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• TravelStories Episode 64

  Epic Guys Trip 2.0 with Geoff and Joey Episode 64: Show Notes. Buckle up, because in this episode of Travel Stories, Geoff and Joey are back to share their recent epic guys’ trip to watch Formula 1 in Montreal with TK and Trevor! Listening in, you’ll hear us break down the three different race days, the types of tickets, our experiences of practice day and qualifying day, and so much more! We delve into what seats we think are the best and how to navigate the food situation before discussing whether we would return or not. We even share our dinner experience at Au Pied de Cochon. Finally, you’ll hear about our interesting trip out of Montreal by train. You don’t want to miss this one, so be sure to tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [00:44] Welcoming Geoff and Joey back to the show to host. [02:23] Why TK, Trevor, Geoff, and Joey went to Montreal recently.  [04:02] An explanation of what happens at a Formula 1 racetrack. [05:46] A breakdown of the different Formula 1 ticket styles. [08:41] What our experiences were like on Friday, practice day.  [15:36] Qualifying day, the incredible seats we had, and the food at the race.   [26:44] Whether we will go back to F1 Montreal or not, and what the Hyatt was like.  [32:20] Our dinner experience at Au Pied de Cochon: what we liked and didn’t like.  [36:05] What it was like to travel out of Montreal by train. Quotes: “You can have any experience you like at an F1 race and curate it to your desires and your budget.” — Geoff [07:57] “I actually liked our seats on Saturday the most [and they] didn’t have hospitality.” — @joeyredmond [10:39] “I think Montreal was really great value, and for me, one of the best ways to dip my toe into the Formula 1 experience.” — @TktweetsKim [28:18] “The food was good, I thought the overall experience was good, [and] the wifi was strong. Sometimes we take that for granted on trains.” — @tmount [37:30] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X Joey Redmond Joey Redmond on X Liberty Media Au Pied de Cochon The Milenomics Podcast Network

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• TravelStories Episode 63: An Icelandic Cruise

  An Icelandic Cruise Episode 63: Show Notes In mild protest against our usual summer holiday trend, Tom decided to go on a big trip, and today, we unpack everything he experienced on his Icelandic cruise aboard the Holland America Rotterdam. We begin with Tom’s transatlantic flight in economy (the horror!) before learning about local transport options when traveling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. Tom goes on to deliver an overview of the Holland America cruise line as we hear about the on-board food quality, housekeeping and safety protocols, how they live entertainment measures up against Royal Caribbean’s benchmark, and everything you need to know about the Holland America casino. We also unpack multiple chance encounters Tom had with familiar faces, as well as his highlights from the ports and tourist attractions he visited. To end, Tom details his journey home on a low-cost carrier airline, and Trevor offers a sneak peek into his upcoming cruise on one of the Mediterranean’s largest vessels.       Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] How Tom’s summer trip began with a transatlantic flight in economy to Amsterdam.    [06:43] Getting to port: How he traveled from Amsterdam to Rotterdam.    [15:16] An overview of the Holland America Rotterdam.   [16:18] Food quality on board, how the main dining room works, and housekeeping protocols.  [20:18] How the live entertainment measures up against the Royal Caribbean benchmark.   [23:01] Chance encounters with familiar faces, sharing points and rewards, and gift cards.  [29:21] Highlights of the Holland America casino. [33:48] The ports and attractions Tom visited, starting with Norway and ending in Iceland.   [45:08] Departing from Keflavík International Airport on a low-cost carrier.  [48:40] Tom’s final thoughts on Holland America, and a peek at Trevor’s upcoming cruise.  Quotes: “For a six-hour flight across the Atlantic, the economy experience was not bad at all. It was very reasonable and pretty comfortable. Lately, all my transatlantic flights have been economy, one stop over the Atlantic, and they’ve been working out so far.” — @TktweetsKim [05:18] “The quality of food was very high, and we only did complimentary food; we didn’t go to any specialty restaurants.” — @TktweetsKim [16:48] “One of the things that always separates a cruise experience from almost any other vacation experience [is] the ability to have a meal at the same time, with the same waiter, [and] at the same table. You get this feeling like you’re a local by the second or third day.” — @tmount [17:51] “The live music was good, and if you’re a music lover, you’ll probably find something to enjoy. [However], if you’re looking for an ice show or acrobatics or a Broadway musical, I don’t think you’re going to find it on Holland America.” — @TktweetsKim [21:58] “I’m so glad I didn’t have to buy too much in Iceland because everything is expensive there.” — @TktweetsKim [42:21] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Holland America Rotterdam KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Winmatch365 Chase Sapphire Airport Lounges Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport JetBlue Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast Princess Cruises Norwegian Fjords Cruises Celebrity Cruises Carnival Cruise Line Royal Caribbean Cruises Episode 33: Cruise Loyalty with Traveling Well for Less' Debra Schroeder Port of Rotterdam Ålesund City & Surroundings Akureyri, Iceland | Arctic Wonders on a European Cruise Mývatn Nature Baths Goðafoss Waterfall Ísafjörður, Iceland | Wild Westfjords on an Iceland Cruise Keflavík International Airport Icelandair WOW Air The Ritz-Carlton Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network

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• TravelStories Episode 62: Multiple TransAtlantic Memorial Day Weekend with Han Chicago

  Episode 62: Show Notes Friend of the show, Han Chicago, is fast becoming one of our most frequent and favorite guests, and today he joins Trevor and Tom to reminisce about his recent transatlantic trip. First, Han walks us through Ben Schlappig’s Lufthansa debacle before explaining how another travel aficionado, Matthew Klint, influenced his itinerary for his transatlantic Memorial Day weekend trip. Then, we learn why Han travelled not once but twice across the Atlantic on the same trip, how airlines change aircrafts without alerting passengers causing booking and seating complications, why flying economy across the Atlantic is a better option now than ever before, the ins and out of the Delta One Lounge at JFK, and Han’s short stay in London. Trevor, Tom, and Han all share similar negative experiences of the Frankfurt airport, and after trying to ascertain why Frankfurt is one of Europe’s least pleasant airports, they all agree that Lufthansa First Class is better in the air than on the ground. We also discuss the new T5 train at O’Hare International Airport, what American Airlines is getting wrong with their new 787 flagship seats, the standout moments from Han’s transatlantic journey, and everything that our guest has planned for the near future. To end, we unpack Boeing’s never-ending woes, Han’s final thoughts on JetBlue’s transatlantic product, and what the future of aviation may hold in terms of Business and First Class layouts. Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:00] Han Chicago shares important travel news about Ben Schlappig and Lufthansa.    [0:10:00] The way Matthew Klint influenced Han’s transatlantic Memorial Day weekend trip.   [0:15:21] How one transatlantic trip became two, and being “Qatared” onto a lesser aircraft.     [0:18:17] Why transatlantic trips in economy are more appealing today than ever before.    [0:20:40] The Delta One Lounge at JFK, a short London stay, and travelling from Heathrow.  [0:32:50] Frankfurt versus Munich, and comparing aircraft to address airline inconsistencies.  [0:43:16] Han’s highs and lows from his time at Frankfurt airport.    [0:55:15] Why Lufthansa First Class is a better in-air experience compared to on the ground.  [1:02:28] Landing at O’Hare, the new T5 train, and American Airlines’ 787 flagship seats.    [1:10:35] The flight from Frankfurt to Munich and other standout moments from Han’s trip. [1:14:20] Acquisitions and everything else our guest has planned for his future.   [1:16:42] Unpacking Boeing’s persistent woes. [1:22:48] Han’s review of JetBlue’s transatlantic product.   [1:29:24] The future of aviation: A new era of Business and First Class products. Quotes: “The devil’s in the details on some of these partner programs.” — @tmount [0:16:14] “Guys, to me, [the Delta One Lounge at JFK] is one of the best lounges in the US, and it can rival a lot of lounges overseas, too.” — @hanchicago [0:20:54] “I’m trying to fly all the A380s on all the airlines that still fly them. After Lufthansa, the only one I think I have left now is Korean [Air].” — @hanchicago [0:31:43] “Frankfurt is one of the least pleasant airports in Europe. Considering you’ve got Charles de Gaulle and Heathrow included there, that’s saying something.” — @TktweetsKim [0:44:57] “Luckily, I made all my connections. So many times, I could’ve missed something; something could’ve gone wrong. That’s definitely happened to me on these kinds of [trips before], but Memorial Day weekend, it all worked out.” — @hanchicago [1:02:12] “I’m always looking for that special feeling. And I have to say, as much as we started this episode off about bagging on Lufthansa for this and that, I would say that they deliver that [feeling] for me.” — @hanchicago [1:10:48] “It’s turbulent times for us in the world, on various fronts.” — @hanchicago [1:12:38] “Everyone’s planning a new first-class seat, but because of Boeing’s woes, everyone’s putting that off as to when they’re going to introduce it.” — @hanchicago [1:16:34] “It’s a blessing to get on any of these aircrafts. Let’s never forget. It’s a blessing to be able to fly the way that we fly [and] in the luxury that we get to experience.” — @tmount [1:31:52] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Han Chicago on X Han Chicago on Instagram Episode 30: First Time Istanbul Visit with Han Episode 53: Aspirational Flying with Han Chicago Lufthansa Allegris First Class ‘Frustrating Lufthansa Allegris First Class Upgrade Glitch’ ‘Lol, Oops: Downgraded From Lufthansa Allegris First Class’ ‘American’s Brand New Boeing 787 Has Serious Maintenance Issues’ Ben Schlappig on Instagram Matthew Klint | Live and Let's Fly Alaska Airlines JetBlue Etihad Airways Qatar Airways Virgin Atlantic Delta One Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Chase Sapphire Lounge SkyClub Priority Pass Korean Air Thai Airways American Airlines United Airlines U.S. Bank JonNYC on X Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network

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• Milenomics NOAF Episode 79: Miles vs. Bank Points

  We're back! We cut this show as the last segment of a Patreon Episode, and are releasing it here a little delayed for everyone to listen. 0:21 Main Topic: Airline Miles vs Bank Points 0:52 Set the stage: Why is this an important discussion. Every major bank has a bank point. Chase UR, Amex MR, Citi TYP, WF Rewards, BofA Rewards, US Bank…. Most of these can be cashed out for pennies (or fractions of) OR can be used in the bank run travel portal for more than a penny. Finally some of these can be transferred to airlines as airline miles. These have completely different booking methods and tools, along with a varied amount of value based on the flight or hotel booked. Maximizing value for these miles is a key to earning back the time and money we spend to earn the miles. Example: It almost never makes sense to cash out MR at .6 cents. (news story) 5:51 Bank Point bookings Benefits: Cancel and points can just come back Need to book a refundable fare, eating away the value Open to booking across all alliances and even airlines that have no native point or alliance. As long as it is in the portal you can book it. Sometimes phone agents can see even more. 1:1 pricing for most airline tickets. Airline bookings are elite benefit eligible and earn miles Hotel bookings are now allowing loyalty numbers to sometimes be added for elite benefits 13:09 Airline Miles Benefits: Massive flexibility for most domestic carrier programs. Cancel as close in as you’d like. Great for provisional flights Value is not pegged to the dollar cost of a flight, in some cases this results in fantastic values. Economy fares can be incredibly valuable uses of miles if you’re interested in them for long haul flights. Newer tools make searching easier, but still a hurdle 19:44 Airline Mile Weaknesses Pricing is highly dynamic and the programs are each unique and have complex rules and booking channels. There need to be reasonably priced award seats or your miles can become worth less than a bank point. Orphaned miles have no benefit outside of the program they’re in. Phantom space. Business class fares for more than 2 people become increasingly difficult to book. Some dates and destinations are effectively blocked out Large learning curve. 24:27 Bank point Weaknesses Limited upside potential, each program caps the value somewhere between 1.25 and 2 cents per point Hotel prices can be inflated, reducing the value earned by the points The ability to book anything depends on the bank point portal, which sometimes is less robust that a native airline/hotel portal or even an OTA like booking.com The card associated with the uplift needs to remain open for the points to have uplift. This is impractical for some, and costly if annual fees cannot be eradicated. 31:01 Airline Mile Uses that don’t get enough Discussion KLM/AF have <20,000 mile ($200 worth of points) nonstop flights one way + about $90. The Equivalent of $600 round trip to Europe is a steal. Compare to about $1300-1800 round trip during peak times. Yes you can pivot to lower cost or 1 stop for less. But nonstop with native international miles is a great deal. Business class when you’re flexible enough. 50,000-100,000 per person one way. 33:42 Examples where Bank points win: Domestic flights, nonstop on the day you want. Can sometimes find first class lower priced than you’d expect. What about you? What do you think is a strength of Airline Miles or Bank Points that doesn't get enough discussion? Share out here in the comments or on Social media.

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• TravelStories Episode 61: Osaka Expo 2025 with Brennan

  Episode 61: Show Notes The World Expo 2025 took place in Osaka, Japan, and Tom and Trevor had the pleasure of bumping into their old friend, Brennan Anderson. Brennan was our first-ever guest on this podcast, and we are thrilled to have him back as he walks us through his experience in Osaka. Brennan begins by explaining why he and his family chose to travel to the Osaka Expo before detailing how the Expo met most of his high expectations. After listing the various names that the World Expo is known as, we examine the level of research and planning needed to enjoy the Expo to the fullest, the problems we had with the complicated ticketing system, the highs and lows of Brennan’s three days at the Expo, and appreciation for the sheer size of the Osaka installment. Then, we hear our guest’s thoughts about traveling with a one-year-old, his general food experience at the Expo, his advice for when and where to shop as a tourist, and highlights from the rest of his time in Osaka and Japan. We also marvel at Japan’s kid-friendliness, general accessibility, and incredible nationwide hospitality. To end, Brennan details his travel itinerary including the airlines, cities, hotels, and transportation options he utilized, and shares his final thoughts on traveling in Japan. Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Welcoming Brennan Anderson back to the show – our very first guest on this podcast.  [01:30] Understanding what drew him to visit the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. [02:33] Whether the Expo met his expectations, and the Expo’s various name iterations. [04:25] The level of planning and research needed to explore and enjoy the Expo fully.    [07:30] Fallouts from an unnecessarily complicated ticketing system.   [11:11] Brennan walks us through the highs and lows of his three-day Expo experience.  [12:15] The Saudi Arabia pavilion, the size of the Osaka Expo, and the Australian pavilion.  [16:03] Brennan’s thoughts on traveling and navigating the Expo with a one-year-old.  [18:52] His food experience, a hilarious baby food mix-up, and his advice for when to shop.  [26:12] Highlights from his time in Osaka when he and his family explored the city.  [27:04] Praise for Japan’s kid-friendliness and general accessibility.   [29:08] The train to Tokyo, food in Japan, and Japanese hospitality.    [35:59] Brennan’s travel itinerary – airlines, cities, public transport, and hotels.  [38:59] The ins and outs of the Conrad Osaka, and attendance numbers at this year’s Expo.  [44:30] Final thoughts on traveling in Japan and Expo Osaka, 2025.   Quotes: “The Osaka Expo was huge.” — Brennan Anderson [13:58] “We’re learning how to travel with a baby. – You can’t do as much as you can without kids, but seeing things through his eyes and what he pays attention to as a one-year-old is really rewarding.” — Brennan Anderson [16:18] “Japan, in general, is very kid-friendly [and] very accessible.” — Brennan Anderson [16:41] “It’s one of those things that kind of connects you to an area. It’s great when your kids are able to make friends with somebody local and run around for a little bit. It really just feels like a local experience. It’s a lot of fun.” — Brennan Anderson [27:56] “Everything we had was delicious. Neither my wife nor I are really that big on Japanese food, but we really loved everything we had.” — Brennan Anderson [31:27] “Everybody was just so friendly, so hospitable, and really just made you feel at home.” — Brennan Anderson [32:30] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Brennan Anderson on Instagram Episode 6: Full-Time Travel with Brennan Anderson World Expo 2025, Osaka Osaka Castle Finnair Conrad Osaka Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network

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