Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast podcast | Listen online for free

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5 of 129

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
Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Trip Report
In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and co-host Darren Remsburg delve into Justin's recent travel adventures, focusing on his fourth cruise of 2025 aboard the Celebrity Silhouette. Justin shares insights on low-cost travel using credit card points, miles, and perks, and highlights his experiences with the Celebrity Silhouette, including the variety of food options, casino strategies, and on-board activities. The podcast also covers interesting stops at Key West and Nassau, Bahamas, where Justin met fellow travel hacker Mark Konchinsky. Additionally, Justin discusses frequent cruising, highlights the importance of adaptability and a positive mindset in travel, and teases future travel plans and events. The episode is rich with practical tips and inspirational anecdotes for travel enthusiasts. 00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel 00:32 Meet the Hosts and Episode Overview 01:37 Cruise Adventures Begin 02:45 Cruise Details and Experiences 05:32 Dining and Onboard Activities 16:10 Casino and Gambling Strategies 27:36 Debating the Dealer: A Poker Controversy 29:36 Casino Chaos: Drunk Players and Dealer Mistakes 31:23 Exploring Key West: Roosters, Trains, and More 37:29 Nassau Bahamas: A Travel Hacker's Reunion 41:14 Cruise Reflections and Travel Tips 49:53 Upcoming Travels and Community Engagement 50:45 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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53:34
Holland America Nieuw Statendam Cruise Trip Report
In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula shares insights from his recent cruise on the Holland America Nieuw Statendam, obtained through a Wynn Las Vegas tier match offer. The episode covers detailed travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and cruise amenities, as well as personal experiences and evaluations of ship facilities, dining options, internet service, and onboard entertainment. Justin also discusses the complications faced in the casino, trip highlights from various ports, and useful tips for future travelers. Additional content and upcoming events are promoted, encouraging listeners to check out more travel-related materials on Justin's YouTube channel and other social media platforms. 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Cruise Experience with Holland America 03:51 Booking and Travel Logistics 05:59 Onboard Experience and Accommodations 12:07 Dining Options and Food Quality 16:36 Casino and Entertainment 19:33 Intelligent Gambling Strategies 20:03 Blackjack Rules and Preferences 21:16 Casino Buy-In Issues 24:26 Cruise App and Information Challenges 25:11 Exploring Path UK and Half Moon Cay 27:28 Grand Turk and Amber Cove Adventures 30:10 Nassau Bahamas and Final Cruise Thoughts 35:09 Future Plans and YouTube Channel Growth 36:28 Closing Announcements and How To Support -- Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 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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39:27
Miles, Points, and Travel with Julia Menez of Geobreeze Travel
Join host Justin Vacula on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as he explores the world of points and miles with Julia Menez from Geobreeze Travel. Discover how to travel at low cost using credit card rewards, benefits, and loyalty programs. In this episode, they discuss the points and miles lifestyle, financial independence, and share tips on maximizing travel rewards. Learn about exciting conference experiences, favorite travel tips, and upcoming events. Subscribe for more insights on budget-friendly travel adventures! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel with Points and Miles 01:03 Meetups and Social Media Engagement 01:43 Interview with Julia Menez 02:05 Las Vegas Travel Tips and Zorkfest 09:33 Financial Independence and Geobreeze Travel 11:18 Maximizing Points and Miles for Travel 21:28 Intangible Benefits of Points and Miles 27:59 Getting Started with Miles and Points 29:14 Choosing the Right Credit Cards 30:12 Maximizing Points and Benefits 30:32 Cash and Points 31:58 Earning AA Loyalty Points 34:02 Creative Spending Strategies 41:01 Listener Questions 45:05 Upcoming Cards and Trips in 2025 50:25 Closing Announcements and Events -- Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 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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53:12