The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey

The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey is your inside pass to traveling better, farther, and more luxuriously using points, miles, and smart travel strategies. Hosted by financial advisor and world traveler DeAndre Coke alongside his wife and travel partner Taryn Gisbert, the show explores how everyday people are unlocking bucket-list experiences around the world—often for a fraction of the normal cost. Each episode features conversations with travelers, creators, families, and industry experts who share practical strategies, unforgettable stories, and the real-world systems they use to maximize travel rewards, airline miles, hotel points, elite status, and credit card perks. From flying international business class and staying in overwater villas in the Maldives to navigating family travel, destination deep dives, and hidden luxury experiences, The BoldlyGo Podcast blends inspiration with actionable advice for travelers at every level. You’ll hear stories from couples who booked five-star honeymoons almost entirely on points, families exploring the world without breaking the bank, and travelers who’ve learned how to turn everyday spending into extraordinary adventures. If you’re just getting started with points & miles or already optimizing complex award travel itineraries, this podcast helps you travel smarter, spend intentionally, and experience more of the world. Subscribe now and join a growing community of travelers learning how to travel well and live boldly.

  1. 2d ago

    Quick Hits: This American Airlines Trick Can Earn You 25,000 Bonus Miles & More!

    This week's Quick Hits comes straight from Brussels as DeAndre records from the Steigenberger Wiltcher's ahead of an action-packed weekend at Tomorrowland. Before diving into the latest points and miles news, he shares an important reminder about positioning flights after weather disruptions nearly derailed their journey to Belgium. Their experience reinforces why arriving a day early can save an entire international trip, especially when unexpected delays hit. On the news front, DeAndre covers a lucrative American Airlines AAdvantage Business promotion that can earn eligible households up to 50,000 bonus miles, explains a clever way to consolidate AAdvantage Business miles between travelers, and highlights Flighty's newest predictive gate technology, which continues to make it one of his favorite travel apps. He wraps up with the highest-ever welcome offer on the World of Hyatt Personal Visa Card, then teases upcoming reviews of Brussels and Tomorrowland, and how they maximized Fine Hotels + Resorts credits during the trip. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro: Recording Live From Brussels Before Tomorrowland (00:43) Why Positioning Flights Can Save Your Entire Trip (02:10) 25,000 AAdvantage Business Miles Promotion (03:15) A Clever Way to Share American Airlines Business Miles (04:10) Flighty's New Predictive Gate Technology (06:20) Highest Ever Hyatt Personal Card Bonus (06:50) Tomorrowland Preview and Brussels Plans (07:21) Final Thoughts and What's Coming Next Key takeaways: Positioning Flights: Arriving the night before an international departure can protect your trip when delays or cancellations disrupt your original plans.AAdvantage Business Bonus: Eligible new AAdvantage Business members can earn 25,000 bonus miles, with some couples able to generate 50,000 miles through separate enrollments.Mileage Pooling Strategy: The AAdvantage Business program offers an easy way to direct business earned miles to another traveler within your household.Flighty Upgrade: Flighty now predicts airport gates in addition to flight delays, helping travelers navigate large international airports more efficiently.Predictive Alerts: Flighty's delay predictions continue to notify travelers well before airlines announce schedule changes.Best Ever Hyatt Offer: The World of Hyatt Personal Visa Card now features its strongest public welcome bonus to date. Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Resources: BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationPodcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

  2. 4d ago

    Our Biggest Points & Miles Moves So Far in 2026 (Ep. 135)

    In this episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre and Taryn pull back the curtain on exactly what their points and miles strategy has looked like so far this year. They share the credit cards they've opened, the massive welcome bonuses they've earned, and the transfer opportunities they jumped on before valuable promotions disappeared. From Bilt's 100% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines and Citi's Preferred Hotels transfer ratio before devaluation, to Hilton free night certificate strategies and American Airlines loyalty planning, they explain the thought process behind every decision instead of simply listing card recommendations. The episode also shifts from earning points to putting them into action with a long weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. DeAndre and Taryn review their first experience flying Breeze Airways, break down their Hilton hotel redemption, and share why Charleston quickly became one of their favorite food destinations in the United States. Along the way, they discuss buying points when the math works, balancing multiple hotel loyalty programs, and how thoughtful planning continues to create luxury travel experiences for a fraction of the retail cost. Rather than focusing on one perfect strategy, this episode offers a real time snapshot of how experienced travelers continuously adapt, diversify, and maximize every opportunity throughout the year. Timestamps: (00:00) Why This Is Our Biggest Mid Year Strategy Update (03:51) Every Credit Card We Opened This Year (05:49) Bilt Rewards and the Japan Airlines Transfer Bonus (09:26) Amex Business Platinum and Hilton Strategy (14:04) Citi Transfer Bonuses Before the Devaluation (17:59) When Buying Points Actually Makes Sense (22:21) Flying Breeze Airways to Charleston (31:13) Our Hilton Hotel Stay Using Points (36:30) The Best Food We Ate in Charleston (43:23) Final Lessons From Our Mid Year Points & Miles Strategy Key Highlights: Bilt Strategy: DeAndre shares why the Bilt Mastercard has become one of his favorite cards thanks to strong transfer partners and a 100% Japan Airlines transfer bonus.Credit Card Openings: Learn why the couple added cards like the Bilt Mastercard, American Airlines Globe, Amex Business Platinum, and multiple Hilton cards this year.Transfer Opportunities: Hear how they locked in valuable transfers before Citi reduced its Preferred Hotels and Choice transfer ratios.Buying Points: Discover why buying hotel points can sometimes deliver incredible value when redemption costs outweigh purchase prices.Hilton Diversification: Find out why they're intentionally expanding beyond Hyatt and building balances with Hilton and IHG.Charleston Getaway: Get a complete review of their first Breeze Airways flight, Hilton redemption, and favorite experiences around Charleston.Luxury Food Scene: Charleston impressed with outstanding restaurants, oysters, caviar, Southern cuisine, and memorable dining experiences.Mid Year Strategy Review: See how experienced points collectors constantly adjust their approach as welcome bonuses, transfer bonuses, and loyalty programs evolve. Resources: BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationCheck out our Podcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo Blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

  3. 6d ago

    We Dove With 30+ Bull Sharks in Fiji [YouTube Bonus]

    In this YouTube bonus episode of BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke takes viewers beneath the surface of Beqa Lagoon for one of the most unforgettable experiences of the honeymoon: diving in open water with more than 30 bull sharks and no cage. The episode begins by explaining why Beqa Lagoon has become the world's premier destination for bull shark diving. DeAndre shares the unique geography, shark behavior, and conservation efforts that make encounters incredibly consistent while also highlighting the operator that made him feel comfortable enough to take the plunge despite his initial hesitation. The review then walks through every stage of the experience, from the extensive safety briefing and underwater setup to the specially designed "Coliseum" dive site that creates a much safer environment than traditional open sand dives. DeAndre also shares a few honest criticisms, including why the excursion may not be the best choice for newly certified divers and the one part of the dive that felt the most stressful. Finally, the episode breaks down the overall cost of the experience, explains how points and miles made room in the honeymoon budget for a bucket-list adventure, and delivers an honest verdict on one of the most thrilling dives either of them has ever completed. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro: The Most Dangerous Adventure of Our Honeymoon (01:54) Why Beqa Lagoon Is the World's #1 Bull Shark Dive (04:24) Why We Chose Coral Coast Divers (05:13) Inside the Famous "Coliseum" Shark Dive (06:47) Ad: SpotMinders (07:46) Cost, Booking & What to Expect (10:08) Face to Face with 30+ Bull Sharks (13:04) Final Verdict: Would We Do It Again? Key takeaways: A true bucket-list adventure: Diving with over 30 bull sharks became the most unforgettable experience of the honeymoon.Safety comes first: The extensive briefing and Coliseum dive design created a highly controlled environment.Choose the right operator: Coral Coast Divers stood out for conservation, professionalism, and experienced guides.Experience matters: Divers with more underwater experience will feel far more comfortable during the dive.The adrenaline is real: The descent, shark encounters, and ascent create an unforgettable rush from start to finish.Points funded the adventure: Smart travel strategies made room in the budget for this once-in-a-lifetime excursion.One dive was enough: It was an incredible experience they would recommend, but one perfect dive felt complete. Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Resources: We Dove With 30+ Bull Sharks in Fiji [YouTube Vlog]Fiji Bull Shark Diving: What Beqa Lagoon Is Really Like [Blog Post]BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationCheck out our Podcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo Blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

  4. Jul 10

    Quick Hits: This Tool Fights Airlines To Get Compensation For You When Problems Arise & More!

    This week’s Quick Hits is packed with practical travel tools, useful updates, and a look ahead at one of the biggest trips of the year. DeAndre introduces a new partnership with AirAdvisor, a service that helps travelers claim compensation directly from airlines after delays, cancellations, baggage issues, and denied boarding, making it easier to recover money many passengers never realize they're entitled to. He also shares a new interactive map that helps Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders locate Sapphire Reserve Tables restaurants, Resy dining options, and airport lounges based on where they're actually staying. The episode also covers a small fee increase for Alaska Mileage Plan partner award bookings, a limited time DoorDash discount worth grabbing, and an exciting preview of DeAndre and Taryn's upcoming adventure to Tomorrowland in Belgium. From booking business class flights with points to planning restaurants and experiences in Brussels, this episode combines practical travel resources with a behind the scenes look at another bucket list trip fueled by points and miles. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro + Quick Hits Overview (00:24) New AirAdvisor Partnership Explained (01:22) Travel Insurance vs. Airline Compensation (03:44) New Sapphire Reserve Restaurant Map Tool (05:29) Alaska Mileage Plan Raises Partner Award Fees (06:15) DoorDash Promo Code Worth Using (06:39) Planning Our Tomorrowland Belgium Trip (07:42) Belgium Travel Plans Key takeaways: AirAdvisor Partnership: A new tool helps travelers claim airline compensation for delays, cancellations, baggage issues, and denied boarding with no upfront cost.Travel Insurance vs. Compensation: Airline compensation claims are different from travel insurance and can provide additional payouts many travelers overlook.Restaurant Mapping Tool: A free interactive map makes it easier to find Chase Sapphire Reserve Tables restaurants, Resy locations, and lounges near your hotel.Alaska Fee Increase: Alaska Mileage Plan increased partner award booking fees from $12.50 to $20 each way on partner airlines.DoorDash Discount: Use promo code BITE25 for 25% off eligible DoorDash orders over $15, up to a $10 discount.Tomorrowland Trip: DeAndre shares the travel strategy behind their upcoming Belgium trip, including business class flights, hotel bookings, and festival plans. Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Resources: AirAdvisor - airline compensation toolCreditEats - find where your dining credit worksBoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationPodcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

  5. Jul 8

    Is Hyatt Globalist Actually Worth It? My Full Mattress Run Analysis (Ep. 134)

    In this solo episode of the BoldlyGo podcast, DeAndre Coke pulls back the curtain on one of the most requested topics in the points and miles world: his Hyatt Globalist mattress run. He shares exactly how nearly two years of planning, strategic American Airlines status, and carefully timed Hyatt stays helped him earn Globalist through an accelerated challenge instead of the traditional 60-night route. DeAndre breaks down every part of the journey, including the virtual hotel stays he booked but never slept in, how much the entire mattress run actually cost, and why he believed the investment could pay off. He then walks through every major Hyatt stay throughout the following year, calculating the dollar value of suite upgrades, complimentary breakfast, parking, late checkout, waived resort fees, club lounge access, and other elite perks to determine if chasing Globalist status truly made financial sense. Rather than simply celebrating elite status, this episode delivers an honest analysis of the numbers behind the strategy. DeAndre explains where Hyatt Globalist exceeded expectations, where it fell short, and the factors every traveler should consider before pursuing hotel status. If you've ever wondered whether a mattress run is worth the investment or simply wanted an inside look at one of the industry's most talked-about elite programs, this episode provides a complete behind-the-scenes breakdown. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro: Why I Booked Hotel Rooms I Never Slept In (04:00) Why I Finally Chased Hyatt Globalist Status (05:12) How My Travel Style Changed After Meeting Taryn (09:10) Using American Airlines Status to Unlock the Hyatt Challenge (12:06) Planning the Perfect Mattress Run Strategy (18:19) My Virtual Hotel Stays and Total Mattress Run Cost (19:36) First Place We Stayed After Receiving Globalist Status (23:04) Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Globalist Experience (29:27) Suite Upgrades, Free Breakfast, Parking, and Late Checkout (31:08) Did Hyatt Globalist Actually Pay for Itself? (36:33) How Can You Recreate Your Own Mattress Run? (40:06) Final Verdict: Would I Chase Hyatt Globalist Again? Key Highlights: DeAndre's Globalist Journey: Learn how nearly two years of planning and an American Airlines status challenge opened the door to Hyatt Globalist.Mattress Run Breakdown: Discover exactly how virtual hotel stays were booked, managed, and used to complete the Globalist challenge.Real Cost Analysis: See the true cash and points investment required to earn Hyatt Globalist.Suite Upgrade Value: Compare the retail value of upgraded rooms versus standard bookings across multiple Hyatt stays.Elite Benefit Review: Explore how complimentary breakfast, parking, late checkout, club access, and waived fees contributed to the overall value.Status Strategy: Understand why timing Hyatt promotions and airline status matches can dramatically reduce qualification requirements.Solo Traveler Perspective: Hear why hotel status wasn't a priority until luxury travel became a larger part of DeAndre's travel style.Honest Verdict: Find out if the total value earned actually exceeded the cost of pursuing Hyatt Globalist. Resources: BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationCheck out our Podcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo Blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

  6. Jul 3

    Quick Hits: MaxFHR Just Got Better, Avianca Lifemiles Just Got Worse & More!

    This week's Quick Hits covers several valuable updates across the world of points, miles, and travel. DeAndre shares a useful enhancement to MaxFHR that now includes Bilt's Home Away From Home hotel benefits, making it easier to compare premium hotel programs in one place. He also highlights a new American Airlines policy that automatically issues meal vouchers during qualifying delays, along with a simple trick to save those vouchers for future use at places like Starbucks or Chick-fil-A. The episode also covers a creative opportunity to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital while earning rewards, targeted Chase spending offers, a disappointing change to Avianca LifeMiles Plus, multiple transfer bonuses from Amex and Capital One, Rove's newest transfer partner, and an update to Clear pricing. If you're looking to maximize your rewards and stay on top of the latest travel developments, this episode is packed with practical tips worth knowing. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome & Quick Hits Overview (00:41) MaxFHR Adds Bilt Home Away From Home Benefits (03:26) American Airlines Automatic Meal Vouchers & Hidden Trick (04:59) Payz Donation Opportunity Supporting St. Jude (06:04) New Targeted Chase Spending Offers (06:59) Avianca LifeMiles Removes Free Cancellation Benefit (08:19) New Amex & Capital One Transfer Bonuses (09:53) Rove Adds Frontier Airlines as a Transfer Partner (10:37) Clear Membership Price Increase (11:12) Final Thoughts & Upcoming Belgium Trip Key takeaways: MaxFHR Update: MaxFHR now includes Bilt Home Away From Home benefits alongside Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Collection searches.American Airlines Meal Vouchers: Eligible flight delays now trigger automatic $12 meal vouchers sent directly to AAdvantage members.Voucher Hack: American Airlines meal vouchers can be loaded into apps like Starbucks or Chick-fil-A for future use.St. Jude Opportunity: Some cardholders can donate through Domino's using Payz, earn rewards, and potentially receive statement credits.Targeted Chase Offers: Chase has released new bonus spending promotions across several co branded airline and hotel cards.LifeMiles Change: Avianca removed the free cancellation benefit for new LifeMiles Plus subscribers.Transfer Bonuses: Amex added new transfer bonuses to Virgin Atlantic and Hilton Honors, while Capital One is offering a bonus to EVA Air.Rove Expansion: Rove continues adding transfer partners with Frontier Airlines joining the platform.Clear Pricing: Clear membership pricing increased, but Amex will continue covering the full annual fee for eligible cardholders.Travel Planning Tips: Several new hotel tools and transfer bonuses create additional opportunities for travelers planning upcoming trips. Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Resources: Check your Chase Bonus PromotionsBoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationPodcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

  7. Jul 1

    How to Book Business Class to Asia for a Family Using Points & Miles with Maria Fung (Ep. 133)

    Finding two business class award seats can already be a challenge. Finding four, five, or even six for an entire family during school breaks is a completely different game. In this episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre sits down with Maria Fung, to break down her proven strategy for helping families book premium cabin travel to Asia using points and miles. From choosing the right airline programs and building the right transferable points currencies to understanding award release timing and repositioning flights, Maria shares the framework she uses to consistently unlock opportunities that many travelers never realize exist. The conversation goes far beyond Japan, exploring why destinations across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand deserve a place on every family's travel list. Maria also debunks common misconceptions about traveling to Asia, explains why programs like EVA Air deserve far more attention, and reveals how intentional planning can dramatically improve your chances of booking multiple premium cabin seats together. If family award travel has ever felt impossible, this episode offers a practical roadmap to make it happen. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro: Why Family Award Travel Is So Different (04:29) Meet Maria Fung and Her Family Travel Mission (08:55) Why More Families Should Travel to Asia (12:03) Debunking Common Myths About Asia Travel (14:27) Maria's Four Step Framework for Booking Family Awards (20:42) Choosing the Right Points Currency for Asia (23:53) Best Transfer Partners and Airline Programs (29:28) Award Timing and Finding Multiple Seats (32:56) Why is Maria a Big Fan of EVA Air (37:55) Which Currencies Transfer to EVA Air (40:51) More Amazing Tips for Booking Premium Family Travel to Asia (48:29) Maria’s Favorite Hotel Points & Miles Redemptions Key Highlights: Family Award Strategy: Booking premium cabins for families requires a completely different approach than booking for one or two travelers.Think Beyond Japan: Asia offers incredible value, family friendly destinations, excellent transportation, and outstanding safety across many countries.EVA Air Advantage: EVA Air is one of the strongest yet most overlooked programs for family award travel to Asia.Repositioning Flights: Expanding departure airports dramatically increases award availability.Intentional Points Strategy: Build transferable points based on your destination goals instead of simply collecting the most popular currencies.Timing Matters: Families have the best chance of securing multiple seats by booking when award calendars first open.Best Transfer Partners: Citi ThankYou Points, Capital One Miles, Amex Membership Rewards, and Bilt Rewards each play an important role for Asia travel.Flexible Planning: Success often comes from balancing cabin preferences, routing options, and family priorities.Asia Misconceptions: Many concerns about safety and cost are outdated and don't reflect today's travel experience.Family First Mindset: The goal isn't always the cheapest redemption. It's creating memorable trips the entire family can actually book together. Resources: BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationCheck out our Podcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo Blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.worldWebsite: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels Connect with Maria Fung: Website: mariapointstheway.comFacebook: MariaPointsTheWayInstagram: mariapointstheway Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

  8. Jun 29

    We Booked This Fiji Dream Resort for HALF PRICE?! (Nanuku Resort Full Review) [YouTube Bonus]

    In this YouTube bonus episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke takes listeners inside Nanuku Resort, one of Fiji's premier luxury resorts, and explains how they cut the cost of a four-night stay by more than 50% using points and travel strategies. The episode covers everything from the resort's stunning 500-acre beachfront property and authentic Fijian hospitality to its incredible dining, cultural experiences, and family-friendly amenities. One of the biggest surprises was the complimentary one-to-one nanny program for children under eight, allowing parents to truly relax while their kids enjoy immersive cultural activities. DeAndre also shares an honest look at the few challenges they encountered, including a room issue that ultimately showcased the resort's exceptional customer service through a complimentary villa upgrade and thoughtful recovery. The review concludes with the exact booking strategy, including how Hilton Honors points, elite status, and promotional point purchases helped reduce the cost of a $4,300 stay to around $2,000 while unlocking complimentary breakfast and additional perks. From honeymooners and divers to families looking for an unforgettable luxury vacation, this episode explains why Nanuku Resort stands out as one of Fiji's most memorable destinations. Timestamps: (00:00) YouTube Bonus Episode Intro (01:34) Nanuku Resort Overview (02:26) First Impressions & Traditional Fijian Welcome (04:02) Resort Tour, Bikes & Tropical Setting (05:28) Why Families Love Nanuku's Free Childcare (07:47) Dining & Honest Food Review (09:33) Resort Activities & Cultural Experiences (10:50) Villa Tour (11:35) The Unexpected Room Issue (14:25) How We Saved Over 50% on Our Stay (16:53) Flying Out from Nanuku's Private Airstrip (17:53) Final Verdict: Is Nanuku Worth It? Key takeaways: Authentic Fijian hospitality: The warm welcome and cultural experiences made this stay unlike any other resort.Perfect for families: Complimentary one-to-one childcare is one of the best perks in luxury family travel.Excellent dining: Fresh seafood, themed dinners, and consistently high-quality meals exceeded expectations.Outstanding service recovery: A minor room issue led to a complimentary villa upgrade and exceptional customer care.Activities beyond the beach: Cultural performances, snorkeling, diving, and outdoor adventures keep every day exciting.Smart booking strategy: Hilton points and elite benefits cut the cost of the stay by more than half.Luxury with personality: Nanuku delivers a relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing five-star service. Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads Get a travel insurance quote here Resources: We Booked This Fiji Dream Resort for HALF PRICE?! (Nanuku Resort Full Review) (YouTube Vlog)Nanuku Resort Fiji Review: Using Hilton Points for Luxury Villas, Fijian Culture, and Exceptional Service (Blog post)BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationCheck out our Podcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo Blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game: Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount! Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.world Website: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravels Mentioned in this episode: Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below. Voyascape Podcast Network

4.8
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey is your inside pass to traveling better, farther, and more luxuriously using points, miles, and smart travel strategies. Hosted by financial advisor and world traveler DeAndre Coke alongside his wife and travel partner Taryn Gisbert, the show explores how everyday people are unlocking bucket-list experiences around the world—often for a fraction of the normal cost. Each episode features conversations with travelers, creators, families, and industry experts who share practical strategies, unforgettable stories, and the real-world systems they use to maximize travel rewards, airline miles, hotel points, elite status, and credit card perks. From flying international business class and staying in overwater villas in the Maldives to navigating family travel, destination deep dives, and hidden luxury experiences, The BoldlyGo Podcast blends inspiration with actionable advice for travelers at every level. You’ll hear stories from couples who booked five-star honeymoons almost entirely on points, families exploring the world without breaking the bank, and travelers who’ve learned how to turn everyday spending into extraordinary adventures. If you’re just getting started with points & miles or already optimizing complex award travel itineraries, this podcast helps you travel smarter, spend intentionally, and experience more of the world. Subscribe now and join a growing community of travelers learning how to travel well and live boldly.

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