MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about the massive offer Citi has rolled out for the Premier and how Amex is giving away points like candy.  We also discuss the new Chase Sapphire rumors and how it stacks up to the competition.  Joe shares his experience visiting a national park this summer. Episode Notes 5:18 - Citi Premier best bonus 13:23 - Chase Sapp...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we take a detour and introduce the new MtM Vegas podcast that just launched. Shawn and Mark discuss Resorts World's $150 free money offer dieing, the issues they have had so far and what is next for Vegas.  We also discuss how to get top tier status on the cheap, get all the free goodies and how to avoid parking fees.  Mark finis...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discussing the increased Amex Platinum fee and all of the new "benefits" or should we say coupons. Shawn and Mark talk about their thoughts of the Resorts World opening and Shawn talks about his recent trip to the East Coast.  We also talk about things you shouldn't do in China and a great option for return to the US testing....

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we are joined by Ian Snyder.  He shares the details of his recent trip to Merida, Mexico and swimming in the depths of a cenote (weird shaped rocks and all).  We also discuss Airbnb deploying shady bagmen, how Amex seems to be giving away points these days and tips for traveling as a solo female. Episode Notes 8:18 - Ian goes to...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Bethany from Bougiemiles.com fills in for Joe.  Mark breaks down his trip to Alaska with his son talking about the good, the bad and why he probably wouldn't go back.  We also discuss why females aren't properly represented in the miles and points hobby, announce a new Miles to Memories Youtube show and talk about why the Redcard...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Dustin from Waller's Wallet joins the podcast to chat about the burgeoning miles and points Youtube community, Crypto based credit cards and the new Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K bonus. We debate whether we'll see more bonuses come and whether crypto credit cards are...a bit scammy?  Episode Notes 7:04 - Chase Sapphire Preferred...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss whether or not banning alcohol makes sense for domestic travel with the rise of unruly passengers.  We also debate whether or not we are ruining travel for our kids, how the new Vegas Tesla tunnels work, why Airbnb may be bad for our lives & what it was like to get a Real ID. Episode Notes 5:19 - Bad behavior on flight...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss where vaccinated travelers get special treatment, are banks invading our privacy and whether or not free breakfast is overrated.  Mark also does a rant about people not being jerks, a great car rental tip and some juicy new spending offers. Episode Notes 5:41 - Credit information sharing between banks ? 15:01 - Destina...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the future of miles and points post pandemic, the glutton of unused miles out there and of course devaluations.  We also discuss the best Hyatt Regency in Orlando, decoding the MtM Diamond group, tourist no nos in Japan and much more. Episode Notes 3:57 - Miles and points in a post pandemic world 10:56 - How to plan tr...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss the truths about TPG, go into detail about the amazing Southwest change trick and remember our worst sign up bonuses ever.  We also talk about avoiding the miles & points hype trains like the Maldives and some amazing credit card offers plus a lot more. Episode Notes 4:16 - What TPG and video game websites have in comm...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss each bank's biggest weakness, a troubling new tax law proposal that could change travel hacking and Shawn's recent trip to Reno / Lake Tahoe.  We also update you on Mark's savings for college, the best Japanese onsens and award travel acronyms. Episode Notes 5:48 - Lake Tahoe Trip Report 15:30 - Citi weaknesses 18:48 -...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Joe's recent travels and how travel is not ready for prime time.  We also give some tips on how to stay ahead of the bumpy ride that is travel. We then discuss Amex's positive change, why solo travel with our kids is amazing and Marriott's stupidly insane credit card fee. Episode Notes 3:20 - Travel not ready for prime...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss why the Chase portal is now worthless, miles and points plays we avoid like the plague and whether the latest Citi Premier refresh adds value.  We also talk about combining those pesky Amex Uber credits, Capital One greatly improving their program and if Bellagio jumped the shark pulling out their bathtubs. Episode Not...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we discuss Amex's negative Centurion Lounge changes, the new king of Chase card welcome offers & how Shawn saved money on his latest Florida vacation. We also discuss American Airlines' best kept secret and how snazzy Bellagios new rooms look. Episode Notes 5:21 - United Quest and Chase personal card rankings 13:29 - AMEX Centuri...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Bethany from Bougie Miles joins us to talk about how IHG's latest devaluation is the last straw, maxing out Delta's new promo and how to get status on the cheap and our favorite one card wallets.  We also talk about a new airline status match opportunity, an awesome new Virgin Atlantic change and 5 amazing places to visit. Episod...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about Shawn's recent visit to South Beach and Central Florida.  We also talk about why the Sapphire Preferred has been kicking the Sapphire Reserves butt lately. Lastly, we talk about the small miles and points wins we love, and hate. Episode Notes 8:56 - The Best Sapphire card 18:40 - Easy wins that bring joy 23:56 - Sha...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about our plans to use our plethora of free night certificates, how the return to travel will be mighty bumpy and Hyatt's big new move into Vegas.  We also go over the Disneyland reopening, how Amex is giving bonuses out early and the application rules for every bank! Episode Notes 6:59 - Hyatt taking over Vegas 15:49 - T...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about a mileage run to Panama, Amex's amazing new offers and stacking the deals for big wins.  We also talk about our favorite birthday trips, maxing out Chase Freedom's new categories, Hyatt's continued expansion and much more. Episode Notes 5:55 - Shawn's winning! ( Panama airfare deal and mileage run ) 14:01 - Insane i...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we talk about maxing out Frontier status, yeah that is a thing.  We also discuss Virgin Hotels' food policy and if we sneak food and drinks while traveling and Mark updates everyone on his Citi fraud fiasco. Lastly we talk about some increased card offers, Disneyland, wanderlust in Bhutan and a booking flights guide. Episode Note...

Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast we debate resort fees and discuss why they maybe aren't so bad.  We also take about saving for college with travel hacking, recent application spree results and why North Korean money is so interesting. Episode Notes 3:45 - Resort fees - are they as bad as everyone says they are? ( Shawn's solution ) 17:27 - Mark's application sp...

Episode Description In episode 80 we talk about Citi's crazy fraud systems, Chase's fool's gold offer, a lawsuit that involves manufactured spend and why Mark went points broke.  We also talk about Baha Mar offering up private jets, Hyatt's new promo & more. Episode Notes 7:39 - Cashing out all of the points 15:56 - Manufactured spending lawsuit 22:47 - Chase 10X earning overrated 26:52 - Citi is...

Episode Description In episode 79 we talk about our favorite travel apps, Shawn shares details from his recent trip to California and we share our travel hacking blind spots.  We also talk about locked ThankYou points, JetBlue's customer friendly change and how to get Apple News+ for free. Episode Notes 6:20 - Best travel apps 13:43 - Shawn's CA trip report, 3 Hyatts! 25:27 - Credit Card/Travel Ha...

Episode Description In episode 78 we are joined by Miles to Memories contributor Ryan to talk about his 11 week around the world trip.  We discuss his itinerary, catching malaria, swimming with hammerhead sharks, getting stranded for a week and everything in between. Episode Notes 9:02 - General itinerary 12:25 - Stranded in Ecuador 14:22 - Covid testing on the road 21:52 - Malaria!? 27:35 - Swimm...

Episode Description In episode 77 we talk about Amex giving away hundreds of dollars to cardholders with their no credits. We also share an awesome way to track the credits each month, Shawn's recent stay at the awesome NoMad hotel in Vegas and how Mark is paying for college with travel hacking skills. Episode Notes 6:38 - Amex limited time offers 14:52 - NoMad hotel stay 23:15 - Mark's paying for...

Episode Description In episode 76 we talk about a new $1000 offer from Brex, a trip report from Mark on his weekend getaway to Florida and what we hate in this hobby.  We also talk about a Kauai quarantine loophole, Hyatt offering free covid testing & a nice Founderscard extension. Episode Notes 6:06 - BREX 14:56 - Sarasota trip report 19:01 - What it's like to visit Florida right now 22:58 - What...