Pari Kim from 'Love on the Spectrum' Interview - Trains and Amtrak by Justin Vacula

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and returning guest Darren Remsberg dive deep into the features and benefits of the new MGM Rewards Iconic Credit Card. They explore its potential for earning rewards and enhanced travel experiences through MGM Rewards. The discussion covers sign-up bonuses, annual fees, spending structures, and unique perks such as complimentary nights and tier status benefits. They also address potential drawbacks, strategies for maximizing value, and the card's suitability for different types of users. The episode is packed with practical advice and insights for those looking to optimize their rewards and travel at a low cost.

00:00 Introduction to Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

01:40 Darren's Experience

02:46 MGM Rewards Iconic MasterCard Features

03:28 Sign-Up Bonus and Benefits

11:41 Earning Structure and Spending Strategies

17:45 Additional Card Benefits and Usage Tips

27:22 Discovering MGM Properties and Benefits

27:53 Exploring MGM Status and Cruise Benefits

28:56 Maximizing MGM Credit Card Benefits

29:49 Strategies for Credit Card Applications

32:26 Travel and Online Gaming Opportunities

34:51 Upcoming Travel Plans and Events

47:37 Final Thoughts and Announcements

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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

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

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

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In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula discusses the latest enhancements to the MGM Rewards program, including cruise benefits, rollover tier credits, and more.

Joined by returning guest Marc Konchinsky, they share personal experiences with MGM properties and strategies for maximizing rewards through credit card points and miles. The episode also covers upcoming meetups in Greater Philadelphia, the benefits of the MGM MasterCard, and new credit card rumors. Listeners are encouraged to explore these benefits and consider how to integrate them into their travel strategies.

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

00:48 Today's Episode Overview: MGM Rewards and More

01:45 Special Guest: Marc Konchinsky MGM Rewards

02:59 Earning and Maximizing MGM Rewards

11:28 Enhanced Cruise Benefits with MGM

18:07 Upcoming MGM Rewards Credit Card

23:19 Credit Card Strategies and MGM MasterCard

24:20 Personal Insights and Experiences with MGM

26:19 Maximizing MGM Rewards and Status

29:14 Online Gambling and Maximizing Benefits

34:40 Virgin Red Card Application and Benefits

38:36 Upcoming Travel Plans and Cruise Opportunities

40:38 Closing Announcements and Future Events

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula welcomes Danielle Fiorino to discuss how to travel the world at low cost using credit cards, points, and miles.

Danielle shares her experiences from the PointsQuest conference in New York, attending the 2024 Olympics, and traveling to Madrid to see Taylor Swift.

They also talk about the benefits of various credit cards, lounge access, and upcoming travel plans. Tune in for insights into maximizing rewards programs and engaging stories from seasoned travelers.

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

01:43 Meet Danielle Fiorino: PointsQuest and Taylor Swift Adventures

01:50 Chicago Seminars and United Lounge Meetup

04:11 Danielle's Journey into Miles and Points

08:34 Points Quest NYC: A Volunteer’s Perspective

11:37 Olympics 2024: A Miles and Points Success Story

18:53 Madrid Concert: Taylor Swift and VIP Experiences

27:03 Celebrity Sighting and Listener Questions

28:07 Social Media Influence of Love on the Spectrum Cast

29:08 Travel Hacking and Credit Card Strategies

34:31 Exploring Vienna and the Ball Scene

43:00 Upcoming Trips and Events in 2025

47:11 Hacking the 2023 TPG Awards

50:58 Closing Announcements and Future Plans

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

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

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In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula interviews Emmanuel Crouvisier of CardPointers.

They discuss strategies for optimizing credit card spending using the CardPointers app and browser tool, which helps users automatically activate card-linked offers. Emmanuel shares his journey into miles and points, his family's travel history, and how he eventually created CardPointers.

Listeners learn about the practical benefits of the app, including saving money and maximizing rewards. Upcoming changes and features for CardPointers are also explored, along with insights into credit card usage and optimization tips. The episode concludes with information about meetups in the Greater Philadelphia area and upcoming events.

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

00:51 Meet Emmanuel from CardPointers

01:46 Emmanuel's Journey with Points and Miles

04:53 The Birth of CardPointers

06:53 Card Pointers Features and Benefits

08:22 Maximizing Savings with Card Pointers

10:30 Setting Up and Using Card Pointers

14:07 CardPointers for Debit Cards and Future Prospects

16:52 Credit Card Offers and Maximizing Rewards

21:21 User Experiences and Savings with Card Pointers

24:32 User Savings and Membership Costs

25:42 Maximizing Amex Offers with CardPointers

26:38 Navigating Bank Websites and Auto-Adding Offers

27:59 Grouping and Tracking Offers in CardPointers

29:04 Splitting Transactions and Avoiding Merchant Data Sharing

32:09 Upcoming Features and Development Cycle

35:37 Evaluating Card Value and Renewal Reminders

40:55 Autopilot Feature for iPhone Users

42:18 Upcoming Travels and Credit Card Strategies

44:57 Closing Announcements and Future Events

--

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

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

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In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and co-host Darren Remsburg delve into Justin's recent travel adventures, focusing on his fourth cruise of 2025 aboard the Celebrity Silhouette.

Justin shares insights on low-cost travel using credit card points, miles, and perks, and highlights his experiences with the Celebrity Silhouette, including the variety of food options, casino strategies, and on-board activities.

The podcast also covers interesting stops at Key West and Nassau, Bahamas, where Justin met fellow travel hacker Mark Konchinsky. Additionally, Justin discusses frequent cruising, highlights the importance of adaptability and a positive mindset in travel, and teases future travel plans and events. The episode is rich with practical tips and inspirational anecdotes for travel enthusiasts.

00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel

00:32 Meet the Hosts and Episode Overview

01:37 Cruise Adventures Begin

02:45 Cruise Details and Experiences

05:32 Dining and Onboard Activities

16:10 Casino and Gambling Strategies

27:36 Debating the Dealer: A Poker Controversy

29:36 Casino Chaos: Drunk Players and Dealer Mistakes

31:23 Exploring Key West: Roosters, Trains, and More

37:29 Nassau Bahamas: A Travel Hacker's Reunion

41:14 Cruise Reflections and Travel Tips

49:53 Upcoming Travels and Community Engagement

50:45 Closing Announcements and Future Events

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In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula shares insights from his recent cruise on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam, obtained through a Wynn Las Vegas tier match offer.

The episode covers detailed travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and cruise amenities, as well as personal experiences and evaluations of ship facilities, dining options, internet service, and onboard entertainment.

Justin also discusses the complications faced in the casino, trip highlights from various ports, and useful tips for future travelers. Additional content and upcoming events are promoted, encouraging listeners to check out more travel-related materials on Justin's YouTube channel and other social media platforms.

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Cruise Experience with Holland America

03:51 Booking and Travel Logistics

05:59 Onboard Experience and Accommodations

12:07 Dining Options and Food Quality

16:36 Casino and Entertainment

19:33 Intelligent Gambling Strategies

20:03 Blackjack Rules and Preferences

21:16 Casino Buy-In Issues

24:26 Cruise App and Information Challenges

25:11 Exploring Path UK and Half Moon Cay

27:28 Grand Turk and Amber Cove Adventures

30:10 Nassau Bahamas and Final Cruise Thoughts

35:09 Future Plans and YouTube Channel Growth

36:28 Closing Announcements and How To Support

--

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

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Join host Justin Vacula on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as he explores the world of points and miles with Julia Menez from Geobreeze Travel.

Discover how to travel at low cost using credit card rewards, benefits, and loyalty programs.

In this episode, they discuss the points and miles lifestyle, financial independence, and share tips on maximizing travel rewards. Learn about exciting conference experiences, favorite travel tips, and upcoming events.

Subscribe for more insights on budget-friendly travel adventures!

Timestamps:

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

01:03 Meetups and Social Media Engagement

01:43 Interview with Julia Menez

02:05 Las Vegas Travel Tips and Zorkfest

09:33 Financial Independence and Geobreeze Travel

11:18 Maximizing Points and Miles for Travel

21:28 Intangible Benefits of Points and Miles

27:59 Getting Started with Miles and Points

29:14 Choosing the Right Credit Cards

30:12 Maximizing Points and Benefits

30:32 Cash and Points

31:58 Earning AA Loyalty Points

34:02 Creative Spending Strategies

41:01 Listener Questions

45:05 Upcoming Cards and Trips in 2025

50:25 Closing Announcements and Events

--

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

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

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In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and returning guest Mandi discuss a recent casino comp cruise experience on the Carnival Panorama, including tips for traveling at low cost with credit card points and miles.

They explore destinations such as Cabo, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta, and discuss onboard activities, food options, and creative spending in the casino. They also share insights on maximizing casino rewards, travel preparations, and event updates, making it a comprehensive guide for budget-savvy travelers and cruise enthusiasts.

00:00 Introduction to Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:51 Carnival Panorama Cruise Overview

01:40 Booking and Preparing for the Cruise

03:50 Journey to Los Angeles

06:24 Boarding the Cruise Ship

06:52 Dining Experiences on the Cruise

12:14 Exploring Cabo San Lucas

13:55 Casino Adventures on the Cruise

23:08 Exploring La Paz

24:38 Discovering Mazatlan

25:58 Puerto Vallarta Adventures

28:35 Casino Experiences and Free Drinks

29:53 Blackjack and Video Poker Stories

35:22 Sushi Dinner and Leaving the Ship

39:49 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

41:26 Closing Announcements and Events