Cheapskate Vegas: A Vegas Podcast for Low Rollers: Recent Episodes
Adam Bauer
I finally get around to revisiting my December 2023 trip, beyond my sore throat, questionable audio quality, and note crumpling, here's what you can expect to hear about: * MGM Grand * Rich Little Piggies * Power Push * Golden Knights * Bellagio Suite * Sahara * Park MGM
I have other Vegas stuff at CheapskateVegas.com
My buddy Han and I discuss Resorts World, Bellagio, and NoMad. The title isn't clickbait. It's really all we discuss.
Go to cheapskatevegas.com to see some more stuff. Or follow me on Twitter @travelfanboy to see other stuff.
Thanks for listening.
In this episode, I'm joined by Chris and Josh of the Crap Vegas podcast to talk about exactly that, craps in Las Vegas. They host a great show and you should definitely check it out if craps is your game. We talk about expanding your bankroll as conditions have changed and where we like to play, including Wynn, Treasure Island, Flamingo, Resorts World and more. Find us on Twitter and let us know where you like to play: @TravelFanboy @smallwhale13
@vegasduffy Find more Vegas content at Cheapskatevegas.com.
Thanks for listening.
In this episode I chat with my buddy Han about his recent travels. We discuss:
- Flying up front for cheap
- Wynn
- Resorts World Vegas opening
- NoMad and Park MGM
- Dealing with bulges
Note*
This episode was recorded in early July (2020). Some information, especially talks around masks and mandates, may have changed between recording and publishing.
Hey friends. I'm taking the month of May off for some needed family bonding. FanSon and Mom are doing great. Thanks to everyone who has reached out already.
You can still find me interacting online and the TFB Newsletter is still going.
Have a good May!
In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Vegas Advantage's John Mehaffey about the current table game conditions in Las Vegas and the best values for players. You can listen in most places where podcasts are found. A massive thanks to John for joining me. Vegas Advantage is a fantastic resource and he's a wealth of information.
Here's some of what we discuss:
- Current conditions
- Where low rollers should go
- Best spots for those comfortable with $25+ minimums
- Our favorite casinos up and down the Strip
- Some good off-Strip casinos worth considering
Make sure to follow John and Kristina's on Twitter:
John Mehaffey Twitter
Kristina Mehaffey Twitter
Vegas Advantage Twitter
If you're interested in giving me $3 a month to email you, here's how you can make that happen:
TFB Newsletter
Thanks for listening. Keep crunching those numbers.
It's a bankroll building extravaganza. I have three things I keep in mind when building a bankroll:
- Have a separate account
- Establish a number and automate
- Have rules and follow them
I mention I like SoFi for my separate gambling account. I have a referral link below if you're interested. This doesn't drive my mention of them in this episode. I've used SoFi Money for over a year as my 'vacation fund' and I have no major complaints. Choose a separate account that works best for you and your needs.
Links for things mentioned in the show:
Discord Server - Red Chip Travelers
Newsetter - TFB Vegas Newsletter
SoFi - TFB referral bonus
In this off the cuff episode, I discuss the sale of Las Vegas Sands' assets and the future of Las Vegas.
I also wax poetic about the Vegas entertainers of yesteryear, the want for more deep theming, and the city's unique opportunity to capture America's attention again.
*I neglected to note this in the episode but it's probably important--I'm a Las Vegas Sands shareholder at the time of this recording.
The sportsbook and the big board can be a confusing thing. Have no anxiety though -- Sportsbook Tom helps us understand what all the numbers mean and guides us through making our first football bet. We also talk about good Vegas sportsbooks and take some live chat questions.
Find Sportsbook Tom here:
The Vegas Parlay
@sportsbooktom
Join the Red Chip Travelers Discord Server to be a part of the next show:
Red Chip Travelers invite link
Thanks for listening. Crunch those numbers. May your math not be faulty.
In this episode we dispel the notion that casual gamblers are "attacking" the casino. Really, our strategies are more playing styles that act as loss mitigation techniques. I use an interesting /gambling Reddit post as inspiration.
Thanks to Arcade High for the music: https://arcadehigh.bandcamp.com/track/kingdom
Have a great new year, everyone.
Bethany and I discuss
- earning status
- easy ways to rack up tier credits
- credit card shortcuts
- questions from the chat
You can see the live stream on the Bougie Miles YouTube channel.
Thanks for listening. Be sure to follow on the socials so you can be informed on when our next live casino chat will be. Be good to each other!
In this episode, I chat with friends Han and Joe about the future of points and miles, what we think is overrated in the travel world, and force Han to choose a side.
Timestamps:
5:18 - Han's unpopular travel opinion (transpacific economy)
10:09 - Joe's unpopular travel opinion (kids should fly wherever they want)
16:22 - Adam's unpopular travel opinion (loyalty points are overrated)
24:59 - Affiliate blogs going forward
36:30 - Token gambling segment
38:12 - How we're saving money for future travel in these times
49:28 - One good thing
A big thanks to @AstheJoeFlies for editing this show.
Also, thanks to you all for listening, the constant support, and the fun interactions. I hope you're well. Be good to each other.
In this episode, I'm joined by writer, points and miles expert, and blue check mark having JT Genter. We talk being a digital nomad, underappreciated programs and debate when thoughts and prayers are necessary for travel writer complaints.
Be sure to follow JT on Twitter
Big thanks to this episode's editor, @lordluceus. Reach out to Franjo on Twitter if you ever need any audio production help.
Thanks to everyone for listening. Be safe. Be good to each other.
In this episode, I'm joined by Sergio of Viva Las Value. He gets me caught up on all things happening in low rollerdom in Las Vegas.
Quick notes:
- The April Biloxi trip has been postponed
- Las Vegas Happy Hour list is moving to Viva Las Value
- Sergio and I discuss:
- Good promos
- Our favorite table games
- Sergio's favorite cheap eats in Vegas
Be sure to follow Viva Las Value on Twitter!
Thanks for listening everyone. Be good to each other!
In this episode, I cover a myriad of topics which include:
- the scene's appetite for credit
- getting things right
- why annual fees matter
- planning a $1000 Vegas trip
- value based destinations
- TFB's Craps and Laughs
Big thanks to the Bunker members, social followers, and other content consumers.
For more TFB:
travelfanboy.com
@travelfanboy
Patreon.com/travelfanboy
Safe travels. Be good to each other.
For this episode I want to look back on 2019, some of the highlights of things I’ve seen and learned and then look ahead to 2020 to help galvanize you and me to try something different and employ some strategies to make travelling more enjoyable and hopefully a little less expensive.
Let’s go back and look at some of my favorites of this past year:
Best hotel stay:
Aria
- Gorgeous
- Well appointed rooms, as one would expect
- I like the way the casino feels---it’s very open, fresh looking
- Maybe the most comfortable bed in Vegas
- Booked through Chase LHRC
- Rate was just above $100
- Priority check-in
- $100 f&b credit---used at Carbone
- $30 breakfast credit
If you are interested in adding bank provided booking portals to your travel repertoire in 2020, start off right by checking out a recent post by BW on BougieMiles.com about the Mastercard Luxury Hotel and Resorts Portfolio. It’s underreported, but can be just as good if not better than FHR and LHRC.
Ok everyone, let’s go over these booking portals one more time:
Amex = Fine Hotels and Resorts
Chase = Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
Mastercard = Luxury Hotel and Resorts Portfolio
Are we having fun yet?
We’ll get to this again a little later
Best meal of 2019
Alinea
- Pricey---$600 a couple and up
- A true food “experience”
- Over a half dozen courses
- A trip to the kitchen to see the show
- It’s a world renowned restaurant and while I like to promote budget conscious choices, it’s sometimes fun to splurge
Honorable mention: Carbone
- Wonderful, delicious Italian
- Calm, pretty atmosphere
- I had great company on my visit
- Great Italian food is hard to beat
- Penne with vodka is a must
Best gambling experience:
Craps at the Cal
- A Vegas Vacation meet up
- Many of the gambling podcast community’s greatest were there
- Me, of course
- YCBOT
- BunBoy
- 360 Vegas crew
- Most importantly, great community members as well
- Dynamite session---I think I tripled up
- All this despite only 2x odds
Best points and miles learning:
Status Match Galore
- MilesTalk has a great rundown
- Being able to finagle the system in a way that one elite hotel status grants top tier status in a plethora of other networks
- Caesars Diamond and MLife Gold are great examples
- Make sure to use your $100 celebration dinner before Jan 31
- Also match back to Wyndham in January as well
For 2020:
- Do a credit card audit early in the year
- Are you using all the benefits of your cards?
- Annual fees are a “travel membership” you’re paying
- If you have $1200 in cc annual fees, you’re paying $100 a month for that membership
- Is it worth it?
- Do you have benefits that overlap?
- Is it time to close a card?
- Be aware of credit score considerations
- Are cheaper alternatives available?
- Are you using all the benefits of your cards?
- I’ll likely dump the Amex Platinum this year
- It’s pricey at $550 and I’ve gotten full value out of it in the past, is was always a stretch to do so
- I’m not confident my travels will justify it this year
- The two sexy perks for me are Centurion Lounge access and FHR
- I may be able to supplement that with a cheap Mastercard that allows for access to their luxury hotel program
- Also I need to recognize that while Centurion Lounges can be nice, I’m rarely impressed by them
- I can also just try to show them my Twitter feed to get in---the standard “do you know who I am?” usually works
Cards I’m looking at for 2020:
- Anything in the Capital One family
- Expanding transfer partners
- Good sign-on bonuses
- Spark has 200k after considerable spend
- Another Amex card to replace Platinum
- Green seems fun but the perks aren’t a true “value” to me
- Clear credit doesn’t cover full cost
- Neither will Away credit
- Gold is a front runner with the grocery bonus category
- Green seems fun but the perks aren’t a true “value” to me
Travels for 2020:
- Louisville last weekend in Feb (had to reschedule)
- April 17 weekend - Biloxi
- Fanboy Fanfare?
- A collection of gamblers and podcasters convening on the Mississippi coast
Links:
Bougie Miles MasterCard Portal
MilesTalk Status Match
In this episode, we throw it back to the Vegas Fanboy glory days. This is a rerun of episode #50 of Vegas Fanboy called "Low Roller for a Day".
I'm joined by my podcasting rivals, Mark and Dr. Mike of You Can Bet on That. In this show I discuss my casino-going strategy for low rollers and Mark and Mike talk about what they would do if they had to be low rollers for a day. We also talk about basic craps strategies for those on a budget.
If you must listen to more YCBOT: http://youcanbetonthat.com/
To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/TravelFanboy
Thanks for listening!
In this episode, I chat with Spencer Howard of 10xTravel and Straight to the Points about the cheapest and easiest ways to fly domestic first class.
We discuss using points and miles to fly up front on:
- Alaska
- American
- Delta
- United
I want all of you to be able to take a seat up front at some point in your travels. You all deserve to travel with a little more space and a little more nuts. During your travels, if you find yourself sitting in a big front seat, I’d like for you to share that on the socials with the hashtag #TFBsWarmNuts.
Thanks to you for your patience with the audio. I recently switched from Mac to PC and am having to learn a whole new system. We'll get it right at some point.
Be sure to check out Spencer here:
10xTravel
Straight to the Points
Safe travels. Be good to each other.
In this episode, I discuss the Founders Card membership program and whether casual travelers can find value despite its high price tag.
I start by talking bout my motivation to get into the points and miles hobby. Really, of course, it was to expand my gambling bankroll and comp myself at some of the amazing Vegas properties.
I follow that up, seamlessly I might add, by detailing the merits of the Founders Card. It's an expensive program, to be sure, but it has some surprisingly valuable perks and benefits which, for the right person, could provide quite a bit of value.
For cheap Caesars Diamond status? I think there are better options.
Let me know what you think. Is the Founders Card worth it for you?
For more, read David Slotnick' piece for Business Insider: Founders Card: Worth it?
Thanks to the influencer supporters over on Patreon.
Save travels. Be good to each other.
On this episode I’m joined by Bethany Walsh, the creator of the site Bougie Miles. She gives us three tips on how to be a bougie traveler on a budget and, of course, we talk a little Vegas. Bethany likes to focus on flights for a bougie trip because hotel status can be fairly easy to obtain. She details tools she uses to search for flights, why using the portal is undervalued, and how she gets a great deal on Aria's Sky Suites.
Be sure to check out her site, BougieMiles.com
Notes and such:
- TFBourbon trip to Louisville is Nov 8 and 9. Let TFB know if you'd liked to join in any of the festivities.
- TFB will be at the Chicago seminars October 18-20
- Thanks to Jim for joining the patreon.com/travelfanboy bunker!
In this episode, I discuss a recent trip to Portland, my lost baggage, my Dad's new obsession, and some solid inexpensive travel credit cards.
What I cover:
- Portland is cool
- Donuts are already great
- Hiking can be fun
- Hampton Inn is pretty good
- My dad now has the time to call Chase
- Chase Freedom and Unlimited
- Wells Fargo Propel and Visa Signature
- Marriott Bonvoy cards
- Amtrak card
- Jet Blue cards
- No fee United Mileage Plus card
- Hilton Surpass
That should do it. Thanks for listening. Love you guys.
Oh yeah, go to TravelFanboy.com for periodic posts. Quality, not quantity, people.
On this episode, I talk about the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass. What it is, how to get it, and, most importantly, how all of you can designate me as your companion.
Epidode rundown:
- Kerr to TPG
- IHG status match
- Thoughts and prayers
- Companion Pass details
Further reading:
As the Joe Flies: Determining the Value of the Southwest Companion Pass for Your Family
For bonus content: Patreon.com/travelfanboy
Watch for a live stream of the Wynn Slots app on Tuesday, July 30th at 7:30pm!
Save travels. Be good to each other.
In this episode I share tips from stellar travel writers on some easy ways to get some big wins in the points and miles game.
Talking points:
- My trip to Disney
- Epcot is awesome
- What to do if you lose your license on vacation
P&M Tips:
TFB - Booking AA through BA
Bethany - The Business Plat 35% rebate stack
Dave - 50K for first class ticket to Europe
Han - Ocean Resort for 12k Hyatt points
As always, thanks for listening. Get bonus audio at Patreon.com/travelfanboy
Safe travels.
In this episode, I discuss my recent trip to amazing Las Vegas- the deals, the steals, the reels.
Items of note:
- Delano reservations and rooms
- Gambling downtown
- Chandelier Bar at Cosmo w/Bunboy and friends
- Linq renovation discussion
- Freedom Beat wings
- Aria rooms
- Carbone at Aria
- Ellis Island fun
- Park MGM thoughts
- Best Friend at Park MGM
Thanks to everyone for listening and supporting the show. You can find more at Travelfanboy.com and bonus content at Patreon.com/travelfanboy
STBGTEO.
*The previous upload featured only my interview with Dave out of context. I accidentally uploaded only the interview file, not the full episode with intro, outro, and transitions. I apologize for the the additional download. Or maybe this was just a sneaky way to pad my numbers.
In this episode, I talk with Dave, aka MilesTalk, about his new site designed to help you find your next best travel credit card.
This episode features:
- VFB Media LLC info
One thing that I have been seeing a lot more of lately, which is worth considering if the timing is right, is pursuing bank bonuses to pad your points account: - It’s good to have separate accounts for different purposes, including travel
- It’s good to have separate accounts in case of freezes due to fraud
- Be mindful of account minimums and fees
- Online banks work well, especially for travel, but not bonuses
- Examine your accounts occasionally and shop around, even within the same system, so see if you’re eligible for any worthwhile products
YourBestCreditCards.com:
I have had multiple people ask me recently about the best card around or what card they should get, because they’re interested in joining the P&M fray. “It depends” is typically my initial response, followed by questions related to their goals and spending. Dave’s site aims to help people navigate to a particular card or cards based on those very questions. I like Dave a lot and I’m happy to have him back on the show. I really don’t do ads on the show, I just like to promote tools and sites I think are useful in this niche. A couple notes here before we get into our chat:
- I mention how I hate the phrase “best credit cards” to Dave, the founder of YourBestCreditCards.com
- At the beginning, we are discussing a post by Seth Miller - The Risk in Changing Rewards: Can Loyalty Thrive in the Dynamic Era? - Talking about, essentially that personal loyalty in a changing environment (https://thepointsguy.com/news/loyalty-dynamic-award-pricing/)
- Is the change to a dynamic model hurting some and helping others?
I hope you enjoyed our discussion. I’ll likely have an episode soon about all the great tools out there to help you navigate the points and miles world efficiently, and this is certainly one to add to the repertoire.
For more from me, head to TravelFanboy.com or Patreon.com/travelfanboy for bonus stuff. Safe travels. Be good to each other.
In this episode, I go over my trip report to Atlantic City for Gamblepalooza. Laughs were shared, friends were made, dollars were lost.
Notable notes:
- Ocean's Resort
- Craps
- Pai Gow bonuses
- Wild Wild West
- Han and Bogan ditching me alone and hungry while they enjoyed a lounge
- Borgata
- Hard Rock
- Tier matching
- Irish Pub
This trip was more fun than I could have imagined. A huge thanks to everyone who attended and joined in the revelry. I hope our paths cross again.
Thanks you all for the support. Head to travelfanboy.com for more of me and my travel/gambling thoughts. Safe travels. Be good to each other.
On this episode, I talk with Joseph, the OHTravelDad, as he helps explain some of the most popular shopping portals where we can easily earn extra points or miles.
Joseph writes for OhtravelDad.com, we met at Zorkfest and he’s a great member of the broader travel community, always posting interesting deals and promotions not just on his site, but in other forums and groups as well. I’m happy to have him on to talk about a topic that I’m a little behind on, but I know could probably help expedite some of my point earning. With so many programs and shopping portals out there, it can seem a bit daunting, but Joe is here to shed some light for us.
Say hi to Joseph on Twitter: @OHTravelDad
For more of me, head to TravelFanboy.com or follow on Twitter: @TravelFanboy
In this episode, I talk about some rebooking changed flights and some luxury hotel perks that may be available through some of your credit cards.
Amex's Fine Hotels and Resorts and Chase's Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection are similar programs accessed as a perk through specific cards. They both offer a great value for single night stays midweek.
I use my own research and this great post from Frequent Miler to help guide you through some of the programs' finer points and suggest a couple properties worth checking out on the cheap.
Thanks for listening!
In this episode, I talk about the Alaska Airlines credit card and status match perpetuity, and Joe from As the Joe Flies stops by to discuss traveling to Japan.
Links and tabs and such:
The Alaska Airlines Credit card is pretty good
Your tier status doesn't do much for comps in most cases
AstheJoeFlies makes me really want to go to Japan
More from Joe:
Joe on Twitter
Saverocity Observation Deck Podcast
Disney Deciphered
To support the show: Patreon.com/Travelfanboy
Richard is a major voice in the points and miles world and he’s here to answer my questions on navigating the P&M world as a newbie, why Wells Fargo shouldn’t be ignored, and blazes through my not-so-rapid fire round of questions
For bonus content: patreon.com/travelfanboy
For more TFB: TravelFanboy.com
Join AwardTravel101 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awardtravel101
In this episode, I talk with Craig from Due for a Win as he preps me with budget-friendly options for my upcoming Atlantic City trip.
HT to the staff at Castle Hot Springs which opened Feb 1
Also to Danny for new hashtag #savermetrics
Finagling an upcoming spring break trip which would have otherwise been very expensive #savermetrics
Travel can be a challenge for those in education
Two great pieces of content to check out:
In a recent [Milenomics episode] Sam mentioned that he had what he called a warehouse card which holds on to Amex points as he switches in and out of cards.
Spencer on GodSavethePoints.com for his article on point plays on Airbnb stays. Breaks it down from beginner to advanced strategies.
In the bunker, I added some bonus audio in which I discussed mileage runs and why I passed on extending my temporary A-List status with Southwest. Subscribers should expect more mini-episodes in the coming future. Thanks to those of you who support the show in that way.
In this episode of the soon to be award winning podcast, I chat with Dave from Miles Talk about his experience at Atlantis, which he booked through Caesars.
The free Atlantis stay that is granted through having Platinum or Diamond status with Caesars Rewards is a benefit that is often promoted as valuable across the points and miles blogosphere. Yet, until I saw Dave's detailed article, I had never heard of anyone actually taking advantage of it.
In our discussion, Dave helps establish expectations for those considering taking the journey down to Atlantis on Caesars' dime. We cover room options, resort fees, food options, the casino experience, and more.
To read and see more about Dave's trip, here is the post that inspired the episode: Free Atlantis Stay via Total Rewards Diamond: What to Expect with Room Fees, Food Costs, and More
For more from TFB, check out TravelFanboy.com
In this episode, I give a little hint on getting a higher tier status with Caesars and I chat with Han about his ME3 experience.
Caesars Status
Use a co-branded card or Amex Platinum, which grants automatic status with one hotel program, match to Wyndham, match to Caesars.
Wyndham is meh, but Caesars status can provide some good value.
Comps not based on tier status, but on play.
Platinum - Free parking, complimentary Atlantis stay
Diamond - Above plus no resort fees, guaranteed rooms, etc
For more: FrequentMiler
Travelfanboy.com is currently down, but I'll make sure to announce via social media when it's back online. Safe travels, be good to each other!
In this episode, I give my best of 2018 list, state my 2019 resolutions, and ponder the usefulness of time zones. Here you go:
My best of 2018 in travel:
Best meal: Alinea, Chicago
Bonus audio with me and Han in Patreon if I can ever figure out how to edit this new Cast service.
Anyway, I wrote about Alinea on the blog. Three-star Micheline rated restaurant. About $300 per person not including drinks. A true dining experience.
Best drink: Bad Luck Bar, Detroit
The best thing that can happen to you in a Detroit back alley. A speakeasy with limited seating but competent mixologists. Drinks are pricey, but value is what you get.
Best resort: El Dorado Casitas Royale, Riviera Maya
Stunning resort on a long stretch of beach. The food wasn’t the best we’ve had at a Cancun all-inclusive, but it was still very good. But the property itself was gorgeous. A great upper-middle tier resort in Cancun.
Coolest city: New Orleans
Best new destination: Louisville
Most fun trip: Zorkfest 2018, Las Vegas
Goals for 2019:
- Figure out how timezones work - The timezone should be the same for the entire country.
- Become a cool hat guy - Folically challenged, but Podcasters should be the pinnacle of cool. Athletes like Cam Newton post game- that’s what we should look like. More of a Mad Hatter feel, but I’m buying a cool hat this year.
- Change some cards around - Probably sign up for Amex Gold and cancel Platinum. The previous episode I mentioned a 25k sign on bonus for Gold, Joe from Observation Deck slid into my DMs to remind me that signing up using a friend’s referral link will get you a 50k sign on bonus. As I say all the time, if you’re looking for a new card, check to see if a friend or family member has a link you can use.
Upgrade from Sapphire P to R. Not going to wait to two more years to get the sign on bonus.
- New schedule -
Monday post, Tuesday (bi-weekly) show, Thursday post
Saw your plans on social media. I want to help you get there. Some very cool destinations in your future. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions, I want to continue to put out content that speaks to you.
In this episode, I talk about my recent trip to Louisville, and Spencer from Straight to the Points shows us how to get to New Zealand from scratch.
HT of the week: MacauCast with Hunter, Eric, and Han
Y Seat of the week: Anyone marginalizing influencers
For more from Spencer: StraighttothePoints.co
To support the show: TFB Patreon
Thanks for listening. Safe travels. Be good to each other.
Milenomics is about helping you becoming strategic with your earning and burning of points and miles. Sam and Robert help readers and listeners establish a practical approach to this fun and valuable hobby. Their goal is to help you have the trip you want at an affordable price by crafting your own best fit solution to travel plans.
Check out their site and podcast at Milenomics.com
Some points from the show:
- Tony loves my pick of the Hyatt Regency with its great location downtown, in stumbling distance to many great bars
- Jockey Silks Bourbon Bar in the Galt House Hotel is a must visit
- The Urban Bourbon Trail is a fun way to explore different venues and bars
Tony's tips for distilleries:
If you're a bourbon fan, seek out the brands you already enjoy as you'll appreciate them that much more. Be prepared for a journey because it can take 45 minutes to an hour to get to one from another. Both Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve tours are well worth the drive.
To expand your spirit education, be sure to check out both the Vice Lounge Online and the Bourbon and Branch podcasts. If you have any Lousivlle tips, please share! Thanks for listening. Safe travels. Be good to each other.
To support the show, head to Patreon.com/travelfanboy
In this episode, I give my HT of the Week to an inspiring animal spirit of the travel world. I also discuss my latest thought experiment on earning 2% cashback straight into a brokerage account. Finally, I round out the episode by giving three tips for choosing an all-inclusive resort.
*Super important editor's note: In this episode, and really quite frequently, I state that using bank points in the Chase portal with CSP or CSR can effectively give you a 25-50% discount. The math doesn't really work out like that. Really, you're redeeming the points at a 25-50% higher rate, but not getting that as a pure discount. I say this a lot. It's a problem. My influencer brain can only handle so much math.
Support the show: Patreon.com/travelfanboy
In this first of a 263 part series, "Convince TFB", friends Cassie and Craig try to convince me that Airbnb is worth the cost savings. Craig and Cassie like the personal touch and big space Airbnb's can provide. Will it be enough to convince TFB? Listen to find out!
Want to support the show? Find TFB on Patreon
Have a show suggestion? Drop TFB a line on Twitter or FB!
In this high-end J fare of an episode, I debut two new segments and talk with Kyle Askine of the Due for a Win Podcast. We discuss why cash back cards are not to be overlooked in the credit card game. A big thanks to Kyle for joining me. Say hi to him out in Atlantic City when you get a chance.
Support the show at Patreon.com/TravelFanboy
More reviews and thoughts can be found at TravelFanboy.com
In this special edition episode, I talk with Maureen, current resident manager at Castle Hot Springs resort in Arizona. We discuss the property's interesting history, some of its famous guests, and how they are preparing for visitors this fall. Having visited Castle Hot Springs in the summer, I was awestruck by the beauty of the landscape and excited at the opportunity to stay and relax in the mineral springs. I hope you get a chance to visit this amazing place!
Links:
Patreon subscription for bonus audio: Patreon.com/travelfanboy
TravelFanboy.com
In this episode, I take some listener review feedback and discuss how point valuations are calculated and when and how to transfer points from Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal to dedicated travel transfer partners.
Join the Bunker crew on Patreon!
In this episode, I talk with Mike Geeter, a lifelong Detroit area resident and stand-up comic. We talk about his career in comedy, the Detroit comedy scene, and, of course, his favorite spots in Detroit.
I know that for many, Detroit may seem like an odd vacation destination, but trust me, it's a city worth considering. It’s historic, it’s beautiful, and it has a lot going on. You’ll find world-class restaurants, fantastic cocktail bars, and exceptionally mediocre professional sports. It’s a culturally rich, significant city and I sincerely hope you get a chance to visit someday.
Links:
MikeGeeter.com
Travel Fanboy Patreon
In this episode, I talk about some good credit cards for earning miles and points for those who travel casually or are new to navigating the points and miles world. Let me know if there are any cards you think should be added to the list!
You can support the show here: Patreon/TravelFanboy
In this episode, I detail my recent trip to Las Vegas for the Zorkfest and 360 Vegas Vacation festivities. The entire weekend was a blast. I met a number of incredible people, learned a ton of great info, and drank some of the best bourbons around. Doesn't get much better than that. If you're on the fence about attending Zorkfest or Vegas Vacation, take a big leap over into "yes". Enjoy!
To support the show, become a member of the exclusive Bunker: TFB Patreon
Links:
TravelZork
360 Vegas
In this special edition of TFB, we hear my performance at Zorkfest 2018's Podcaster After Dark event. A big thanks to the Zorkfest team for the great setup and fantastic weekend. Be sure to listen to other presenters, Vital Vegas and You Can Bet on That, as well.
WARNING
Yes, there is a curse word in this presentation, which breaks from my normal, clean format. It was after dark, after all. I'd listen post 10pm so it aligns with most sensibilities.
In this episode, I talk to Mark Bologna of the Beyond Bourbon Street Podcast. Mark is New Orleans native and full of incredibly useful information for NOLA visitors. New Orleans is such a culturally rich and exciting city with a ton to offer. I’m so happy that Mark was able to sort us out and act as a fantastic tour guide.
Links:
Beyond Bourbon Street - Instagram
Zorkfest Schedule
In this episode, I chat with Joe from asthejoeflies.com. He takes us through his strategy of acquiring and spending points and miles efficiently for family travel. We also discuss good family lodging and destination options.
Zorkfest registration is still open and tickets are still available for the charity craps tournament and Podcasters After Dark. I hope to see you there! Use code ZorkFanboy for $10 off your registration fee.
Show links:
Saverocity Observation Deck Podcast
Disney Deciphered Podcast
Travel Fanboy Patreon
Thanks for listening. Safe Travels. BG2EO.
In this episode, I take you to my hometown of Chicago and discuss some of the best places to eat and drink for your next visit to this great summertime city. I get some help from fellow Chicagoan, Han, a fellow fan of baseball trips and good pizza.
Other Stuff
My guest appearances and what I'm enjoying now:
The Bettor Life Podcast
Saverocity Observation Deck Podcast
Zorkfest- use code ZorkFanboy for $10 off!
In this episode, I talk with Gilbert Ott of God Save the Points about getting out of economy and into first class on a budget. Gilbert is a points and miles expert and leaves us with salient tips to elevating your travel experiences inexpensively.
Relevant links:
God Save the Points
Travel Fanboy - Patreon
Zorkfest
Heat to TravelFanboy.com for more tips, reviews, and trip reports!
In this episode, I chat with organized crime author Scott Deitche. As a fan of good cocktails and rich history, I loved hearing Scott's picks for some of the best bars with mob ties and a colorful past.
Be sure to follow Scott on Twitter and pick up any number of his books, including Cocktail Noir and Garden State Gangland.
TFB Patreon Page
Show links:
Zorkfest Charity Craps Tournament
Bourbon and Branch Podcast
Miles to Go Podcast
In this episode, I discuss some ways to get the most out of your Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership points. It's a fairly involved show, so I provided a transcript of the link below if you'd like to follow along.
Thanks to all the Patrons for your continued support!
Important links:
Transcript
Patron Access
Vegas Confessions
Vice Lounge Online
God Save the Points
In this star-studded episode, I'm joined by Chris from the Faces and Aces Podcast to talk about, of all things, wait...LA? Chris is an LA native and provides us with some fun and unique things to do on a visit in this traffic stricken town.
I also discuss the upcoming Zorkfest 2018 and 360 Vegas Vacation events that I'll be attending.
Zorkfest 2018 Conference Tickets: Registration
Use code zorkfanboy for $10 off your tickets!
360 Vegas Vacation: Itinerary
Adam likes to take credit for everything, but this episode is about being cautious as it relates to burning cards. Knowing how your score is paramount to making good credit decisions. Burning and churning for bonus points works well for some, but is it for you?
To become a Patron, head to the official Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TravelFanboy
For more reviews and tips, there's always TravelFanboy.com
Of course, Adam returns to Vegas in the second episode. Provided is a guide on the best budget-friendly hotels, restaurants, and gambling conditions. Join Adam as he ventures up the Strip and heads downtown, exploring inexpensive options on the way.
To become a patron, head to the official Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TravelFanboy
For more tips and reviews, there's always TravelFanboy.com
In his triumphant and long-awaited return to podcasting, Adam discusses three must-dos for budget travelers as they plan their trips. For more, head to TravelFanboy.com.