Episode 165 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Angie Sparks and Cameron Laufer, opens with a discussion about booking a safari using points. While some luxury lodge options like the JW Masai Mara and Marriott properties near Kruger were mentioned, the consensus advice was to use points for flights and pay cash for the safari itself. This approach provides more flexibility in choosing camps and experiences, while also allowing travelers to earn rewards or hit a new sign-up bonus through cash spending.

In the news segment, the hosts cover several major updates in the points and miles world. ITA Airways announced it will shut down its Volare loyalty program by the end of March 2026, giving members a limited window to redeem points. Citi is devaluing transfer ratios to Choice Hotels and Preferred Hotels, though it is temporarily offsetting this with transfer bonuses to Avianca LifeMiles and Virgin Atlantic. Meanwhile, Chase has increased the sign-up bonus on its Ink Preferred business card to 100,000 points, making it an attractive option for earning rewards on travel and business spending.

The main topic focuses on lesser-known credit card perks that can provide significant value if used correctly. These include primary car rental insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties, companion certificates, travel insurance, and cell phone coverage. The hosts emphasize that understanding the fine print—such as exclusions, coverage limits, and eligibility requirements—is key to maximizing these benefits. They wrap up with practical tips: set alerts for award availability and stay flexible with travel plans, as changing circumstances or better deals can arise unexpectedly.

Episode Links:

• ITA Program Ending
• Citi to Virgin Transfer bonus
• Citi to Avianca Transfer bonus
• Citi to Choice/ I-Prefer Devaluation
• Chase Ink Preferred Offer
• Award Wallet Benefits List

Where to Find Us

1. The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at [email protected]
4. Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
5. Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

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