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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 spree 23:03 - North Korean currency and foreign currencies in general 30:00 - Mark’s college savings update 31:45 - The Affirm “Debit” card 34:43 - AMEX launches cell phone protection   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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 dumber than expected 40:51 - Baha Mar’s insane covid guarantee 42:20 - Hyatt Bonus Journeys 42:49 - Bitwarden 43:20 - Dell Amex offer   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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 Hacking Blind Spots 30:11 - Getting locked Thank You Points back 30:56 - Jetblue says goodbye to change fees 34:14 - Apple News+ for free   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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 - Swimming with sharks 29:59 - Hot air balloon in Cappadocia 32:09 - Is everything cheaper right now? 35:32 - Final tips 38:13 - AMEX 125K offer & how to get it 39:01 - Blue Business Plus/United Mileage Explorer elevated offers 40:04 - AMEX credits delayed   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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 college! 28:17 - MORE Amex offers 30:04 - Jetblue Mint to London 32:54 - Moomoo   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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 Mark hates in this hobby 30:39 - Kauai quarantine exemption 31:50 - Hyatt offering free covid testing in Latin America 32:31 - Founders Card extension   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 75 Spencer Howard from Straight to the Points and author of the amazing award alerts newsletter swings by to chat about AMEX travel credits, why right now is a great time to book future award travel and the future of his award alerts service. Subscribe to Spencer’s award alerts newsletter or follow him on Instagram! Episode Notes 4:57 - Spencer’s miles and points story 12:22- Award alerts premium newsletter! 20:34 - United Travelbank no longer working for AMEX travel credits. Other options? 28:44 - Is now a buyer’s market for award travelers? (Bloomberg) 41:11 - Disneyland annual passes cancelled 42:12 - Taking a break from credit cards rewards   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 74 we discuss Bonvoy’s customer friendly changes, Virgin Atlantic walks back their devaluation some, are Citi ThankYou points overrated & a hotel reviews rant. Episode Notes 10:43 - Positively Bonvoyed? 20:45 - Virgin Atlantic Devaluation - good news 23:36 - Hotel Reviews rant 41:06 - Straight to the Points Premium 42:11 - Amex Uber Credits 42:30 - Citi ThankYou Points - overrated?   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 73 we discuss the amazing new Amex offers that launched, our application plans for the first part of 2021 and Virgin destroying the value of their program.   Episode Notes 3:04 - AMEX offers 9:26 - Virgin Atlantic devaluation 12:40 - Las Vegas deals through Amex and Chase 16:44 - Mark's 2021 credit card sign up strategy 25:51 - Around the web 26:54 - Rio Las Vegas   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 72 we each share our favorite segments from the show in 2020.  We go back to the rice and soy sauce incident, why traveling with kids sucks and a nightmare stay at the Atlantis.  We also read our favorite mean reviews from the year. Enjoy! Episode Notes 1:27 - Joe's favorite mean review 2:54 - Why traveling with kids sucks 14:19 - Shawn's favorite mean review 18:09 - Nightmare stay at Atlantis 36:12 - Mark's favorite mean review 38:19 - The infamous Cathay Pacific first class review   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 71 we discuss whether or not we are done cashing out points, for now. We also talk about our favorite holiday trips of the past and ones we are looking forward to in the future.  Lastly, we speculate which program will devalue first in 2021, two cards you should get right now and say goodbye to Observation Deck. Episode Notes 1:38 - Catching up 9:26 - Holiday travel highlights and goals 16:43 - Which airline will devalue first? 20:47 - Are we still cashing out points? 24:37 - Trips we’re looking forward to in 2021 33:49 - Two cards to sign up for right now 35:31 - Back to Vegas construction tour 36:03 - The last Observation Deck   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 70 we discuss whether or not MS is dead at Walmart, something Amazon shoppers need to be aware of and Chase’s newest transfer partner.  We also talk about our Chase Freedom first quarter plans and our Thompson Playa Del Carmen review. Episode Notes 4:16 - Chase's new transfer partner (Details on the new Aeroplan) 12:38 - Walmart shutting down MS??? 22:05 - Amazon playing games with our points 29:01 - Bionic Boost 30:12 - Chase Freedom Q1 bonus categories 31:49 - Thompson Playa Del Carmen   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 69 Bethany Walsh of Bougie Miles returns to the podcast! We discuss what NYC is like right now, what countries you can visit without quarantining right now and thinking outside the box with a Paypal Key play (that no longer exists, alas). As we recorded, news broke that AMEX shut down a bunch of accounts so we discussed that as well. All that plus rapid fire on a fun episode!   Episode Notes Subscribe to Bethany’s Youtube channel! 4:27 - What’s NYC like right now for residents and tourists? (Curbed article) 18:39 - A clever play with PPK and Plastiq and AMEX shutdowns (!)  28:55 - Countries Americans can visit without quarantining 40:11 - AA offering at-home covid testing for travelers 41:42 - Getting a USPS refund 42:35 - Amex shutting down accounts (updating) 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 68 we talk about Hyatt’s amazing new promotion and why Shawn isn’t a huge fan of it.  We also talk about end of year housekeeping, maxing out a Disney redemption before it vanishes, getting kickbacks for Amazon returns and much more. Episode Notes 5:05 - All about Hyatt's new generous status offer 28:03 - Black Friday reflections 34:41 - End of year housekeeping 40:38 - Kohls Amazon returns 42:49 - An "old" United business class flight 43:40 - Using ThankYou points for Disney World Tickets 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 67 we talk about a big blow to Best Buy resellers and the gift card game overall. We also discuss Black Friday deals, share some tips, discuss avoiding spending creep and recent retention offer data points.  Lastly, we talk about what we are thankful for even in the train wreck of 2020. Episode Notes 9:48 - Is Best Buy gift card reselling dead? 15:13 - Apple/Target gift card deal 18:35 - Week of Black Friday 20:00 - Walmart pickup is ruined 23:20 - Miscellaneous Black Friday tips 25:55 - Obscure credit card offerings that may or may not have value 32:56 - What we're grateful for 40:13 - Recent retention offer data points. 40:55 - Avoid spending creep 41:40 - Thanksgiving foods that won't get through TSA 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 66 we talk about how an American was jailed for more than a bad review, some nice new 5X offers and if there are just too many to juggle right now.  We also talk about planning for a post pandemic Disney trip, why you shouldn’t use our Platinum links and a ton more. Episode Notes 9:00 - Jail time for a review? 17:18 - Citi 5X bonus 22:27 - Planning a post pandemic Disney World vacation 34:12 - Why you shouldn’t use our AMEX Platinum links 36:34 - Las Vegas Airport video 38:03 - Korean Air buys Asiana 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 65 we talk about some massive new welcome offers that were launched this week.  We also discuss some more issues with liquidation at Walmart stores and Shawn gives us an overview of his Miraval stay and whether the juice is worth the squeeze or not. Episode Notes 5:01 - New Chase Ink offers 8:13 - AMEX Platinum and Gold offers 14:15 - Co-branded airline card offers 17:46 - Walmart issues 22:30 - Miraval Tucson 41:26 - Getting hotel compensation 42:45 - Chase Avios bonus 44:09 - 22% off Hyatt stays 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 64 we have a special guest, Ryan from Miles to Memories.  We discuss his recent trip to West Africia, how he was denied boarding, discriminate against in the airport and other shenanigans that happened along the way.  We also talk about point valuations and play a fun game in the outtakes.  Episode Notes 2:43 - Mark in Vegas! 6:09 - Mile and point valuations 20:06 - Ryan's trip to Africa 21:53 - Adventures at the airport 29:20 - Dealing with tricky border crossings 37:37 - Flying to Mauritania (!?) 40:17 - Smoking in Casablanca 43:13 - Circa Tour Video 43:26 - Chase Sapphire Preferred first 44:53 - Maximizing Uber credits 48:37 - Bonus Segment! International Destination: Real or Fake? 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 63 we discuss the Amex Gold refresh, some unfounded worries (at least for now) about money orders at Walmart and getting ready for Q4 reselling and gift buying.  Episode Notes 1:07 - Mark's flying! 6:51 - AMEX Gold changes 13:07 - Walmart MO concerns? 18:39 - Black Friday month long sales and preparations 30:19 - Citi Prestige 4th night free analysis 32:26 - Las Vegas casinos being sold? 33:21 - Disney layoffs and how you can help 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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Episode Description In episode 62 we discuss getting wrongfully denied to board a flight, Chase rolling out a new spending offer, an increased bonus ending and our favorite Prime Day wins.  We also talk about Delta’s juicy status match offer and a shout out to the great Daryl Grove. Episode Notes 6:00 - Prime Day 15:15 - New Chase spending offer 19:02 - Denied boarding for a flight?? 27:32 - CSP increased bonus ending 28:50 - Delta status match offer 29:41 - Shoutout to Daryl Grove   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, Sticher, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License