Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

On this episode of the podcast we dive into our 2025 trip planning including some of the headaches we are facing booking big trips for ourselves and others. We also dive a bit more into family travel, the pains of homeschooling, not underestimating children and some of the places we are eyeing to visit in the upcoming year.

Links:

• Point.me (Shawn's referral)
• Seats.aero (Shawn's referral)

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

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

 

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

This week Hyatt was in the news a lot as their credit cards came in window for higher offers while they added Venetian as a new partner. We go over the details of the card offers including why you may not want to jump on this round. We also go into detail of the Venetian partnership explaining the benefits and what Hyatt customers get in terms of benefits and value when booking at Venetian. Hint: it isn't much. Variable pricing is also in effect which is a troubling trend for Hyatt. Will it spread?   In other news Flying Blue devalued their program overnight with awards going up as much as 25%. We also discuss: a cruel airport trick, why you shouldn't leave your balcony door open on a cruise ship, Chase's targeted 5-7X offers, Airbnb's poor fire response, how to earn 10X AA miles for donating to fire relief and travel destinations that live up to the hype.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 The meanest of airport tricks
• 1:36 Why you should follow the rules on a cruise ship
• 3:14 Airbnb’s poor LA fire response - Reason to book hotels?
• 5:14 Venetian Las Vegas officially joins World of Hyatt
• 6:45 Who should book Venetian via Hyatt & what benefits you can expect
• 8:32 Rio Las Vegas vs. Venetian for Hyatt customers
• 9:47 Increased offers on both Hyatt credit cards
• 12:04 Chase sends out 5-7X targeted spending offers - How to check
• 13:40 How to use & extend the IHG Premier United TravelBank credit
• 15:57 Flying Blue’s overnight devaluation
• 18:21 Earn 10X AAdvantage miles when donating for LA fires
• 19:31 Cool S - Travel destinations that live up to the hype

Links

• Airport walkway trick - https://x.com/somakazima/status/1878084848314658925?s=46
• Birds on a cruise - https://x.com/stoppfeenin/status/1876888616867135592?s=46
• Airbnb fire issues - https://x.com/anammostarac/status/1876872587738833184/photo/1
• Hyatt/Venetian partnership - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-venetian-las-vegas-partnership/
• Hyatt card offers - https://milestomemories.com/new-bonuses-for-hyatt-cards/
• Chase targeted offers - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-my-bonus-spending-offers/
• United IHG - https://travel-on-points.com/ihg-card-united-travelbank-credit/
• Flying Blue deval - https://travel-on-points.com/flying-blue-devaluation/
• 10X AA for fire donation - https://travel-on-points.com/los-angeles-fire-donations/
• Andy Luten Cool S - https://x.com/andystravelblog/status/1860825360595914809

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

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

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss various aspects of travel planning, including their upcoming trips, the pros and cons of timeshares, the debate between using Airbnb versus hotels, and the intricacies of booking award travel. They also touch on the use of travel tools and why being cheap isn't always the best option.

The episode ends with some discussion of Phuket which Shawn calls the Cancun of Thailand. Find out where to visit in Southern Thailand instead and why you might want to avoid this tourist hotspot.

Links:

• Point.me (Shawn's referral)
• Seats.aero (Shawn's referral)

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

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

 

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

This week Hyatt is in the news as they killed a long used suite trick that recently moved online. Why did they kill it and should they have? We also go in depth on our pursuits for Hyatt Globalist and why Mark is giving up on the status. The truth is maybe you should too.   In other news a very lucrative Amex Platinum 100K + 15X offer is out and we'll show you how to get it. We also discuss: cool New Year's shows around the world, a possible Capital One lounge change, paying taxes with a credit card in 2025, the "best travel gift", new gift card theft protections and our favorite travel tips and hacks to make your trips better.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 The perfect travel gift for your family
• 0:45 Collection of the best travel hack & tips
• 3:10 Capital One changing lounge guest policy?
• 5:08 Amex Platinum 100K + 15X offer
• 6:41 Updated fees and policies for paying taxes with a credit card
• 8:20 Using gift cards to pay your taxes
• 9:43 Hyatt kills suite upgrade trick
• 11:44 New gift card anti-theft technology rolling out
• 14:10 Reconsidering our Hyatt Globalist status - Is it worth it?
• 16:35 Why Guest of Honor makes a huge difference in your Globalist calculations
• 19:15 New Year’s around the world - Insane drone shows & fireworks

Links

• Travel tips - https://travel-on-points.com/best-travel-tips/ Cap One terms - https://viewfromthewing.com/capital-one-cutback-no-more-unlimited-priority-pass-guests/
• Amex 100K + 15X - https://milestomemories.com/amex-platinum-card-resy-offer-with-100k-bonus-plus-15x-on-dining/
• Paying taxes with a credit card - https://travel-on-points.com/pay-your-taxes-with-a-credit-card/ Hyatt trick dies - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-suite-upgrade-awards/
• Gift card anti-theft - https://x.com/detroitmark/status/1872820289052262823?s=46&t=B9kWNUIY21TRZnc8tXrfRQ
• Reconsidering Hyatt Globalist - https://travel-on-points.com/is-hyatt-globalist-worth-it/
• Drones and fireworks - https://x.com/levi_nagawkar/status/1874271492424556885?s=46
•  https://x.com/rainmaker1973/status/1874077913852911629?s=46

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

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

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

In this episode of MTM Travel, Mark shares his recent trip to Asia, detailing the chaos of his travel plans, the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok, and the unique culinary experiences he encountered. From disastrous flight cancelations and changes to exploring local culture, Mark's journey is filled with insights and tips for travelers.

During the trip Mark visited Bangkok and Singapore and stayed in the Conrad Centennial and Hyatt Regency Bangkok. He reviews the hotels, his experiences, the food and his unique takeaways from his quick trip. He also discusses his Cathay Pacific business class journey, the scramble to fix a crazy last minute canceled flight and why he really didn't enjoy the Singapore Business Class seat. Buckle up and enjoy!Episode Guide

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

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

 

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

On this episode of MTM Travel, Shawn is joined by Joe Cheung as Mark is traveling around Asia. The two discuss various timely topics including Disney's free dining offer, Joe's travel experiences in New Jersey, skiing with family, and their New Year's Eve adventures in New York City. They also share insights about Park Hyatt New York and shopping at the insane American Dream mall, highlighting the differences in shopping experiences and the challenges of traveling during busy times.

Other topics discussed include: Disney's new free dining offer, traveling to open our minds, Rio's new Hyatt Globalist breakfast and New Year's Eve bucket list destinations. We'll be back to our normal schedule next week with the main podcast on Monday and the news on Wednesday!

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

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

 

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

This week the government began cracking down on a few things in the travel/finance space. First, they are targeting resort and other junk fees with new rules that will help consumers a lot. The government is also suing many of the big banks and Zelle over the service. Will this end up with better consumer protections?   In other news Chase Freedom turns 15 this year, but is their celebration worth actually pursuing? We also discuss our favorite flights, hotels and trips of 2024, Southwest's new elite perks and seating scheme, 5% bonus categories for 2025, Hilton's sudden devaluation and a crazy video of an AA flight flooding in midair. Episode Guide

• 0:00 Crazy flooded AA plane
• 1:06 New junk fee rules for resort fees and more
• 3:45 Why resort fees aren’t always bad in the miles & points hobby
• 4:24 CFPB sues big banks over Zelle fraud issues
• 6:48 Southwest announces how new seating policy works
• 8:39 All of the credit card 5% bonus categories for Q1
• 10:00 Chase Freedom’s “big” 15th birthday celebration
• 12:00 Chase cuts Ink referral amounts and limits
• 13:46 Credit card “triple dip” opportunities
• 15:58 Hilton’s big devaluation & new variable pricing
• 17:42 Cool S - Our favorite travel from 2024
• 18:38 Our favorite flight from 2024
• 20:08 Favorite hotel(s) from 2024
• 21:38 Our favorite trips of 2024

Links

• AA flood - https://x.com/hustlebitch_/status/1869410368176771159?s=46
• FTC Rules - https://milestomemories.com/ftc-bans-hidden-fees/
• CFPB Zelle - https://dannydealguru.com/cfpb-sues-chase-bank-of-america-and-wells-fargo/
• Southwest Seating - https://travel-on-points.com/southwest-seating-policy/
• 5% Cats - https://travel-on-points.com/5-categories-for-first-quarter/
• Chase referral cap - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-ink-referral-offers/
• Triple dips - https://travel-on-points.com/bank-of-america-increased-offers/
• https://travel-on-points.com/why-december-is-the-best-time-to-open-new-amex-cards/
• Hilton Deval - https://travel-on-points.com/hilton-no-notice-devaluation/

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

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

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss many of the pitfalls of earning in the miles & points hobby. Shawn discusses his reselling efforts over the years and how difficult they have become. What is worth doing in 2025 and what pitfalls should you be aware of when pursuing other avenues of earning?

We also discuss Hilton's big devaluation which includes higher prices and multiple tiers for the first time plus Mark's big trip and being sick on the road.

Episode Guide

• 0:00 Getting ready for big travel & sick on the road
• 7:00 The downsides of Amazon reselling & other points plays
• 21:12 Why you need to be prepared to “lose” when playing the miles & points game
• 29:50 Hilton’s devaluation - Split awards, higher prices & more
• 41:19 The games that they play

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

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

 

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

This week American Express released a new surprise perk for Business Platinum cardholders that is quite interesting. Starting now you can get a $200 annual credit for Hilton (broken up quarterly), so what is the best way to maximize this new perk. And does the new Amex Business Platinum Hilton credit mean something else will be going away?   In other news Alaska Airlines is getting ready to launch a premium card but is it really worth pursuing? We also discuss a new hotel travel trend, the longest train journey in the world, Hyatt's upcoming luxury hotels, how to save every month on YouTube TV and why spending $900 on a hotel is actually saving money.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 “Naked Flying” - The new viral travel trend
• 0:58 Waldorf NYC is more expensive than we thought
• 3:00 Another Boeing whistleblower - Using defective parts?
• 5:48 Hyatt opening 50 new luxury hotels in next few years
• 8:26 Amex Business Platinum adds surprising Hilton credit
• 10:50 Alaska Airlines premium credit card is coming
• 13:04 How booking a $900 hotel actually saved Mark money
• 15:44 How to save money every month on YouTube TV
• 18:00 Streaming deals, ad supported tiers and expensive programming
• 19:46 The longest train journey in the world

Links

• Travel trend - https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/news/naked-flying-is-the-latest-travel-trend-going-viral-and-it-is-helping-people-save-a-lot-of-money-article-116366033
• Boeing whistleblower - https://fortune.com/2024/12/09/boeing-whistleblower-sam-mohawk-broken-parts-airplane-safety-culture-737-max/
• Hyatt luxury - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-luxury-hotel-expansion/
• Amex Hilton credit - https://milestomemories.com/amex-business-platinum-new-200-hilton-credit/
• Premium Alaska - https://milestomemories.com/alaska-airlines-launching-new-premium-card-in-2025/
• Universal FHR - https://travel-on-points.com/universal-orlando-hotels-with-express-pass/
• Save on YouTube TV - https://travel-on-points.com/save-money-on-youtube-tv/
• Longest train - https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/rbycyb/the_new_longest_possible_train_journey_in_the/

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

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

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their end of year strategies as they maximize credits and plan for 2025. Shawn takes the approach of procrastination while Mark does it a different way. The two also discuss their upcoming Spring Break planning including why the Bahamas can be good or bad plus why they both value returning to places vs. only visiting new.

Episode Guide

• 0:00 End of year procrastination - What we are doing to close out our credits, cards, etc.
• 6:01 Spring Break dilemma - Return or visit new places
• 13:35 Debating Bahamas + Atlantis “hack”
• 20:27 When flight award booking strategies go wrong
• 28:42 Best card or programs for traveling to China

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

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

 

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their end of year strategies as they maximize credits and plan for 2025. Shawn takes the approach of procrastination while Mark does it a different way. The two also discuss their upcoming Spring Break planning including why the Bahamas can be good or bad plus why they both value returning to places vs. only visiting new.

Episode Guide

• 0:00 End of year procrastination - What we are doing to close out our credits, cards, etc.
• 6:01 Spring Break dilemma - Return or visit new places
• 13:35 Debating Bahamas + Atlantis “hack”
• 20:27 When flight award booking strategies go wrong
• 28:42 Best card or programs for traveling to China

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]. 

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

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