Professor of Points: Unlocking Low-Cost Travel with Credit Card Rewards

Host Justin Vacula sits down with Hunter Threadgill (aka the Professor of Points) to unpack practical strategies for turning credit card points and miles into real trips. We cover earning frameworks, smart redemptions, recent travel wins, and how to answer the arguments against credit card use. Hunter also previews Frequent Traveler University events and shares negotiation tips for retention offers.

What you’ll learn

How Hunter built his points toolkit since 2015

Simple systems to earn more rewards without overspending

Smart ways to redeem for premium cabins and top hotels

How to respond to Dave Ramsey-style critiques with facts

Retention bonus scripts and optimizing your wallet mix

Upcoming meetups and FTU announcements

Chapters
00:00 Intro: Low-cost travel with points and miles
01:47 Meet Hunter Threadgill, Professor of Points
04:03 Frequent Traveler Education Foundation and Awards
07:15 Credit card perks, earning strategies, and stacking
19:53 Events and announcements
22:41 Promotions and meetups
25:06 Athens trip: Grand Hyatt and first class flights
27:32 Honeymoon highlights: Aruba and Maldives
29:39 Debunking common credit card myths
40:26 Upcoming trips and plans
42:34 Wrap-up and takeaways

—
🎙️ 📢 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/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …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:

👉 Visit the Support Tab on my website to contribute via SubscribeStar → https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdygurdytravel

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site.

👉 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.

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:
www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

—
🎁 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. 🚀🌍💳


Miles and Points with Hunter Threadgill

Unlock Double Rewards + Hotel Points with Rove’s New Loyalty Eligible feature

Host Justin Vacula dives into Rove’s biggest update yet with guest Carissa Rawson from Rove. Learn how Loyalty Eligible hotel bookings let you earn hotel points, elite night credits, status perks, and Rove Miles on the same stay. 
What you’ll learn

How Loyalty Eligible bookings earn hotel points and elite credits while also earning Rove Miles

Stacking plays: loyalty earnings + credit card bonuses + launch promos

Best credit cards to pair with Rove hotel bookings

Community news, meetups, and where to learn more

Launch promo
Rove is offering double Rove Miles on Loyalty Eligible hotel bookings through October 31, 2025. Terms apply. Check Rove for details.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:45 Big news in travel rewards
01:46 What is Loyalty Eligible
02:02 How it works step by step
04:23 Maximizing rewards with Rove
05:36 International bookings and comparisons
07:34 Participating programs and promos
08:52 Booking flow and support
10:18 Credit card strategies for Rove
20:46 Events and final thoughts
21:30 Chicago Seminars and promo codes
22:14 CardPointers and FTU Dallas
23:41 Interview with Carissa Rawson
24:04 Roadmap and future features
27:22 Transfer partners and meetups
28:49 Travel hacking community and critiques
36:31 Upcoming travels and meetups
37:49 Wrap and podcast info

Guest
Carissa Rawson — Rove
https://www.rovemiles.com/home

—
🎙️ 📢 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.

👉 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. 🚀🌍💳 

Rove Launches Loyalty Eligible Hotel Bookings

The New York Times says people like us open lots of credit cards, pocket big bonuses, and somehow still have high credit scores. They call it ‘taking advantage of loopholes’ and ‘exploiting,’ but I call it using credit intelligently and responsibly within the system the banks established. Play your cards right, and you win the miles and points game. My co-host Darren and I respond to the article and the comments.

Timestamps
00:00 Intro and goals for the episode
00:32 Meet the hosts and overview
01:05 Responding to the New York Times article
03:04 What churning is and isn’t
06:20 Stacking rewards and benefits the right way
15:01 Responsible use and risk management
23:23 Announcements and upcoming events
27:04 Listener feedback highlights
27:24 Unilateral contracts explained simply
27:57 Credit score myths debunked
29:13 Maximizing rewards without lifestyle creep
33:10 Common critiques and misconceptions
35:35 Why the hobby still delivers value
45:07 Final thoughts and next steps

—
🎙️ 📢 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/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …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.

👉 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. 🚀🌍💳

Responding to The New York Times

Maximize Travel Rewards with JetBlue’s 25 for 25 Promotion with James He

How do you turn one wild promo into 25 years of Mosaic status and 350,000 TrueBlue points? In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, Justin Vacula chats with James He to unpack JetBlue’s 25 for 25 promo from planning to execution. 

We chat:

Real Mosaic benefits that matter in practice

Smart routing, rebooking, and other tips that save time and points

Stacking with Amex, Hyatt, and other programs

Cost breakdowns, pitfalls to avoid

Great for travel hackers, frequent flyers, JetBlue fans, and anyone chasing elite status.

Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:36 Meet James He
01:57 James’s travel background
06:01 JetBlue 25 for 25 overview
12:10 Mosaic status benefits
21:12 Planning and executing the challenge
22:57 Events and meetups
25:45 Amex and Hyatt benefits that pair well
27:04 Hotel stays and smart rebookings
28:38 Maximizing points and statement credits
31:37 Airport shuttle stories and lessons
34:17 Memorable stops along the way
38:27 Cost breakdown and practical advice
42:38 Future trips and elite status plans
43:49 Final thoughts and how to connect

—
🎙️ 📢 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/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …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.

👉 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. 🚀🌍💳

JetBlue 25 for 25 Promotion with James He

Earning MGM Gold and Platinum Status in 2026 - Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Ready to earn comped cruises, waived resort fees, dining credits, and more? Justin Vacula and returning co-host Darren break down practical paths to MGM Gold and Platinum for 2026, how the MGM credit cards fits in, and smart stacking with myVEGAS and other casino loyalty programs. 

Chapters
00:00 Intro to low-cost travel with points and miles
00:32 Meet the hosts and upcoming events
01:50 Chicago Seminars Heritage Edition recap
03:30 How to earn MGM status in 2026
04:34 MGM Gold benefits
08:25 MGM Platinum benefits
12:10 Tier credit earning strategies
12:31 MGM Iconic card overview
20:29 MGM Rewards MasterCard overview
23:02 Maximizing MGM credit card benefits
25:28 ZorkFest 2025 preview
25:37 Current promos and limited-time offers
26:04 Chicago Points Travel Festival 2026
27:14 CardPointers and monthly meetups
29:01 Atlantic City updates and MGM Gold
30:13 Stacking rewards and benefits
32:37 Cruise benefits and status matching
34:05 Chase Sapphire Reserve Edit Credit with Park MGM
43:26 MGM National Harbor and future plans
47:42 Wrap-up and key takeaways

—
🎙️ 📢 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/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …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.

👉 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. 🚀

Earning MGM Rewards Status in 2026

Justin Vacula welcomes back Carissa Rawson from Rove Miles to break down Rove’s newest transfer partner, Miles & More, and the sweet spots you should know. 

We cover smart redemptions, credit credit card strategy, stacking tips, and what’s new in points and miles. Save money on travel and travel better with Rove and credit card miles and points!

Chapters

00:00 Intro to Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast
00:44 Guest intro: Carissa Rawson, Rove Miles
02:31 New transfer partner: Miles & More
05:14 Why Miles & More matters and standout uses
11:26 Upcoming events and conferences to watch
14:55 Support, sponsors
16:13 Booking nights at Rio in Las Vegas
16:40 Rove + Rio benefits and on-property plays
17:52 Maximizing points and elite night credits
18:43 Rove updates and roadmap
21:01 Personal travel wins
22:01 Timely promos and limited offers
23:21 Fresh ideas and future prospects
25:34 Closing thoughts and next trips
28:38 Where to find more and support the show

—
🎙️ 📢 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/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Podcast Addict → https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/3497422

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …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.

👉 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. 🚀🌍💳

Rove Adds Miles & More with Carissa Rawson

Miles, Points, Casino Loyalty, Travel, and ZorkFest 2025 - Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Join host Justin Vacula on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as he discusses how to travel at low cost using points & miles and credit cards. 

Special guest Joseph Petrovic shares his experience with miles & points and the upcoming event ZorkFest 2025. Justin and Joe also delve into topics like credit card rewards, casino loyalty programs, travel, autism, and unique experiences such as high-end trips to Japan, family vacations, and cruises. 

Learn the benefits of credit cards, tips on maximizing rewards, and how events like ZorkFest offer a deep dive into miles, points, and gambling content.

00:00 Introduction to Low-Cost Travel with Points and Miles
00:46 Guest Introduction: Joseph Petrovic
02:02 Chicago Seminars Hyatt Regency Experience
02:24 The Evolution of Travel Conferences
04:39 Maximizing Credit Card Benefits
08:41 Family Travel Adventures
12:34 The Impact of Credit Cards on Travel
16:25 Navigating the Changing Travel Landscape
18:16 Exploring Train Travel and Future Plans
21:07 Combining Miles, Points, and Gambling at ZorkFest
25:15 Upcoming Events and CardPointers
28:35 Maximizing Casino Rewards
29:38 Monthly Travel Meetups
30:10 Changes in Reward Programs
31:32 Upcoming Events and Speaking Engagements
32:10 Introduction to ZorkFest
32:23 Gambling and Credit Card Strategies
34:59 ZorkFest Schedule and Sessions
40:44 Personal Experiences
50:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

—
🎙️ 📢 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/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 Podchaser → https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast-1153719

👉 Castbox → https://castbox.fm/channel/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast-id4351553?country=us

👉 …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.

👉 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. 🚀🌍💳

Miles and Points with Joseph Petrovic

Earn the Southwest Companion Pass in 2026

In this Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast episode, Justin sits down with Max Craig from Points to the Max to break down exactly how to earn and maximize the Southwest Companion Pass for 2026. 

We cover the best timing for points, which cards to open (and when), stacking strategies, and what recent program tweaks mean for your plan.

Whether you’re brand-new to points or already flying regularly, you’ll get a practical, step-by-step gameplan to secure the companion pass and squeeze maximum value from it, plus intel on routes, hubs, and event meetups to level up your travel.

What you’ll learn

The cleanest timeline to lock the 2026 Southwest Companion Pass

Which credit cards to consider and how to sequence them

Points vs. flights: the math to qualify efficiently

Recent Southwest program changes (and what still works)

Hubs, routes, and positioning strategies

Opportunity cost: when not to chase it

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:45 Meet Max Craig (Points to the Max)
02:50 Companion Pass, explained (eligibility & value)
04:49 Credit-card strategy & timing for 2026
06:10 What changed at Southwest (and what didn’t)
07:49 Qualifying: points vs. flight segments
11:22 App strategy: rules, pacing, and denials
23:35 Events, meetups, and community resources
28:47 Music City Miles & Points shoutouts
29:37 Frequent Traveler University notes
30:33 Fine print of the Companion Pass
32:55 Hubs, routes, positioning flights
34:53 Opportunity cost & alternative plays
43:10 Program benefits recap & pitfalls to avoid
43:36 Where to find Max (site & socials)
45:31 Trip planning tips & closing thoughts
51:31 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/

👉 Podbean → https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/vvdph-a3425/Hurdy-Gurdy-Travel-Podcast

👉 Pocket Casts → https://pocketcasts.com/podcasts/1a722d50-2d0a-0138-96d6-0acc26574db2?_prerender=true

👉 …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.

👉 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 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. 🚀🌍💳

Southwest Companion Pass in 2026 with Max Craig

Chase Sapphire Reserve 2026: Keep or Downgrade? | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth keeping in 2026 – or is it time to downgrade?

Join host Justin Vacula and guest Beth on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as they break down the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s changing value proposition in a world of rising annual fees and constantly shifting perks.

They walk through the major benefits one by one – including hotel credits, food delivery perks, entertainment and rideshare credits, and newer partner credits like StubHub – and talk about what they’re really worth in everyday use. 

Justin and Beth also explore downgrade paths, retention-offer strategy, cash-out options, and how the card fits into a broader points-and-miles setup in 2026.

You’ll hear practical takes, listener questions, and real-world scenarios to help you decide whether to keep the CSR, downgrade, or shift your spend elsewhere.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:45 Meet Beth
02:09 Chase Sapphire Reserve: keep, cancel, or downgrade?
02:54 Walking through the new and updated benefits
07:40 Travel credits, status perks, and how to value them
12:15 Dining, convenience store, and everyday credits
17:53 Entertainment, rideshare, and lifestyle perks
22:06 Fitness perks and lounge access in context
24:54 Are the lounge benefits really worth it?
25:16 Retention offers, fee hikes, and negotiation strategy
25:31 Cashing out points vs keeping them for travel
25:58 Upcoming events, appearances & announcements
27:39 Using CardPointers to organize and maximize rewards
28:33 Monthly meetups, listener community & social events
29:19 Frequent Traveler University and other live events
30:20 High-spend strategies with the Chase Sapphire Reserve
32:39 Smart downgrade and upgrade paths within the Chase lineup
35:42 Listener comments, questions & real-world scenarios
45:14 Future travel plans and how CSR fits (or doesn’t)
46:41 Final takeaways & farewell

—
🎙️ 📢 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.

👉 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 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. 🚀🌍💳

Keep or Downgrade the Chase Sapphire Reserve in 2026?

Maximizing Credit Card Rewards: Gift Card Reselling & Kroger Fuel Points Explained

Join host Justin Vacula on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast for a deep dive into low-cost travel using credit card rewards, gift card reselling, and Kroger fuel points. 

Special guest Gaurav Kuchhal explains how the Kroger fuel program works, how to stack it with credit card rewards, and where gift card reselling fits into the picture.

You will hear practical tips for buying and liquidating gift cards, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging loyalty programs to reduce your travel costs. 

Justin and Gaurav also talk about creative spend strategies, scaling up from casual to pro level, and highlight upcoming events like ZorkFest 2025 for people who want to take the hobby further.

Whether you are just starting with fuel points or already running serious volume, this episode offers clear examples, useful warnings, and playbook-style strategies to earn more and save more.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast
01:44 Guest introduction, Gaurav Kuchhal
03:48 Kroger Fuel Points program explained
05:46 Maximizing credit card rewards with gift cards
09:20 Practical tips for buying gift cards
15:18 Advanced strategies and scaling up
23:56 Upcoming events and meetups
29:00 Ticket sales and membership information
29:18 Part 2, gift cards and Kroger Fuel Points promo overview
29:30 Progression of spend and creative strategies
29:54 Different goals for different people
30:57 Casual buyers and high cashback cards
32:10 Regular buyers and achieving statuses
33:56 Pro buyers and maximizing profit
37:49 Handling gift card activation issues
41:39 Kroger Fuel Points and customer service tips
46:03 Upcoming sales and promotions to watch
47:37 Future travel plans and credit card strategies
51:24 Conclusion and contact information

—

Show notes:

https://www.TheWhalesClub.com

My main website:

https://www.hurdygurdytravel.com


🎙️ 📢 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.

👉 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/

—Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Kroger Fuel Points and Gift Cards with Gaurav Kuchhal

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

New tracks tagged #miles and points