Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Episode 60: Show Notes This year, only one of us had a Memorial Day trip, at least on a plane, and this episode is all about that! This trip also marks Trevor’s family’s first international long-haul trip since January of this year. From their experience at the Centurion Lounge at Washington, DC’s Reagan-National airport, to managing flights with a toddler, Trevor shares the highlights. We start with Tom’s fishing trip to Chesapeake before diving into Trevor’s vacation, which began on a boat and continued with a JetBlue flight to Madrid via Boston. He talks about lounge experiences, including Capital One and Chase Sapphire, and offers tips for handling naps and meals in-flight. In Madrid, Trevor shares why this visit topped previous ones, from the Thompson hotel to great food. The family then flew to Valencia on Air Europa, explored major sites, stayed at Palacio Santa Clara, enjoyed paella, visited the zoo, and saw local protests. The trip ended with a stop in Frankfurt and a return to New York on a Spontaneous Escapes deal from Singapore Airlines. Tune in to learn what he enjoyed most, what he would do differently, and what he most recommends to listeners.  Key Points From This Episode: [00:42] Tom’s fishing trip to Chesapeake and the beginning of Trevor’s Memorial Day vacation on a boat. [04:33] Trevor and his family’s experience of their first long-haul flight since January.  [09:15] Capital One Landing Lounges, the Jet Blue trip to Boston, and his experience at the Chase Sapphire Lounges. [16:30] The Jet Blue Trip to Madrid, timing his daughter’s naps, and meal logistics on Jet Blue.  [22:55] Why this experience of Madrid was even better than before and his experience of The Thompson. [24:37] Dining experiences in Madrid, parks, and other activities Trevor’s family enjoyed. [28:48] Highlights and lowlights of Valencia which Trevor travelled to on Air Europa.  [33:15] Three incredible architectural sites his family was able to see. [38:26] Staying at the art hotel, Palacio Santa Clara, eating paella in Valencia, and a visit to the zoo. [47:15] Coming across protests in Valencia and visiting the old market before flying to Frankfurt. [51:54] The Valencia Airport and flying Lufthansa to Frankfurt. [56:08] What Trevor is considering for his next trip to Madrid and what he loved about it. [58:25] Taking the Spontaneous Escapes Offer from Singapore and getting back to New York.  Quotes: “One of the great advantages of travel is to be able to see some of mankind’s amazing achievements in the arts, and architecture is definitely one of them.” — @TktweetsKim [38:17] “Valencia is known for [its] paella, and it is truly incredible.” — @tmount [39:47] “If you’re going to Spain, put Valencia on your list, and if you’ve got kids, put the Bioparc in Valencia on your list.” — @tmount [46:24] “The city is just so incredibly walkable in Madrid.” — @tmount [56:37] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Hyatt Regency Madrid Biopic Valencia Puerto de Indias Palacio Santa Clara Queen Sofia Palace of Arts Musee de les Ciences Air Europa Travelstories Episode 8 El Retiro Park El Calamar Chase Sapphire Airport Lounges Jet Blue Capital One Lounges Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X  The Milenomics Podcast Network

Around the World with Hello Kitty Episode 59: Show Notes. When EVA Air released its Hello Kitty livery on a 777-300ER, we just knew we had to hop on! Today, 10 years later, we reflect on our EVA Air Hello Kitty trip and why this particular adventure is still one of our most memorable. We discuss how we became aware of the Hello Kitty jet, the near-disaster of our first connection, and the wonder of our in-flight experience with Hello Kitty branding, literally, everywhere!  Then, we examine our itinerary, which included stops in Taiwan, Bangkok, Vientiane, Laos, and Singapore, before detailing our experience of the Crowne Plaza Vientiane and other attractions Laos had to offer. We also learn of Tom’s unlikely affair with beer, his aversion to Thai foot massages, why we’re definitely going to do an entire Fifth Freedom Flight episode, and why taxis in Singapore may have saved Trevor’s marriage. To end, we share fond—and socially unacceptable— memories of the entire Lufthansa First-Class (drink!) service, and we rank our Hello Kitty trip as a complete travel experience worthy of high praise.       Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Setting the tone and reintroducing the Drinking Word of the Day. [02:25] Why our Hello Kitty trip from 10 years ago is one of our most memorable adventures.  [03:25] How we found EVA Air’s Hello Kitty jet, and our first boarding debacle.   [07:29] Our onboard experience – so much better than the average 777 flight!   [10:59] Unpacking our slog of an itinerary, and everything we remember about Taipei.  [15:00] Flying to Bangkok and Laos, the Crowne Plaza Vientiane, and activities in Laos.   [21:15] The COPE Visitor Centre, the Mekong River, and beer with ice cubes. [27:25] A rooftop bar in Bangkok, Thai foot massages, and a Freedom Flight to Singapore.     [31:13] Why taxis are a better option than mass transit in Singapore.   [33:30] Lufthansa First-Class (drink!), and the most interesting purser we’ve encountered.  [40:03] More love for everything Lufthansa First-Class (drink!) has to offer.  [43:34] The joys of having a premium experience in the final leg of your trip.  [45:14] Ranking our Hello Kitty trip: A wonderful experience from beginning to end.   Quotes: “Everything was Hello Kitty. You had the Hello Kitty-imprinted butter. You had Hello Kitty signage everywhere. Even the toilet paper in the lavatory was Hello Kitty.” — @tmount [08:31] “That’s probably the only airline experience that I’ve ever had that has been so complete. It was almost like a Disney World-type experience where they just had everything right; everything aligned to Hello Kitty. I was really impressed with that.” — @tmount [09:09] “Any lounge that provides ice cream – they get an extra star automatically.” — @TktweetsKim [14:43] “I am absolutely not a beer drinker. I actually usually detest the beverage – [but] for the weather, for the environment, [Beerlao] was just the best beverage.” — @TktweetsKim [24:22] “I cannot think of a bad Cathay flight that I’ve flown.” — @TktweetsKim [29:37] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: EVA Air  EVA Air | Hello Kitty Jet Sanrio | The Official Home of Hello Kitty and Friends  Lufthansa Thai Airways  Bangkok Airways  Crowne Plaza Vientiane  COPE Visitor Centre  Beerlao Lager  Cathay Pacific  United Airlines  The La Première Experience | Air France  The Milenomics Podcast Network Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

No Way Home Episode 58: Show Notes. Planning the trips are getting harder and harder. The way home often becomes more challenging, with many more constraining factors. This episode we’re unpacking why. We begin with our examples of going on trips without planning the route home before exploring the limiting factors that make the trip home a daunting prospect. We throw some tangents in along the way including a discussion of Fifth Freedom Flights, the current state of airline alliances, the merits of flying non-premium over the Atlantic, and why “unicorn” destinations are harder to visit now than ever before. We also look inward to see how our miles and points behavior limits our choices, how procrastination paralysis leads to incomplete bookings, why alternative routes home when flying may not be an answer, and TK’s troubling cruise moment when looking for a way back home. We end with an oddity that Tom has latched onto and how this may affect your September travel plans, and we discuss why a lack of airport arrival lounges compounds the woes of traveling home.  Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Our conclusion: Planning the trip home is much harder than it should be.  [01:30] Examples of our partial trip syndrome – travelling without a way back home. [04:01] Limiting factors: Analysis paralysis, and more reasons why going home is harder.  [08:35] Unpacking Freedom Flights and why we’ll dedicate an entire episode to these.   [11:06] Why the world, in all its expanse, is still widely unattainable for travel.  [12:29] The current state of airline alliances, and the airlines we’d like to try for the first time.  [18:09] Revisiting the merits of flying economy on transatlantic flights.  [19:23] Why it’s becoming even more difficult to visit “unicorn” destinations.  [22:02] How our miles and points experience makes it harder to make decisions.   [23:40] Procrastination paralysis, our upcoming trip to Spain, and incomplete bookings. [27:39] How pushing hard for the exact travel experience you want limits your other options.  [29:32] What to do when you’re stuck; exploring alternatives to finding your way home.  [31:08] How TK was almost thwarted from a cruise back home.  [37:52] An oddity TK has picked up on, and what this means for September travel.  [44:30] The role of airport lounges in making decisions about going home.    Quotes: “This has been an unspoken rule, where we’re always seeming to have a lot more difficulty figuring out how we’re getting home than how we get there.” — @TktweetsKim [01:16] “The world is our oyster, but it’s really not when you think about it. South America is almost unattainable at this time.” — @tmount [11:08] “It’s possible to fly non-premium over the Atlantic.” — @TktweetsKim [19:04] “On your way home, you want that experience. You really want that enjoyment to continue. That’s why I prefer not to fly economy over the Atlantic because I feel like the flight home is an extension of the vacation.” — @tmount [21:31] “A guy can dream. If we don’t dream, then we have nothing to aspire to.” — @tmount [24:39] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Lufthansa  Delta One®  p

Episode 57: Show Notes. Sometimes you just need to do some travel banter! And who better to do it with than TravelZork Travel’s Michael Trager? In today’s conversation, we discuss our recent travel experiences and dig into the nitty gritty of points, upgrades, flight paths, and so much more. To kick things off, we hear all about Michael’s recent trip to Madrid and the benefits of American Airlines' ConciergeKey status, which Michael has access to thanks to his wife, Ellen! We then discuss optimal flight paths to Europe from different parts of the US, why JetBlue is on the naughty list this week, and how to optimize your next trip to Vegas. Next, we explore the flagship lounge and dining experience on different airlines, before discussing why it sometimes makes sense to pay for travel (because you can’t do everything on points) and the exceptional cases where we break our own rules. We also dive into Marriott points and benefits, including getting the fifth night free, the challenges of hotel hopping, and the importance of a positive arrival experience; especially if you have your family in tow. Finally, Michael tells us the essential details and updates for ZorkFest 2025, including the festival’s four-star accommodation, their new miles and points labs, their epic foodie and beverage dining experience, the speakers they have lined up, and much more. Be sure to tune in to hear the full scope of our travel banter conversation with Michael Trager! Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:49] Introducing TravelZork Travel’s Michael Trager. [00:03:17] All the details of Michael’s visit to Madrid. [00:06:00] The benefits of having ConciergeKey status. [00:12:07] Debating the value of a premium economy cabin. [00:16:09] Optimizing your flight from different parts of the US to Europe. [00:21:09] Reasons why JetBlue is on the Naughty list this week. [00:29:43] Why is Michael saying farewell to his trip to Greece this summer. [00:31:26] Getting special awards and upgrades with American Airlines. [00:34:17] Key considerations for optimizing your trip to Vegas. [00:35:17] Getting access to the flagship lounge and dining. [00:41:38] Words of appreciation for connoisseur classes. [00:44:26] How to balance point accumulation and spending. [00:49:31] Tips for navigating Marriott points and benefits, including fifth night free. [00:53:49] The challenges of hotel hopping and the benefits of a good arrival experience. [00:58:18] Our thoughts on The White Lotus and tourism. [00:59:46] Getting information right in travel content. [01:01:43] Your guide to a positive arrival experience. [01:09:42] Details and Updates for ZorkFest 2025. [01:15:24] ZorkFest events: dining, live podcasting, master classes, hotel bookings, and private gaming experiences. [01:18:03] The speaking lineup you can expect from this year’s ZorkFest. [01:20:22] Booking, tickets, and hotel information. [01:22:12] What makes ZorkFest such a unique, unmissable event. [01:25:16] Lessons you can expect to learn on casino loyalty and risk management. [01:36:11] Why Michael refers to himself as an American Airlines fanboy. [01:40:52] Where you can find Michael online. [01:43:07] Parting words for today’s travel banter. Quotes: “The amount of trouble to position to JFK and then to leave, like, three, four, five, six, hours between the flight to then get a lie flat seat for a flight that maybe is six hours of which maybe, if all of the stars align, you get four hours of sleep. And that's like, if you're really lucky.” — Michael Trager [17:33]

0:25 Chase Sapphire Preferred 100,000 Offer Direct Link $5,000 min spend in 3 months $95 annual fee (not waived first year) This is a higher than usual offer 05:14 Chase Referrals chase.com/referafriend 10,000 points for each approval (capped at 100,000 per year) 06:30 Sapphire Churning Restrictions Eligible for welcome bonus if it has been >48 months since you last got a Sapphire welcome bonus (Preferred or Reserve) 5/24 still applies: 5 credit card approvals in the past 24 months (from any bank) Can’t be approved for a Sapphire Preferred if you currently have a Sapphire card (recommend downgrading to Freedom and waiting a month before applying) 12:09 Two Player Mode If neither person has a Sapphire card, apply “head on” or through a referral from a friend Then refer P2 Being an authorized user on a card doesn’t prevent getting the welcome bonus This will leave you with > 210,000 Ultimate Rewards 13:50 Ultimate Rewards: Value and Utility Easy 1 cpp cashout Sapphire Preferred 1.25 of uplift for travel booked through Chase portal Sapphire Reserve 1.5 cpp of uplift for travel booked through Chase portal (and a $300 per cardmember year travel credit) Transfer partners: Hyatt, United, Southwest, and more Points can be co-mingled between household Inflation in the travel portal is very real.  Prices for hotels and other activities get tough to compare Flights sometimes are pricing at a premium due to issues with fare classes and airlines wanting direct booking.  It pays to do the math, because a poor redemption can tank the value of your earning, and points are not free.  Cancellation terms not the same with Travel portal bookings vs. booking with miles sometimes.  Pay Yourself Back: erase charges in specific categories at >1cpp. 23:31 CSP/CSR Earning Strategy Sign up Bonus aside, these two cards are relatively weak in earning.  This creates a bit of an irony–they’re great cards to hold, but better in union with other UR earning cards Freedoms for 5x categories, some chase Business cards also earn 5x Over time a stable of chase cards become important Pooling of points means that the earning of 5x points can then be moved to your sapphire and redeemed for travel at >1cpp 5x at 1.25 = 6.25 cpp, 5x at 1.5 = 7.5 cpp.  28:47 United/Southwest: Opportunity Cost For some people these cards are taking up slots and spend they want to use on Southwest or United Cards Might be best to get those cards first, holding them long term, then getting the CSP.  Changes to southwest might make you consider Southwest cards, but be rational, how many trips a year do you actually take?  The travel landscape changes fast, the flexibility of UR allow you to change with it. Southwest points do not.  31:38 Q2 2025 “Point Offer” Targeted: Seeing increased uplift for United/Delta/Qatar premium cabin flights, and some (mostly nicer) hotels

Two Cruises Episode 56: Show Notes. This episode, we head back to the high seas to talk about not one, but two different cruises! Join us as we discuss our experience on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Princess Cruise Lines’ Sun Princess. In this detailed discussion, we talk about everything from flight Irregular Operations (IRROPS) and loyalty rewards to dining, entertainment and more, drawing out differences, common features, and what we liked and didn’t like. To kick off our conversation, we talk about flights to Jacksonville and Orlando, and some of the unexpected obstacles along the way. Next, we touch on key aspects of the experience at Utopia of the Seas: facilities, dining, casino, and more, before diving into Thomas’s arrival on the Sun Princess. Comparing the demographics on each ship, Thomas shares what he liked about the dining setup and entertainment options, drawing a comparison with other cruise trips. Despite having been sick, Thomas shares a short review of what he was able to partake in, including a specialty European-style dinner. If you’re curious about the newest ships on two different cruise lines, this episode is for you! Key Points From This Episode: [00:45] What this episode will explore: two different cruises. [04:13] The journey to Jacksonville and Orlando. [12:05] Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.  [15:02] Splitting up for lunch on day two before enjoying the ice and aqua shows.  [22:32] Loyalty, points and miles in the cruise community.  [26:39] How ‘Name that Tune’ in the Main Theatre exceeded expectations. [30:30] Dining on Utopia of the Seas.  [37:04] The casino experience and final thoughts on the Utopia experience.  [41:20] One feature both ships share that we agree all cruise ships should have.  [44:46] Thomas’s arrival on Sun Princess, the buffet, demographic, and entertainment.  [50:56] Ports on the itinerary and why Thomas only got to experience one of them.  [51:26] The specialty dinner he got to enjoy: The Butcher’s Block by Dario.   [55:44] Staff on the Sun Princess in comparison to Royal Caribbean.  [59:30] Gaming and travel-hacking discussions that will follow in future Patreon episodes.   Quotes: “One thing that really jumped out at me is, because it’s such a big ship, [there’s so much to do], there’s an ice show, there’s an aqua show, they have two different shows in the main theatre, they’ve got two different slides—you can’t do it all.” — @tmount [13:59] “I also suspect that putting their best product out there, their newest ship with all the newest bells and whistles and restaurants, they are converting a lot more who may not have been looking at cruises.” — @tmount [13:34] “For better or for worse, Royal Caribbean is actually pretty good at delivering a standardized product.” — @TktweetsKim [35:44] “This trip was trying out the newest ships on two different cruise lines. Utopia of the Seas is the newest ship for Royal Caribbean; Sun Princess is the newest ship for Princess Cruise Lines.” — @TktweetsKim [41:24] “They are taking every opportunity, on Royal Caribbean, to engage with you and make you feel special.” — @TktweetsKim [56:50] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sun Princess

Episode 55: Show Notes From COVID to cutbacks, there were a lot of reasons why airlines let go of some of their more luxurious offerings. Today, we dig into the airline products that no longer exist and reflect on the standout examples we loved, missed, or otherwise knew about. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and discuss everything from exceptional service to the most comfortable sleep we’ve had up in the air! We describe our top first class experiences with Thai and Lufthansa, noteworthy changes at Doha, Qatar’s international airports, and our most memorable trips using JetSmarter, the Uber for private jets. You’ll also hear about our unique experience with Etihad Airways, the true premium cabin experience we both missed out on, our favorite economy products that no longer exist, and the amenity kits we prize above all others. Discover the joy of a massage at the Thai Royal First Lounge in Bangkok, the most exceptional ground services we’ve come across, and what services we miss the most! Key Points From This Episode: [00:37] Today’s topic: Past airline products that we loved, missed, or knew about. [01:32] Why airlines have let go of some of their more luxurious offerings. [02:06] What the Thai First Class and Bangkok Lounge experience used to be like. [06:34] A breakdown of the Thai First Class spa massage offerings. [09:14] Transport and escort perks in the heyday of Thai First Class. [11:45] Flying Lufthansa First Class and their unique wide-body experience. [16:51] The best ground service we had with Lufthansa (and why they should bring it back). [20:05] Takeaways from Hamad International Airport and how it has changed. [25:47] Past experiences with JetSmarter and the current jet-sharing economy. [33:39] The story of our unique travel experiences with Etihad First. [36:42] How we missed out on the true premium cabin experience with TAM Airways, now LATAM Airlines. [41:30] Our favorite economy products that no longer exist. [45:19] The amenity kits we love most, especially from Rimowa. Quotes: “We're talking about Thai Airways’ first class lounge, offering a full spa-caliber massage. – You have this oasis among air world, where for an hour you were just in the lap of luxury like no other.” — @tmount [06:48] “The overall experience [at Hamad International], I thought, was really exclusive, almost more exclusive than the current experience. But I think the current experience is more luxurious.” — @tmount [23:16] “JetSmarter was all about ‘How do we monetize all these dead legs, all these private aviation flights that they do just to position these planes to where they actually need to be.” — @TktweetsKim [27:04] “I'm still going to go give LATAM another shot. And if they announce a new business class product, I will be right in line to fly them again.” — @tmount [41:02] “If I was having to fly over the Atlantic in economy, I would not mind doing it on an A380 in Air France economy.” — @TktweetsKim [43:48] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: TravelStories Episode 53: Aspirational Flying with Han Chicago TAM 777-300ER First Class Sao Paulo To New York

Episode 54: Show Notes. Today, we are taking a trip back in time to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as we approach the fifth anniversary of lockdowns across the globe. Joining us to discuss this period is long-time friend Chris, who was traveling the world when lockdowns hit. In our conversation, he shares his experiences of the pandemic abroad, his tumultuous escape abroad as lockdowns were implemented, and the impact of travel restrictions on global tourism. Chris recounts the chaos and uncertainty around travel, how he altered his plans to avoid getting stuck in quarantine, and the lucky decisions that got him to a holiday destination. We learn about his trip to Thailand and Koh Samui, the challenges he faced in trying to find a place to stay during quarantine, what it was like witnessing the shutdown of major tourist destinations, government support for local tourism industries, and the remarkable resilience of the Thai people. Next, we shift to a happier topic, Chris’ participation in SAS's million-mile promotion and his airline upgrades and mileage strategies before reflecting on the evolving landscape of points and miles. We also learn about Chris’s involvement in revitalizing the Chicago Seminars for the travel community post-COVID and how volunteers and contributors helped raise nearly 30,000 USD for charity. Join us today as we journey back for a fascinating account of navigating lockdown travel! Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:50] Introducing Chris, his travel experiences during the chaotic onset of pandemic restrictions, and his unplanned trip to Thailand. [00:12:01] Navigating Thailand as restrictions were being instituted, and Chris’s odyssey finding a place to stay in Koh Samui. [00:20:42] The positive effects of government subsidies for tourism during the pandemic, how Chris found community during his stay, and the impact of quarantines. [00:25:33] Why it was so surreal staying at a beautiful resort with so few people. [00:29:51] Travel restriction uncertainty: how it stopped Chris from leaving Koh Samui. [00:33:08] What it was like when travel restrictions started being lifted. [00:38:09] Living out of a suitcase and a backpack for two years. [00:41:38] Final reflections and observations on his long stay in Thailand. [00:44:08] Details of Chris’s participation in SAS's million-mile promotion. [00:50:45] Takeaways from traveling to China, Hong Kong, Argentina, and more. [00:59:21] Insights into airline upgrades and mileage strategies. [01:14:21] What it took for Chris to succeed at the SAS promotional challenge. [01:20:53] Reflections on the promotion and why he would do it again. [01:23:10] How Chris helped reinvigorate the Chicago Seminars post-COVID. [01:31:48] Final thoughts on the changing landscape of travel and words of appreciation for the travel community. Quotes: “One thing that [Thailand] did very well was the government subsidies [which] did pay out for hotels to keep their employees.” — Chris [0:20:43] “There were very few cases of COVID on the island of Koh Samui for the first year and a half.” — Chris [0:25:10] “I never learned Thai because I just thought I was going home soon.” — Chris [0:33:16] “I [was] fortunate to only [have] had one medical issue during the two years over there.” — Chris [0:38:09] “When I went back for the one-year anniversary for the Hyatt Regency opening, I tipped the entire staff that was there for the whole year – because it meant so much to see them again a year later, that's just a year after I'd already left.” — Chris [0:43:09]

Episode 53: Show Notes What does it take to plan the ultimate luxury travel experience? In this episode, Tom and Trevor sit down with returning guest Han Chicago, a well-known aviation enthusiast and premium travel expert, to hear about his recent extravagant, multi-leg trip. Han talks about his first-class flights, luxury airline products, and lounge experiences during his lavish adventure. He breaks down his premium airline experiences and what makes certain airlines excel in service and product quality. Hear why he prefers the luxury suite on the A380 over the Emirates Game Changer suite and what it was like flying in the pinnacle of luxury on Etihad's Residence suite. Han explains how he booked The Residence, what the service was like, and why he got a surprise birthday cake. They also discuss industry trends, the pros and cons of A380s, and why Han thinks A380 First Class remains superior to newer A350 suites. Han also shares insights on luxury travel booking strategies and how to acquire more airline miles for top-tier experiences. Join us for a deep dive into luxury aviation, travel hacking, and the quirks of premium airline swag with Han Chicago! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:00] A warm welcome to Han Chicago and what listeners can expect from the episode. [0:03:50] His trip across multiple airlines, starting with Turkish Airlines (787-9) from Detroit. [0:08:04] Premium coffee, the meals on Turkish, and flying from Abu Dhabi to Muscat. [0:17:15] Activities in Muscat and his thoughts on Oman Air Business Class Apex Suite. [0:23:07] The malls in Bangkok, Emirates’ Game Changer suite, and eating steak in Dubai. [0:34:16] Explore the differences between the Game Changer suite and the A380 First Class.  [0:41:25] Etihad's Residence experience, what it required, and how it compared to others. [0:59:21] Lounge-hopping at Heathrow and his American Airlines First Class flight to JFK. [1:16:32] Unpack aviation trends, fleet management, and airline capacity issues of the A380. [1:31:12] Han reflects on his luxury travel experience and why he recommends the A380. [1:33:33] He shares strategies for flying first-class and handling luxury airline swag.  [1:39:35] Final takeaways and another travel podcast Han recommends. Quotes: “Turkish [Airlines] is always solid. I don't think you can really go wrong with them.” — @hanchicago [0:11:38] “I think all loyalty programs should have 24-hour call centers because you are flying globally.” — @hanchicago [0:20:24] “The A380 [Emirates] product, for me, is still one of the best in the business.” — @hanchicago [0:36:01] “I am glad I did [The Residence] once. If you are really into this stuff, I think you have to try it once.” — @hanchicago [0:51:51] “I think people should get on those A380s while they still can. Don't take [them] for granted.” — @hanchicago [1:32:36] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Han Chicago on X Han Chicago on Instagram Turkish Airlines  Etihad Etihad | The Residence % Arabica 

Episode 52: Show Notes We’ve taken many trips to Australia, but our most recent one was certainly one to remember! In today’s episode, Trevor walks us through his most recent visit down under, and he begins with his domestic flights leaving the USA before detailing his international flight path. We unpack an awkward midair encounter from New Zealand to Australia, why Trevor was pleasantly surprised with his American Airlines flight home, how he and his family maximized their time in Qantas Business and other airport lounges, and the hotels he chose in Australasia. We also learn about the world’s biggest LEGO store, the Taronga Zoo, an unforgettable cookie, and Paddy’s Markets. To end, Trevor shares his final thoughts on Australia and the wonders of being able to walk across one of the world’s major cities.   Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:00] Unpacking Trevor’s most recent trip to Australia. [0:04:00] The flights he took from USA to Australia, both domestic and international. [0:09:20] His awkward trans-Tasman encounter and pleasant American Airlines flight home. [0:24:32] Trevor’s  lounge experiences throughout the trip including some bucket list ones. [0:30:57] The Park Hyatt in Auckland, and InterContinental and Hyatt Regency in Sydney. [0:42:39] Exploring the largest LEGO store in the world and other food and entertainment. [0:44:52] Local transport options, world-famous treats, and a memorable zoo.  [0:54:40] The Sydney Opera House, Paddy’s Markets, and the joys of a pedestrian city. [1:05:10] Final thoughts on a great trip to Australia.  Quotes: “You know what? I might just make the stretch to Executive Platinum [on AAdvantage]. It’s going to come down to the wire.” — @tmount [22:08] “Qantas does earn a little high praise from me for their à la carte dining in general.” — @TktweetsKim [28:30] “Three of four people responded to me saying, ‘Why on Earth are you trying to get coffee at a hotel in Australia? There’s so much great coffee, just go up the street.” — @tmount [41:50] “We walked almost everywhere [in Sydney].” — @TktweetsKim [01:04:07] “Going back to Sydney felt so good because it felt so familiar.” — @tmount [01:05:21] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: American Airlines   Etihad Airways  Emirates  LATAM Airlines  American Express  China Eastern Airlines  Delta  AAdvantage Executive Platinum  Qantas | Airport Lounges  The Centurion Lounge  Lufthansa  The Chelsea Lounge 

Everyday Carry Episode 51: Show Notes. Today’s episode is years in the making as finally, Tom and Trevor sit down and do a deep dive into the everyday carry items you’ll need when traveling. We begin with keeping go kits up-to-date and why Trevor and Tom will always be fans of carry-on luggage. We shift then to our favorite luggage exploring Briggs and Riley, Tumi, Rimowa, and other great roller bag options. Then, we unpack a few must-have travel accessories including portable USB fans, multi-charging cables and adapters, man purses, and much more. Our conversation then turns to clothing as we compare normal clothes to travel clothes versus a combination of both, and we discover why Trevor is a fanboy of lululemon and Tom loves shirts with front pockets. To end, Tom and Trevor discuss eSIMs and other best practices for using your cell phone abroad, and after weighing the pros and cons of using laptops versus tablets, our hosts shares more travel advice and tips, especially for parents traveling with toddlers.  Key Points From This Episode: [0:01:00] How today’s episode on everyday carry items has been years in the making. [0:04:55] Updating go kits and being dedicated members of Team Carry On. [0:06:00] Team Briggs and Riley, and other great luggage options.  [0:21:02] Exploring Tom and Trevor’s must-have travel accessories.    [0:34:14] Lufthansa’s first-class amenity kits, compression packing cubes, and toiletry bags.  [0:42:06] Travel clothes versus normal clothes versus integrating the two.  [0:48:06] Flight passes, eSIMs, and other advice for using your cell phone abroad.   [0:57:12] Everyday carry technology.  [1:13:58] Final thoughts, more helpful travel tips, and parting advice for traveling parents.  Quotes: “This is an opportunity for everybody to learn, because there’s so many different things that I know I don’t know, and I’m always looking for how I can get more efficient.” — @tmount [02:05] “Travel’s personal, and I think your gear is personal.” — @TktweetsKim [02:38] “We call this luggage, but you don’t want to be dragging it around as a burden.” — @tmount [13:24] “Curate your stuff so that you’ve [only] got what you need for the mission at hand.” — @TktweetsKim [29:37] “Things keep changing. You have to keep iterating because people change the rules and change things on you all the time. So, it’s important to keep up and continue to iterate your everyday carry.” — @TktweetsKim [1:07:55] “What’s clear is that we’re very passionate about a lot of this. We’re passionate about what is in our gear [and] what we’re willing to drag pretty much around the world.” — @tmount [1:14:05] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Everyday Carry  Marie Kondo  Briggs and Riley  Tumi Rimowa  Travelpro  Monos  Away  Costco Wholesale | Luggage 

Episode 50: Show Notes Are loyalty programs becoming less valuable, or are they evolving to meet the demands of modern travelers? In this episode, we delve into the future of airline and hotel loyalty programs and examine potential innovations and strategies to maximize points. To help us unravel this topic is returning guest Joey Redmond, a passionate traveler and co-host of the new Travel Bros Podcast, where he shares insights and reviews on unique hotels and travel experiences. In our conversation, we discuss the future of the Alaskan and American Airlines partnership, gaps in elite loyalty programs, and the broader impact of mileage programs on consumer behavior. Explore strategies for maximizing hotel rewards through points arbitrage and learn the art of leveraging IHG points and ambassador status for substantial savings. Joey also shares his experience of Turks and Caicos, its charming hotels, and its less-than-ideal airport. Discover unique and interesting boutique accommodations and hear Joey's tips and tricks for finding one-of-a-kind hotels. Join us to uncover how you can maximize your rewards and make your loyalty programs work harder for you in 2025 with Joey Redmond. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:27] Outline of today’s episode and a warm welcome to Joey Redmond. [0:01:58] Predictions for loyalty programs, devaluation risks, and features for 2025. [0:03:57] Alaska Airlines’ partnership with American Airlines and its potential impact on points. [0:09:22] Upgrade and status challenges elite loyalty programs face and how they will adapt. [0:17:51] Points arbitrage strategies for hotels and how to purchase points at a discount. [0:24:47] Learn about the benefits of purchasing ambassador status for savings on hotels. [0:29:38] Turks and Caicos, its American influences, the state of the airport, and the hotel. [0:36:56] Explore the advantages and limitations of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH). [0:40:01] Details about the hotel in Turks and Caicos and the charm of the South Bank. [0:49:25] Exciting hotel options and unique properties in the SLH collection for points holders. [0:56:15] The Travel Bros Pod and what listeners will gain from its hotel-centric content. [1:02:36] Hear Joey's tips and tricks for finding unique hotels using online platforms. [1:06:56] Joey's invitation for listeners to share their ideas for future travel stories.  [1:11:06] Find out how to contact Joey, a special thank you to listeners, and final takeaways. Quotes: “I think we are going to see some major innovation in airline elite loyalty programs.” — @TktweetsKim [0:09:22] “It is important to look at things outside of the, 'I am only going to pay with points.'” — @tmount [0:22:55] “Turks and Caicos, I will tell you, is probably the worst airport I have ever been to outside of Africa.” — @joeyredmond [0:31:33] “You need to realize a lot of these [boutique] hotels are either family-run or [individually-owed] run. You're almost a step above a bed and breakfast and a huge step below a corporate [hotel].” — @joeyredmond [0:47:57] “What does excite me, generally, is non-traditional hotels or non-traditional new hotels.” — @joeyredmond [1:00:40] “There is so much information out there [that] I think if you just spend a bit of time you can find unique and interesting hotels.” —