Shawn Coomer & Mark Ostermann

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Society EN ↓ 401 episodes

The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way. Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.

Author

Shawn Coomer & Mark Ostermann

Episodes

Epic Europe Trip Report: Lost Luggage, Missing Cheese & Everything In-between 22.12.2022 1:02:21

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Mark breaks down his epic trip through Europe. He had 6 action packed days of trains, planes & automobiles that included losing luggage, expensive cheese, randomly walking into the 12th best restaurant in the world and more. Episode Notes 3:45 - Basics of the trip 5:04 - Rebooking into Polaris 7:00 - Polaris experience 11:15 - Ro...

JetBlue's Loyalty Shakeup, Hilton Aspire Rumor & Disney's Strange New Cruise Ship! 15.12.2022 44:30

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the most recent Miles to Memories Diamond meetup in Austin (new sign ups are open for a limited time !), Venture X devaluation of Priority Pass and begin our goodbye for our soy sauce rice loving friend. Also - stop trying to make Real ID happen. Episode Notes 0:00 - Cruise industry updates and chat 12:29 - Jetblue Mos...

Austin Stays Weird But Awesome, Is A Toilet In Your Shower A Deal Breaker & Mark Says Farewell 08.12.2022 45:03

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the most recent Miles to Memories Diamond meetup in Austin (new sign ups are open for a limited time !), Venture X devaluation of Priority Pass and begin our goodbye for our soy sauce rice loving friend. Also - stop trying to make Real ID happen. Episode Notes 2:50 - MTM Austin meetup recap 17:53 - Priority Pass devalu...

200K+ Amex from Black Friday, Europe in the Winter, End of Year Must Dos & More! 01.12.2022 43:22

This episode is sponsored by LifeMiles . Sign up for free to begin earning and redeeming miles for flights, hotels and car rentals. Sign-up now Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we recap Black Friday and Cyber Monday including which deals we pursued and which we didn't. Shawn earned over 200K Membership Rewards while shopping, but was this year as good as the pas...

Amex's Frustrating New Glitch, St Louis Is Heavily Underrated & Big Shakeup At Disney 24.11.2022 48:58

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Amex's latest annoying glitch with new accounts, why St Louis is a heavily underrated family travel destination and Disney's massive shake up. Episode Notes 4:14 - Chapek out at Disney 14:04 - Mark's not going to Hawaii anymore 22:18 - Amex activation woes 27:55 - Citi IT nonsense and finding lost money 32:55 - St....

The Ease Of Online Passport Renewals, United "Revamps" Their Program & Bank of America's Frustrating Fraud Department 17.11.2022 40:40

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Mark's recent run in with the Bank of America fraud department, how United has devalued their program and Joe's experience with an award booking service. We also discuss how awesome renewing your passport online is. Episode Notes - 3:32 - Joe's point.me experience - 15:49 - United "enhancements" - 21:01 - Online pas...

Scammers Come For Shawn's Family, Next Level Timing Of Applications & Hitting The Southwest Companion Pass 10.11.2022 45:23

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about the scammers coming after Shawn's dad, why now is the time to go all in on the Companion Pass and how to time credit card applications to perfection. We also discussed if we went after the Bank of America spending day and car rental prices changing after bookings. Episode Notes 0:00 - Shawn's family almost gets scam...

Making $25k From Miles & Points, Chase Saving The Day & Eating The Gummy Bear of Death 03.11.2022 47:02

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Chase saving Joe's welcome offer blunder, Frontier's new promotion that could offer awesome value, Mark playing dumb games and winning stupid prizes and Chase's best ever offers are now online. Episode Notes 9:41 - Chase Ink bonus updates 12:17 - Joe almost misses a sign up bonus! 18:33 - Mark's breaks down making o...

Are You Working Status Or Is Status Working You, Chase's Juicy Offers & Capital One Bringing The Heat 27.10.2022 43:08

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about fighting the urge to chase status when it doesn't make sense. We also talk about Capital One upping their game with new lounges and an interesting airport restaurant concept. We also discuss how Chase is being overly generous with their new offers and especially by matching the new offers pretty far back. Episode No...

Hyatt Points Lost In Translation, How IHG Diamond Stacks Up & Maximizing Player 2's Free Night Cert 20.10.2022 45:55

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark's recent trip to Chicago and his negative experience with Joe's wife (not really), Hyatt Globalists and fake Globalist treatment, more adventures in the air for Shawn, IHG giving out Diamond like candy and a whole lot more. Episode Notes 2:34 - Mark in Chicago 10:07 - The Thompson 24:32 - Prime Day 2 experience 27...

Amex Can Charge Your Closed Cards, Free Night Cert Improvements & Target Is Getting Interesting 13.10.2022 47:22

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss some recent news including Hilton and Marriott free night certs, the credit card competition act and an card that Amex charged…after it was closed? Plus some juice to be squeezed out of Target! Episode Notes 5:37 - Hilton free night certificates 12:33 - Marriott free night certificates 22:01 - Credit card competition a...

Seattle Trip Report: Alaska Airlines First Impressions, Gum Wall, Pike Market & The Tiny Space Needle 06.10.2022 46:16

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark's recent trip to Seattle as he unnecessarily slanders some of the cities landmarks and Alaska Airlines. Along the way we learn how miles and points helped Mark to make the trip a little more comfortable. Episode Notes 7:23 - Basics of Seattle trip 10:33 - Mark's not a fan of Alaska Airlines 15:42 - Hotel 1000 LXR,...

The Good & Bad Of Waldorf Astoria Cabo, Why Point.me Is Worth Your $1 & Marriott Drops Some New Clunkers 29.09.2022 58:46

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss some new Marriott duds, point.me, and have an extended banter section that you might want to skip (use the timestamps). Also - Shawn shares the highest of highs and the lowest of lows from his recent stay at the Waldorf Astoria in Cabo. Episode Notes 12:21 - point.me 23:40 - Another live search by Joe 25:13 - New Bonvo...

Pick Pocketed in Mexico City, Floating Gardens, The Shout & A Big Earthquake Scare 22.09.2022 43:23

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the MTM Diamond Patreon meetup and how pickpockets got the best of a lot of people. Plus why Mexico City is worth a visit and Shawn experiences a big earthquake! Episode Notes 5:06 - Pickpocketed! 12:50 - Mexico City 29:18 - Hampton Inn Mexico City 32:47 - Six Flags in Mexico City Enjoying the podcast? Please consider...

Newest Carnival Ship Is Walmart Of The Seas, Last Chance To Double Dip & Mean Review Reading 15.09.2022 53:04

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Shawn's experience on the Carnival Mardi Gras (Walmart of the Seas) and discuss how to get through to AMEX chat faster and the power of Google Flights. Episode Notes 4:36 - Carnival Mardi Gras 8:10 - Shawn's free stateroom 13:12 - Questionable ship design and clientele 26:06 - Food and entertainment 39:52 - Credit card...

Has The FHR Gravy Train Come To An End, Southwest Companion Pass After 1 Flight & Confessing Our Travel Hacking Mistakes 08.09.2022 44:12

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss a last minute trip to Portland Maine, Shawn fighting for his insurance payout and Amex cracking down on FHR gaming. We also discuss a huge number of transfer bonuses, errors we make paying bills and Southwest's intriguing new Companion Pass offer. Episode Notes 5:13 - Last Minute Labor Day trip to Portland, ME 14:19 -...

Maximizing New Hyatt Business Card Offer, 13 Recent Application Results & Finding Gems In Northern Ohio 01.09.2022 36:55

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Mark's recent trip to Ohio, batting 0.692 on credit card applications, how to handle trips with non miles and points friends and give some TV recommendations to close out the summer! Episode Notes 2:43 - Getting to Mexico City 6:31 - Mark visits…Ohio? 13:45 - Traveling with non miles and points friends 18:58 - Hyatt Bu...

New Marriott Card Wishes, Be Careful Filling Out Apps On Chrome & Full Disney Cruise Alaska Report 25.08.2022 44:15

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Joe's recent Disney cruise through Alaska, how Mark completely messed up his Amex application and our wish list for the new rumored Marriott cards. Episode Notes 8:01 - Mark AMEX sign up almost fail 15:08 - New Bonvoy card predictions 22:37 - Alaska on Disney Cruise Line Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us...

Downside Of Partner Award Bookings, Why We Do & Don't Avoid Travel Portals, New Bonvoy Cards & Hyatt's Overwhelming Map 18.08.2022 40:57

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn & Mark discuss the latest in miles & points including two new Marriott cards that are probably coming, tacos in Mexico City, what you need to know about partner awards and bank travel portals, a new best ever bonus for Citi Double Cash and how Choice Hotels responded to Mark's issues. Episode Notes 2:00 Discussing Marriott...

Epic Trip - International First Class, Maldives & Quirks of Southeast Asia with Han Chicago! 11.08.2022 56:45

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Han from Chicago joins Shawn & Mark to discuss his recent epic trip to the Maldives & Southeast Asia which included international first. business & even economy class, fancy hotels & a lot more along the way. We'll dive into redemptions, product reviews & discuss why you should definitely plan a trip to Asia. Episode Notes 03:49...

Choice Hotels Robbed Me, How To Do Hyatt Like A Champ & The Best Chase Card Out There 04.08.2022 42:12

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how Choice Hotels ripped off Mark, how to do Hyatt like a boss even if you have no status & the most valuable Chase personal card is surprising. We also make more Resy mistakes and have a joke challenge for all the listeners. Episode Notes 2:42 - Shawn and Joe's updated travels 11:31 - Cruise changes 13:21 - Choice Ho...

The Best Amex Since Sliced Bread, The Deals We Miss Most & Massive Resy Amex Welcome Offers Return 28.07.2022 36:49

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories we discuss some new credit card offers, an AMEX card you may never have heard of and the great deals that we miss (RIP). Episode Notes 3:54 - The AMEX card you didn't know about 7:58 - The big Spark Travel Elite bonus 12:40 - Increased Resy AMEX Platinum offers 17:23 - Deals we miss the most Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving...

IHG's Sly Devaluation, Best Chase Offer Ending & Are Getaway Deals Even Worth The Effort? 21.07.2022 42:36

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories we discuss an amazing offer ending, a great Hyatt tip, how IHG devalued their all time high offer on the sly and stacking deals for big wins. We also get a rundown on how Joe and Mark's vacations imploded right before their eyes. Episode Notes 1:51 - Mark's "vacation" 7:44 - Dealing with rescheduling travel 17:58 - IHG devaluation 21:46...

Visiting Alaska, Amazon Prime Day & is Carnival as Bad as They Say? 14.07.2022 1:02:17

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast PDX Deals Guys joins to discuss visiting Alaska with Shawn on Carnival Cruise Line, the pros and cons of their "free" cruise and some thoughts on maximizing Amazon Prime Day. Episode Notes 4:57 - Prime Day 13:35 - The cruise 19:12 - Carnival impressions 28:18 - Food 37:40 - Entertainment 41:09 - Casino 46:07 - Touring Alaska Enjo...

Preparing For When Travel Goes Off The Rails, Double Dipping Amex's Latest Change & Our Favorite Airline Travel Hacks 07.07.2022 38:51

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss some tips on navigating this crazy travel season. A dos and don'ts so to speak. We also share our readers favorite airline hacks plus one of our own. Lastly, we wrap up by debating whether the Bonvoy Brilliant's recent changes could actually be a good thing for you. Episode Notes 8:38 - Tips for getting through summer...