I'm joined by Branden and Brian, who have returned from an absolutely amazing trip to Kurdistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan and finally Kyrgyzstan. This is one guest trip you CANNOT miss.

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On this episode, I lay out my 2026 plan to erase 100% of the fees attached to Disney World annual passes, included all hotel, flight, and even rental car costs. I also give a short "state of the podcast" explaining why I rarely discuss anything outside of award travel and what I think is the role of the average churning podcast after everything that transpired last year.

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I interview Justin about the 8 comped cruises he took in 2025 and how people can try to replicate what he did for themselves. We also play a game of "Roast it or Toast it" with the new Bilt card rollout, and Justin tries to convince me to go on the Dave Ramsey Cruise in 2026. Will I take my first "baby steps" into Dave's open arms, or will I turn heel and run into a portal straight to hell?!

We revisit the absolute quagmire that was 2025 in points and miles and share our hopes and predictions for 2026. We also hear from several of last year's guests about what they see on the horizon next year.

I do a deep dive into the "iprefer" hotel program and why I think it's an underrated destination for Citi TYP transfers over cashing out or American Airlines. Sometimes the value is sitting right under your nose! I also review the Haven Riviera Cancun All Inclusive resort and explain why I've ditched Hyatt All Inclusives in favor of going back.

Susan and I play a spooky game of Guess The Deval, where we place our bets on Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and IHG and what some of these hotels used to cost 10 years ago versus today.  Which programs have had a visit from the points reaper and which ones are more treat than trick after 10 years of slow devaluations??? We find out together.  The answers may surprise and scare you!

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Danielle explains how she got to Paris for the 2024 Olympics in Air France Business class, along with a couple of A list celebs. She also reviews the elusive American Airlines Flagship First seat and the AA Chelsea Lounge at JFK!

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Rambi joins me to discuss some of his favorite luxury Hilton properties and even a few Park Hyatts. Rambi has visited many of the most sought after Waldorfs and Conrads on earth....and he has hot takes about all of them.

Follow Rambi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelhackeruniversity/

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It's a "points potpourri" when me and Branden run through a gauntlet of various topics, including some underrated Citi partners and a Hilton "guess the devaluation" game where Branden has to guess how much those Hilton Pesos have plummeted after 10 years.

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We're joined again by Paul, who just came back from the most luxurious itinerary ever attempted on the pod. He not only gives us full reviews of Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar first class, but he reviews countless lounges in all of their various hub airports. Join us as we finally answer the age old question: "Just how many times CAN you shower on a plane in one week?!"

Find Paul: https://emptynestermiles.com

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