MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Shawn's recent trip to Atlantic City and how he was able to rack up hundreds in value. We also talk about Mark making all kinds of mistakes on Southwest when smuggling 31 beers home and wrap up debating if the new Amex checking account is worth your attention. Episode Notes 0:00 - Travel updates 9:17 - Mark's beer wins...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss our recent MtM Diamond meet up in Detroit and some changes with the group at the end of the month. We also discuss Delta having another meltdown this weekend and how the government failed us when giving all of that bailout money early in the pandemic. And, of course, we talk about some more absolutely insane Amex offer...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss a shakeup in the hotel world with Choice buying Radisson Americas and what that means. We also talk about Amex dropping more massive offers, booking last minute international flights for cheap, Wells Fargo dropping the ball and more! Episode Notes 4:36 - Booking last minute award flights this summer 12:07 - No more inb...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the craziness of Amex no lifetime language offers and what you can do with them. We also discuss the process of testing for US re-entry, Shawn visiting the Loch Ness monster and why Mark slept in a tent outside his own home. Episode Notes 0:25 - Scotland and Shawn's trip updates 10:11 - Mark's in a tent! 15:36 - Re-ent...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Shawn's trip around Europe and how Hyatt failed him in London. We also get a review of Berkshire Miraval from Joe's recent stay. Lastly, we discuss Mark's throwback travel over the holiday and how we all caught the travel bug. Episode Notes 3:40 - London 12:36 - The Baltics 19:49 - Miraval Berkshires 31:30 - Childhood...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we are joined by special guest Mark Jackson from Brad's Deals.  We discuss Mark's recent travels including many major cruise lines and seeing how they stack up against each other. He gives us some insight to summer deals and what has been popular at Brad's Deals. We also discuss summer travel, if partner awards are on their way o...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss whether or not Hyatt lounges will ever open again domestically. We also discuss Shawn getting on another boat, Choice actually having sweet spot redemptions, Amex keeps rolling out insanely profitable offers and how MGM bonvoyed Hyatt at the Cosmo.  Episode Notes 4:58 - Shawn's on a boat again 9:07 - Detroit FC meetup...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Hyatt's big expansion into all inclusive resorts, how far we go for big miles and points wins plus an update on Joe's JetBlue saga. We also talk about the ports Shawn visited on the way to Europe, Mark's Chicago trip and the headaches of booking travel last minute now. Episode Notes 0:00 - Shawn in the Atlantic 5:13 -...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn will discuss all of the craziness in the cruise industry and some amazing deals you don't want to miss out on before the cruise industry returns to normal. Recorded from his Transatlantic cruise somewhere in the middle of the ocean, he discusses strategies for saving on the 3 major mass market cruise lines (Carnival, Royal...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Joe's recent trip to California and how the JetBlue experience is still pretty bad. We do a live request for compensation and he talks about his stay at Hyatt Regency Long Beach. He discusses some of the other touristy stuff they did in the LA area and then we share our thoughts on summer travel and why Mark is thinkin...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about the end of the mask mandate and how travel prices are skyrocketing including Amtrak. We also dive into the big changes to IHG One Rewards, Shawn gives a detailed review of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point & Mark talks about his must frustrating food delivery ever! Episode Notes 1:44 End of the mask mandate 3:34 Amtra...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how airlines are melting down and how travel is getting rough, right before peak summer season. We also discuss the best & worst airports for TSA and we were surprised by how some ranked. Lastly we talk about a huge money making opportunity and why it may even be worth a road trip. Episode Notes 00:41 - Vegas Meetup 10...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss turning this hobby into a cash earning machine, for $14,000 to be exact. We also discuss Shawn's visit through memory lane at the last Blockbuster, Mark getting a nice Amex upgrade offer by calling in and 8 interesting facts you may not know about Citi. Episode Notes 4:25 - Mark's stacks on stacks on stacks 13:56 - AME...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss managing our Amex portfolios and how it can get overwhelming at times. We also discuss why cents per point shouldn't be a major focus, our favorite places for natural beauty and finding value after Marriott's devaluation. Episode Notes 3:50 - AMEX spring cleaning 9:28 - Marriott dynamic pricing live 12:28 - Most beauti...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss when it makes sense to jump off the Chase 5/24 bandwagon. We also get an update on Shawn's travels up the California coast and into Oregon. We discuss why it is important to recognize great service while traveling, when Best Western blows Hyatt away & more Dasher Diaries stories. Episode Notes 2:38 - Shawn hanging out...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss if the shine has worn off the World of Hyatt card some, Shawn taking a 14 day transatlantic cruise to save on airfare and Chase extends Pay Yourself Back. We also talk about booking Atlantis Bahamas on the cheap, Marriott certificate points posting and an update on Shawn's California road trip. Episode Notes 5:07 - Sha...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we debate whether or not status is overrated and if people ignore the true cost. We also discuss massive Amex retention offers, a new Dasher Diaries story. Lastly, Mark talks about his recent trip to DC and Shawn talks about his travels around SoCal  Episode Notes 00:31 - Washington DC trip report 7:17 - Dasher Diaries 21:37 - Sh...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we take a look behind the curtain of travel blogging. We also talk about the massive Marriott devaluation, Joe's trip to Disney and if the expensive club access add on is worth it.  Episode Notes 7:08 - Hyatt Regency MCO 9:47 - Disney trip 13:29 - Boardwalk Inn Club Level 18:47 - Bonvoy devaluation and upcoming IHG changes 27:40...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss roadtripping the U.S. including some interesting stops along the way and booking activities through Chase Ultimate Rewards. We also discuss hotel neighbor revenge, what to expect with the tru by Hilton and Avid by IHG brands, Hyatt's devaluation, why Globalist isn't for Mark and why you don't have to do what everyone e...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how bank's customer service has seriously diminished. We also talk about our most unexpected, or favorite, upgrades from hotel or airline status and why now is the time to plan for summer travel. Episode Notes 8:06 - Hilton Superbowl promo 11:28 - BofA fraud update 18:35 - Our best upgrades 27:01 - Time to plan summer...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Bank of America's crazy fraud department requirements, why the Spirit and Frontier merger isn't good for us and Shawn shares what it is like getting aboard a cruise ship these days. We also talk about how surprising the worst ranked airline in the US is and Mark shares how Uber's technology has failed him. Episode N...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Amex paying Mark actual cash to keep a card open and other retention offers. We also discuss a recent round of applications, Hyatt's expansion continues and a new airline launching for discounted flights to Asia. We finish it off with some dirt cheap cruise talk. Episode Notes 2:44 - Doordasher Diaries 12:45 - AMEX ret...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss how the fraudsters are winning, what we think of the IHG refresh and whether or not it has us jumping on board and what a horrible business class flight experience is like. Mark also gives an update on his DoorDash experience and Shawn gives updates on his big trip. Episode Notes 2:57 - Doordash Chronicles 12:17 - Payp...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we have a special guest Derrick Dye from Travel on Point(s). We talk about his recent trip to Alila Ventana Big Sur and if it lived up to the hype. We also discuss how he booked his upcoming whirlwind trip to Turkey and what his plans are while he is there. We finish up discussing Mark's run in with the PayPal dispute department...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Shawn's trip to Hawaii and why the Hyatt Regency Kauai is still a favorite. We also discuss Joe getting his medal on at Disney and Mark gives his DoorDash delivery tips and tricks and overview of the program. Episode Notes 4:35 - Jetblue flight cancellations 7:23 - New Mosaic perk 10:50 - runDisney 18:48 - Dealing w...