Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

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

Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast is a leisure podcast hosted by Justin Vacula, with 212 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Justin Vacula hosts Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, a leisure show with 212 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

  Points and Miles with Andrew Kunesh

  Aug 18, 202636 min

  Points & Miles in 2026: Bigger Bonuses, Smarter Cards, and Underrated Loyalty Programs with Andrew Kunesh Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Andrew Kunesh, a freelance points-and-miles writer and former CNN staffer, to discuss credit card rewards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, travel strategy, and Andrew’s new short-form newsletter, PNM Now: Fast News for Frequent Flyers. Andrew shares how he got started in points and miles in 2014 through r/churning, using a United Explorer Card bonus and the United Excursionist Perk to visit family in Prague. He also explains how his credit card strategy has changed over time, moving from a premium-card maximalist approach to a slimmer, more cost-effective setup, including closing his Amex Platinum Card. Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Intro Theme 00:32 Meet Andrew Kunesh 01:42 How He Started Churning 03:40 From Maximalist To Minimalist 05:23 Big Bonuses And Annual Fees 08:07 Is It Worth The Effort? 11:46 Writing For Different Audiences 12:42 Award Search And Program Wins 16:26 Ad Break And Support Links 18:42 2026 Predictions: Hyatt Premium Card 22:48 Underrated Programs: Choice, GHA, And Rove 26:42 Listener Questions: Alaska, Bilt, And Rove 29:23 Elite Status For Casual Flyers 32:12 Trips, Favorites, And Wrap Up 34:37 Outro And Closing Theme ️ 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 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits: https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY — 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 — RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/ 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/

  ListenShow Notes
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  Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

  Save Money on Dining (Better Than a $20 Burrito!)

  Aug 11, 202639 min

  Save Money Eating Out: Paze $10 Off, Amex Resy Credits, Chase DoorDash/Instacart & More Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes returning guest Beth to share practical ways to save money eating out by using credit card benefits, restaurant loyalty programs, digital wallet promos, dining credits, and travel rewards strategies. Recorded August 10, 2026, this episode focuses on ways to reduce restaurant costs without completely avoiding dining out. Justin and Beth discuss the time-sensitive Paze digital wallet promo offering $10 off purchases of $10 or more, up to 10 times per card, through early September 2026. They explain how they have used the promo at places like Dunkin’ and Wendy’s for low-cost or nearly free food. They also cover Amex Resy statement credits across multiple American Express cards and ways to make the credits easier to use. The conversation also includes Amex Gold monthly dining credits, Hilton quarterly credits that can be used for hotel dining, and Chase Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables credits. Justin and Beth also discuss Vegas dining deals, including birthday offers, MyVegas redemptions, MGM and Caesars dining options using credit card rewards. Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Intro Theme 01:18 Meet Beth 03:04 Pickup Orders to Save Money 03:33 Paze Promo Savings 06:10 Amex Resy Credits 09:18 Amex Gold Monthly Dining 11:05 Hilton Credits For Dining 12:56 Chase Exclusive Tables 14:41 Support The Show 16:52 Cheap Dining in Las Vegas 20:08 Listener Question: DoorDash And Instacart 24:55 Annual Fees And Card Math 30:15 Aeroplan Grocery Payback 33:03 Cruises And All-Inclusive Food 33:58 Panera Sip Club 34:34 Upcoming Travel 37:30 Outro And Where To Follow 38:00 Closing Theme ️ Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 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! — 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 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits: https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY — 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 — RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/ 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/

  ListenShow Notes
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  Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

  Miles and Points with Matthew Dong

  Aug 5, 202641 min

  Hilton and Hyatt Credit Card Strategy, Citi AAdvantage Executive Changes & Amex Green Strategy with Matthew Dong Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Matthew Dong to discuss building a smarter travel rewards strategy with credit cards, hotel programs, airline lounges, and upgrade opportunities. Justin and Matthew compare Hilton and Hyatt strategy, including why Matthew is expanding beyond Hyatt and focusing more on Hilton for better resort options in places like Hawaii. Matthew also explains his current Hilton Surpass Card strategy, including using referrals, buying groups, and planned spending to reach the $15,000 and $30,000 spending thresholds for Hilton free night certificates. He also discusses a possible future Hilton Surpass to Hilton Aspire upgrade to maximize resort credits, airline credits, and premium Hilton benefits. Timestamps 00:00 Points And Miles Intro 00:32 Meet Matthew Dong 01:28 Where To Find Matthew 02:13 Getting Started In Rewards 05:02 Luxury Redemptions Highlights 06:55 Hyatt and Hilton Strategy 08:50 Hilton Surpass Spend Plan 09:29 Buying Groups 14:20 Hilton and Hyatt Certificates 16:55 Show Support And Announcements 19:03 Citi AAdvantage Executive Changes 26:39 Amex Green Card Case 33:57 Transfer Partners And Bilt 36:24 Advice For Leveling Up 39:04 Wrap Up And Outro — ️ Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 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 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits: https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. Descript offers tools, including studio sound, removal of filler words, and the ability to edit from a generated transcript. https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY — 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 — RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/ 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/

  ListenShow Notes
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  Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

  Maximize Credit Card Benefits with NextCard.com | Special Guest: John Ta

  Jul 30, 202637 min

  NextCard.com Tools to Maximize Points, Miles & Credit Card Credits | Bilt, Dining Stacks, Paze & Hotel Maps Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes John from NextCard.com to discuss tools for maximizing credit card benefits, tracking statement credits, finding dining stacks, comparing hotel booking programs, and getting more value from points and miles. John explains how NextCard.com helps users manage credit card benefits and uncover stacking opportunities across programs like Bilt Rewards, Chase, Paze, dining portals, luxury hotel programs, and more. The episode covers NextCard’s maps, calculators, and tracking tools, including MealMaxxer, Bilt calculators, Bilt Mobile Dining maps, Paze credit maps, and HotelMaxxer. Liked what you heard about in the show? Use Justin's NextCard.com affiliate links: https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Intro Theme 01:04 Meet John From NextCard 01:49 What Is NextCard? 02:43 Who NextCard Is For 03:35 MealMaxer Dining Maps 04:00 Bilt Calculator Explained 05:18 Bilt Redemption Planning 06:20 How John Uses Bilt 07:26 Bilt Mobile Dining Map 08:38 Stacking Rewards Strategies 11:52 Paze And Clover Credits 13:41 Keeping Maps Updated 15:25 Chase Sapphire Reserve Dining 16:44 Hotel Maxer Overview 17:57 Using Hotel Credits 19:22 Free Vs. Pro Features 20:06 Automation And Security 20:47 Support the Show 22:49 Upcoming Features Roadmap 26:14 App Plans For iOS And Android 26:33 DoorDash Credit Map 28:25 Listener Question: P2 Accounts 30:00 More Tools, Maps, And Bonuses 33:33 Japan Trip Bonus Math 35:12 Wrap Up And Credits — ️ Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: 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 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy Sign up for NextCard Pro features to maximize your credit card benefits: https://www.nextcard.com/affiliates/hurdygurdytravel Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY — 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 — RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/ 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/

  ListenShow Notes
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  Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

  Bilt Bulletin | July 2026

  Jul 24, 202636 min

  Bilt Bulletin July 2026 | Palladium Card Value, Alaska Transfers, Bilt Cash Expiration & More Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast is joined by returning co-host Darren covering the latest Bilt Rewards updates, Bilt Palladium Card strategy, Bilt Cash expiration concerns, and tools from NextCard that help Bilt users. Justin and Darren explain how Bilt Rewards works as a loyalty program with credit cards, transfer partners, and ways to earn rewards on rent and mortgage payments. They focus on the Bilt Palladium Card, including its 2X earning structure, value from Bilt Cash redemptions, hotel credits, and the ability to earn points paying rent or mortgage. Justin shares his first transfer from Bilt to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, using points to book Philadelphia to Savannah flights for 7,500 points each way. Darren also discusses heavy Alaska mileage usage for family travel and a business-class redemption. They also review progress toward Bilt Platinum status, spending stats, and whether Bilt Cash expiration at year-end may reduce late-year card spend. Justin and Darren discuss why cardholders may want to redeem Bilt Cash aggressively before expiration rather than letting value go unused. Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Intro 01:25 Bilt Program Basics 02:37 Palladium Card Highlights 05:27 Earn Points on Rent And Mortgage Payments 06:37 Real Redemptions: Alaska Flights 09:28 Spend Stats And Status Progress 13:49 Bilt Cash Expiration Concerns 19:33 Support The Show 22:13 NextCard.com Tools For Bilt 25:43 Upgrade And Downgrade Questions 30:00 Rakuten Card Earns Bilt Points 33:01 Wrap Up And Listener Feedback 34:00 Outro And Credits — ️ 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 Use my Savewise affiliate link to activate grocery coupons, maximize shopping portals, and more: https://getsavewise.com/pro?ref=hurdygurdy Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events, including virtual seminars: https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link: www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9 Use my AutoPilot affiliate link to save points, miles, and money with this flight rebooking tool https://www.withautopilot.com/?partner=HurdyGurdy Use my Descript referral link to edit your podcast episodes, videos, and more. https://descript.cello.so/yiM83psckcY — 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 ✨ Bonus content — RSVP for monthly in-person meetups in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/ 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/

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

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