family travel requires a different strategy: Status benefits and flexibility matter more with larger groups.Avoid analysis paralysis: Perfect redemptions aren’t required to create meaningful trips.Tools simplify decisions: Flight comparison plugins and tracking apps remove friction from planning.Buying points can make sense—strategically: Timing and redemption planning determine real value.Status tracking is critical: Missing bonuses or miscalculating limits can erase months of effort.Action creates memories: Points deliver value only when they’re redeemed.Episodes mentioned in this guest appearance:Ep. 8 - Unleashing the Power of Lux Travel Hacks with Andy CantuEp. 25 - How to Use Points & Miles to Plan Around-the-World Travel with the Point Sisters Ep. 32 - Maximizing Points and Miles Travel Rewards and Avoiding Pitfalls with Ryan Horn aka @profitsandpoints Ep. 38 - Points or Cash? How to Choose the Right Travel Strategy with Julian Kheel of Points Path Ep. 39 - How to Maximize Your Points & Miles Using Data with Kevin Zanes of @thepointsanalyst Ep. 45 - Balancing Family Travel & Full-Time Jobs: Expert Advice from @travellpartnersEp. 46 - Mastering Disney Travel on Points: Insider Tips from Amanda of @magic_and_milesEp. 47 - Buying Points for Luxury on a Budget: Tips and Tricks with @German.Samvel Ep. 49 - How Shopping Portals Work for Points & MilesEp. 50 - Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Amena Bakali’s Points and Miles Guide for FamiliesEp. 51 - Travel Freely App Founder Zac Hood on Turning Travel Goals into Reality with Points & MilesEp. 53 - How to Use a Credit Card for PayrollResources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.TravelsMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel PodcastCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast NetworkCheck out this month's sponsor and support our showJoin the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/journeyhttps://joinbilt.com/journey

Chase made a surprising change by rolling back the guaranteed 2¢ per point redemption for hotel bookings, now pricing them dynamically. This shift may leave travelers reassessing their plans. Highlights from a honeymoon include the luxurious Grand Hyatt Hong Kong experience with top-notch upgrades and concierge assistance during a medical issue. DeAndre shares the cultural richness of Fiji while staying at the Nanuku Resort using Hilton points, emphasizing the importance of travel insurance when faced with unexpected delays.

DeAndre Koch, a financial advisor, and Taryn Gisbert, a management consultant, delve into how their careers influenced their points and miles journey. They recount a honeymoon adventure across Hong Kong, Fiji, and New Zealand, highlighting a breathtaking Maldives proposal planned on a sandbank. The duo emphasizes responsible credit card use, the importance of flexible points, and detailed trip planning tools like TripIt. With insights on avoiding debt and motivational travel hacks, they inspire listeners to maximize their travel experiences!

This bonus episode is something truly special.In our 100th episode, we mentioned that our friend and wedding officiant, Julian Rivera, created a custom music mix that served as our wedding vows. After many of you asked to hear it, we decided to share it here.Instead of traditional vows, each of us sent Julian songs that were meaningful to us—without knowing what the other chose. We also had no idea how it would all come together. The result was a five-minute soundtrack that told our story through music, heard for the very first time during the ceremony.This episode is simply the music that carried our vows—personal, unique, and unforgettable. We’re honored to finally share it with you.Resources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.worldWebsite: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.TravelsMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel PodcastCheck out this month's sponsor and support our showJoin the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/journeyhttps://joinbilt.com/journeyCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network

This special honeymoon edition of Quick Hits comes to you from 40,000 feet in the air, as DeAndre records mid-flight on the world’s longest route from JFK to Singapore. With travel in full swing, this episode focuses only on the most critical updates in points and miles, along with a brief look at the honeymoon itinerary.The biggest news of the week is the sudden and unexpected shutdown of the Mesa Homeowners Card. Once considered a breakthrough option for earning transferable points on mortgage payments, Mesa abruptly closed all cardholder accounts, deactivating cards and freezing new earning overnight. While the closure is not related to cardholder behavior, it has triggered a scramble to move or redeem remaining points. A workaround discovered by the community allows some transfers to partners, and DeAndre shares where listeners can find that information.The episode wraps with a quick travel update, including upcoming stops in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Fiji, before settling into the heart of the honeymoon. For the next few weeks, Quick Hits will remain shorter and focus only on significant news.Key takeaways: Mesa card shutdown: Mesa abruptly closed all Homeowners Card accounts without prior notice.Earning halted immediately: Cards were deactivated, and new purchases or point earning are no longer possible.No wrongdoing involved: Mesa confirmed closures were not due to customer behavior or account issues.Transfer workaround: A community-discovered method may allow transfers to Mesa partners.Statement credit fallback: Redeeming at ~0.6¢ per point remains an option, though not ideal.Trust concerns: The shutdown raises questions about Mesa’s future and customer confidence.Honeymoon mode: Quick Hits episodes will be shorter and focus on only major updates.Interested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementResources:Mesa Workaround for Missing Points Transfer OptionsBook a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.worldWebsite: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravelsMentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel PodcastCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast NetworkCheck out this month's sponsor and support our showJoin the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/journeyhttps://joinbilt.com/journey

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with Dr. Kelly Blair, a dentist who transformed casual credit card use into a powerful points-and-miles strategy that unlocked unforgettable travel experiences. Kelly shares how her journey began with simple airline cards and gradually evolved into a thoughtful system that allowed her to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary in the Maldives, flying premium cabins and staying at aspirational resorts she once thought were out of reach.The conversation walks through Kelly’s learning curve, the role of research and community support, and how confidence builds with each successful redemption. She reflects on standout experiences like Emirates First Class and luxury stays in the Maldives, and on how points have changed the way her family approaches travel. Kelly also discusses balancing strategy with real life, planning future trips, and why engaging with the points-and-miles community accelerates growth and success.Key Highlights:Kelly’s beginnings: She started with basic airline credit cards before expanding into a broader points-and-miles strategy.Learning through action: Confidence came from booking real trips and seeing points translate into meaningful value.Anniversary redemption: Points made a 20th anniversary trip to the Maldives possible without luxury-level cash prices.Favorite experiences: Emirates First Class flights and high-end Maldives resorts stand out as bucket-list moments.Strategy focus: She prioritizes cards with strong multipliers and compelling welcome bonuses.Community support: Learning from others helped shorten the trial-and-error phase of travel hacking.Value beyond luxury: Points open doors to better routes, comfort, and flexibility—not just fancy trips.Long-term planning: Future goals include extended international travel and an around-the-world trip with her daughter.Mindset shift: Points and miles turned travel from an occasional splurge into a regular part of life.Resources:Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupInterested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.TravelsConnect with Dr. Kelly Blair: Instagram: dr.kblairMentioned in this episode:Check out this month's sponsor and support our showJoin the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/journeyhttps://joinbilt.com/journeyCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast NetworkCheck out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast