This Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast episode features a trip report on a Las Vegas double birthday celebration with guest Mandi Johnson. 

Highlights include maximizing dining and spa credits, leveraging tier matches for free rewards, and enjoying quality dining at low or no cost. Upcoming travel plans, event appearances, and recent credit card approvals are also discussed, showcasing the potential of credit card rewards to enhance and add travel experiences. Learn how to make money, save money, and travel at low cost.

00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel
00:49 Las Vegas Double Birthday Trip Overview
01:20 Announcements and Upcoming Events
03:04 Welcome Mandi Johnson
03:54 Birthday Rewards and Vegas Adventures
04:56 Points Strategies
07:20 Exploring Las Vegas: Food and Fun
08:17 Maximizing Rewards and Benefits
11:26 Wynn and Fontainebleau Experiences
18:31 Dining Adventures and Freebies
26:20 MyVegas Freeplay Success
30:41 Maximizing Grocery Spending with Multiple Cards
31:15 Gift Card Reselling
31:29 MGM MasterCard Rewards and Quirks
32:07 Dining in Vegas at low to no cost
32:39 Caesars and MGM Tier Matching
33:52 Vegas Hotel Stays and Points Optimization
42:30 Phone Army and MyVegas Games
45:34 Recent Credit Card Approvals and Strategies
54:03 Cruise Plans and Other Travels for 2025
59:46 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

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Las Vegas Double Birthday Trip Report with Mandi

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and co-host Darren Remsburg discuss how to earn MGM Gold and Platinum status using points and miles from credit card rewards. 

They highlight the benefits of these statuses such as waived resort fees, free parking, lounge access, and dining credits. Detailed insights into the MGM Mastercard's earning potential, including strategies for leveraging tier multipliers and promotional offers, are shared. 

The episode provides tips for maximizing rewards and considering the value of status based on individual travel habits. Justin also mentions upcoming events and meetups for travel enthusiasts.

00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel with Points and Miles
00:50 Earning MGM Gold and Platinum Status in 2025
01:08 Meetups and Social Media Engagement
01:47 Welcome Back, Darren Remsburg
02:27 Status Matching and Cruise Opportunities
05:29 Benefits of MGM Gold and Platinum Status
12:41 MGM Mastercard: Earning Tier Levels and Benefits
22:45 Video Poker Strategies and Tips
26:32 Reducing Variance in Gambling
27:27 Credit Card Issued by First National Bank of Omaha
29:13 Using MGM Rewards Credit Card for Gambling
36:14 Maximizing Rewards with MyVegas Games
46:33 Upcoming Travel Plans and Strategies
48:11 Closing Announcements and Future Events

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!


Earning MGM Status in 2025

Travel the world at next to no cost with credit card rewards!

New tracks tagged #mgm mastercard