Comp cruise with Margaritaville at Sea with special guest Marc | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

How did I score a free (or nearly free) balcony suite cruise using a mix of credit card points and casino loyalty perks?

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula breaks down his December 2025 Margaritaville at Sea cruise and explains the strategy behind turning a comp cruise offer into a suite-level upgrade.

I cover the whole experience from start to finish: booking and pre-cruise planning, travel to the port, first impressions of the ship, and a detailed look at the balcony suite amenities.

You’ll also hear my honest take on dining onboard, what felt worth it, what I’d skip next time, and how Margaritaville at Sea compares to other cruises and travel redemptions.

We also get into the casino side of cruising: casino promotions, random drawings, rewards programs, and gambling strategy, including sessions of blackjack and craps, and how I think about offers and play when the goal is maximizing overall value.

If you’re into points and miles, MGM Rewards, casino comps, status matches, and travel hacking, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply to your own trips.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:45 Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Experience

01:10 Meetups and Social Media

01:55 Booking and Preparing for the Cruise

02:17 First Impressions and Ship Details

05:22 Room and Amenities

06:33 Travel to Cruise Port

09:58 Boarding and Initial Impressions

12:40 Dining Experiences

21:57 Casino and Gambling Insights

28:15 Casino Strategies and Observations

29:56 Random Drawings and Rewards

30:46 Blackjack and Craps Sessions

33:04 Frequent Traveler University Conference

34:15 Cozumel Port Day

38:19 Progreso Port Day

40:50 Cruise Reflections and Future Plans

44:00 Upcoming Cruises and Status Matches

48:26 Holiday Plans and Rewards

52:19 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

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📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

Responding to Dave Ramsey's Credit Card Arguments | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Dave Ramsey says, “No credit cards.” I say, “It depends.”

In this episode, Justin Vacula reacts to a recent Dave Ramsey clip and explains how credit cards can be a smart tool for business expenses and travel.

We get into the real math behind points and cashback, the psychology of spending, and why one-size-fits-all advice from Dave Ramsey misses the mark.

You’ll also hear updates on upcoming meetups and events, plus a quick intro to tools that can help you track, optimize, and actually use your rewards.

Original video I respond to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9za0VwqANY&t=6s

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:52 Dave Ramsey’s credit card advice

02:37 Caller question on business credit cards

03:39 Debate on credit card benefits

05:39 Dave’s perspective on points

08:01 Critique of Dave Ramsey’s arguments

12:33 Credit card strategies

17:53 The debit card dilemma

18:18 Dave’s imaginary scenarios

19:13 Credit card benefits for business owners

24:18 Ice cream analogy

27:42 Psychology of money and credit cards

31:41 Dave’s one-size-fits-all advice

32:55 Conclusion and announcements

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

—

✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Comp Cruises in 2026: Earn Free Cruises with Credit Card Rewards | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Join host Justin Vacula and returning guest Marc Konchinsky on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as they explain practical strategies to earn complimentary cruises in 2026.

Learn how to combine credit card points, casino loyalty programs, and MyVegas games to sail for little out-of-pocket cost.

Justin and Marc discuss how to:

Turn everyday spending into free or discounted cruises

Use MyVegas and MGM status for comp cruise offers

Stack credit card rewards with casino benefits

Status and offer match into additional cruises

Improve your odds of room upgrades and better offers over time

They also discuss recent changes to cruise offers, the current landscape of MGM status benefits, creative ways to upgrade cabins, and how upcoming events and meetups can help you level up your travel game.

Recorded December 10, 2025. Subscribe for more strategies to travel more while spending less.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:45 Meet the Guest: Marc Konchinsky

02:22 Why Choose Cruises?

03:54 Earning Comp Cruises with MyVegas

07:30 Status Matching for Comp Cruises

09:02 Maximizing MGM Rewards for Cruises

13:13 Gambling and Credit Card Strategies on Cruises

17:33 Best Practices for Cruise Travel

21:04 Announcements and Upcoming Events

23:13 Conference Circuit and Meetup Growth

24:12 Comp Cruises in 2026 with Marc Konchinsky

24:26 Upgrading Rooms on Cruises

24:40 Bidding for Room Upgrades

31:38 MyVegas and Other Rewards Programs

33:53 Upcoming Credit Cards and Travel Plans

38:30 Cruising from Local Ports

42:01 Final Thoughts and Future Episodes

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

—

✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Earning Caesars Rewards Status in 2026 – Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Join host Justin Vacula and returning co-host Darren Remsburg for a deep dive into earning and maximizing Caesars Rewards status in 2026.

In this episode, they break down why miles and points enthusiasts should care about Caesars Rewards, how casino loyalty overlaps with traditional travel hacking, and where the real value is for low-cost travelers.

You’ll hear practical strategies for earning tier credits, leveraging credit card rewards, stacking grocery and gift card deals, and using online gambling (with an edge) to unlock status.

Justin and Darren also walk through the perks of Caesars Diamond and Seven Stars, including free and discounted hotel nights, waived resort fees, celebration dinners, and other on-property benefits that can significantly cut your Vegas and Atlantic City costs.

They also highlight meetups, Frequent Traveler University (FTU), and other community events where you can learn, network, and sharpen your strategies alongside like-minded travelers.

Recorded December 1, 2025, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to help you travel more while spending less.

Timestamps

00:00 Low-Cost Travel with Points, Miles & Casino Loyalty

00:32 Meet the Hosts & Episode Overview

01:05 Upcoming Meetups, FTU & Social Events

02:14 Thanksgiving Promos, Grocery Points & Stacking Deals

04:08 Planning for Caesars Rewards Status in 2026

12:19 Tier Credits, Diamond Benefits & Core Perks

17:43 Using Gift Cards to Fund Online Gambling (with an Edge)

23:46 Announcements, Community Updates & Upcoming Events

29:34 Travel Plans

30:11 Mapping Out the Path to Caesars Status in 2026

30:25 Caesars-Branded Credit Cards: Overview & Strategy

31:07 Maximizing Tier Credits with Everyday Spend

36:28 Frugal Lifestyle Habits That Support More Travel

39:22 Pushing Toward Seven Stars: Is It Worth It?

51:47 Future Trips, Status Goals & Credit Card Plans

54:59 Wrap-Up, Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

—

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

—

✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Getting Started in Points and Miles | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula breaks down the art of using credit card points, miles, and casino loyalty programs to save money on travel and travel in style.

Justin shares how he went from discovering poker to focusing on credit card rewards, stacking offers, and traveling at next to no cost.

Joined by Frank and Trey from the Poker Dealer School of Philadelphia, Justin explains the fundamentals of miles and points, how to safely manage many credit cards, and how poker, points, and miles rely on math, discipline, and strategy.

You’ll learn how to:

Maximize credit card rewards without going into debt

Combine casino comps with points and miles for huge value

Use apps and tools to track offers and organize your cards

Think about expected value like a poker player when making financial decisions

If you’re a poker player, casino regular, or just someone who wants to travel more for less, this episode is for you.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Interview with Frank and Trey from Poker Dealer School

01:39 Justin’s Journey into Miles and Points

02:47 Scaling Up Credit Card Rewards

03:51 Starting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

06:17 Credit Card Strategies and Tips

17:16 Favorite Trips and Experiences

19:30 Combining Credit Card Perks with Casino Comps

24:32 Learning Poker and Credit Card Fundamentals

25:08 Useful Apps for Credit Card Management

25:53 Exploring Credit Card Rewards and Offers

27:02 Podcast Break and Sponsor Message

27:54 JetBlue 25 for 25 Challenge

32:41 Coaching and Educating on Credit Cards

36:05 Philosophy and Credit Card Strategies

38:30 Navigating Credit Card Rules and Benefits

43:52 Final Thoughts and Advice

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

—

✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: Maximizing Points & Miles with Carissa Rawson of Rove

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula chats with Carissa Rawson from Rove to dive into the latest Rove promos, tools, and features that can supercharge your travel. They cover smart ways to earn and redeem Rove miles without opening new credit cards, so you can travel more while spending less.

You will hear about the upcoming Travel Tuesday deals, how Rove stacks with existing loyalty programs, and what exciting new features are on the roadmap for 2026. Justin and Carissa also chat about upcoming travel meetups, community events, and how listeners can plug into the Rove ecosystem.

If you are looking to make your travel more affordable, flexible, and fun, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real-world examples.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:45 Meet Carissa Rawson from Rove

01:46 What is Rove and how it works

04:28 Travel Tuesday and Cyber Monday promotions

07:19 Strategies for maximizing rewards with Rove

10:46 Upcoming events, meetups, and ways to get involved

16:29 Listener questions and feedback

22:47 Final tips, takeaways, and closing thoughts

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

—

✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2026: Keep or Downgrade? | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast with Justin Vacula & Hunter Threadgill

Join host Justin Vacula and special guest Hunter Threadgill of Professor of Points as they take a deep dive into whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve is still worth keeping in 2026.

They walk through the new and existing benefits, including the $300 travel credit, dining and hotel perks, StubHub credits, and other lifestyle benefits, and weigh them against the rising annual fee.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Travel Rewards

00:44 Guest Introduction: Hunter Threadgill

01:56 Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits Overview

02:57 Travel Credits and Real World Value

04:58 Hotel and Dining Credits Discussion

14:53 StubHub and Other Lifestyle Benefits

20:38 Meditation, Peloton, and Wellness Perks

21:21 Lounge Access and Travel Protections

24:03 Advanced Tactics: Upgrading and Downgrading

24:18 Announcements and Upcoming Events

25:50 CardPointers and Monthly Meetups

28:58 Is Chase Sapphire Reserve a Keeper?

36:40 Upcoming Travels and Status Goals

43:10 Frequent Traveler Education Foundation

45:04 Closing Remarks and Social Handles

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

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🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

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✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Chase Sapphire Reserve 2026: Keep or Downgrade? | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth keeping in 2026 – or is it time to downgrade?

Join host Justin Vacula and guest Beth on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as they break down the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s changing value proposition in a world of rising annual fees and constantly shifting perks.

They walk through the major benefits one by one – including hotel credits, food delivery perks, entertainment and rideshare credits, and newer partner credits like StubHub – and talk about what they’re really worth in everyday use.

Justin and Beth also explore downgrade paths, retention-offer strategy, cash-out options, and how the card fits into a broader points-and-miles setup in 2026.

You’ll hear practical takes, listener questions, and real-world scenarios to help you decide whether to keep the CSR, downgrade, or shift your spend elsewhere.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Meet Beth

02:09 Chase Sapphire Reserve: keep, cancel, or downgrade?

02:54 Walking through the new and updated benefits

07:40 Travel credits, status perks, and how to value them

12:15 Dining, convenience store, and everyday credits

17:53 Entertainment, rideshare, and lifestyle perks

22:06 Fitness perks and lounge access in context

24:54 Are the lounge benefits really worth it?

25:16 Retention offers, fee hikes, and negotiation strategy

25:31 Cashing out points vs keeping them for travel

25:58 Upcoming events, appearances & announcements

27:39 Using CardPointers to organize and maximize rewards

28:33 Monthly meetups, listener community & social events

29:19 Frequent Traveler University and other live events

30:20 High-spend strategies with the Chase Sapphire Reserve

32:39 Smart downgrade and upgrade paths within the Chase lineup

35:42 Listener comments, questions & real-world scenarios

45:14 Future travel plans and how CSR fits (or doesn’t)

46:41 Final takeaways & farewell

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

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💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook →

https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

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✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Earn the Southwest Companion Pass in 2026

In this Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast episode, Justin sits down with Max Craig from Points to the Max to break down exactly how to earn and maximize the Southwest Companion Pass for 2026.

We cover the best timing for points, which cards to open (and when), stacking strategies, and what recent program tweaks mean for your plan.

Whether you’re brand-new to points or already flying regularly, you’ll get a practical, step-by-step gameplan to secure the companion pass and squeeze maximum value from it, plus intel on routes, hubs, and event meetups to level up your travel.

What you’ll learn

The cleanest timeline to lock the 2026 Southwest Companion Pass

Which credit cards to consider and how to sequence them

Points vs. flights: the math to qualify efficiently

Recent Southwest program changes (and what still works)

Hubs, routes, and positioning strategies

Opportunity cost: when not to chase it

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:45 Meet Max Craig (Points to the Max)

02:50 Companion Pass, explained (eligibility & value)

04:49 Credit-card strategy & timing for 2026

06:10 What changed at Southwest (and what didn’t)

07:49 Qualifying: points vs. flight segments

11:22 App strategy: rules, pacing, and denials

23:35 Events, meetups, and community resources

28:47 Music City Miles & Points shoutouts

29:37 Frequent Traveler University notes

30:33 Fine print of the Companion Pass

32:55 Hubs, routes, positioning flights

34:53 Opportunity cost & alternative plays

43:10 Program benefits recap & pitfalls to avoid

43:36 Where to find Max (site & socials)

45:31 Trip planning tips & closing thoughts

51:31 Outro

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

—

✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Miles, Points, Casino Loyalty, Travel, and ZorkFest 2025 - Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Join host Justin Vacula on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as he discusses how to travel at low cost using points & miles and credit cards.

Special guest Joseph Petrovic shares his experience with miles & points and the upcoming event ZorkFest 2025. Justin and Joe also delve into topics like credit card rewards, casino loyalty programs, travel, autism, and unique experiences such as high-end trips to Japan, family vacations, and cruises.

Learn the benefits of credit cards, tips on maximizing rewards, and how events like ZorkFest offer a deep dive into miles, points, and gambling content.

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

00:46 Guest Introduction: Joseph Petrovic

02:02 Chicago Seminars Hyatt Regency Experience

02:24 The Evolution of Travel Conferences

04:39 Maximizing Credit Card Benefits

08:41 Family Travel Adventures

12:34 The Impact of Credit Cards on Travel

16:25 Navigating the Changing Travel Landscape

18:16 Exploring Train Travel and Future Plans

21:07 Combining Miles, Points, and Gambling at ZorkFest

25:15 Upcoming Events and CardPointers

28:35 Maximizing Casino Rewards

29:38 Monthly Travel Meetups

30:10 Changes in Reward Programs

31:32 Upcoming Events and Speaking Engagements

32:10 Introduction to ZorkFest

32:23 Gambling and Credit Card Strategies

34:59 ZorkFest Schedule and Sessions

40:44 Personal Experiences

50:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg

👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/

👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧

📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:

http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.

https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:

www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

✨ One-on-one calls with me

✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!)

✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬

✨ Bonus content 🎁

—

🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl

📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

—

✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!

Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳