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The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey: Daily Summaries Delivered
by DeAndre Coke
The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey is your inside pass to traveling better, farther, and more luxuriously using points, miles, and smart travel strategies. Hosted by financial advisor and world traveler DeAndre Coke alongside his wife and travel partner Taryn Gisbert, the show explores how everyday people are unlocking bucket-list experiences around the world—often for a fraction of the normal cost. Each episode features conversations with travelers, creators, families, and industry experts who share practical strategies, unforgettable stories, and the real-world systems they use to maximize travel rewards, airline miles, hotel points, elite status, and credit card perks. From flying international business class and staying in overwater villas in the Maldives to navigating family travel, destination deep dives, and hidden luxury experiences, The BoldlyGo Podcast blends inspiration with actionable advice for travelers at every level. You’ll hear stories from couples who booked five-star honeymoons almost entirely on points, families exploring the world without breaking the bank, and travelers who’ve learned how to turn everyday spending into extraordinary adventures. If you’re just getting started with points & miles or already optimizing complex award travel itineraries, this podcast helps you travel smarter, spend intentionally, and experience more of the world.
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- 2 days ago18 min
Quick Hits: How We Booked a $22,000 Private Island Stay With Hilton Free Night Certificates & More!
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastThis week’s Quick Hits is packed with points and miles updates, starting with a targeted IHG promotion offering 20,000 bonus points after just two qualifying nights. DeAndre also breaks down the newly refreshed Chase Aeroplan Card, which now comes with automatic Aeroplan 25K status, Air Canada credits, and a 15% discount on eligible award flights, but also doubles its annual fee and loses some valuable existing benefits. Other updates include a potential TSA PreCheck pilot allowing full water bottles through security, CardPointers Version 8, a 70% Chase transfer bonus to Marriott, and a delay to Symphony’s anticipated transfer partner launch.The biggest story comes from Hilton, where elevated Amex Hilton card offers now include free night certificates across multiple cards. DeAndre explains how he and Taryn used a similar Hilton card strategy to accumulate five free night certificates and turn them into an incredible five-night stay at Calala Island in Nicaragua that would otherwise cost around $22,000. The episode wraps with Wyndham’s new four-tier award chart, Qatar Airways reversing its restrictive Avios traveler list policy, and unusually strong business class award availability to Dubai on Emirates and from Paris to New York on Air France.Timestamps: IHG's Targeted 20K Bonus After Two Nights Chase Completely Refreshes the Aeroplan Credit Card TSA PreCheck Could Allow Full Water Bottles Through Security CardPointers Version 8 and Chase's 70% Marriott Transfer Bonus Symphony Transfer Partner Launch Delayed New IHG Card Offer and Huge Amex Hilton Bonuses How We Used Hilton Certificates to Book a $22K Calala Island Stay Wyndham's New Award Chart Qatar Reverses Its Avios Traveler Restriction Emirates and Air France Open Huge Business Class Award SpaceKey takeaways: IHG 20K Promotion: Targeted members can earn 20,000 bonus points after two qualifying paid nights within 60 days of registration.Aeroplan Card Refresh: The annual fee increases to $195, but new benefits include Aeroplan 25K status, up to $100 in Air Canada credits, and 15% off eligible awards.TSA Water Bottle Pilot: TSA is reportedly considering allowing PreCheck travelers to bring full water bottles through security at select airports equipped with newer scanners.CardPointers Version 8: The latest update adds improved automatic offer syncing, AI integrations, new widgets, and tools for choosing the best card for a purchase.Symphony Transfer Partners: The anticipated rollout has shifted from early September to approximately late October or early November.Hilton Free Night Certificates: Elevated Hilton card offers make it possible to earn valuable unrestricted free night certificates through multiple cards.$22K Calala Island Stay: DeAndre and Taryn built a strategy around five Hilton free night certificates that could cover an approximately $22,000 five-night stay in Nicaragua.Wyndham Award Changes: Wyndham now prices free nights at 5,000, 15,000, 30,000, or 45,000 points per bedroom per night.Qatar Reverses Restriction: Privilege Club members can once again redeem Avios for other travelers without maintaining a predefined traveler list.Huge Business Class Availability: Emirates is showing up to seven award seats on some North America to Dubai flights, while Air France is showing as many as nine business class seats on select Paris to New York dates.Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World NomadsGet a travel insurance quote hereResources:Become a BoldlyGo Member on PatreonRakuten $50 Bonus Invite<a href="http://mileprotection.com/waitlist?ref=bol
- 4 days ago55 min
She Lived in Hotels for 4 Years on Points & Miles Then Quit - With Frequent Miler’s Carrie Yoder (Ep. 144)
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastDeAndre Coke sits down with Carrie Yoder, Creative Director at Frequent Miler, to explore a side of long-term travel that does not always make it onto Instagram. Carrie shares how she and her former partner built a life around travel, points, miles, and extreme flexibility, eventually visiting around 70 countries while spending years living nomadically. What started as an experiment in proving that long-term travel could actually cost less than a traditional lifestyle gradually became their everyday reality.Carrie takes DeAndre inside the evolution of that lifestyle, from backpacking through Asia on a tight budget to learning how airline miles and hotel points could completely change the way they traveled. She explains why IHG became especially valuable during their nomadic years, how hotel promotions and inexpensive stays helped them build huge points balances, and how points eventually opened the door to experiences that once seemed completely out of reach. But after years of constant movement, travel began to feel different. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences started becoming routine, and Carrie realized she was ready for something she hadn't had in years: a home base.That realization eventually led her to West Virginia through the Ascend WV program, where she was actually paid to relocate and build a more stationary life. Now, Carrie is entering a completely new chapter. After years of being the P2 in a two-player points strategy, she is learning how to become her own P1, rebuilding her credit card strategy, earning points independently, and deciding what travel looks like when she is no longer traveling simply because she can. The conversation explores travel burnout, identity, solo travel, financial organization, and the surprising challenge of rediscovering travel excitement after seeing so much of the world.Timestamps: Intro: When the Dream of Full-Time Travel Becomes Too Much Meet Carrie Yoder and Her Role at Frequent Miler How Carrie Started Traveling Full Time Discovering Points & Miles While Traveling on a Budget The Evolution of Nomadic Life and Using IHG Points How Points Changed the Way Carrie Traveled Visiting 70 Countries and What Kept Her Going Why Carrie Finally Walked Away From Nomadic Travel Getting Paid to Move to West Virginia With Ascend WV From P2 to P1 and Rediscovering Points & Miles Rebuilding Credit and Creating Her Own Card Strategy Figuring Out What Travel Looks Like on Her Own Using Daydream Explorer to Find New Travel Inspiration Carrie's Role at Frequent Miler and What's Coming Next Final Thoughts on Nomadic Life and Why She Still Recommends ItKey Highlights:Nomadic Life: Carrie spent years traveling full-time and has now visited around 70 countries.Travel Can Become Routine: Even extraordinary destinations can lose some of their magic when constant travel becomes everyday life.IHG Strategy: Cheap stays, promotions, and award opportunities made IHG especially valuable during Carrie's nomadic years.Travel Burnout Is Real: Years of moving constantly eventually left Carrie craving stability, routine, and a permanent home base.Moving to West Virginia: Carrie joined Ascend WV, a program offering financial incentives and other benefits to remote workers who relocate to the state.From P2 to P1: After years of participating in a two player points strategy, Carrie is now building and managing her own credit card and rewards strategy.Rebuilding Credit: Carrie started carefully with a Capital One Savor card while focusing on improving her credit and avoiding unnecessary complexity.Travel With Intention: Carrie's biggest challenge now is deciding where she genuinely wants to travel instead of simply chasing another destination.Points Feel New Again: Building her own balances has brought back some of the excitement and curiosity she experienced when first discovering points and miles.
- 6 days ago9 min
[Announcement] Building Something Bigger Than a Podcast
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastIn this special announcement episode, DeAndre Coke introduces the official BoldlyGo Patreon, a new optional way for listeners and community members to support the podcast, videos, blog, WhatsApp community, and other resources BoldlyGo continues to create. Over the years, members of the community have asked how they can contribute directly, but DeAndre explains that he never wanted financial support to determine who gets access to valuable information. With the launch of Patreon, that philosophy is staying exactly the same. Every podcast episode, bonus release, travel strategy, guide, and community resource will continue to be available for free.DeAndre also shares some of what goes into keeping BoldlyGo growing behind the scenes, from producing the podcast and creating videos to maintaining the website and developing new resources for the points and miles community. Patreon gives those who find value in the content an opportunity to help support that work, with contributions starting at just $1 and no exclusive content tiers or special access based on contribution level.More importantly, Patreon will also become another way for the BoldlyGo community to give back. Twenty percent of every dollar contributed will be donated to Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit resort in Kissimmee, Florida that provides cost free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families. DeAndre's financial planning practice will match those charitable contributions, doubling the impact generated by the community. Supporting through Patreon is completely optional, and listening, sharing, subscribing, leaving reviews, and participating in the community remain equally meaningful ways to help BoldlyGo continue its mission.If you want to contribute, here’s the BoldlyGo Patreon link.Timestamps: Intro: A Special Announcement From DeAndre Why DeAndre Wanted a New Way to Support BoldlyGo Introducing the Official BoldlyGo Patreon Why All BoldlyGo Content Will Continue to Be Free What Goes Into Producing and Growing BoldlyGo The Charitable Mission Behind the Patreon 20% Donated to Charity Plus a Matching Contribution Supporting BoldlyGo Is Completely OptionalKey Highlights:BoldlyGo Patreon: The new Patreon provides an optional way for the community to financially support BoldlyGo and the resources it continues to create.Everything Stays Free: Podcast episodes, bonus content, travel strategies, guides, videos, and community resources will remain freely available.No Paywalled Community: Contribution levels will not determine access to information or create separate levels within the BoldlyGo community.Supporting Future Growth: Patreon contributions can help support the costs associated with producing and expanding BoldlyGo content and resources.20% Goes to Charity: Twenty percent of every Patreon contribution will be donated to Give Kids The World Village.Double the Impact: DeAndre's financial planning practice will match the charitable contribution generated through Patreon.Give Kids The World: The organization provides week long, cost free wish vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families.Completely Optional: Listening, subscribing, sharing, reviewing, and participating in the community remain meaningful ways to support BoldlyGo without contributing financially.Resources:DeAndre’s Rakuten $50 Bonus InviteJoin the Mile Protection WaitlistJoin Symphony todayBoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration<a href="http://w
- 1 weeks ago10 min
Quick Hits: Hyatt Drops American Airlines for Delta & More!
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastThis week’s Quick Hits covers a relatively quiet week in points and miles news that was interrupted by one major loyalty shakeup. DeAndre starts with an elevated Capital One Venture Rewards offer featuring 75,000 miles plus a $300 hotel credit, followed by a new Bask Bank promotion offering 20,000 bonus AAdvantage miles for eligible new Miles Savings customers. He also highlights an easy path to I Prefer Gold status through AARP, which is available to members 18 and older, and a new Amex Offer that can earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points on qualifying Air France or KLM purchases.The biggest story of the week is Hyatt’s changing airline loyalty strategy. American Airlines and World of Hyatt are ending their enhanced partnership, bringing an important relationship that dates back several years to a close. Just hours later, Hyatt announced a new long-term partnership with Delta SkyMiles. DeAndre breaks down what is known so far, what benefits may remain during the transition, and why this could matter most for travelers who used the American Airlines partnership to access Hyatt elite status challenges. He also shares how that opportunity helped him earn Globalist status and what he will be watching for as the new Delta-Hyatt relationship develops.Timestamps: Intro: This Week's Quick Hits and the Biggest Loyalty Shakeup Capital One Venture 75K Bonus + $300 Hotel Credit Bask Bank's 20K AAdvantage Miles Promotion Easy I Prefer Gold Status Through AARP Earn 20K Amex Points With Air France or KLM American Airlines and Hyatt Are Ending Their Partnership Hyatt Announces a New Partnership With Delta What the Delta + Hyatt Partnership Could Mean The Hyatt Status Challenge That Helped DeAndre Earn Globalist September 11 Reflection and Closing ThoughtsKey takeaways: Capital One Venture Offer: The Venture Rewards card offers 75,000 miles plus a $300 hotel credit after you meet the spending requirement.Bask Bank Bonus: New Miles Savings customers can earn 20,000 bonus AAdvantage miles after maintaining a $50,000 balance for 90 days.I Prefer Gold Shortcut: AARP members can earn I Prefer Gold status after one eligible Preferred Hotels stay booked through the AARP rate.AARP Has No Retirement Age Requirement: Membership is available to adults 18 and older, making the hotel status opportunity accessible to younger travelers too.20K Amex Offer: Eligible cardholders can earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $1,000 with Air France or KLM under the targeted offer.AA + Hyatt Partnership Ending: The enhanced American Airlines and World of Hyatt relationship is coming to an end, although some existing benefits will continue during the transition.Delta + Hyatt Partnership: Hyatt is replacing that relationship with a new long term collaboration with Delta SkyMiles.Elite Members Will Cross Earn: Eligible Hyatt elites will be able to earn Hyatt points on qualifying Delta flights, while Delta Medallion members can earn SkyMiles on qualifying Hyatt stays.Hyatt Status Challenges Could Change: The biggest potential loss may be the Hyatt status challenge opportunities previously available through American Airlines elite status.Globalist Strategy Impact: DeAndre originally earned Hyatt Globalist through one of these 90-day challenges, making this partnership change especially significant for similar travelers.Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World NomadsGet a travel insurance quote hereResources:Rakuten $50 Bonus InviteJoin the Mile Protection Waitlist<a href="https://join.symphony.io/boldlygo" rel="noopener nore
- 1 weeks ago57 min
Turn Your Online Shopping Into Business Class Flights With Erin Lynch (Ep. 143)
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastIn this episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke sits down with Erin Lynch to break down one of the easiest ways to earn more points and miles without opening another credit card or spending more money: shopping portals. Erin shares how she incorporates portals like Rakuten and American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping into her family's points strategy and reveals that she earned more than 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points through Rakuten in a single quarter. Those points alone were nearly enough to book two Qatar Airways Qsuite tickets that would have cost roughly $20,000 in cash.DeAndre and Erin walk through how shopping portals actually work, how to choose between earning transferable points, airline miles, status, or cash back, and why timing purchases around elevated multipliers can dramatically increase your returns. They discuss Rakuten, American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping, Capital One Shopping, Viator, browser extensions, airline shopping portals, and the importance of understanding exclusions before making a purchase. Erin also explains how shopping portals can play a major role in earning American Airlines Loyalty Points and maintaining elite status without relying entirely on flying.The conversation gets practical with strategies for stacking portal rewards with credit card earnings and Amex Offers, tracking purchases that fail to credit, taking screenshots before large transactions, and planning purchases around Black Friday and other promotional periods. DeAndre and Erin also discuss Check Before You Shop, a newer tool designed to compare shopping portal rates and help users track rewards. The biggest takeaway is simple: purchases you already make can become a meaningful part of your travel strategy when you take a few extra seconds to shop through the right portal.Timestamps: Intro: How Online Shopping Can Pay for Business Class Flights Meet Erin Lynch and Her Points & Miles Journey Where Shopping Portals Fit Into a Points Strategy Rakuten, AAdvantage eShopping and Other Portal Options Elevated Multipliers, Viator and Earning Airline Status How Erin Earned 100K Amex Points in One Quarter Shopping Portal Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands of Points Capital One Shopping and Comparing Online Deals What to Do When Your Shopping Portal Points Don't Track How Long Does It Take for Shopping Portal Points to Post? Black Friday and Timing Purchases for Huge Multipliers Turning Shopping Rewards Into Two Qatar Airways Qsuites Check Before You Shop and Comparing Portal Rates Tracking Missing Rewards, Erin's Travel Philosophy and Final ThoughtsKey Highlights:Shopping Portals: Online purchases you already make can generate additional points, miles, cash back, and even airline elite status progress.100K Amex Points: Erin earned more than 100,000 Membership Rewards points from Rakuten in a single quarter.Qsuite Redemption: Roughly 100,000 points helped Erin book two Qatar Airways Qsuite tickets worth around $20,000 in cash.Rakuten Strategy: Rakuten can turn cash back into Amex Membership Rewards or Bilt Points, creating significantly more potential travel value.AAdvantage Status: American Airlines eShopping can earn both redeemable miles and Loyalty Points toward elite status.Wait for Multipliers: Portal rates change constantly, so waiting for elevated offers can turn the same purchase into significantly more rewards.Stack Your Rewards: Shopping portals can often be combined with credit card earnings and eligible card offers for multiple layers of value.Protect Large Purchases: Screenshots can provide valuable proof when a major transaction fails to track correctly.Black Friday Strategy: Holiday shopping periods can produce some of the strongest portal multipliers of the year.Compare Before Buying: Tools like Check Before You Shop can help identify which portal currently offers the best return.<
- 1 weeks ago16 min
We Booked Auckland’s Best Hotel for $0 | Park Hyatt Auckland Review [YouTube Bonus]
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastIn this YouTube bonus episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke takes viewers inside the Park Hyatt Auckland and breaks down how he and Taryn booked a four-night luxury stay that would have cost more than $6,000 for zero cash out of pocket.Located directly on Waitematā Harbor in Auckland's Viaduct Quarter, the hotel became the perfect place to slow down and reset during their 33-day honeymoon. DeAndre shares a full look at their spacious Harbor Suite, complete with a separate living area, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, marina views, and a massive marble bathroom.Beyond the room, the episode explores the hotel's restaurants, breakfast experience, infinity pool, spa, fitness center, and waterfront location. But the biggest reason the Park Hyatt stood out was the service. When Taryn became sick and their luggage was delayed, the hotel arranged for a doctor to visit their suite, helped track down the missing bags, and continued checking on them throughout the stay.DeAndre then breaks down the points strategy behind the booking. They redeemed 116,000 World of Hyatt points for a standard room, benefited from Globalist status to receive a Harbor Suite upgrade, and enjoyed complimentary breakfast as another elite perk. With Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferable to Hyatt, the episode shows how a smart redemption can transform an expensive five-star stay into an attainable luxury experience.By the end of the stay, the combination of location, accommodations, amenities, service, and points value made Park Hyatt Auckland their pick for the best all-around hotel in the city.Timestamps: Park Hyatt Auckland: First Look & Overview New Zealand Honeymoon Context Why the Wynyard Quarter Location Works Inside Our Harbor Suite Hotel Amenities & Meeting Larry Breakfast, Dining & Food Experience Five Star Service During Travel Problems How We Booked with Hyatt Points Hyatt Globalist Benefits Explained Final Verdict on Park Hyatt Auckland Next Stop: Queenstown Key takeaways: Prime Auckland location: The Viaduct Quarter puts restaurants, bars, waterfront attractions, and transportation within easy reach.The Harbor Suite delivers: More than 760 square feet, marina views, a balcony, and separate living spaces made it feel more like an apartment.Service was the standout: Staff helped arrange medical care, locate delayed luggage, and continued checking on Taryn.Strong luxury amenities: The infinity pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and fitness center round out the experience.116,000 points covered four nights: Hyatt points eliminated the room's cash cost.Globalist status added major value: A suite upgrade and complimentary breakfast made the redemption even stronger.Transferable points are powerful: Chase Ultimate Rewards points can unlock significant value through World of Hyatt.Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World NomadsGet a travel insurance quote hereResources:We Booked Auckland’s Best Hotel for $0 | Park Hyatt Auckland Review (YT Vlog)Park Hyatt Auckland Review: One of New Zealand’s Best Hotels?BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationCheck out our Podcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo Blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel<a href="http:
- 2 weeks ago8 min
Quick Hits:Here’s Your Chance To Win 1 Million Alaska Atmos Rewards Points & More!
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastThis week’s Quick Hits opens with a recap of DeAndre and Taryn’s trip through Cappadocia, Malta, and Zurich, including finally getting to experience Cappadocia’s famous hot air balloons before flying out to Malta. DeAndre also follows up on the recent Aeroplan episode with an important listener clarification about schedule changes, including how much flexibility travelers may actually have when trying to modify an award itinerary after an airline changes the schedule.From there, DeAndre covers a packed week in points and miles news. Amex has launched some of its highest Delta SkyMiles card offers yet; US Bank added Avianca LifeMiles as its fifth transfer partner; and Rove added Copa ConnectMiles with a limited-time 40% transfer bonus, opening up some interesting Star Alliance redemption opportunities. There’s also a targeted Accor status offer, an improved DoorDash benefit for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, Alaska’s chance to win 1 million Atmos Rewards points, and a long list of September transfer bonuses from Citi, Amex, Chase, Rove, and Capital One.Timestamps: Cappadocia, Malta and Zurich Trip Recap Important Aeroplan Schedule Change Clarification Amex Launches Huge Delta SkyMiles Card Offers US Bank Adds Avianca LifeMiles as a Transfer Partner Rove Adds Copa ConnectMiles With a 40% Transfer Bonus Accor's Targeted Elite Status Offer Through 2027 Chase Sapphire Reserve Improves Its DoorDash Credit Win 1 Million Alaska Atmos Rewards Points September's Best Points Transfer Bonuses Labor Day Weekend and Closing ThoughtsKey takeaways: Aeroplan Schedule Changes: A listener clarification highlights that changing destinations after a schedule change may depend on the size of the change and the agent handling the request.Huge Delta Card Offers: Amex has rolled out elevated Delta SkyMiles offers, including business card bonuses reaching as high as 200,000 miles.US Bank Adds LifeMiles: Avianca LifeMiles becomes US Bank’s fifth airline transfer partner at a 1:1 ratio.Rove Adds Copa: Rove now transfers 1:1 to Copa ConnectMiles, with a 40% bonus through September 30.Copa Sweet Spots: ConnectMiles can unlock Star Alliance awards, including potential value on United Polaris and business class to Europe.Accor Status Offer: Targeted members can receive complimentary ALL Silver status for 90 days and potentially extend it through 2027 after three qualifying nights.Sapphire Reserve DoorDash: Starting October 1, the card’s monthly DoorDash value increases from $25 to $35.1 Million Atmos Points: Alaska Airlines is giving one winner 1 million Atmos Rewards points through a new sweepstakes.September Transfer Bonuses: Multiple bonuses are available across Citi, Amex, Chase, Rove, and Capital One.Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World NomadsGet a travel insurance quote hereResources:Win 1 Million Atmos™ Rewards PointsJoin Symphony todayBoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationPodcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel<a href="http://www.boldlygo
- 2 weeks ago1h 10m
China Travel Masterclass With Stefan Krasowski: Flights, Hotels & Apps (Ep. 142)
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastIn this episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke sits down with Stefan Krasowski, an experienced points-and-miles traveler who has visited every country in the world, lived in China for more than a decade, and traveled to every Chinese province. Stefan shares how studying Mandarin from a young age eventually led him to China, how living there introduced him to the points-and-miles world, and why many of the assumptions American travelers have about visiting China do not align with the experience on the ground. From choosing where to go to understanding how the country has changed for international visitors, this episode serves as a practical guide for travelers interested in exploring China independently.DeAndre and Stefan dive into one of the biggest challenges for points travelers: actually getting to China. With many pre-pandemic routes still missing, Stefan explains why travelers may need to get creative with positioning flights and connections through places like Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. They discuss award availability on airlines such as EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air, as well as the importance of understanding partner availability and planning well in advance. Once in China, Stefan breaks down the essential apps travelers should set up, including Alipay, WeChat, and DiDi, why physical credit cards and cash have largely disappeared from everyday transactions, and how foreign visitors can navigate China's mobile-first ecosystem.The conversation also covers domestic travel, including why China's high-speed rail network can often be a better option than flying, how to avoid overpaying for domestic airfare, and why hotel travelers can find exceptional value across Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. Stefan shares practical details that can make a major difference on a first trip, from translation tools and local transportation to hotel quirks and cultural differences. The episode closes with a broader discussion about the value of international travel, the Points Travel Festival community, and why stepping outside familiar destinations can completely change the way travelers understand the world.Timestamps: Intro: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling China Meet Stefan Krasowski and His Points & Miles Journey How Stefan Ended Up Living in China What Americans Get Wrong About Traveling to China Where Should You Go on Your First Trip to China? How to Fly to China Using Points and Miles Positioning Flights, Asian Hubs, and Finding Award Availability The Essential Apps You Need Before Visiting China Getting Around China and Booking Domestic Flights Why China's High Speed Trains Can Beat Flying Incredible Hotel Value With Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton & IHG Language Barriers, Translation Apps, and Traveling Without Mandarin Points Travel Festival and Finding Stefan Online How Points & Miles Can Change the Way You Experience the World Final Advice for Exploring China and the WorldKey Highlights:China Is More Accessible: Recent changes have made payments, transportation, and other everyday travel tasks significantly easier for international visitors.Think Beyond Beijing and Shanghai: Cities and regions like Chengdu, Chongqing, Yunnan, and lesser visited provinces can offer some of China's most memorable experiences.Getting There Takes Creativity: Limited nonstop award availability from the US makes positioning and connecting through other Asian hubs an important strategy.EVA Air Can Be Valuable: EVA can offer useful award availability through Taipei, particularly for travelers with access to its transferable points partners.Book Strategically: Some Asian airlines follow predictable award release patterns, making advance planning especially valuable.Essential Apps: Alipay, WeChat, and DiDi are among the most important tools to set up before or during a trip to China.China Is Nearly Cashless: Mobile payments dominate eve
About The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey
The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey is your inside pass to traveling better, farther, and more luxuriously using points, miles, and smart travel strategies. Hosted by financial advisor and world traveler DeAndre Coke alongside his wife and travel partner Taryn Gisbert, the show explores how everyday people are unlocking bucket-list experiences around the world—often for a fraction of the normal cost. Each episode features conversations with travelers, creators, families, and industry experts who share practical strategies, unforgettable stories, and the real-world systems they use to maximize travel rewards, airline miles, hotel points, elite status, and credit card perks. From flying international business class and staying in overwater villas in the Maldives to navigating family travel, destination deep dives, and hidden luxury experiences, The BoldlyGo Podcast blends inspiration with actionable advice for travelers at every level. You’ll hear stories from couples who booked five-star honeymoons almost entirely on points, families exploring the world without breaking the bank, and travelers who’ve learned how to turn everyday spending into extraordinary adventures. If you’re just getting started with points & miles or already optimizing complex award travel itineraries, this podcast helps you travel smarter, spend intentionally, and experience more of the world.
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