Love It or Leave It

Award Travel 101

This week Mike reconnects with Erin Kilpatrick, a former corporate worker who has embraced the nomadic lifestyle, which she detailed in Episode 35.
Erin shares her recent travels in Guatemala, where she’s enjoying the local culture and maximizing her rewards points. The main topic, "Love It or Leave It," focuses on evaluating credit cards and deciding which ones to keep or let go, particularly for maximizing travel rewards.

The Award Travel 1-on-1 consultation service, which Erin has recently joined to provide personalized guidance on award travel strategies is discussed. These sessions cover the basics of points and miles, award search methods, and credit card strategies. Mike and Erin conduct a mock consultation to give listeners a feel for what to expect, focusing on their own credit card strategies and goals while giving reminders like how to calculate 5/24. Erin, for instance, considers dropping her Hilton Surpass card due to changing travel needs, while Mike contemplates parting ways with his Chase Sapphire Reserve.

They share key takeaways, encouraging listeners to evaluate how credit card benefits fit their travel patterns and emphasizing the value of earning transferable points. As they discuss their future strategies, Mike and Erin underscore the importance of consulting with someone knowledgeable to tailor a personalized rewards approach.
Links to Cards Discussed

• Amex Hilton Surpass and Hilton Business Cards
• Chase World of Hyatt Personal Card
• Chase World of Hyatt Business Card
• Amex Green (and family restrictions)
• Citi Strata Premier
• Chase Sapphire Reserve

Where to Find Us

1. The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at [e-mail]
4. Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist.

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