Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

Episode 69: Show Notes Trevor and Thomas are the ultimate travel friends, and part of what makes their trips so memorable is that they both maximize the journey as much as the destination! Today on Travel Stories, we are doing something a little bit different; we are breaking down the ins and outs of planning a guy’s trip so that you, too, can make your next trip about the journey, not just the destination! In this episode, you’ll hear all about how Thomas and Trevor decided where to go on this trip, some of their award searching strategies, the breakthrough that led to their location decision, and so much more! We delve into their lounge experiences before Thomas tells us about his disappointing trip home and the obstacles they faced with regard to hotel availability. They even talk about the three different award tickets they ended up with on this trip. Finally, our hosts tell us why so many of their trips are planned ‘at the last minute’ and how they each use their miles differently. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode: [01:04] Today’s topic: what planning a guy’s trip looks like and why we’re talking about this. [04:24] Deciding where to go on this trip and how wide our aperture was for it. [08:19] The power of using multi-city codes on Seats.aero and how we do award searching. [12:35] The breakthrough that came from a Seats.aero alert and ultimately choosing Malta. [17:42] Their lounge crawl at London Terminal Three and their other lounge experiences. [19:19] An overview of the heartbreak they experienced when booking their trip home.  [23:45] The importance of looking at different currencies when booking trips.  [28:12] The obstacles that Trevor and Thomas ran into when booking hotels.  [36:51] How they ended up with three different award tickets on this trip.  [40:22] Some of the other trips we are planning and why there is always so much uncertainty. [43:00] Why the value of miles is so unique to the person and how we use them differently. 

Episode 68: Show Notes Keywords Mediterranean cruise, Delta One, travel experiences, family travel, cruise ports, Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas, travel tips, Barcelona, Sorrento, La Spezia, cruise, European cruising, cruise dining experience, service recovery, Mediterranean ports, travel tips, Emirates flight, travel inconveniences Summary In this episode, Trevor shares his recent family trip to Europe, highlighting their experiences flying Delta One, cruising on the Allure of the Seas, and exploring various Mediterranean ports. The conversation covers the challenges and joys of traveling with family, the dining experiences on the cruise, and the unique adventures in cities like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Sorrento. Trevor reflects on the importance of planning and balancing exploration with relaxation during family travels. Key Points From This Episode: 01:54 JFK's Delta One Lounge 09:11 Getting to Barcelona 12:44 Onboard the Allure of the Seas after its drydock 17:25 Ports of Call 30:15 Civitavecchia is not very close to Rome 38:14 Allure of the Seas Entertainment 45:14 Main Dining Disappointment 55:18 Why Med Cruises Make Sense 01:00:04 A quick hop to Milan on a Singapore Fifth Freedom Flight 01:03:21 Acqui Terme Overnight and Milan Touring 01:07:45 Protests in Milan 01:12:40 Emirates Fifth Freedom Flight Home and Wrapping Up

Episode 67: Show Notes When longtime traveler Michael Rubiano arrived in Kathmandu, he expected another bucket-list trip built on miles, status perks, and curiosity. Instead, he found himself trapped in a city on fire. In this unforgettable Travel Stories episode, Michael retraces how a points-fueled getaway turned into a life-threatening crisis as political protests erupted across Nepal. He shares the eerie calm before the chaos, the moment hotel staff fled the kitchen, and the tension of watching fires burn from his 14th-floor room. Michael also reflects on the experiences that shaped his calm under pressure, what it was like being in a hotel under lockdown, his harrowing trip to the airport, and how he navigated the escalating danger. From the professionalism of Hyatt staff who sheltered guests, to the quiet fear of watching smoke rise from his window, his story reveals how trust, adaptability, and human kindness can carry us through the unexpected. Tune in to hear about Michael’s unbelievable experience and a powerful reminder of how fragile and profound travel can be. Key Points From This Episode: [00:42] Introducing Michael Rubiano, the concept of a MegaDo (an in-person gathering of travel aficionados), and the type of trips they do together. [04:13] An overview of Flyertalk, its history, and how it was created for flyer communities. [08:01] Reaching lifetime elite status, Michael’s first experiences of MegaDos, the most valuable loyalty programs, and how being on the West Coast influences his travel choices. [15:52] What drove Michael's decision to travel to Nepal, including Hyatt loyalty incentives and his four travel principles. [20:14] He explains his route via Cathay Pacific and how Nepal fit all his travel criteria. [24:29] Arriving in Kathmandu and reflections on privilege and safety abroad. [29:56] Michael’s experience exploring Kathmandu, getting a feel of the city, and taking a flight over the Himalayas, before the crisis. [36:23] A timeline of the protests in Nepal: Michael recounts the start of the unrest, how the protests quickly escalated, fires erupted, and curfews began. [45:59] Michael’s hotel lockdown experience, the escalating crisis, and his mindset throughout. [51:53] Preparations to evacuate and his detailed planning of what to carry and what to leave. [58:29] Rebooking his flight, his failed attempts to leave, and his tense journey to the airport. [01:10:50] The exceptional support shown by the Hyatt staff during the crisis, the relief Michael felt when he was in the air, and his surreal experience in Bangkok. [01:13:16] Reflections on the human side of travel and how crises like these reshape your perspective. [01:19:34] Learn about Michael’s work as a luxury travel advisor and how to get in touch. Quotes: “[A MegaDo] is a gathering of frequent flyer aficionados talking about miles points and going behind the scenes in places that you don't normally get to see in an airplane, in an airport, in a hotel.” — Michael Rubiano [03:51] “I've been lots of places, not everywhere, but lots of places, and I'm always seeking the new and the novel.” — Michael Rubiano [18:03] “I get an email from the STEP program, saying, ‘Beware that there are protests in the southern part of the city, near Parliament, and you might want to avoid the area.’ Okay, I wasn't anywhere near there. I was in the southwest part of the city. I wasn't getting involved in any protests.” — Michael Rubiano [40:58] “In the protests that were taking place on that Monday, — 19 people were killed, which set everything ablaze.” — Michael Rubiano [42:30] “A mob mentality takes on a life of its own. What started out as protests about corruption and nepotism and lack of job opportunities, lack of economic opportunity blew up, and all of a sudden you don't know which end is up.” — Michael Rubiano [48:53] “In my mind, if hotel staff are bolting out of the kitchen, I'd better get up back to my 14th-floor room. That is the first time that I said, ‘Okay, the danger is getting close to home.’” — Michael Rubiano [49:59] “When I went down to breakfast the next day at the hotel, I made sure to take my backpack, because what happens if something happens and I can't get back up to the 14th floor? So that backpack went with me everywhere.” — Michael Rubiano [58:14] “The hotel staff of the Hyatt Centric [were still] taking care of us when they had their own families and other worries to be concerned with. They were always making sure that we had food. They were still doing room service!” — Michael Rubiano [01:11:07] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michael Rubiano email Michael Rubiano on Instagram Flyertalk The Flight Deal Hyatt Centric Cathay Pacific Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network

Episode 66: Show Notes In this episode, we sit down with seasoned traveler Paul to hear how his family’s mother-daughter trip availed him the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most premium cabins, lounges, and first-class travel experiences. Paul tells us about the Swiss First Class he flew his wife and daughter on after a last-minute Lufthansa cancellation; how he flew Emirates’ stunning 777 “Game Changer”, and the A380 First Class with onboard shower and bar. Find out about Qatar’s A380 First with champagne and lounge bar, and Paul’s series of memorable stopovers from his solo trip. He also shares insights into booking strategies, compares service and food across carriers, and unpacks the pros and cons of the Al Safwa lounge in Doha. You’ll also hear about his adventures into the desert, Etihad’s new terminal with chauffeur service, and lessons any miles and points traveler can use for aspirational awards. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:03:00] How Paul’s reroute landed his family unexpectedly in Swiss First after a cancellation. [0:10:38] Paul’s solo trip without the family, what surprised him about the American Airlines’ lounge, and his thoughts on the LOT’s lounge in Chicago. [0:17:25] What makes Emirates’ 777 ‘Game Changer’ cabin stand out, how he swapped seats for more privacy, and the type of menu and amenities Emirates First has to offer.  [0:34:35] Hear how a free Dubai stopover turned into a city visit, comparison of two Emirates First lounge experiences, and a last-minute booking change. [0:42:00] Emirates’ A380 First, showering on his flight, the food, and how the overall experience compared to other first-class flights. [0:49:26] Paul’s Bangkok stopover at the Grand Hyatt, why it is great for a short stay, and his impressions of the Qatar Premium Lounge in Bangkok. [0:53:26] Qatar’s A380 First with champagne, unique bar hangouts, and the premium service on the way to Doha. [0:58:15] Highlights of a 20-hour Doha layover, desert dunes tour, his Hyatt Regency stay, and why the Al Safwa First Lounge feels more like a museum. [1:03:40] How a short Qsuite flight between Doha and Dubai still delivers a full meal and luxury service, and what he appreciated about the new Abu Dhabi terminal. [1:13:55] Why he had an issue with the massage Etihad lounge offers, his early flight back to Toronto, and the amenity kits he got.  [1:25:05] Why Etihad first class is not comparable to other airlines, his arrival back home, and takeaway booking hacks. Quotes: “I think if my wife and I ever want to fly Emirates, I would probably go ahead and get the [the loyalty program] and book directly into first class and not take a risk on upgrades being available.” — Paul [0:42:29] “In my opinion, you can never go wrong with pre-ordering [meals].” — @tmount [0:56:00] “It was actually plenty of space using Etihad miles to [fly] to Toronto because I think people are less interested in flying it to Toronto than New York.” — Paul [1:16:45] “[Etihad] has come down, so poorly, and it’s really sad to see because I want to see a third meaningful airline.” — @tmount [1:20:36] “The hard product sells you on booking the experience, and the soft product keeps you coming back for more.” — @tmount [1:27:15] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Empty Nester Miles American Airlines Admirals Club® LOT Business Lounge Chicago JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Qatar Premium Lounge Bangkok Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha Al Safwa First Lounge Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network

Episode 65: Show Notes Today on the show, we welcome Justin Vacula, who takes us through an introduction to a master's in maximizing gambling opportunities from a points and miles perspective. Justin is an accomplished travel ‘hacker’ and host of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, among other achievements. In our conversation today, we delve into the cross between miles, points, and gambling, unpack the advantages of using casino cards, when it’s a good time to sign up for these cards, and dive into a discussion on how Caesar’s credit cards stack up against MGM cards. Justin breaks down all things Vegas, what you need to know about the ground truth, how Vegas is like Disney World for adults, why he doesn’t interact with minibars, and why there will ultimately be some work involved to maximize your trip. He gives insights into his phone army and how to play different games on different phones to get points. We also hear about his contributions to various travel-related conferences, how to prepare for Zorkfest, why Dave Ramsey is not accurate for everyone, and why he strives to educate people to make informed choices about the positives and negatives of loyalty programs. For all this, and more, including his experience gambling on the seas, be sure to start listening now. Key Points From This Episode: [00:45] We are introduced to today’s guest, Justin Vacula. [02:30] Travel hacking: the cross between miles, points, and gambling. [03:45] Leveraging different gambling loyalties: how to utilize them uniquely. [05:30] What a 2-5% advantage means when you load a card. [07:00] Justin breaks down his online blackjack strategy. [09:10] The advantages of using recently released casino cards. [13:00] A good time to sign up for these cards: start planning out for 2026. [14:05] How Caesar’s credit cards stack up against the MGM cards. [16:10] A PSA on the Wyndam card. [17:25] We talk all things Vegas: the ground truth. [21:10] Justin’s phone army: playing different games on different phones to get points. [27:00] His personal rule: do not interact with minibars. [28:09] Vegas as an adult version of Disney World: sacrifice to maximize. [31:25] Justin’s contributions through conferences. [35:45] Preparing for Zorkfest. [37:30] Travel interfering with other travel: a nice problem to have. [39:30] Why Dave Ramsey is not accurate for everyone. [42:00] The importance of educating people on the positives and negatives of loyalty programs: make an informed choice. [42:50] Justin shares his experience gambling on the seas (on cruise ships). [47:30] How to get a hold of Justin’s content. Quotes: “There are lots of intersections between miles, points, and gambling, and I’ve been saying for years that it’s valuable to have status, to earn status, and there are many creative ways to do that without actually gambling [and] playing on the square.” — @justinvacula [0:02:37] “Of course, we know, the answer to everything is more credit cards!” — @justinvacula [0:13:41] “For years I’ve been saying, ‘Have backup methods and have status’ in other ways.’” — @justinvacula [0:16:34] “I think Vegas is one of the cheapest places to travel to. [There’s] tons of value, tons to do, [and] lots of free entertainment!” — @justinvacula [0:18:24] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Justin Vacula on X Justin Vacula on YouTube Justin Vacula on Instagram Hurdy Gurdy Travel Wyndam Rewards Earner Cards Caesars Credit Cards MGM Credit Cards Staples Rewards Las Vegas Sphere Greater Philadelphia Travel: Credit, Miles, and Points Giants Hyper Chicago Seminars Hyatt Zorkfest Zorkcast Podcast Spotify Michael Trager Boyd Gaming Royal Caribbean Cruises Celebrity Cruises Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network