Podcasts about ihg

Wake up and smell the bacon. Holiday Inn Express by IHG is launching a world-first hotel experience with a scent-based alarm clock in an effort to improve guests’ sleep and mornings!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special presentation of Smart Travel, learn what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel. Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Smart Travel hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter redemption choices. But first, they cover recent travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines' new partnership with EVA Air, Frontier's companion certificate promotion and status match, and JetBlue opening up award bookings with Condor Airlines. Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss NerdWallet's latest airline, hotel, and credit card point valuations, with tips and tricks on comparing loyalty programs, maximizing transfer partners, and deciding when cash is more valuable than points. They also discuss the impact of devaluations, how close-in bookings can save you points, and why premium cabins can sometimes offer outsized redemption value. Plus: Craig's hot take on airport lounges. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard Worth Its Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-frontier-airlines-world-mastercard-worth-its-annual-fee Citi Strata Credit Card Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata  Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending ​​https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-double-cash  Citi Custom Cash Card Review: Low-Maintenance 5% Cash Back https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-custom-cash  Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier  Is the New Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-alaska-airlines-atmos-summit-card-worth-its-annual-fee  Resources discussed in this episode: Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/calculator-should-you-book-a-flight-with-cash-or-miles  How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. In this episode, the Nerds discuss: points and miles valuation, airline miles value, hotel points value, credit card points value, Southwest EVA Air partnership, Frontier Companion Certificate, JetBlue Condor award booking, Citi American Airlines transfer, Amex Membership Rewards value, Capital One points value, Bilt points value, Hyatt points value, Hilton points value, Marriott points value, Wyndham points value, IHG points value, Alaska miles value, JetBlue points value, American Airlines miles value, United miles value, Southwest points value, Virgin Atlantic miles value, ANA miles value, Avianca LifeMiles value, best way to use Amex points, best way to use Citi points, best way to use Capital One points, use cash or points for flights, last minute award flight value, premium cabin redemption value, economy flight points value, airline devaluation, hotel point devaluation, cash vs points travel booking, when to transfer credit card points, how to maximize travel rewards, and NerdWallet points and miles calculator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee would hit tech-heavy employers far more than travel brands, but travel could feel second-order effects through its reliance on tech partners and possible shifts in current visa holders' travel behavior. Airbnb says early data from its four-month-old Services marketplace shows stronger demand for massages and personal training than for chefs or photographers, so it plans to lean into wellness without becoming an Amazon-style everything store. IHG is bringing its Ruby lifestyle brand to the U.S. with a compact, conversion-friendly model aimed at fast development, though it faces low brand awareness and stiff competition in urban, design-forward hotels. Connect with SkiftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnewsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.socialX: https://twitter.com/skiftSubscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Is EQ more important than IQ when it comes to hospitality?Today, Manish Puri, General Manager of the Regent Hotels and Resorts Bali, joins Dan to dive into key topics in the industry, such as sustainability, community, and leadership. They discuss the essence of hospitality, differentiating it from mere service, and delve into the concept of regenerative hospitality and sustainability. Manish shares insights from his career at prestigious hotel brands like Oberoi, Burj Al Arab, Six Senses, and Regent Bali. They explore how sustainability initiatives can transform the industry, turning cost centers into investment centers, and the importance of heartfelt service. The conversation also covers the challenges of opening and managing new hotels and the impact of leadership and open-heartedness in inspiring younger generations in the hospitality industry.Takeaways: Embrace regenerative practices by viewing waste as an opportunity to create value, turning sustainability efforts into investments rather than costs.Lead by example and integrity. Your actions are always being observed, so inspire others by consistently doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.Pay attention to the small details in your work. Excellence is built on thousands of thoughtful, consistent actions rather than a single grand gesture.Foster a culture of genuine care and positivity. Small acts of kindness and authentic smiles can create a powerful ripple effect throughout your organization.Design guest programs that encourage visitors to give back to the local community, such as volunteering or sharing their expertise, creating a positive impact beyond their stay.Treat sustainability initiatives as opportunities for investment and growth, not just as expenses. Find ways to turn environmental responsibility into tangible value.Quote of the Show:“ A luxury brand has to have that caring side of it. Caring for the environment, caring for all stakeholders, caring for the community. Without it, you are not a complete hotel.” - Manish PuriLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manish-puri-36241231/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manpuri/ Website: https://www.ihg.com/regent/hotels/us/en/reservation Shout Outs:1:15 - Oberoi Hotels and Resorts https://www.oberoihotels.com/ 1:16 - Burj Al Arab https://www.jumeirah.com/en/Stay/Dubai/Burj-Al-Arab-Jumeirah 1:17 - Potato Head https://seminyak.potatohead.co/ 1:22 - Six Senses https://www.sixsenses.com/en/ 2:28 - IHG https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation 2:30 - Kimpton https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/reservation 2:33 - Intercontinental https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/reservation 5:10 - Beverly Wilshire https://www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/ 5:12 - Pretty Woman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Woman 5:48 - Four Seasons https://www.fourseasons.com/ 5:49 - Jim Brown https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-brown-718240a/ 22:42 - TripAdvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/ 28:45 - Tom Cruise https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Cruise 28:52 - Grand Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US 28: 53 - Kempinski Palace https://www.kempinski.com/en/palace-portoroz 29:02 - University of Oxford https://www.ox.ac.uk/ 29:02 - Cornell University https://www.cornell.edu/ 

Booking hotels through travel portals can be a brilliant points-saver, but there are also downsides to booking this way. In this episode I break down when portals like Chase Travel and Capital One beat transferring points to Marriott, Hilton or IHG, the risks of these bookings and the simple steps I teach my Families Fly Free members to mitigate any issues. We'll also cover the powerful Hyatt exception—why transferring Chase points to Hyatt often costs fewer points and avoids third-party headaches—plus real stories from listeners and my own trips.You'll learn:Why to compare portal prices vs. transfers in 2 minutes and pick the cheaper optionThe biggest pitfalls with third-party hotel bookings and how to avoid themMy confirm-confirm-confirm, validate-validate-validate strategyWhy Hyatt is the go-to sweet spot for fewer points and direct-booking peace of mindWant my swipe files, step-by-step Stay Free Formula™ and real-time help and community support as things keep changing? Join Families Fly Free to stretch your points further with fewer cards and less hassle, so your family can make more travel memories together: https://www.FamiliesFlyFree.com/join

Новости на радио «Русские Эмираты» в Дубае:- В ноябре 2025 года в Дубае начнет работу Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG — самый высокий отель в мире. Башня на 82 этажа достигает высоты 377 метров, и включает 1004 номера и люкса. Объект войдет в коллекционный бренд IHG Vignette Collection, который сочетает индивидуальность отелей с общей концепцией, управлять отелем будет The First Group Hospitality.- Кувейтская бюджетная авиакомпания Jazeera Airways со 2 октября возобновляет прямые рейсы в Абу-Даби и Аль-Айн. Таким образом, перевозчик будет выполнять полеты уже в три города, поскольку сейчас его лайнеры также летают в Дубай.

Extended stay dominates today's #hospitality development pipeline—and I spoke with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, on No Vacancy Live to break it down. Here's what we covered:

IHG is prioritizing Asia for growth, with CEO Elie Maalouf planning to double the company's presence in Japan to nearly 100 hotels and surpass 1,000 in China within 18 months. Frontier CEO Barry Biffle defended the ultra-low-cost model and rebuked United's Scott Kirby as “elitist,” arguing the U.S. market's problem is oversupply and noting Frontier could gain from Spirit's renewed Chapter 11. Meanwhile, Airbnb's Brian Chesky said the company will integrate curated boutique and independent hotels directly into core search results via a new carousel, piloting in New York and other major cities to keep travelers on-platform. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

What happens when a hotel developer moves from building Hampton Inns to creating lifestyle hotels with fire pits and Michelin-starred restaurants?Today's guest is a returning guest, Stephen Wendell, Co-Founder and CEO of Mountain Shore Properties. They explore the shift from select-service properties to luxury and lifestyle hotels, examining the business dynamics and guest experiences that differentiate these segments. Steven shares insights on building independent lifestyle hotels, dealing with construction challenges, financing, and the pivotal role of major brands and creative freedom. They also discuss the evolving demands of younger travelers and the potential for lifestyle hotels to serve as cultural hubs. The conversation touches on financing strategies, the impact of current economic conditions, and the balance between guest experience and profitability.Takeaways: The most successful hospitality projects prioritize unique, memorable experiences for guests, which can lead to long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth growth.Each project is a learning opportunity. Apply lessons from past mistakes to improve future outcomes and avoid repeating errors.Consider a mix of select service and lifestyle/boutique properties to balance stability with higher-reward opportunities.Affiliation with major brands can make financing easier and provide valuable marketing/distribution support, but weigh the costs and benefits carefully.The best hotels become hubs for both guests and locals. Create spaces and experiences that attract both groups.Younger travelers value experiences over points. Offer unique, local collaborations and experiences to attract and retain this demographic.Hospitality is a long-term business. Set expectations with investors and partners accordingly, and operate with a long-term mindset.Quote of the Show:“Some people quit in the messy middle. We've pushed through, and now we know what to do and how to do it.” - Stephen WendellLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-wendell-5417291a/ Website: https://mountainshoreproperties.com/ Shout Outs:1:18 - Philadelphia Eagles https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/ 2:00 - Camptown https://mountainshoreproperties.com/project/camptown-leeds-ny/ 3:56 - Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/ 4:14 - Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/ 4:15 - Dream https://www.hyatt.com/dream-hotels 4:16 - The Standard https://www.hyatt.com/the-standard/en-US 4:17 - Bunkhouse https://www.hyatt.com/bunkhouse-hotels/en-US/explore 4:18 - Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/ 4:19 - Graduate https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/graduate-hotels/ 4:22 - Nomad https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/nomad-hotels/ 4:23 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 5:09 - Courtyard https://courtyard.marriott.com/ 5:17 - Hotel Genevieve https://mountainshoreproperties.com/project/hotel-genevieve-louisville-ky/ 7:20 - Hampton Inn https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hampton-by-hilton/ 13:00 - Gary Vaynerchuk https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Vaynerchuk 13:50 - Steve Jobs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs 13:52 - Bill Gates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Gates 13:53 - Jeff Bezos https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Bezos 14:49 - James Beard https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Beard 17:18 - AC Hotels https://ac-hotels.marriott.com/ 18:07 - Independent Lodging Congress https://ilcongress.com/ 18:18 - Deutsche Bank https://www.db.com/ 18:20 - Bank of America https://www.bankofamerica.com/ 22:31 - Vanguard https://investor.vanguard.com/ 22:32 - John Bogle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Bogle 23:09 - JDV https://www.hyatt.com/jdv-by-hyatt/en-US/explore 24:08 - IHG https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation 24:12 - Vignette https://www.ihg.com/vignettecollection/hotels/us/en/reservation 25:29 - Waldorf Astoria https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/waldorf-astoria/ 34:40 - Ritz Carlton https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ 45:57 - Jerome Powell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Powell 52:26 - Paul Volcker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Volcker 54:59 - Costa Susana https://costasusana.com/en/ 56:20 - Hotel Saint Cecilia https://www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-saint-cecilia 56:47 - Regent Hotels https://www.ihg.com/regent/hotels/us/en/reservation 

Episode 137 of the Award Travel 101 podcast featured guest Ian Carroll, founder of the award search tool Seats.aero. Angie opened with a highlight post from a member who discovered Chase is now more strictly enforcing repeat-sub restrictions, similar to Amex's lifetime rules. The episode also covered news of elevated welcome offers on IHG credit cards, refreshed Amex Delta card bonuses, and several ongoing mileage sales and hotel promotions. Angie shared her own recent credit card approvals and denials—including a Barclays Red card approval after a manual verification—while Ian celebrated finally getting the Atmos Summit card. Travel updates included Angie's upcoming New England trip and Miami meetup, and Ian's EVA and Starlux premium cabin bookings from San Francisco to Asia.The main topic focused on Seats.aero, exploring its origins, how the product vision has evolved, and what makes it unique among a crowded field of award search tools. Ian discussed how the platform stands out with features like customizable alerts, streamlined award searches, and the new “Seats.aero Assistant.” They also touched on hotel alert services, airline coverage gaps (like BA not yet being integrated), and planned enhancements for casual and advanced users alike.The episode wrapped with Angie's tip of the week: always follow up on bank communications. She shared how a letter from Barclays, which she initially considered ignoring, ended up securing her approval for another 70,000 AA miles after a quick verification call. The takeaway: those small steps can sometimes unlock big wins in the points-and-miles game.Where to Find Us The Free Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

Ready to level up your hotel game? This week, Joanna and Mary Ellen are joined by Jenn from @Travel.More.Momma to dive deep into the IHG Rewards program — including the underrated perks that make it worth a spot in your wallet. From the fourth-night-free benefit to creative uses for free night certificates, we cover why even the no-annual-fee IHG card can unlock serious value.Jenn also shares her luxe kids-free getaway to the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman, complete with quirky Kimpton touches, poolside flags for cocktail service, and a little-known “secret password” for extra perks. Plus, we compare the Kimpton with another nearby budget-friendly alternative.If you've been sleeping on IHG, this episode will change how you think about free nights, point redemptions, and where to plan your next island escape.Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoAffiliate LinksCapitalOne Venture and Venture X LinksChase Sapphire Preferred LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

Full YT Version: https://youtu.be/D4RjJe8BTUI?si=oaqNzqT4jSIQq7KoJoin us for a full review of our luxurious stay at the Kimpton Grand Roatan in Honduras. From bungalows with outdoor showers to a world-class spa tucked in the jungle, we cover everything you need to know — including the exact points strategy we used to save hundreds on this 5-star experience.

We talk about the exclusive new club of hotel companies that make a billion dollar profit every quarter – spoiler alert, there are just two; we will also be talking about Accor and IHG, looking at why Accor continues to disappoint with regard to its share price; and we'll finish up with a chat about how hospitality is being over taxed and why, in the UK at least, VAT is going to stay at the high level its currently at.

Ever wondered what really goes into running a high-performing host agency? Keith Walden, founder of Departure Lounge, shares how he built a values-driven agency that empowers over 320 advisors across 13 countries and why mentorship, collaboration, and kindness are non-negotiables. With nearly four decades of experience, Keith reveals the secrets behind Departure Lounge's explosive growth, what he looks for in advisors and partners, and how he's blending innovation with human connection to build a business on track to exceed $500 million in annual sales. About Keith Waldon: A native Texan, Keith Waldon began his career in luxury travel while still in college in Dallas as an intern for Rosewood Hotels, where he continued his career as a marketing manager after graduating from Southern Methodist University. Keith later spent 16 years as a senior executive for the international luxury travel network Virtuoso, where creating the Virtuoso brand and elevating the awareness of travel advisors were among his accomplishments. With 27 years in the luxury travel industry, Keith launched Departure Lounge in 2013, first as a specialty retail storefront travel agency. Since then, the agency has organically grown into an international luxury host travel agency with more than 320 travel advisors reaching more than $340 million in annual sales in 2024. Keith was voted Most Innovative Travel Advisor by the Virtuoso network in 2019. He is honored to be featured on Travel+Leisure Magazine's A-List of travel experts as a family and Italy travel specialist, and he serves on the magazine's Advisory Board. He also serves on advisory boards for Marriott luxury brands, Hilton luxury brands, IHG luxury brands, Corinthia Hotels, Lindblad Expeditions, Truevail and the British Virgin Islands. Keith now calls northwest Tuscany home, where he is renovating an old estate built between 1550 and 1700. kwaldon@departurelounge.com DepartureLounge.com Download the Launch Checklist: http://www.tiquehq.com/launch?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+40&utm_medium=Podcast+Shownotes&utm_campaign=Launch+Checklist Today we will cover: (02:00) Keith's journey from college internship to luxury travel leader (04:30) The birth of Departure Lounge and the innovative model behind its success (14:20) Keith's approach to mentorship, community building, and advisor empowerment (22:30) How to grow a host agency without losing the human touch (30:15) How transparency and trust drive long-term success (36:20) How Departure Lounge structures earnings and supports advisor success (44:35) Why education and mentorship are the core business strategies (51:45) Keith's board involvement; advocating for advisors on a global level JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors: Check out Moxie & Fourth: Email marketing for travel advisors

#240: Transferring points is one of the best ways to maximize your points, so today we share the top airline and hotel transfer partners. We also cover strategies to get the most out of your points, including how to leverage transfer bonuses, identify sweet spots, avoid common mistakes, and more. Greg Davis-Kean is the founder of Frequent Miler, a blog dedicated to helping people maximize their travel rewards and loyalty programs, mostly without flying. He is also the host of the Frequent Miler on the Air podcast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-transfer-partners-greg-frequent-miler Partner Deals Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn LMNT: ⁠Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix NetSuite: Free KPI checklist to upgrade your business performance OpenPhone: 20% off the first 6 months of your own business phone system For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Greg Davis-Kean: Frequent Miler | Newsletter | Podcast Frequent Miler Resources Current Transfer Bonuses How to Save Miles by Flying More How to book EVA Air Infinity MileageLands awards How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points Flight Award Search Tools PointsYeah AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS) ATH Podcast Airline/Hotel Transfer Partner Spreadsheet Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Outsized Value from Transferring Points (02:27) Quick Episode Overview (08:21) Why Emirates First Class Is a Coveted Experience (14:07) Air Canada's Aeroplan Program (17:51) Maximizing Transfer Bonuses (19:17) Getting Value from the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (25:29) Sweet Spot for Virgin Atlantic (32:49) Using Air France-KLM Flying Blue for Business Class Flights (39:09) Leveraging Avios Points (44:09) Avios Sweet Spots and Places to Avoid (49:44) Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific (55:44) Is the Avianca LifeMiles Program Worth It? (59:30) JetBlue's Transfer Partners (1:01:44) Southwest Airlines (1:04:39) Aeromexico (1:04:52) Qantas and Turkish Airlines (1:06:43) Booking Flights via United (1:09:26) EVA Air Program for Flights to Asia (1:11:18) Uses for ANA (1:12:45) TAP Air and Thai Airways (1:13:21) Why Greg Loves Alaska Miles (1:15:31) Difference Between Airline Miles vs. Hotel Points (1:16:37) Using Hyatt Points (1:18:07) Getting Value from Wyndham, IHG, and Hilton (1:21:11) The Marriott Bonvoy Program (1:21:40) Booking Hotels with Citi ThankYou Points (1:23:28) Leader's Club (1:25:10) Wells Fargo and Accor Points (1:25:58) Why You Should Set Up Your Award Programs in Advance (1:27:47) Is It Possible to Reverse Transfers? (1:28:56) Where to Find Greg and Frequent Miler Resources Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one loves the annual fees of credit cards, but what if they could save you hundreds on travel? Free-night certificates are one of the most valuable perks you can earn from hotel credit cards, and with the right strategy, they can easily pay for themselves year after year. While many travelers cancel their cards after claiming the welcome bonus, the savvy few know that some cards deliver ongoing value, thanks to these certificates.   In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad breaks down how hotel free-night certificates from Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG can transform your travel planning. We share specific redemption examples, reveal which cards we keep just for these certificates, and explore how to maximize their value—whether you're booking a luxury stay or using them for family trips. By understanding the unique ways each brand offers and limits these certificates, you can get far more than you paid in annual fees.   You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/140   Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/   The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad   Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad  

In the latest episode of Back of House, Luke Butler and co-host Michael Rodrigues are joined by Grant Alchin, an accomplished hospitality leader within the hotel industry. After two decades in senior operational roles with global operators IHG and Accor, and nearly a decade in asset management for listed entities, Grant co-founded Trilogy Hotels in 2023. From peeling potatoes in a café at 14 to operating 16 properties nationwide, Grant's story is anything but ordinary. It is the kind of conversation that makes you rethink how we lead, build culture, and create real impact.

In this episode of No Vacancy News, Glenn Haussman heads to IHG's Design Center in Atlanta to explore the evolution of Candlewood Suites, Atwell Suites, and Staybridge Suites with IHG brand leaders Karen Gilbride and Justin Alexander.

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with full-time traveler and points strategist Tommy Lonergan to dive deep into the world of buying points and miles. Tommy shares his journey from a traditional career path to building a lifestyle fueled by travel rewards, and he breaks down when and why buying points can be a smart move.From credit card strategy to point valuations, they explore how to identify the best opportunities, what red flags to avoid, and why understanding the numbers behind point purchases is essential. Tommy offers insight into his favorite programs, including Hilton, IHG, and Air Canada, and stresses the value of long-term planning for luxury travel.This conversation is packed with actionable tips for both beginners and seasoned travel hackers—ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their travel game without overspending.Key Highlights:Tommy's journey: He has been traveling full-time for over four years, using points and miles.Buying points: Strategic point purchases can unlock significant travel savings.Research is everything: Understand redemption options before making a purchase.Best programs: Hilton, IHG, and Air Canada are standouts for earning points through purchases.Promotions matter: The right bonus can significantly shift the value equation.Cost benchmarks: Aim to buy points for under 1.5 cents each.Elite status tips: Combine point purchases with status benefits for maximum value.Avoid bad deals: Stay away from third-party brokers and inflated rates.International angle: Different regions have varying access and rules.Plan with intent: Have a clear travel goal in mind before investing in points.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...

We've been gradually telling the “origin stories” of each team member in Frequent mIler. Today, we'll talk about how Stephen came to join Frequent Miler.Frequent Miler origin story - Stephen's story(01:04) - When did Stephen first get into the points and miles travel hobby?(04:41) - Stephen remembers the stackable IHG promo codes(05:39) - Stephen's wife helped him pull the trigger on some early credit cards like the US Airways credit card with a bonus after just one purchase(07:54) - Stephen recalls his earliest credit cards (which he has noted in a spreadsheet, of course!) (09:35) - In 2016, Stephen and his wife decided that (in two years), they would start a roadtrip to every state in the US. They prepared by piling up on hotel credit cards.(11:30) - When did Stephen get into gift card reselling? (14:29) - How did Stephen get involved with Frequent Miler?(15:36) - Stephen remembers being excited that Frequent Miler had linked to his website! He was also very active in the Frequent Miler Insiders Facebook group.(16:51) - Stephen remembers being invited to write for Frequent Miler to help cover Nick's paternity leave. He wasn't sure it would cooperate with the roadtrip he was about to begin, but his wife helped encourage him to go for it! (A Frequent Miler author theme).(18:23) - Nick talks about how he came to recommend Stephen as his paternity leave coverage. Stephen's useful posts in the Frequent Miler Insiders group made him the first person Nick thought of. (19:62) - How did Stephen become the "king of stacking"?(22:21) - Stephen talks about how his time at Frequent Miler has been.Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Hyatt announced it will sell the real estate portfolio of Playa Hotels & Resorts for $2 billion just weeks after acquiring it, aligning with its asset-light strategy while retaining management of the resorts for a net cost of $555 million. Neil Jacobs is stepping down as CEO of Six Senses after 13 years, during which he grew the brand globally and oversaw its acquisition by IHG. Meanwhile, European authorities have issued heat-related travel warnings amid a Mediterranean heat wave, with temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Spain and wildfires triggering evacuations. Hyatt's $2 Billion Property Sale Will Slash Cost of Buying Playa Six Senses CEO Steps Down After 13-Year Tenure Europe Heat Wave: Tourist Death and Wildfires Spark Travel Warnings  Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ ⁠Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠ Bluesky: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

In this inspiring episode of Investing with Purpose, we sit down with Russell Hughes, a humble IHG member, creative force in the game development world, and faith-driven real estate investor. From a childhood shaped by a "starving artist" father and hard life lessons, to building successful gaming companies and getting his hands dirty flipping HUD homes, Russell's journey is anything but conventional.We explore how faith pulled him back from wayward paths, how he brings purpose into the work he does today, and how he's navigating the early stages of real estate investing with spiritual clarity. This episode is a powerful testament to aligning your calling with your career, and how ethical investing is not just possible—but purposeful.TakeawaysInvesting should reflect personal beliefs and values.Many Christians consider the ethical implications of their investments.Financial advisors play a crucial role in aligning investments with faith.Return and safety are important, but not the only factors.Ethical investments can lead to better alignment with core beliefs.Navigating ethical dilemmas is essential for faith-based investing.Investors should seek advisors who understand their values.Values-based investing can enhance personal fulfillment.Financial planning should incorporate ethical considerations.Investing wisely involves a holistic view of one's beliefs.TitlesFaith Meets Finance: A New Approach to InvestingInvesting with Integrity: Aligning Values and WealthChapters00:00 Introduction to Faith-Driven Investing01:21 Early Influences and Family Background03:02 Turning Points and Lessons Learned05:34 Faith and Values in Financial Decisions07:14 Purposeful Investments and Impact08:08 Navigating Profits vs. Principles10:29 Legacy and Wealth Transfer13:51 Community and Mentorship in Investing16:05 Dream Investments and Future Aspirations26:59 New ChapterRussell was born Texas to a loving mom and Starving Artist father who passed away when he was a young teen. After years of wayward living, Russell worked his way into the Game Development Industry and worked on several number 1 titles as well as helped start several game companies. Early on, he started buying HUD homes to do the slow flip while living in them. Russell notes that, along the way, God was not letting him slip away, He has always called him back into discipline no matter how much he strayed. He is amazing.Email: russsssman@gmail.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russellhughesIG: @russelllhughesConnect with UsAre you interested in joining a community of like-minded individuals who aspire to build true wealth through real estate passive investing? Go to IHG Investor Club to learn more!

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5The towering sequoias of Mariposa Grove, the refreshing mist from Bridal Veil Falls, and the unexpected joy of watching our typically reserved 11-year-old exclaim "This is amazing!" – our family adventure to Yosemite National Park delivered all this and more.Our road trip strategy began with renting a hybrid minivan for the 2,000-mile journey, earning American Airlines miles while saving our personal vehicle from mountain roads and inevitable snack debris. After an overnight at the Holiday Inn Express in Oakhurst (booked with an IHG free night certificate), we kicked off our Yosemite exploration with the Valley Floor Tour – a perfect introduction that provided fascinating insights into the park's history and ecology, including how indigenous fire management practices were disrupted by European settlers.For families considering Yosemite with young children, we discovered some perfect trails: Lower Yosemite Falls offers an easy walk with spectacular views, while Bridal Veil Falls rewards visitors with cooling mist after a short hike. The more ambitious Mariposa Grove trail showcased magnificent giant sequoias but required multiple breaks to manage the heat and terrain with our little ones. One unexpected highlight? Encountering a rattlesnake – though we had hoped for bears and deer during our visit!Accommodation was a crucial part of our experience. Rush Creek Lodge, located just minutes from the west entrance (though still a 45-minute drive to the valley floor), proved worth every penny of its $538 nightly rate. The resort offered heated pools, zip lines, game rooms, nightly s'mores, and endless activities that kept our kids entertained from sunrise to sunset. Even without televisions in the rooms, we connected as a family through board games and outdoor adventures.Our biggest tips? Map your route carefully to minimize backtracking on winding mountain roads, prepare for motion sickness with Dramamine (administered a full hour before departure), and check multiple weather sources before packing – we brought cold-weather gear for forecasted 60-degree days but encountered 90-degree heat instead!Looking to create your own Yosemite memories? Follow us on Instagram @TravelParty5 for photos, videos, and more insights from our adventure. And tune in next week when we continue our journey with our Lake Tahoe experiences!

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, about the growing interest of international hotel chains, such as InterContinental Hotels Group, in South Africa's luxury hotel market, which is seen as vastly underserved, particularly in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. In other interviews, Stephen Grootes discusses with John Stopford, Head of Multi-Asset Income, NinetyOne Asset Management about the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, where Iran has refused to discuss its nuclear program amidst Israeli attacks, prompting Europe to urge Tehran to return to negotiations while the US considers its next move. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, about the growing interest of international hotel chains, such as InterContinental Hotels Group, in South Africa's luxury hotel market, which is seen as vastly underserved, particularly in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Our apologies for the occasional connection issues with Nick's audio*What the heck does "Mattress Cycling the Hyatt Numbers" mean? We'll find out in today's episode. We'll also talk about using online chat with Hyatt to get your way, and we'll predict the details of the new Chase Sapphire Business card.(01:25) - Did we just beat a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast?Listen to Tim's origin story episode here.(02:51) - You can now move your Chase credit lines between cards online(05:26) - Capital One Spark Cash: $1500 after $15K in 3 months. $95 annual fee waived 1st year. 2% on all spend(07:52) - Rakuten closing accounts for too many "ineligible" orders.Read more about Rakuten account shutdown here.(11:28) - New Hyatt promo is offering up to 16k bonus points on stays at Hyatt Place, Hyatt House & Hyatt StudiosRead more about the Hyatt promo here.(16:01) - How to turn this mattress run into a mattress cycle...(19:07) - Hyatt buys some all-inclusive group that included properties in a number of other ecosystems (Hilton, IHG, Wyndham). But all award reservations were cancelled with no notice -- not honoring awards booked through other programs. Some people really got a raw deal here, being cancelled on a few days' notice with no alternative accommodation offered(23:37) - JetBlue restricting access to Mint for partner programs(26:17) - Updated RRV process(29:55) - Highlights from Nick's 2.5-week trip to Europe...Main Event: Predicting the Sapphire Business Card(39:28) - What we know for certain: nothing beyond "coming this Summer"(41:33) - What we think we know about the refreshed consumer Sapphire ReserveRead more about our predictions for the new consumer card here.(51:23) - Questions about the business card...(1:06:43) - If our predictions are correct...would this card still be worth it?(1:09:55) - We've heard you talk about Capital One miles and Major League Baseball tickets. Can you use cash to get the same tickets?Read more about this opportunity here.Subscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Send us a textEin schweres Flugzeugunglück erschüttert Indien: Eine Boeing 787-8 der Air India, Flug AI171 von Ahmedabad nach London, ist nur zwei Minuten nach dem Start in ein Wohngebiet gestürzt. An Bord befanden sich 242 Personen – mindestens 207 Todesopfer wurden bisher bestätigt, darunter auch Menschen am Boden. Nur ein Passagier hat überlebt.Die elf Jahre alte Maschine war voll betankt für den Langstreckenflug. Laut Air India wurde vor dem Absturz ein Notruf abgesetzt, danach brach der Funkkontakt ab. Es handelt sich um den ersten Totalverlust eines Boeing 787 Dreamliners weltweit.Die Katastrophe ereignete sich in unmittelbarer Nähe einer Berufsschule – zahlreiche Gebäude wurden beschädigt, mehrere Menschen am Boden verletzt. Die Behörden haben eine Untersuchung eingeleitet.#AirIndia, #Boeing787, #Flugzeugabsturz, #Ahmedabad, #AI171, #DreamlinerCrash, #LuftfahrtNews, #Tragödie, #Flugsicherheit, #Indien, #LondonFlight, #BreakingNews00:00 Willkommen zu Frequent Traveller TV01:07 Tragischer Flugzeugabsturz in Indien05:33 Fehler im Cockpit der Lufthansa Cityline wegen Umstrukturierung08:44 Lufthansa's Pünktlichkeit auf Rekordniveau11:33 Airbus' Nachfrageprognose bis 204415:00 Keine XP in billigen Tarifen bei Air France KLM's Flying Blue19:24 IHG 3 Nächte bleiben und nur 2 zahlen20:00 Fragen des TagesTake-OFF 12.06.2025 – Folge 112-2025Stammtisch Termine: https://FQTWorld.as.me/meetupKanalmitglied werden und exklusive Vorteile erhalten:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQyWcZxP3MpuQ54foJ_IsgQ/joinHier geht es zu eurem kostenlosen Consulting Link - https://FTCircle.as.me/Damit Du von unserem Wissen profitieren kannst, kannst du ein mindestens 60 minütiges und vor allem auf dich zugeschnittenes Punkte, Meilen, Status Coaching buchen. Nach dem Call bekommst du ein Jahr Zugang zu dieser Gruppe und zahlst so nur 10 Euro pro Monat und kannst sofort profitieren. Hier ist nun der Link zu deinem neuen Punkte, Meilen und Status Deals.MY SOCIALSWhatsApp - https://wa.me/message/54V7X7VO3WOVF1FACEBOOK | Lars F Corsten - https://www.facebook.com/LFCorsten/FACEBOOK | FQT.TV - https://www.facebook.com/FQTTVFACEBOOK | FTCircle - https://www.facebook.com/FTCircleTWITTER | Lars F Corsten - https://twitter.com/LFCorstenINSTAGRAM | Lars F Corsten - https://www.instagram.com/lfcorsten/LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfcorsten/Clubhouse - @LFCorsten

What do you do when you don't have enough hotel miles? And why aren't we letting all 100K Vacay competitors use Chase points? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube which first aired on June 4th, 2025.(07:36) - ​​What is your favorite all inclusive you've stayed at? I've been to Punta Cana but want to try other locations. (10:14) - Do you keep the points when you PC Wells Fargo cards? For example if you PC to the no longer available Visa signature card can you then use the points for 50% more for airfare? (11:07) - Does purchasing gift cards count towards welcome offer spend? (15:02) - How can you tell what resort fees IHG will charge when booking award stays? (16:59) - Hello, thoughts on changes to amex biz plat dell credit? #1 Using buying groups for $1k credit? #2 Thoughts for the future, meaning more discounts instead of 1:1. (21:26) - ​​Does anyone know what to expect with United/JetBlue partnership? I'm moving from Houston to Boston this fall and ready to divorce Southwest. (25:48) - What do you guys do when you have an overwhelming amount of airlines miles, and not enough hotel miles? Read more about Capital One Shopping changes here: https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-shopping-gift-card-redemption-options/(39:12) - what do you think about the lounge changes that are coming to Capital One? (41:56) - I plan to start funding a 529 for my wife's law school payments. I will be mixing in purchases of the $500 GoC cards. I am worried about clawbacks. Do you know of any data points for clawbacks? (43:06) - Why not let someone use Chase points on the upcoming Challenge since it was the 100K from getting the Sapphire Preferred?Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “swappin' back n' forth” by up @ night

On today's Frequent Miler on the Air, we look at 2 cards offering 5 free nights, we recall the 5 ways we've been Bonvoyed recently, and we announce the 2025 Frequent Miler team challenge! (01:41) - We learn how to pronounce Dugroz(02:53) - "...any tools or shortcuts you use to quickly size up a biz class product without opening 6 tabs and a YouTube black hole? I know equipment swaps happen, but I'd love to avoid turning every redemption into a minor research thesis."(09:05) - Best Offers Card Exploration Tool (Beta)Try out our card exploration tool here.(11:30) - 5 free night offers from ChaseSee how we value free night certificates here.(16:36) - Capital One Shopping pulls even more gift card redemption optionsRead more about this here.(20:16) - Venture X (& Venture X Business Card): lounge access changes for additional cardholders & primary cardholder guestsRead more about this here.(26:50) - Iberia devaluation: Business class between US & Europe now starting at 40,500 miles one way (previously, 34K for off-peak)(28:08) - Citi replaces Rewards+ card with new Strata card (not to be confused with the Strata Premiere)(29:51) - United Excursionist Perk killed off(31:57) - You can still upgrade to Emirates first class without elite status(33:37) - Tim published: How to book EVA Air Infinity MileageLands awards (for multiple people)Read more about this here.(35:12) - Earn Hyatt bonus points when using Peloton during staysRead more about this here.(37:01) - JetBlue / United partnership, some details announced(39:26) - What are IHG points worth?Read more about this here.Main Event: Announcing the 100K Vacay team Challenge!(44:26) - Compete to see who can book the most amazing 100,000 point vacation(44:55) - The 100K Benchmark Trip(46:42) - Three challengers, each with 100,000 points from a different currency(48:25) - Two Judges(49:21) - $1,000 cash budget(50:49) - Rules(57:11) - Who will win? (strengths and weaknesses)(1:11:18) - Are the no preset spending limit cards actually more restrictive than the standard cards with credit limits?Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Episode 123 of the Award Travel 101 podcast covers a variety of travel rewards topics, including a debate over using Ultimate Rewards vs. Capital One points for the same flight. The hosts, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo, also discuss major updates in the travel industry, such as United and JetBlue's Blue Sky partnership, Chase's new welcome bonuses on IHG credit cards, and the finalization of Capital One's acquisition of Discover Bank. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines implements new policies that bring checked bag fees, Basic fares, and expiration dates on flight credits.The episode's main topic, Angie and Mike anders some travel questions from the community that might had been overlooked. The hosts weigh in on credit card strategies, airline booking tips, and award redemptions while preparing for their own upcoming travels—Mike is gearing up for a family trip to Alaska, and Angie has multiple destinations in mind, including Anguilla and a potential golf trip to Ireland. They also preview the next Award Travel 101 meetup in Miami, set for September 19–21, featuring a brewery reception, travel seminars, and an immersive art experience. Their tip of the week: don't procrastinate on confirming travel plans.Links to Topics DiscussedUnited and JetBlue form Blue Sky partnershipIHG Cards Enhanced OffersCapital One- Discover Merger FinalizesSouthwest Bag FeesSouthwest Same Day Change Policy ChangeWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In this value-packed Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke breaks down the most significant developments in the points and miles world—from exciting transfer bonuses and premium card promos to major airline pricing changes and credit card legislation that could impact your travel rewards. He highlights Thrifty Traveler's limited-time 50% off deal, an elevated IHG card bonus offering 5 free nights, new baggage fees from Southwest, and a game-changing partnership between United and JetBlue. DeAndre also shares updates on Amex, Chase, and Citi transfer bonuses, the Capital One lounge guest access shake-up, and the growing concern over the Credit Card Competition Act. Whether you're just getting started with points or already planning your next redemption, there's something in this episode for you. Listeners are also reminded to take advantage of free strategy consultations to get personalized travel game plans.   Key takeaways:  Thrifty Traveler Premium: 50% off during their 10th anniversary sale. IHG Premier Card: New signup bonus with five free night certificates. Delta Fixes Pricing: Ends higher solo traveler fares. Southwest Changes: Ends "bags fly free" policy. Transfer Bonuses: 30% Amex → Avios, 25% Chase → Virgin, 25% Citi → Wyndham. United x JetBlue Partnership: Easier booking, point redemptions, and elite perks. Capital One Lounge Access: Guest access gets more expensive in 2026. Credit Card Competition Act: Could threaten reward programs—take action. Free Travel Strategy Sessions: Book through our website for personalized assistance.   Resources: Thrifty Traveler 50% off promotion Act now - Protect your points! Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultation Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel Sign up for our newsletter! This month's best current card offers BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group   Interested in Financial Planning? Truicity Wealth Management   Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year) Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card) Travel Freely Point.me FlightConnections.com Thrifty Traveler Premium LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:  Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!   Connect with DeAndre Coke:  Instagram: BoldlyGo.world TikTok: BoldlyGo.world  Website: BoldlyGo.world YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels    

In this exciting episode of The Investor Impact: Power Talks, Vinney Chopra reveals how one mid-tier hotel turned into a $6 million success story—and why he's doubling down on hospitality in 2025. From a Wyndham Garden acquisition to an upcoming hotel that could be bought at just 4x revenue, Vinney lays out the exact strategies behind these powerful plays.   Vinney dives deep into the stability, flexibility, and scalability of hotel investments compared to short-term rentals like Airbnb. Backed by global brands like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, these mid-tier hotels are becoming investor favorites due to their consistent demand, strong RevPAR growth, and post-pandemic recovery.  

In today's episode, we'll talk about why we like the Rakuten shopping portal and also discuss a great new trick Rakuten has up its sleeve...(00:42) - What is a shopping portal?(01:15) - Choose cash back or Amex Membership Rewards points (must link Amex card)(02:55) - Great refer-a-friend promos ($40/4K)(04:08) - Frequent 10x, 15x, 20x promotions(04:43) - Portal includes travel sites like IHG, Marriott, Choice, Hertz, Avis, Expedia, some airlines(05:13) - Double dip with hotel / car rewards / airline miles etc.(06:38) - In-store offers(07:08) - NEW: read about new Rakuten credit card bonuses here.(10:26) - Our Rakuten referral links:Nick's Referral LinkGreg's Referral LinkStephen's Referral LinkTim's Referral Link

There are credit cards that help make your points actually more valuable, just by having the credit card on hand. You can find all of the cards discussed on this show on our Best Offers page.  Coffee Break: Credit Card Power-Ups (00:40) - United: Discounted awards, ability to upgrade (01:38) - Delta: 15% discount (01:54) - JetBlue 10% rebate (02:20) - Aeroplan: 1.25 PYB, better award pricing (02:55) - Avianca Lifemiles Elite: Comes with Lifemiles+ Lite (10% discount on awards) (04:09) - Spirit points pooling (04:58) - IHG: 4th night free (& 10% back old card) (06:00) - Wyndham 10% discount (06:50) - Hilton 5th Night Free (07:33) - Amex Membership Rewards: Business Platinum card 35% rebate (08:49) - Chase: make the points on your cash back card transferrable, 1.25/1.5 (10:32) - Capital One: make cash back points transferrable (11:49) - Citi: make cash back points transferrable, 10% rebate (14:54) - Wells: make cash Transferrable Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

SummaryIn this episode, Steven Libman and Travis Cotter discuss their journey in real estate investing, focusing on alternative investments, the importance of core values, and the mindset shifts necessary for success. They share lessons learned from their experiences, the balance between profits and principles, and the impact of faith-driven investing. The conversation also touches on current market trends and the significance of creating a legacy through their work.TakeawaysEvery deal is different, and there's no autopilot in investing.Understanding the intricacies of underwriting is crucial for success.Mindset shifts are necessary when moving from residential to commercial investing.It's important to be comfortable with risk and willing to walk away from bad deals.Core values should guide investment decisions and partnerships.Faith-driven investing can lead to both temporal and eternal returns.Creating a positive impact on tenants is a key motivator for investors.The current market presents both challenges and opportunities for investors.Clarity in core values reduces stress and improves decision-making.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alternative Investing02:17 Travis Cotter's Journey in Real Estate05:48 Lessons Learned in Real Estate Investing09:57 Mindset Shifts for Successful Investing10:42 Balancing Profits and Principles17:38 Navigating Risks in New Ventures24:10 Faith-Driven Investing and Core Values27:28 Investing with Purpose: Temporal and Eternal Returns28:55 Legacy and Community Impact in Real Estate30:53 Rapid Fire Insights: Investing Questions33:30 Market Realities: Navigating Uncertainty39:24 Understanding Deal Metrics and Risk Management43:13 Building Relationships and Finding OpportunitiesAbout Travis CotterTravis Cotter is the Co-Founder of Integrity Holdings Group and a seasoned real estate investor with 15+ years' experience spanning residential, commercial, development, and alternative assets.He began his career in construction and finance before transitioning into leading large-scale real estate projects, from site development to multifamily acquisitions. With his co-founder, he has built a real estate portfolio exceeding $400M in transactions and raised over $100M in private capital.Renowned for his detailed underwriting expertise, Travis uncovers opportunities to optimize income, control expenses, and maximize asset performance — strategies foundational to IHG's success.A faith-driven leader, Travis aligns profits with purpose, building investments that create both temporal and eternal returns. His leadership emphasizes core values, stewardship, community service, and leaving a legacy that impacts generations.When not leading IHG's growth, Travis enjoys life on his family farm with his wife Stacey and their two children — spending time outdoors, caring for animals, and riding their motocross track.Connect with Travis CotterTravis Cotter LinkedInConnect with UsAre you interested in joining a community of like-minded individuals who aspire to build true wealth through real estate passive investing? Go to IHG Investor Club to learn more!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week several new card offers came out along with some that are ending. MGM launched their interesting Iconic card which gives you a path towards spending to higher status in a much better way. Capital One also released a 350K/400K offer that isn't for the faint of heart while IHG's record 200K bonus is ending soon.   In other #news digital arrival cards are spreading across the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations has now implemented one. We also discuss: misleading travel marketing, the death of an Aeroplan loophole and why it shouldn't have existed, a big MTM Travel shock and travel food presentations from the future.   Episode Guide   0:00 The big MTM Travel shock 0:23 Digital arrivals/visas - Thailand's version is here 3:00 IHG Best Ever 200K business card offer ending soon 4:28 Capital One Venture X Business - 350K or 400K bonus?!? 6:46 MGM's new Iconic Card - Spend towards huge perks! 9:00 Why you might want to spend your way to MGM Gold 10:16 Misleading travel marketing offers 12:05 Why reading the terms is one of the biggest secrets of the “game” 13:25 Aeroplan “trick” dies 15:13 The Aeroplan workaround & why they should change their policies 16:45 Cool S - Travel food presentations from the future   Links   Thai arrival - https://tdac.immigration.go.th/ Capital One 400K info - https://dannydealguru.com/400k-bonus-for-capital-one-venture-x-business/ MGM Iconic - https://milestomemories.com/check-out-the-new-mgm-rewards-iconic-mastercard/ Misleading ads - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-under-canvas-promotion/ Aeroplan loophole - https://travel-on-points.com/air-canada-flexible-pricing-switch/ Food from the future - https://x.com/kirawontmiss/status/1912621052758282260  https://x.com/TheGlobal_Index/status/1912820960413270307   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!

In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad is heading south! Jess shares her birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Pam and Alex walk us through their tropical getaway to Roatán, Honduras. From charming colonial cities to vibrant beachside resorts, both of these escapes were powered by points and miles—and they're breaking down exactly how you can do it, too. Jess's San Miguel de Allende Birthday Getaway For her birthday, Jess wanted a trip that was cute, walkable, and filled with culture—and San Miguel de Allende checked all the boxes. She used points to book her flights and free nights at a boutique hotel that had cash rates of $800/night—a steal!  Jess shared how San Miguel felt totally different from places like Cancun—more Spanish-speaking, with rooftop restaurants, cobblestone streets, and an artsy vibe. She loved practicing her Spanish and appreciated how kid-friendly the town was (though leave the stroller at home). Highlights included a rooftop pool, the hotel's mascot dog Pancho (who even has his own Instagram), and a standout breakfast. Pro tip: order the San Miguel–style eggs! Roatán with Pam & Alex: Direct Flights & Island Vibes Pam and Alex flew to Roatán using United miles and IHG points. They started their stay in a bungalow—secluded, rustic, and quiet—then upgraded mid-trip to a Premium Ocean View room in the newer building.  Beach Time, Dining, and That Sweet Island Energy Roatán was a totally different vibe—bustling but beautiful. From colorful buildings to locals selling snacks on the beach, Pam and Alex loved the laid-back charm. Highlights included hotel spa visits, hospitality hours, and free snorkel gear and kayaks, plus great dining spots in town. Even when the resort was at maximum capacity, it still felt relaxing and fun. Alex and Pam both liked this resort even better than the Kimpton Grand Cayman, which is high praise! If you're dreaming of warm weather and want a new destination to add to your points wish list, this episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and a few laughs. Tune in and start planning your own tropical escape! ☀️

In this episode, we're diving deep into IHG One Rewards—a hotel program that often flies under the radar but has serious potential. From practical Holiday Inns to luxury Kimptons and InterContinentals, we're sharing our experiences using IHG points and free-night awards, how we earn them, and why buying IHG points (yes, buying!) can actually be a smart move. What Even Is IHG? Before diving into points and miles, most of us didn't even know IHG was the brand behind properties like Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, and InterContinental. Jess shares how she earned free IHG stays back in the day by mailing in 90 index cards, and Pam tells how she thought Crowne Plazas were the height of luxury before she knew the full IHG lineup. IHG Credit Cards: What to Know Alex breaks down the three different IHG credit card options and how their benefits stack up so you can decide which one might work best for you.  She also outlines two of the unique benefits that make two of these cards a great deal: getting a fourth night free on award stays and earning free-night certificates you can top up. Buying IHG Points Can Actually Make Sense Pam shares why she regularly buys IHG points—especially during 100% bonus sales—for heavily discounted stays at high-end IHG properties. She calls it a “no-brainer,” and Jess agrees—IHG is one of the only programs where buying points often makes sense. Where We've Used IHG Points and Awards From a Kimpton in Barcelona, to airport Holiday Inns, to a Crowne Plaza in Bruges, we share how we've stretched our points and free-night certificates. Jess highlights how easy it is to top off a 40k free-night certificate online, and Alex reminds everyone about the best ways to book longer stays for couples. We also discuss: IHG status levels Using certificates online (a breeze!) The IHG brands we love most Our dream stays: Six Senses, Kimpton in Sydney, and Hotel Indigo Galápagos Links: All About IHG Credit Cards: All About IHG Credit Cards - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/ Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Our intro to IHG 03:00 – What cards we've had and what we recommend 06:45 – The best perks and status levels with IHG cards 09:30 – Why we buy IHG points (and how it saves $$$) 13:30 – Free-night certificates and how to use them wisely 18:00 – Where we've stayed using IHG points and awards 21:00 – The brands we love: Kimpton, Indigo, InterContinental 26:00 – Favorite past stays + the IHG hotels we want to try next If you've been sleeping on IHG, take another look. Whether you're after practical one-night stays or a luxury resort getaway, there's more value here than you think.

In this episode, we highlight the credit cards that are becoming "collectables", we had a heated debate about "Strawberry season", discuss changes from ANA and Alaska Airlines, and share tips for saving on your domestic flights. (01:29) - Delta Sky Club access with multiple American Express platinum cards in your name... (06:40) - Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K (Read more about this offer here) (07:58) - United Business 125K ... (08:59) - Citi Rewards+ no longer available new OR for product changes (12:05) - US Bank Smartly changes for new cardholders as of 4/14. Read about the US Bank Smartly card changes here. (18:50) - Strawberry Hotels Summer Pass 2025 (Read more about this Strawberry Hotels Summer Pass here) (25:14) - IHG increases top award rates at Intercontinental hotels to 200K+ per night (27:02) - Amex Biz Plat nerfs Dell credits (31:57) - ANA Round the World award tickets are dead as of June 24th (34:46) - More ANA news starting June 24 Read more about these ANA updates here. (38:32) - Updates from Alaska Airlines (40:29) - Tools/services to find cheapest cash rates (e.g. google flights) (42:30) - Tools/services to find cheapest award prices (e.g. points path) Read our "Which Award Search Tool is Best" post here. (44:58) - Saving miles with partner awards (49:21) - Credit card travel discounts/rebates (52:59) - Find our Amex Airline Reimbursement Fees post here. (54:46) - Companion tickets (1:03:26) - Pay w/ points through a bank travel portal (1:05:30) - Cardholder award discounts (Delta, United, JetBlue, etc.) (1:06:32) - Discounted Airline gift cards (1:07:59) - Membership discounts (1:09:36) - Change the way you book it (1:17:46) - Read more about skiplagging here. (1:18:42) - Choosing between the Amex Hilton Aspire card or the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant card: Do you think Bonvoy will listen to the negative feedback and will get better? And will Hilton get worse because they've been too generous? Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Special Monday Edition: Global travel stocks suffered steep declines on Monday, with major markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe seeing significant selloffs due to mounting fears over global tariffs and economic instability. The Hang Seng index dropped over 13%, its worst fall since 1997, while travel-linked stocks like Trip.com and Alibaba plunged by double digits. European airlines and hotel giants also took hits, with IAG, Lufthansa, Accor, and IHG all posting substantial losses amid concerns about falling transatlantic travel demand and trade war impacts. In the Middle East, markets continued a downward slide, compounded by plunging oil prices and significant losses in companies like Saudi Aramco, adding to fears about tourism investment in the region. Read the full story on Skift. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

There are some creative ways to use airline miles to fly further with less miles. In other words, you can see more and spend less. We'll talk about these fun tricks in today's episode. (01:00) - The validity of Etihad Guest Miles will be extended by 18 months based on qualifying member flight activity. We thought this means you have to credit paid flights to Etihad to extend your miles...but is that true? (04:20) - How do you handle domestic positioning flights? See our "Tips for booking positioning flights" episode 253 here. (09:30) - Amex targeted referral +5 points on travel & transit (11:21) - Learn more about Amex multi-referrals here. (11:27) - Amex Membership Rewards: You don't need a credit card to transfer to some partners Read more about this here. (15:10) - Chase: 80% transfer bonus to IHG through 4/30 (18:26) - Transfer bonuses (21:14) - Updates to popular award tools (22:56) - National Car Rental's One Two Free Promo Returns (27:43) - Virgin Atlantic jacks up Delta One surcharges departing Europe to more than $1,000 one-way Read more about dumping fees when booking Delta One here. (31:05) - Cautions about skiplagging / hidden city ticketing, etc... (37:34) - Married Segment Logic (42:23) - Start to End Distance Based/ Zone Based Award Pricing (47:25) - Mixed cabin award pricing (51:53) - Multi-partner awards (52:57) - Read Nick's post about Air Canada's United devaluation relief with multi-partner awards here. (58:59) - Creative routing (1:04:40) - Should people wait to get the other Hawaiian Airlines credit card (if they have one of the personal Hawaaiin credit cards already)? (There are two different consumer Hawaiian Airlines cards - one with Bank of Hawaii and one by Barclays (though confusingly both are issued by Barclays)). 

Send us a textTrump will's wissen: Mit einem Pauschalzoll von 10 % auf alle US-Importe, Strafzöllen von bis zu 34 % für China und 20 % für die EU startet er eine neue Handelsrunde. Ziel? „America First“, doch weltweit hagelt es Kritik.

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares a roundup of the latest and most important updates in the world of travel, points, and miles. From Hyatt's award pricing changes and Chase/Amex transfer bonuses to the IHG One Rewards Business Card's limited-time offer of up to 200,000 points, this episode is packed with timely insights to help travelers make smarter, more strategic decisions. He also covers Delta's removal of fuel surcharges on award flights from Europe and Southwest's new status match opportunity for American Airlines elites—both of which could unlock significant value for savvy flyers. Additionally, DeAndre shares an update on Zil Money, which is once again up and running for all credit cards except AMEX, and unveils the newly rebuilt Best Offers page on the BoldlyGo website, created to prioritize transparency and showcase the most competitive card offers—regardless of affiliate links. Whether you're earning, redeeming, or mapping out your next trip, this episode will help you stay ahead of the game in the world of travel rewards.   Key takeaways:  Hyatt Award Pricing Update: Many hotels are shifting categories, impacting award stays. IHG One Rewards Business Card: Earn up to 200,000 points with a limited-time offer. Valuable Free Night Certificate: Included with the IHG business card and applicable for redemptions. Chase & Amex Transfer Bonuses: Take advantage of them before they expire. Delta Award Tickets: Fuel surcharges removed for one-way flights from Europe. Southwest Status Match: Available with proof of American Airlines elite status. Plan Ahead: Staying informed ensures better travel redemptions and savings. Use Credit Cards Strategically: These updates reinforce the value of timely applications.   Resources: Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel Sign up for our newsletter! This month's best current card offers LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:  Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Truicity Wealth Management   Connect with DeAndre Coke:  Instagram: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.world YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld      

Lan Elliott's career spans the highest levels of hotel real estate, from acquisitions at Starwood to asset management at IHG. Now, as the co-founder of Acacia Holdings, a champion for women in hospitality through Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, and a podcast host on It's Personal Stories, she's on a mission to create more opportunities in leadership and investment. Susan and Lan talk about career pivots, negotiation power moves, and the myth that there aren't enough women speakers in hospitality. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Looking to take advantage of the best travel credit card offers this March? In this Quick Hits episode, host DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest elevated offers from IHG, Capital One, and American Express, explaining how to maximize welcome bonuses and transfer bonuses for the best redemptions. He also highlights why switching browsers when searching … Read More Read More

In our latest podcast, David Canty, Pavel Loss, and Iain Pringle dive into the strategies, challenges, and best practices for managing major program transformations. With expertise from JetBlue, IAG Airlines, Shell, IHG, and Starwood Hotels, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating loyalty program evolution this year.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week a lot of credit card news is happening as Chase is currently running increased welcome offers for the United Business and IHG personal cards. We break down the offers including which you should probably avoid. We also discuss the details of JetBlue's new premium credit card which is confusing, not very valuable and probably not for most people.   In other news we go over some of the best practices to avoid credit card application mistakes including why you should avoid using a VPN. We also discuss the tragedy at DCA, a scary hotel food poisoning lawsuit, sidewalks that generate electricity and where you can stay in a 737 hotel room.   Episode Guide 0:00 The disappointing lounge reality for travelers 0:55 Spirit rejects Frontier bid…stays in bankruptcy 2:26 Hyatt buys Playa Resorts - All inclusive heaven with a downside 4:53 New round of Amex authorized user bonus offers 6:33 Bank error not in your favor - Chase messes up 1099s 8:34 British Airways rug pulls their transfer bonus offer 10:22 Cool S - The fun of Whirlyball   Links Spirit merger - https://milestomemories.com/spirit-rejects-new-merger-offer-from-frontier/ Hyatt Playa - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-playa-hotels-resorts/ Amex AU bonuses - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-authorized-user-bonus-offers/ Chase bank error - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-is-sending-out-erroneous-1099s/ BA backtracks - https://travel-on-points.com/current-point-transfer-bonuses/ Whirlyball - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNfKDMDVK1M 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!

Would you pay more for fully refundable rewards? What do you do with pets when you travel? These questions and more came up in our Ask Us Anything, Live Ep72, originally broadcast live on 2-5-25. (04:31) - Who were our most-helpful followers for the Million Mile Madness challenge? These followers will be eligible for prizes for their help! (13:31) - How would you structure your credit card strategy with a P2? See our podcast episode about 2-player strategies here. (17:45) - Frequent Miler is by far my favorite travel blog. What blogs do you follow and why? (19:47) - ​​Any tricks to apply for 2 cards in 1 day? I feel like I read a post on how to do this but I can't find it now. Find our credit card application rules by bank here. (24:02) - are you guys surprised at how many people completed the challenge? (25:00) - I know Greg went big with Alaska transfer, I'm curious how big the rest of the team has gone? And do any of you think the merger and Amex transfer will cause a devaluation soon? (28:32) - Any word yet on Chase's 1 million point giveaway winners (that ended last week)? (29:13) - any thoughts on aeroplan 25 status match from Marriott Titanium? could be interesting for booking economy award tickets for upgrades on long haul flights? (30:47) - Marriott & Hilton appear out of favor with you these days. Hyatt remains your favorite but If you don't or can't stay at Hyatt, what is now your hotel chain of choice between IHG, Choice, Wyndham or? (33:34) - new SW companion pass promo (personal card, 4K spend in 3 months): is this just through end of 2025? Seems like a great opportunity to try.I can make that spend in a week! (34:32) - ​​have any of you ever had to transfer airports in Taipei. i have a 4-hr layover during which i have to travel between airports with a carry-on. is that even possible? (36:24) - What are the best opportunities for long haul business class availability for 4 "when schedule opens?" With 4 travelers and bound by school schedules I want to book ahead but it's getting very hard. (38:37) - ​​Thoughts on the recent update to Citi's T&Cs on welcome bonuses for their strata premier when product changing. Seems like it's a blow against churning  (40:26) - How much more are you willing to pay for award ticket that is fully refundable? I find myself going for AA or United flights even though UA may be cheaper on LifeMiles for example (45:23) - ​​really curious... do any of you have pets? what do you do with them when traveling? (51:48) - How often do you folks buy points? I recently started buying IHG, Hilton, Avianca, and Avios points when they are on sale, and find it a great alternative for folks with low spend. (53:36) - any awesome hotel redemptions coming up for you guys? Subscribe and Follow

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week a lot of credit card news is happening as Chase is currently running increased welcome offers for the United Business and IHG personal cards. We break down the offers including which you should probably avoid. We also discuss the details of JetBlue's new premium credit card which is confusing, not very valuable and probably not for most people.   In other news we go over some of the best practices to avoid credit card application mistakes including why you should avoid using a VPN. We also discuss the tragedy at DCA, a scary hotel food poisoning lawsuit, sidewalks that generate electricity and where you can stay in a 737 hotel room.   Episode Guide 0:00 A 737 airplane in a hotel room! 1:04 Horrifying Dominican Republic food poisoning story 3:08 Fancy hotels vs. street food when it comes to food poisoning 4:08 DCA airplane tragedy 6:30 United's 100K Business card offer 8:57 IHG credit cards both have increased offers 10:48 Why you should avoid VPNs when applying for credit cards 12:33 Best practices for credit card apps & mistakes to avoid 14:18 Funding a Roth IRA with bank bonuses in 2025 16:19 JetBlue's confusing new Premier credit card 18:20 Why you probably want to pass on JetBlue's new card 19:55 Cool S - Sidewalks that generate electricity in Japan Links 737 Hotel room - https://www.corendonhotels.com/corendon-amsterdam-new-west/nl/room/737-suite/ https://x.com/somakazima/status/1884464176094929220?s=46 Food poisoning DR - https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/mans-wife-son-die-by-food-poisoning-during-vacation-abroad/ VPNs and credit apps - https://travel-on-points.com/credit-card-applications-using-a-vpn/ Mark's Bank bonus challenge - https://travel-on-points.com/fund-roth-ira-with-bank-bonuses/ JetBlue premium card launch - https://milestomemories.com/jetblue-and-barclays-launch-new-premier-credit-card/ Japan's cool sidewalks - https://www.facebook.com/reel/3891368217857166 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXvH5-KhbO8   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!

On this episode, we'll talk about a crazy new premium credit card, we'll debate double elite night hotel promotions to see if they're mattress run worthy, talk about a nice new way to use JetBlue points, and discuss how to double your rewards with a partner. (01:15) - One reader writes in about booking their family with roundtrip business class flights to Australia for Christmas and New Years!!! (05:00) - New JetBlue Premier Card... Learn more about the premier card here. (12:13) - IHG Premier offer up to 170K after $4K spend in 3 months Learn more about the IHG Premier card here. (13:33) - IHG overlapping promos Learn more about the targeted double elite nights here. (14:58) - Learn more about Double points here. (19:10) - Marriott's overlapping promos: Learn more about Double elite nights + 1K bonus per night here. (25:58) - Marriott increases top-end point prices Read our Marriott Complete Guide here. (30:30) - CardPointers Learn more about CardPointers here CardPointers here. (32:48) - Book TAP Air with JetBlue points (39:13) - More rewards Check out our How to video for maximizing rewards with Amex referrals here. (43:38) - More spend (44:56) - Companion Flights Find our How your Southwest Companion can fly 4 free | Coffee Break Ep32 here. Find our Complete Guide to the Southwest Companion Pass here. Find our Two for the price of one: How to get a free companion ticket | Ep218 here. (46:10) - Find our How to Use Delta Companion Certificates Video here. (47:33) - Free weekends (50:50) - One reader has One Amex Platinum Card and one Amex Business Platinum Card. If they cancel or downgrade one of the cards, how does that impact their Delta lounge access for the calendar year?