In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula is joined by special guest Michael Trager to discuss ZorkFest 2025, a conference focused on maximizing travel and casino loyalty rewards.

Scheduled for December 5th-7th in Las Vegas, ZorkFest offers a range of educational sessions covering the use of credit card points, miles, and casino loyalty programs to enhance travel experiences.

Topics include detailed discussions on loyalty programs like American Airlines Advantage, Delta SkyMiles, and reward currencies such as Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards.

The episode also highlights the unique aspects of the event, including hands-on casino game labs, optional masterclasses, and various social activities. Listeners are encouraged to book their reservations early and to engage in the networking opportunities available.

Find more information at www.zorkfest.com

00:00 Introduction to Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:54 Special Guest: Michael Trager and ZorkFest 2025

03:12 Venue and Logistics of ZorkFest 2025

07:07 Activities and Sessions at ZorkFest

10:06 Speakers and Experts at ZorkFest

17:55 Maximizing Travel and Casino Loyalty Programs

23:20 Responsible Gambling and Risk Management

28:30 Understanding Low-Risk Gambling

28:51 ZorkFest: A Passion Project

30:07 Booking Early for ZorkFest

32:33 Maximizing Comp and Discounted Rooms

36:32 Listener Questions: Gambling in Texas

41:56 Leveraging Casino Promotions

45:26 Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

48:40 Masterclasses and Schedule

51:44 Closing Announcements and Future Events

--

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

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

CardPointers affiliate link: https://cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!