Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Using Points, Miles & Credit Card Bonuses to Travel Better for Less | Special Guest: Joseph Petrovic

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast re-releases and remasters a past conversation with Joseph Petrovic of Award Travel 101 about using points, miles, credit card rewards, transferable currencies, bank bonuses, and loyalty programs to travel at low cost.

Recorded again for release in October of 2026, the conversation explores how Joseph got started in points and miles around 2017–2018, how he got his wife involved in the hobby, and why Facebook groups, conferences, meetups, and networking can help beginners learn faster.

Justin and Joseph discuss the fundamentals of a responsible credit card rewards strategy, including paying balances in full, avoiding interest, maximizing category bonuses, and using flexible points.

They also discuss airline transfer partners such as Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles, along with the trade-offs between cashback rewards, award travel, elite status, hotel certificates, and other loyalty benefits.

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Theme Song

00:32 Intro

01:14 Player Two Buy-In

03:08 Dave Ramsey vs Points and Miles

05:17 Networking And Points Communities

10:24 Better Travel With Points

12:32 Offers, Gift Cards, And Bank Bonuses

16:10 Discounted, not Free Travel

20:07 Why Banks Offer Bonuses

23:28 Elite Status Strategy And Math

27:46 Aspirational Trips And Upgrades

30:13 Cards, Plans, And Beginner Advice

34:37 Where To Find Joseph

35:28 Outro And Support Links

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

Rove Adds JetBlue TrueBlue + Limited-Time 20% Transfer Bonus

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Carissa Rawson from Rove to discuss Rove’s new JetBlue TrueBlue partnership and a limited-time 20% transfer bonus running from October 15 through November 14, 2026.

Justin and Carissa also explain how Rove works as a free travel rewards platform that does not require a credit card. Users can earn Rove Miles through hotel bookings, flights, shopping, dining, gift cards, referrals, and other activities.

The episode also covers JetBlue’s economy experience, free Wi-Fi, Mint business class, and the airline’s expanding partnership with United Airlines. Justin and Carissa discuss how JetBlue TrueBlue fits into Rove’s growing list of transfer partners and how travelers might use the new partnership for domestic and international award travel.

Carissa also shares updates on the Rove app, including Android availability, upcoming poissible holiday promotions, instant-earning Rove gift cards, and other product developments coming to the platform.

Timestamps

00:00 Theme Song

00:35 Intro

01:27 What Is Rove?

02:06 Earning Rove Miles And Referrals

02:47 JetBlue TrueBlue Partner And 20% Bonus

04:20 JetBlue Economy And Free Wi-Fi

05:39 Mint And Qsuite Redemptions

06:56 United Partnership And Award Search

08:23 Instant Transfers And Rove Growth

09:35 More Transfer Bonuses

10:51 Listener Question: International Expansion

12:05 Upcoming Possible Promos And App Updates

14:38 Rove Gift Cards Update

16:41 Wrap Up And Reminders

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.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/

—

💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through 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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

Is the Barclays Luxury Card Black Card Finally Worth It? 75K Bonus + Triple-Dip Strategy

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast joins co-host Darren to discuss whether Barclays' $699 annual-fee Luxury Card Mastercard Black Card is finally worth considering after launching an elevated 75,000-point welcome bonus.

The new offer awards 75,000 points after $6,000 in qualifying spend. The card markets those points as worth up to $1,500 toward airfare or $1,125 in cash back. Justin and Darren explain the redemption math, including the card’s 1.5-cent-per-point cash-back value and 2-cent-per-point value when redeeming toward airfare through the Luxury Card travel portal.

The episode focuses on a potential late-December 2026 application strategy designed to maximize calendar-year credits. Justin and Darren discuss whether opening the card in mid-to-late December 2026 could create a triple dip opportunity across three calendar years for the card’s $200 annual airline credit and $100 annual dining credit.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro Theme

00:32 Black Card Overview

01:38 Welcome Bonus Math

03:03 Triple-Dip Strategy

04:36 Airline Credit Terms

05:22 Using Airline Credits

08:37 Dining Credit Terms

09:36 Gift Card Workarounds

12:24 Keeper Cards

15:13 Sponsor Break

16:17 Better Barclays Alternatives?

20:58 Who Should Get It

24:43 Ratings And Comparisons

30:46 Final Verdict And Wrap Up

31:41 Outro And Support Links

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.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! 🌍🎧

—

💜 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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

U.S. Bank Business Essentials Cards 2026: $1,000 Bonus, 5% Category & Jessica Alba

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast is joined by returning co-host Darren to discuss U.S. Bank’s two new business credit cards launching in late September 2026: the U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus Card and the no-annual-fee U.S. Bank Business Essentials Card.

The Business Essentials Plus Card comes with a $295 annual fee and a $1,000 cash bonus after $15,000 in spending within 150 days. It earns 2% cash back on purchases and 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category each month, on up to $200,000 in annual purchases.

Justin and Darren also explain the card’s higher earning tiers tied to 30-day average balances in an eligible U.S. Bank business checking account.

Timestamps

00:00 Theme Song Intro

00:32 Episode Setup and New Cards

02:03 Jessica Alba and Press Release

05:13 Business Essentials Plus Card

09:46 Business Essentials Card

12:44 Best Pick and Alternatives

16:18 Break and Support the Show

16:50 Business Credit Card Strategy

18:57 Listener Question: Checking Account Terms

24:03 Final Thoughts and Who Should Apply

26:42 Upcoming Travel Plans and Support the Show

30:30 Closing Theme

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

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

👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. Descript offers tools, including studio sound, removal of filler words, and the ability to edit from a generated transcript.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

CardPointers V8: Automatic Offer Activation, Siri, AI Updates & Amex Offers Changes with Brooke

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes returning guest Brooke from CardPointers to discuss the launch of CardPointers V8 and the latest updates to the app for points, miles, cash back, credit card offers, and benefit tracking.

Recorded September 23, 2026, this episode explains how CardPointers helps users maximize credit card rewards by tracking bonus categories, statement credits, card-linked offers, and benefits across thousands of credit cards and banks.

Brooke highlights major CardPointers V8 features on Apple devices, including new on-device automation that can securely sync and activate eligible offers overnight, Siri integration, Ask AI inside the app, visual intelligence using the camera to recommend which card to use, updated widgets, shortcuts, and improved savings tracking.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro Theme

00:32 Meet Brooke From CardPointers

01:45 What CardPointers Does

03:13 Offers, Reminders, And Nearby Deals

04:54 CardPointers V8 Overview

05:23 Automatic Offer Activation Overnight

06:57 Siri And Ask AI

09:45 Visual Intelligence Camera

11:04 Widgets, Shortcuts, And Credits

14:10 Savings Tracking And Annual Fees

16:20 Spotlight Search And Automation

17:51 One Million Users

19:15 Mainstream Users And Couponing

22:55 Future Plans And Lifetime Deal

23:50 Listener Question: Amex Multi-Card Offers

25:37 Listener Question: HotelSlash

26:51 Where To Find CardPointers

27:59 Upcoming Events And Travel Plans

32:20 Wrap Up And Links

32:45 Podcast Outro Theme

—

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

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

👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.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/

—

👉 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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

Bilt Bulletin September 2026: Obsidian to Palladium Upgrades, Authorized User Strategy, Grubhub Premium Plus, and Dave Ramsey Rebuttal Bonus Segment

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast is joined by returning co-host Darren for a September 2026 Bilt Bulletin covering new Bilt upgrade offers, authorized user strategy, referral bonuses, Grubhub Premium Plus, Bilt Cash, Point Accelerators, and year-to-date earning and redemption updates.

Justin and Darren discuss targeted Bilt Obsidian-to-Palladium upgrade offers, along with updated upgrade and downgrade terms that may affect how cardholders move between Bilt products. They also cover an enhanced referral offer showing as 10,000 Bilt points and whether it creates more value for existing cardholders.

The episode ends with a bonus segment responding to George Kamel and the Dave Ramsey Show after Kamel said, "if you wouldn't buy it at full price, don't buy it on sale."

Timestamps

00:00 Points And Miles Intro

00:32 Episode Preview

02:58 Bilt Program Basics

05:04 Referral Bonus Boost

06:47 Obsidian To Palladium Upgrade Offers

11:14 Authorized User Accelerator Strategy

15:26 Free Grubhub Premium Plus

17:05 Year-To-Date Bilt Check-In

20:09 Dave Ramsey and George Kamel Rebuttal

34:07 Wrap Up And Support Links

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

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

👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to better edit and improve your podcast episodes.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

Rove Adds Copa Airlines: 40% Transfer Bonus, App Updates, Dining & Gift Cards with Carissa Rawson

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Carissa Rawson from Rove to discuss the latest Rove updates, including Copa Airlines ConnectMiles as a new transfer partner, a limited-time 40% transfer bonus, Rove app improvements, Rove Dining, expanded hotel inventory, gift cards, referral bonuses, and upcoming events.

Rove is a transferable travel rewards program that lets users earn Rove Miles through hotels, shopping, dining, gift cards, and other purchases without requiring a Rove-branded credit card.

The biggest update is the addition of Copa Airlines ConnectMiles as a new Rove transfer partner. Rove Miles transfer to Copa at a 1:1 ratio, and through September 30, 2026, users can receive a limited-time 40% transfer bonus.

Timestamps

00:00 Show Intro And Rove Overview

00:48 Rove Party And Program Basics

01:43 New Partner: Copa ConnectMiles

03:42 Copa Sweet Spots And Tips

06:27 Rove App Launch Reactions

07:08 Hotels Revamp And Loyalty Rates

08:30 New Users, Gen Z, And Dining

09:21 Announcements And Sponsor Links

11:30 Events And Chicago Seminars Plans

12:31 Explore Tab And App Use Cases

13:39 October Teasers And Referral Promo

14:56 Gift Card Marketplace And Limits

16:57 Wrap Up And Where To Follow

🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

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

👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

Las Vegas Birthday Deals & myVEGAS Rewards | Free Food, Casino Offers, MGM Perks & Credit Card Stacking

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast is joined by co-host Darren to discuss how to save money in Las Vegas by stacking birthday freebies, restaurant loyalty rewards, myVEGAS rewards, casino offers, and credit card benefits.

Recorded during Justin’s September 2026 birthday month, this episode breaks down real Las Vegas birthday deals and rewards that can help travelers get free food, discounted meals, casino comps, dining credits, and extra value on the Strip.

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Intro

00:32 Birthday Deals Preview

02:26 Vegas Offers Great Value

03:52 Planning And Stacking

05:43 Timing The Trip

06:47 Rosa Mexicano Credit

08:21 Rainforest Cafe Perks

10:28 PF Chang’s Free Starters

12:41 More Strip Freebies

15:33 Panera And Denny’s

17:42 Support And Sponsors

19:49 myVEGAS Rewards Basics

21:09 myVEGAS Food Deals

22:35 Starter Rewards Strategy

25:02 MGM Iconic Card And Status

28:15 Room Charges And Tips

30:08 Backup Credits And Comps

34:12 Favorite Picks And Drinks

37:40 Shows and More

38:49 Cruise Perks And 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

—

💜 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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. Descript offers tools, including studio sound, removal of filler words, and the ability to edit from a generated transcript.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🔔 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/

Rove App Launch, Rove Dining, Instant-Earn Gift Cards & Major Rove Hotels Update | August 2026

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Carissa Rawson from Rove to discuss major August 2026 updates, including the launch of the new Rove mobile app, Rove Dining, instant-earn gift cards, in-store shopping, updated browser extensions, and a major Rove Hotels refresh.

Carissa explains Rove as a flexible travel rewards program that lets users earn Rove Miles without needing a credit card. Rove Miles can be earned through hotels, flights, shopping, dining, gift cards, and other everyday spending opportunities.

The new Rove app for Android and iOS includes map-based exploration for flights and hotels, prices, earning rates, and multipliers. Justin and Carissa discuss how the app can help travelers compare earning opportunities and find better value when booking travel.

Timestamps

00:00 Points And Miles Intro

00:32 Rove Updates Preview

01:33 What Is Rove?

02:18 New Rove App Tour

03:22 Card Linking And In-Store Earnings

06:03 Rove Dining Explained

07:22 Instant-Earn Gift Cards

08:54 GiftCards.com Status

09:49 Support the Show

11:55 Rove Hotels Major Update

14:22 Loyalty-Eligible Rates

15:18 New Shopping Extensions

17:12 App Tips, Deals, And Referrals

20:30 Dynamic Dining Multipliers

21:54 Rove Meetups And Wrap Up

22:30 Outro

Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.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 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

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

—

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

🌐 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/

Bilt Builds Better: Blade Helicopters, Blacklane Rides, Equinox Credits + August 2026 Updates

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast is joined by returning co-host Darren to discuss the latest August 2026 Bilt Rewards updates.

In this episode, Justin and Darren focus on new Bilt Cash redemption options, including Blade helicopter rides, Blacklane car service credits, and Equinox credits for spa treatments, personal training, and pilates.

Justin and Darren discuss how they are using Bilt Cash for Lyft, Walgreens, Grubhub, dining, hotel credits, and other real-world redemptions, as well as their plans to continue spending toward Bilt Platinum status.

The episode also covers a major Bilt card-servicing issue in which some cardholders were mistakenly sent to collections. Justin and Darren also discuss a new option to pay rent with Cardless Avios cards for a 3% fee while earning 3X points.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:38 Bilt Explained

04:35 Blade Helicopter Redemptions

08:51 Blacklane Chauffeur Credits

12:51 Equinox Wellness Credits

18:03 Support the Show

20:18 Collections Reporting Mistake

25:30 Pay Rent With Avios Cards

29:52 Bilt Spend And Plans

33:53 Recent Trips And Wrap Up

39:30 Closing And Outro

Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

👉 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.

👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more:

https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars:

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

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

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

👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool

https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy

👉 Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits:

https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. Descript offers tools, including studio sound, removal of filler words, and the ability to edit from a generated transcript.

https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY

—

👉 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 🎁

RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania:

https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

—

🌐 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/