Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

• TravelStories Episode 54: Looking Back at Covid Lockdowns with Chris

  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] “My first points flight was in 1989.” — Chris [01:32:08] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Chicago Seminars Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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• TravelStories Episode 53: Aspirational Flying with Han Chicago

  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 DC | @AvGeek4All Qatar Airways Oman Air Emirates Qantas American Airlines Cathay Pacific Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Event TravelStories Episode 30: First Time Istanbul Visit with Han Layovers Podcast Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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• TravelStories Episode 52: A Trip Down Under

  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 Park Hyatt | Auckland SailGP InterContinental | Sydney Andy's Travel Blog Butterboy Taronga Zoo Hyatt Regency | Sydney Healesville Sanctuary Sydney Opera House Paddy's Markets Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X Milenomics | Podcasts

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• TravelStories Episode 51: Everyday Carry

  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 3 in 2 USB C Cable | Amazon VASCO Compression Packing Cubes for Travel Muji | Bags Kenneth Cole | Reaction Bellroy Lufthansa | First Class Pat & Mike on X Aēsop | Travel lululemon American Express Google Fi Wireless T-Mobile | International Roaming Plans Nomad eSIM GigSky Cellular at Sea Anker Unidapt Universal Travel Adapter | Amazon Momax Baseus Microsoft | Surface Dell | Pay Credits TP-Link | Travel Router Rapid Travel Chai Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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• TravelStories Episode 50: Points, Perks, and Possibilities with Joey Redmond

  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.” — @joeyredmond [1:04:15] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Joey Redmond Joey Redmond on Instagram Joey Redmond on Twitter Travel Bros Podcast Travel Bros Podcast on Instagram Travel Bros Podcast on Facebook Travel Bros Podcast on X Travel Bros Podcast on YouTube Travel Bros Podcast on TikTok Alaska Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Dots, Lines & Destinations American Airlines Loyalty Status Co Mark Ross-Smith on X View from the Wing IHG® IHG® Ambassador Program One Mile at a Time Small Luxury Hotels of the World Fast Track Service Grace Bay Resorts Leading Hotels of the World Virtuoso Episode 8: Epic Guys Trip Episode 42: The Points Guy is Bilt for Rewards with Richard Kerr Milenomics Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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