Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast podcast | Listen online for free

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5 of 132

MGM Rewards Iconic Credit Card
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 -- 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!
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51:24
Amtrak Guest Rewards with Deker
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 -- 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!
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48:37
MGM Rewards Improvements: Cruises and Rollover Tier Credits
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
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43:30
Miles, Points, and Travel with Danielle Fiorino
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 -- 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!
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53:40
Interview with CardPointers Founder Emmanuel Crouvisier
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/ 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!
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47:45