Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

• TravelStories Episode 66: Aspirational Travel with Paul

  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

  --------  

  1:42:48

  --------

  1:42:48
• TravelStories Episode 65: Catching Up with Justin Vacula

  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

  --------  

  48:48

  --------

  48:48
• TravelStories Episode 64: Epic Guys Trip 2.0

  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

  --------  

  47:40

  --------

  47:40
• TravelStories Episode 63: An Icelandic Cruise

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

  --------  

  50:46

  --------

  50:46
• TravelStories Episode 62: Multiple TransAtlantic Memorial Day Weekend with Han Chicago

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

  --------  

  1:35:08

  --------

  1:35:08

More Leisure podcasts

Trending Leisure podcasts

About Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition