Podcast
Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast
Hosted by Justin Vacula · EN
Travel the world at next to no cost with credit card rewards!
36episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Dave Ramsey Show: Horrible Relationship and Money Advice!
May 1300:28:32Tap to summarizeJustin Vacula reacts to a viral Dave Ramsey Show clip where a caller says she has around $90,000 in student loan debt, has been with her boyfriend for six years, and says he will not propose until she is debt-free. He pays her rent, they've been together for six years, but Dave Ramsey and his co-host Jade says this isn't good enough. In this reaction, Justin responds to Dave Ramsey and Jade Warshaw telling the caller to “dump him,” calling the boyfriend toxic, and suggesting she "deserves" someone better. Jade Warshaw also calls living together before marriage "a bum idea." Justin argues that the situation is more complicated than that. He questions why the boyfriend is being framed as the villain when he is already financially supporting the household and may simply want to avoid taking on legal and financial liability before marriage. Original Video from Dave: https://youtu.be/SwxuiHeI7RQ?si=FMwJY1LB_KHoiB9b Timestamps: 00:00 Viral Ramsey Clip Setup 01:22 Caller Debt And Context 03:02 Boyfriend Won’t Propose Yet 04:01 “Dump Him” Reaction 06:57 Princess Queen Narrative 07:58 Living Together Twist 09:08 Cohabitation Debate 11:20 Jade Warshaw says living together before marriage is a "bum idea" 15:44 Debt Alignment Contradictions 19:26 Marriage And Debt Standards 22:15 Premarital Counseling Spin 27:32 Final Takeaways And Sign Off — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/ 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy 👉 Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. Descript offers tools, including studio sound, removal of filler words, and the ability to edit from a generated transcript. https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
Points and Miles with Jason Steele
May 600:38:01Tap to summarizeMiles & Points in 2026 with Jason Steele Justin Vacula hosts the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast with special guest Jason Steele, founder of CardCon and the Financial Affiliate Marketing Forum (FMAF), for a wide-ranging discussion about the state of miles and points in 2026. In this episode, Jason shares how he first got started with award travel, how he handles credit card annual fees, and why many travelers still get tremendous value from points and miles despite ongoing devaluations. Justin and Jason also discuss how to answer credit card skeptics, the importance of responsible credit card use, and why paying balances in full is essential for long-term success. They also dive into high-value redemption strategies, including Hyatt Globalist benefits, Wyndham sweet spots during major events, and how redemption choices can dramatically change the value of your points. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:45 Meet Jason Steele 01:26 Jason’s miles and points origin story 03:10 How to answer skeptics of points and miles 05:20 Real travel wins and success stories 06:10 Managing annual fees, retention offers, and downgrades 08:44 Dream trips and a month in rural Italy 10:20 Can you travel too much? 12:20 Credit cards, responsible use, and paying in full 13:47 Getting maximum value from points and miles 15:46 What is Card Con? 17:33 FMAF and Toronto plans 17:52 Clarifying the industry event audience 18:19 Show announcements 20:27 Why Jason is still optimistic despite devaluations 23:23 Wyndham sweet spots and outsized redemption value 25:17 New cards and emerging trends 29:25 Bilt Palladium reality check 31:53 Upcoming travel plans 33:12 Jason’s book and consulting work 35:21 Where to find Jason Steele 36:21 Final thanks and sign-off — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
Rove Report with Carissa | April 2026
Apr 2900:20:44Tap to summarizeRove Report April 2026 | Virgin Atlantic & Virgin Red Added, App Beta, Sweet Spots, Meetups & More Justin Vacula welcomes Carissa Rawson from Rove back to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast to discuss the latest Rove updates for April 2026, including the addition of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Red as new transfer partners. With these additions, Rove now offers 17 transfer partners. In this episode, Justin and Carissa break down some of the most interesting redemption opportunities now available through Rove, including Virgin Atlantic award flights such as JFK to London for 6,000 points one-way, with other routes from California starting at higher rates. Carissa also shares insights into how Rove has grown over its first year, including increased user trust, strong engagement with both hotel bookings and online shopping, and improvements to Rove’s shopping transparency tools. Additional updates include the iOS app beta, a new weekly newsletter, the move to Rove.com branding, hints about future transfer partners and transfer bonuses, upcoming May and June meetups, current hiring needs, survey opportunities for bonus miles, and more. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro theme 00:32 Rove monthly update 01:10 Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Red added 02:01 Virgin Atlantic sweet spots 03:38 Rove growth trends and user behavior 05:20 Promotions and shopping portal news 06:00 Air India and United sweet spot 07:37 Support and show announcements 10:27 Rove app beta and weekly newsletter 12:15 Future transfer partners and transfer bonus hints 12:52 More ways to earn with Rove 14:12 Meetups and upcoming travel plans 16:18 Credit card discussion 17:39 Hiring needs and user surveys 18:37 Million Mile Challenge 19:06 Wrap-up and outro — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
Bilt Bulletin April 2026
Apr 2400:30:45Tap to summarizeApril 2026 Bilt Bulletin | Palladium Card, Points Accelerator, Bilt Cash Credits & Wyndham Update Justin Vacula and co-host Darren return with the April 2026 Bilt Bulletin on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, explaining the latest developments with Bilt Rewards, including the new Bilt Palladium card, Points Accelerator, Bilt Cash credits, and the addition of Wyndham as a transfer partner. In this episode, Justin shares his real-world experience with the Bilt Palladium card, including how it can earn 2x everywhere and up to 3x everywhere through Points Accelerator on qualifying spend. He also explains how Bilt members can transfer points to programs like Hyatt and Alaska Airlines, pay rent fee-free using Bilt’s account and routing number system, and stack monthly benefits for even more value. Justin and Darren also discuss Bilt Cash redemptions for dining, pharmacy, rideshare, and hotel credits, along with Bilt status levels, Rent Day bonuses, the new Wyndham Rewards partnership, the $200 two-night hotel credit, and the “Bilt Close Friends” invite program. They also respond to listener feedback, including criticism that Bilt may be too complicated compared with cards like the Capital One Venture X. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and setup 01:17 Bilt Palladium card basics 02:08 Early results and paying rent with Bilt 04:16 Elite status thresholds and Rent Day bonuses 06:11 Using Bilt Cash credits 09:34 Bilt Close Friends and events 11:22 Wyndham added as a Bilt transfer partner 12:46 Show support and ads 15:01 Stacking the $200 hotel credit 19:23 Listener feedback: Is Bilt too complicated? 25:17 New cards and family strategy 28:37 Wrap-up and outro — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/ 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
Autopilot with Sam Hollander
Apr 1700:25:08Tap to summarizeAutopilot Monitors Flight Price Drops After Booking | Save Money, Cash & Points | Sam Hollander Interview Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast interviews Sam Hollander from Autopilot about how travelers can track flight price drops after booking and potentially save money, receive travel credits, or rebook award flights for fewer points. Autopilot helps monitor eligible flights booked directly with supported airlines, making it easier to spot lower fares without manually checking prices every day. Sam explains how the idea for Autopilot came after many airlines reduced or removed change fees, why repricing opportunities are often missed, and how the platform works for both paid tickets and award travel. Autopilot affiliate link: http://withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy In this interview, Justin and Sam discuss supported airlines, how to import reservations, privacy considerations, common savings opportunities, how Autopilot compares with competitors, upgrade alert features, and upcoming plans for hotel repricing. Whether you book flights with cash, points, or miles, this episode covers a useful travel tool that may help you save money after you've already booked. Timestamps: 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:32 Meet Sam Hollander and Autopilot 01:13 How Autopilot Got Started 03:06 How Autopilot Works 04:39 Importing Flights and Tracking Prices 05:52 Eligible Flights and Savings Opportunities 07:44 Big Savings and Real Price Drops 10:13 International Flights and Airline Partners 12:03 Privacy and Security 13:30 Break and Links 16:19 Competitors and New Features 17:31 Upgrade Alerts and Hotel Repricing 19:51 Travel Plans and Final Discussion 21:51 Credit Cards and Outro — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/ 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 👉 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
Calala Island Trip Report
Apr 700:48:16Tap to summarizeJustin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast shares a full Calala Island trip report from one of the most exclusive Hilton redemptions in the world. This private ultra all-inclusive island resort in Nicaragua was booked with four Hilton Free Night Certificates from American Express Hilton cards, and Justin also received a $2,510 wire bonus in under a week. In this episode, Justin and guest James break down the full experience, including how to book Calala Island, complicated transfer logistics through Managua, Bluefields, and multiple boat rides, and what it’s really like staying at this luxury private island resort. Justin also shares the downsides of the trip, including heat, sunburn, getting sick near the end of the stay, and an early rainy departure, plus thoughts on the value of Hilton Free Night Certificates, how hard Calala Island is to book, and why award availability is so limited. Timestamps: 00:00 Points and miles intro 00:44 Calala Island big win 02:13 Getting paid 03:43 How to get there 06:00 Boat ride and wildlife 06:59 Pre-arrival info call 08:22 WhatsApp concierge service 09:42 Rooms and master suite 11:49 Sleep tips 13:23 Bugs and no-see-ums 15:02 Food, lobster, and value 18:50 Picnic basket setup 20:50 Excursions and sunburn 22:41 Sunscreen recommendation 23:37 Why there are show ads 24:07 Where to follow 24:32 Meetups and conferences 25:27 Affiliate tools 26:13 Guest podcast plug 26:56 Island activities 29:50 Spa and gift cards 30:11 How many nights 32:19 Extend your stay 34:54 Getting sick and leaving 37:04 Airport and Wi-Fi 38:18 Listener Q&A 39:48 Hilton certificate strategy 43:30 Wrap-up and wire talk 46:40 Final thanks and outro — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/ 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events. https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/ — ✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast! Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳
Transcribe →
Bilt Bulletin: March 2026
Mar 3000:38:20Tap to summarizeBilt Palladium Card: Month 1 Results | Bilt Cash, Points Accelerator, Dining & Hotel Credits Justin Vacula and returning co-host Darren evaluate their first month with the Bilt Palladium Card, including how they used Bilt Cash redemptions, the Points Accelerator, and stacked valuable hotel, dining, Lyft, Grubhub, and Walgreens credits. In this episode, they explain why the Bilt Palladium Card is a strong option for everyday non-bonus spend, especially for people looking to combine solid earnings with flexible redemption options. Justin also shares real-world examples of using Bilt benefits, including stacking the monthly $100 Bilt Travel portal two-night hotel credit with the card’s $200 hotel credit for a Miami stay, successfully redeeming the $25 monthly Bilt Dining credit through QR-code checkout in Washington, DC, and using the easy $10 monthly Grubhub, $10 Walgreens gift card, and $10 Lyft credit. If you’re interested in Bilt Rewards, credit card points, travel rewards, monthly statement credits, and whether the Bilt Palladium Card annual fee is worth it, this episode covers the card’s first-month value in detail. Timestamps 00:00 Points and Miles Intro 00:32 Bilt Palladium Month One 01:44 Bilt Cash Basics 02:27 Points Accelerator Explained 04:01 Hotel Portal Credit Win 05:57 Blacklane Credit Delays 07:37 Bilt Dining Credit Tips 09:03 QR Code Checkout Story 11:49 Expiration and Earn & Burn 13:32 Vegas Plans 16:10 Announcements 16:23 Socials and Meetups 18:29 FTU Dallas 19:33 CardPointers and SaveWise 20:44 Grubhub Credit 23:09 Walgreens and Lyft Credits 24:45 Month One Value Recap 26:26 Annual Fee and Downgrade Talk 29:15 Foreign Fee Refund 31:14 China Taiwan Cruise Preview 32:59 Paying Before Statement Close 35:45 Wrap Up and Where to Follow — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/ 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events. https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
Booking MGM Rewards Platinum and Gold Comp Cruises
Mar 2100:39:29Tap to summarizeMGM Rewards Cruises: How to Book BOTH Gold & Platinum Cruises Can MGM Rewards members book both Gold and Platinum complimentary cruises in the same earned-status year? In this episode, host Justin Vacula is joined by returning guest Marc Konchinsky to break down how it can be done, even when cruise reps and agents give conflicting answers. Marc shares his firsthand experience booking and sailing both a Gold cruise and a Platinum cruise, including a Radiance of the Seas sailing and a Wonder of the Seas sailing, while dealing with missing offer codes, incorrect account coding, long hold times, and an escalation process with MGM. Topics covered: How to book both MGM Gold and Platinum cruises Missing offer codes and account coding issues HUCA strategies and escalation tips Differences between Gold and Platinum cruise benefits Royal Caribbean cruise experiences and ship highlights Pre-cruise hotel stays and points strategy Status matching, travel planning, and card rewards discussion Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:45 MGM Cruises Controversy 01:47 Marc’s Two-Cruise Timeline 02:32 Codes and Finger Pointing 03:55 Email Escalation 06:51 Hold Times and Booking Tactics 07:31 Cruise Offer Details and Confusion 10:25 Perks and Why It’s Worth It 13:01 2026 Strategy and MGM Cards 16:35 Announcements and Affiliates 19:12 Live Update: New Code 20:14 Missing Cruise Benefits 21:02 Cruise Planning and Hilton Stays 22:24 Ship Highlights 23:15 Dining and Internet 25:41 Shows, Waterslides, and Amenities 26:40 Cabins, Bathrooms, and Balconies 28:00 Status Match Cruise Stacking 28:51 CocoCay, Casino 30:34 Upcoming Travel and Cruise Teasers 31:17 GM Credit Card Rewards 35:03 Why Three Hilton Surpass Cards 36:44 Final Tips and Listener Wrap — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events. https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
Rove Report with Carissa Rawson | March 2026
Mar 1800:30:29Tap to summarizeIn this March 2026 Rove Report, Justin Vacula is joined by Carissa Rawson from Rove to talk about ways to earn and use points for travel. They discuss Rove’s growing list of transfer partners, as well as two major recent developments: the new SAS Scandinavian Airlines partnership and the launch of Japan Airlines. They explain the 20% SAS transfer bonus through April 8, 2026, including sweet spots such as 60,000 points for transatlantic business class. They also cover the Japan Airlines launch and a 50% transfer bonus through the end of March, along with examples of how to get outsized value from JAL’s award chart. Other topics include stacking with GiftCards.com, upcoming Rove features like elite status, card-linked offers, app beta access, better flight search, and merchant reliability scores, plus what to do when miles do not post correctly. The episode also includes travel stories, points strategy talk, meetups, and what is next for Rove. If you enjoy points and miles news, transfer bonus analysis, loyalty program updates, and practical travel rewards strategy, subscribe to Hurdy Gurdy Travel for more. Timestamps/Chapters 00:00 Show intro and March update 01:24 SAS partnership and transfer bonus 01:50 What is Rove Miles? 02:54 SAS sweet spots explained 03:29 Japan Airlines launch bonus 04:55 GiftCards.com stacking strategy 06:31 JAL bonus redemption example 07:17 Rove roadmap and Q2 features 09:17 Portal denials and card-linked fixes 12:06 Social links, meetups, and sponsors 16:18 Using Rove Miles 16:57 Rove Miles airport stays 17:37 Bora Bora points devaluation 18:38 Calala Island story 20:18 Calala tips and sunscreen 20:51 Credit card talk 21:33 New York move and online gambling 22:35 Maximizing monthly credits 24:55 Cruise deals and status 25:45 Rove updates and April plans 27:00 Where to find Rove 28:52 Final thanks and outro — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 TuneIn → https://tunein.com/podcasts/Podcasts/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-p1275539/ 👉 iHeartRadio → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-51807405/ 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events. https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →
FTU Dallas May 1st, 2026 Conference - Guest Hunter Threadgill
Mar 1200:38:44Tap to summarizeFTU Dallas 2026 Preview | New Venue, Speakers, Tours, Live Podcast Studio & Earn/Burn Points Frequent Traveler University Dallas is back for 2026, and host Justin Vacula is joined by returning guest Hunter Threadgill to preview everything attendees can expect from FTU Dallas, May 1–3, 2026. In this episode, Justin and Hunter discuss the new FTU Dallas venue at NYLO Las Colinas, part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located near DFW Airport, along with expected attendance of around 200 people. They break down what makes this event appealing for points and miles enthusiasts, including a refreshed conference structure with Saturday focused on earning points and miles and Sunday focused on burning points for travel. They also cover what is new for 2026, including a Friday airline tour, open-bar happy hour, a Friday night game show, and a new live podcast studio. The conversation highlights ticket pricing, FTU membership benefits, hotel options, included lunches, speaker topics, sponsor involvement, and the networking opportunities that make Frequent Traveler University events valuable for both beginners and advanced travelers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:32 FTU Dallas 2026 Overview 01:59 Weekend Format: Earn and Burn 02:30 Tickets and Membership Perks 04:02 What’s New in 2026 05:54 Behind-the-Scenes Planning 07:21 New Speaker Highlights 10:25 Returning Favorites and Travel Legends 14:33 Hotel Deals and Nearby Stays 16:52 Announcements and Useful Links 18:39 More Speakers and Sponsors 20:24 Sponsors and Sessions 21:05 Conference Fun and Networking 22:13 Using Card Credits in Dallas 22:52 Tex-Mex and Restaurant Picks 24:30 Next Credit Card Applications 24:51 Status Goals and Priorities 26:23 Bilt Credit Hotel Win 29:33 Chase Edit and IHG Stacking 30:37 Upcoming Trips: Miami and More 31:33 Big Trips: Island Stay and Asia 33:06 Cherry Blossoms and Washington, DC Plans 35:27 FTU Dallas Final Reminder 36:03 Plum Card Roast Tease 37:04 Wrap-Up and Support Links — 🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 👉 SoundCloud → https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast 👉 Apple Podcasts / iTunes → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 👉 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0PRUx83Z4XKHengsgOoLWg 👉 …and many other podcast platforms worldwide! 🌍🎧 📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed: http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss — 💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks: 👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ 👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features. 👉 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy 👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events. https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 — 👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel 🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include: ✨ One-on-one calls with me ✨ Advance notice of upcoming podcast guests (submit your questions!) ✨ A custom podcast episode recorded just for you 🎙️💬 ✨ Bonus content 🎁 — 🌐 Stay Connected With Me: 🔔 Subscribe on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 👍 Like on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 🐦 Follow on Twitter / X → https://x.com/HurdyGurdyTravl 📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/
Transcribe →