The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey

In this shortened honeymoon edition of Quick Hits, DeAndre shares a major update impacting Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders alongside highlights from the first half of his and Taryn’s month-long honeymoon through Hong Kong and Fiji.

On the points-and-miles front, the most significant development is Chase quietly rolling back what many travelers believed was a guaranteed 2¢ per point redemption on The Edit hotel bookings. Chase now states that all Point Boost hotel redemptions are dynamically priced, introducing uncertainty for travelers who had been planning high-value stays through the program.

The episode also recaps standout moments from the honeymoon so far, including a four-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong with Globalist upgrades, seamless concierge-arranged medical care, and the transition to Fiji’s Nanuku Resort, an SLH property booked with Hilton points. DeAndre reflects on the cultural warmth of Fiji, the value of elite hotel status, and the importance of travel insurance when unexpected delays or medical issues arise.

Key takeaways:

• Chase Edit rollback: Point Boost redemptions are now dynamically priced, removing the implied 2¢ per point floor.
• Impact on planners: Travelers relying on Edit redemptions may need to reassess future bookings.
• Hyatt Globalist value: Club lounge access, room upgrades, and concierge support proved invaluable in Hong Kong.
• Fiji on points: Nanuku Resort delivered a high-end, culturally immersive experience using Hilton points.
• Elite status matters: Hilton Diamond status enhanced the SLH stay experience.
• Travel insurance pays off: Separate travel insurance adds protection beyond credit card coverage.
• Cultural immersion: Fiji’s hospitality and traditions stood out from other luxury destinations.
• Honeymoon Quick Hits format: Episodes remain brief, focusing on major updates and real-world travel insights.

Resources:

• Mesa Workaround for Missing Points Transfer Options
• Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

During a month-long honeymoon through Hong Kong, Fiji, and New Zealand, DeAndre and Taryn share a special re-release from their appearance on the Wonderland on Points. The conversation revisits how points and miles became part of their lives, blending DeAndre’s background as a financial advisor with Taryn’s career in management consulting to build a travel strategy rooted in discipline, planning, and long-term thinking.

They walk through standout redemptions, including a multi-stop journey to the Maldives booked with points, a stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives, and the behind-the-scenes planning of DeAndre’s sandbank proposal. Along the way, they emphasize using credit cards responsibly, avoiding debt, and leveraging tools like TripIt to manage complex itineraries while creating meaningful, experience-driven travel.

Key Highlights:

• DeAndre’s entry into points and miles: His journey began through client questions as a financial advisor, leading to deep research into credit cards and transfer partners.
• Taryn’s role in the strategy: She embraced points early and became instrumental in portals, trip planning, and organization.
• Responsible use of credit cards: Points strategies only work when spending mirrors cash and interest is avoided.
• Resetting financial habits: Stepping away from credit cards can be necessary to rebuild discipline before optimizing rewards.
• Transfer partners matter: Flexible points unlock significantly more value than simple cash-back redemptions.
• Maldives redemption breakdown: Strategic routing and patience made a high-end trip possible on points.
• Park Hyatt Maldives value: 35,000 points per night delivered outsized luxury compared to typical cash rates.
• Imperfect itineraries are normal: Award travel often requires creative routing and flexibility.
• Eco-focused experiences add depth: Local tours in Tulum created more meaningful travel than resort excursions.
• Trip organization is critical: Tools like TripIt simplify complex, multi-country travel planning.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

This bonus episode is something truly special.

In our 100th episode, we mentioned that our friend and wedding officiant, Julian Rivera, created a custom music mix that served as our wedding vows. After many of you asked to hear it, we decided to share it here.

Instead of traditional vows, each of us sent Julian songs that were meaningful to us—without knowing what the other chose. We also had no idea how it would all come together. The result was a five-minute soundtrack that told our story through music, heard for the very first time during the ceremony.

This episode is simply the music that carried our vows—personal, unique, and unforgettable. We’re honored to finally share it with you.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

This special honeymoon edition of Quick Hits comes to you from 40,000 feet in the air, as DeAndre records mid-flight on the world’s longest route from JFK to Singapore. With travel in full swing, this episode focuses only on the most critical updates in points and miles, along with a brief look at the honeymoon itinerary.

The biggest news of the week is the sudden and unexpected shutdown of the Mesa Homeowners Card. Once considered a breakthrough option for earning transferable points on mortgage payments, Mesa abruptly closed all cardholder accounts, deactivating cards and freezing new earning overnight. While the closure is not related to cardholder behavior, it has triggered a scramble to move or redeem remaining points. A workaround discovered by the community allows some transfers to partners, and DeAndre shares where listeners can find that information.

The episode wraps with a quick travel update, including upcoming stops in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Fiji, before settling into the heart of the honeymoon. For the next few weeks, Quick Hits will remain shorter and focus only on significant news.

Key takeaways:

• Mesa card shutdown: Mesa abruptly closed all Homeowners Card accounts without prior notice.
• Earning halted immediately: Cards were deactivated, and new purchases or point earning are no longer possible.
• No wrongdoing involved: Mesa confirmed closures were not due to customer behavior or account issues.
• Transfer workaround: A community-discovered method may allow transfers to Mesa partners.
• Statement credit fallback: Redeeming at ~0.6¢ per point remains an option, though not ideal.
• Trust concerns: The shutdown raises questions about Mesa’s future and customer confidence.
• Honeymoon mode: Quick Hits episodes will be shorter and focus on only major updates.

Resources:

• Mesa Workaround for Missing Points Transfer Options
• Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with Dr. Kelly Blair, a dentist who transformed casual credit card use into a powerful points-and-miles strategy that unlocked unforgettable travel experiences. Kelly shares how her journey began with simple airline cards and gradually evolved into a thoughtful system that allowed her to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary in the Maldives, flying premium cabins and staying at aspirational resorts she once thought were out of reach.

The conversation walks through Kelly’s learning curve, the role of research and community support, and how confidence builds with each successful redemption. She reflects on standout experiences like Emirates First Class and luxury stays in the Maldives, and on how points have changed the way her family approaches travel. Kelly also discusses balancing strategy with real life, planning future trips, and why engaging with the points-and-miles community accelerates growth and success.

Key Highlights:

• Kelly’s beginnings: She started with basic airline credit cards before expanding into a broader points-and-miles strategy.
• Learning through action: Confidence came from booking real trips and seeing points translate into meaningful value.
• Anniversary redemption: Points made a 20th anniversary trip to the Maldives possible without luxury-level cash prices.
• Favorite experiences: Emirates First Class flights and high-end Maldives resorts stand out as bucket-list moments.
• Strategy focus: She prioritizes cards with strong multipliers and compelling welcome bonuses.
• Community support: Learning from others helped shorten the trial-and-error phase of travel hacking.
• Value beyond luxury: Points open doors to better routes, comfort, and flexibility—not just fancy trips.
• Long-term planning: Future goals include extended international travel and an around-the-world trip with her daughter.
• Mindset shift: Points and miles turned travel from an occasional splurge into a regular part of life.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Connect with Dr. Kelly Blair:

• Instagram: dr.kblair

In this week’s Quick Hits, DeAndre breaks down a wave of significant updates across the points-and-miles ecosystem — most of which fall into the “unfortunate but important” category. Several significant devaluations hit at once, including the end of one of the most famous sweet spots in award travel: 10,000 Turkish Miles to Hawaii on United. Capital One and American Express also announced transfer ratio cuts, continuing a broader trend of points inflation across loyalty programs.

Amid the bad news, DeAndre highlights one bright spot: Mesa’s first-ever hotel transfer partner, Omni Hotels & Resorts, which comes with a limited-time path to Omni Champion elite status through 2026. With honeymoon travel just days away, DeAndre also gives listeners a heads-up that upcoming Quick Hits will be shorter but still include the most significant weekly developments.

Key takeaways:

• Turkish devaluation: The iconic 10k-to-Hawaii sweet spot is gone; United flights to Hawaii now cost 25k miles each way.
• Domestic hikes: Turkish domestic United awards increased from 10k to 15k each way.
• Polaris to Hawaii jumps: A massive jump from 15k to 40k miles per direction.
• Transfer cuts at Capital One: Emirates transfers drop to 1:0.75 starting January 13.
• Membership Rewards devaluation: Amex → Cathay Pacific shifts to 5:4 beginning March 1.
• New Mesa partnership: Mesa launches its first hotel transfer partner — Omni Hotels & Resorts.
• Elite status opportunity: Transfer 30k Mesa points for a free Omni night and receive Omni Champion status through 2026.
• Omni perks: Upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, a welcome amenity, daily beverage, pressing/shoe shine.
• Footprint insight: Omni has ~50 premium properties across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
• Programming note: Quick Hits will continue during the honeymoon, but in shorter form, focusing on essential news.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, DeAndre Coke sits down with points-and-miles legend Greg Davis Keene (Greg the Frequent Miler) for an inspiring conversation about his evolution from tech professional to one of the most respected voices in the award travel world. Greg reflects on the early travel moments that ignited his passion, the accidental beginnings of the Frequent Miler blog, and the turning points that transformed a hobby into a full-time career.

The episode dives deep into Greg’s philosophy on trust, transparency, and evaluating deals with both intuition and data. He recounts some of his most memorable redemptions — including an extraordinary week on Richard Branson’s Necker Island, booked for 1.2 million Virgin Atlantic points — and shares what it felt like to be greeted by Branson himself upon arrival.

Greg also offers practical advice for newcomers, emphasizing the power of transferable currencies, learning from inevitable mistakes, and staying curious as the loyalty landscape evolves. This episode blends wisdom, storytelling, and strategy — a masterclass from one of the best in the game.

Key Highlights:

• Greg’s beginnings: A spontaneous trip to Australia sparked his lifelong love of travel and his curiosity about maximizing rewards.
• Discovering elite status: A work trip that included surprising perks changed everything and led Greg deeper into points and miles.
• Starting Frequent Miler: What began as a simple resource for friends became one of the industry’s most trusted blogs.
• Authenticity first: Greg prioritizes consumer value over affiliate incentives — the foundation of his community’s trust.
• Evaluating opportunities: His approach blends intuition with analysis to identify real-world value.
• Memorable redemption: Greg booked a whole week on Richard Branson’s Necker Island for 1.2 million Virgin Atlantic points.
• Once-in-a-lifetime arrival: The Necker Island team greeted them with champagne on a speedboat, followed by Richard Branson welcoming them personally.
• Learning from mistakes: Missteps are part of the journey; each provides insight into better strategies.
• Advice for beginners: Focus on transferable points, start small, and take action even if you don’t feel entirely ready.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Connect with Greg - The Frequent Miler:

• Website: https://frequentmiler.com/
• Kiva Loans: www.frequentmiler.com/kiva
• Podcast: Frequent Miler on the Air Podcast
• Instagram: frequent_miler
• Facebook Group: Frequent Miler Insiders

In this special bonus episode, DeAndre celebrates the BoldlyGo podcast’s landmark 100-episode milestone by announcing the winners of the grand giveaway and sharing behind-the-scenes statistics about the show’s growth. He highlights the generosity of sponsors Greenwood Vacations and Husqvarna, congratulates all prize winners — including Hyatt award recipients — and reflects on what he has learned from running the giveaway.

DeAndre also opens up about the podcast's evolution from its early days in 2023 to becoming a globally ranked travel show with a thriving community, thousands of monthly listeners, and representation across more than a dozen countries. He shares insights into listener demographics, personal reflections on building the BoldlyGo brand, and a vision for the next phase: deeper community involvement, Q&A-driven interviews with major travel brands, and more storytelling from travelers who have reshaped how they explore the world.

The episode closes with a call for listener reviews, gratitude for the growing community, and excitement for the upcoming honeymoon.

Key takeaways:

• The giveaway is complete: Grand prizes from Greenwood Vacations and Husqvarna have been awarded, along with Hyatt upgrades and certificates from DeAndre’s personal account.
• The show continues to grow: Boldly Go now averages ~5,000 unique monthly listeners across more than a dozen countries.
• Global charting: The podcast has ranked in the Top 100 Places & Travel category in countries including Canada, Thailand, Switzerland, Turkey, Jamaica, Bahrain, and the U.S.
• A predominantly female audience: Listener demographics skew 55–80% female, mirroring DeAndre’s financial planning practice.
• Community is the engine: The WhatsApp group remains one of the most active and supportive spaces for travelers and points enthusiasts.
• More than 180 episodes produced: Including Quick Hits and YouTube bonus drops.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

In this week’s Quick Hits, DeAndre recaps the most important updates across the points, miles, and travel rewards landscape, plus significant new developments in the Zil Money payroll-on-credit-card strategy. After a fun Thanksgiving recap featuring Taryn’s holiday cooking, DeAndre dives into Chase’s newly expanded pre-approval tool that can bypass 5/24, Vancouver’s popular hotel promotion returning for another season, and some of the strongest Capital One Offers we’ve seen in years, including massive bonus-mile opportunities with Hotels.com and British Airways.

He also highlights current transfer bonuses across Amex and Chase, a December PayPal 5x category for Freedom cards, and ongoing promotions with programs like Aeroplan and Kimpton.

Finally, DeAndre provides fresh data points on Zil Money’s stability, industry restrictions, and card coding — including confirmation that the Chase Ink Business Preferred is once again earning 3x. He shares insights from the WhatsApp community chat and outlines his personal strategy as he wraps up status goals and prepares for the upcoming honeymoon.

Key takeaways:

• Chase expands pre-approvals: A new Chase pre-approval tool can bypass 5/24 for some applicants.
• Bonus eligibility varies: Being pre-approved does not guarantee receiving a welcome bonus.
• Vancouver promo returns: Select Vancouver hotels are offering CAD $100–$350 Mastercard gift cards.
• Capital One Offers surge: Huge targeted offers dropped, including Hotels.com (20k miles) and British Airways (50k miles).
• 5x Paypal is live: Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex earn 5x through Paypal for December (up to the $1,500 quarterly cap).
• Zil Money appears stable: The platform is functioning more consistently following earlier issues.
• WhatsApp insights matter: Community data continues to shape best practices for payroll-on-credit-card strategy.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30-minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, Taryn and DeAndre sit down with their destination wedding planner, Mario M Lopez, the expert who brought their destination wedding vision to life. Together, they unpack the whole behind-the-scenes process of planning a destination wedding—everything from early vision-setting to navigating room block contracts, coordinating guest travel, and choosing trusted vendors.

Mario sheds light on the most common pitfalls couples face and explains how a planner helps simplify complicated logistics at international venues. Taryn and DeAndre share firsthand experiences from their Casa de Campo wedding, highlighting what worked, what surprised them, and the decisions that made the biggest difference.

This episode offers a candid roadmap for couples dreaming of a wedding abroad—and a deep look at what it takes to create a seamless celebration that feels effortless for both the couple and their guests.

Key Highlights:

• Start with clarity: Defining your wedding vision early helps guide every decision.
• Room blocks matter: Understanding room block contracts prevents financial surprises.
• Planners make magic: A destination wedding planner simplifies complex logistics.
• Guest travel first: Coordinating travel early improves the guest experience.
• Trusted vendors win: Working with experienced vendors reduces risks and elevates quality.
• Budgeting upfront: Mapping out your budget helps keep the planning process smooth.
• Communication counts: Regular planner communication prevents avoidable mistakes.
• Visit before booking: Site visits reveal details you can’t see in photos.
• Think like a guest: Small touches and thoughtful planning enhance guest comfort.
• Peace of mind: A skilled planner allows you to stay present and enjoy the experience.

Resources:

• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Connect with Mario & Destination Weddings Expert:

• Instagram: Mario Lopez
• Instagram: Destination Weddings Expert
• Website: destinationweddingsexpert.com