In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula discusses low-cost travel using points and miles, focusing on Amtrak Guest Rewards with special guest Deker.

They delve into the benefits and earning potentials of Amtrak's credit cards, including a special offer for 40,000 points. Deker shares his journey into the world of points and miles during COVID, his experiences with Amtrak's credit cards, and tips for maximizing travel rewards.

The conversation also covers notable Amtrak routes, the benefits of different train cars, and how to find the best deals for train travel.

Listener questions about Amtrak's amenities, connection opportunities with the Amtrak social media team, and future travel plans are addressed. The show concludes with announcements about upcoming meetups and events.

Justin and Deker also give a shoutout to Amtrak superfan Pari Kim, PurplePrincessPari on Instagram, who recently appeared on season three of the Netflix show 'Love on the Spectrum.'

00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel with Points and Miles

00:32 Meet the Host and Special Guest

00:47 Amtrak Guest Rewards and Meetups

01:38 Decker's Journey into Points and Miles

02:35 Discovering Amtrak's Loyalty Program

03:16 Hosting Points Quest Conference

06:16 Amtrak's Popularity and Challenges

10:55 Exploring Amtrak's Scenic Routes

17:10 Amtrak Credit Cards and Benefits

24:12 Creative Spending Strategies

25:05 Listener Question: Earning Guest Rewards Points

26:10 Maximizing Amtrak Points and Status

26:54 Finding Good Deals with Amtrak

28:07 Speculative Travel and Cancellation Policies

29:33 Travel Tips for Long Amtrak Journeys

32:55 Must-Have Items for Comfortable Travel

34:58 Listener Questions: Amtrak Social Media and Cafe Closures

39:19 Upcoming Travel Plans and Credit Card Strategies

41:59 Connecting with the Amtrak Community

45:46 Closing Announcements and Future Events

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

CardPointers affiliate link: https://cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!