Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

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

Episodes

ZorkFest 2025 with Michael Trager

September 28, 2025 • 54 mins
Justin Vacula explores smart travel hacks and credit-card reward strategies that keep trips affordable—then dives into ZorkFest 2025 (Dec 5–7, Las Vegas). Guest Michael Trager shares the conference’s origin story, what’s new for 2025, and how casino loyalty stacks with airline/hotel programs. We also tackle Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts in Vegas, cashback vs. travel cards, and why gamblers should be interested in miles & points. 🎟 T...
Mark as Played

Comenity/Bread Financial Suddenly Closing Accounts

September 23, 2025 • 54 mins
Welcome to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast! 🎻 Justin and co-host Darren explain the sudden Comenity/Bread Financial shutdowns—what likely triggered them, how to de-risk, and smart pivots to keep earning points & miles. Breaking news: a War on Happiness report: sudden account shutdowns, why they maybe happened, and why it was absolutely worth it. Accounts closed, no email, no warning, just mass confusion and zeroed credit limits. ...
Mark as Played

Common Mistakes in Points and Miles

September 12, 2025 • 46 mins
Common Mistakes in Points and Miles by Justin Vacula
Mark as Played

Rove Miles Dream Job Promotion - One Million Miles!

September 9, 2025 • 20 mins
Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast: Rove Miles Dream Job Promotion - One Million Miles! with Carissa Rawson Join host Justin Vacula on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as he speaks with Carissa Rawson, Director of Travel and Marketing at Rove Miles. They discuss the exciting 'Global Adventure Officer' dream job promotion, offering a million miles as salary and a travel stipend to a lucky traveler. Find the link here: https://dreamjob.rove...
Mark as Played

Matthew Yglesias Misses The Point

September 6, 2025 • 48 mins
Matthew Yglesias Misses the Point: Maximizing Credit Card Rewards with Minimal 'Mental Load' In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula discusses how to make money, save money, and travel with minimal cost using credit card points, miles, benefits, and loyalty programs. The discussion centers on writer Matthew Yglesias's recent tweet criticizing the 'mental load' of optimizing credit card reward catego...
Mark as Played

Rove Miles with Carissa Rawson

September 1, 2025 • 44 mins
Rove Miles with Carissa Rawson by Justin Vacula
Mark as Played

Getting Started with Miles and Points Featuring ChatGPT Real-Time Voice Mode Co-Host

August 24, 2025 • 45 mins
Unlocking Travel Rewards: Beginner's Guide to Points & Miles with ChatGPT Voice! Join Justin Vacula, host of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, as he introduces you to the exciting world of travel with points and miles. This episode, featuring AI co-host ChatGPT Voice, is perfect for beginners looking to save money on travel through credit card rewards, miles, and loyalty programs. Discover how to turn everyday spending into amaz...
Mark as Played

Alaska Airlines Upcoming Credit Card

August 18, 2025 • 56 mins
Discover the Upcoming Alaska Airlines Premium Credit Card! | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and co-host Darren dive deep into the highly anticipated Alaska Airlines Premium Credit Card. This card is expected to launch with a strong welcome bonus, valuable ongoing benefits, and powerful travel perks. Whether you’re a frequent flyer with Alaska Airlines or a travel h...
Mark as Played

Caesars Rewards New Credit Card (Caesars Rewards Prestige)

July 18, 2025 • 49 mins
Breaking News: New Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa Signature Credit Card! Join host Justin Vacula on the latest episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast where he shares breaking news about the newly released Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa Signature Credit Card. With guest Darren, Justin dives deep into the benefits, drawbacks, and considerations of this exciting new offering. Learn about its benefits, Tier Credit earning potential...
Mark as Played

Pari and Tina from 'Love on the Spectrum' talk Travel, Trains, and More

July 1, 2025 • 39 mins
Love on the Spectrum Stars Tina Caruso and Pari Kim | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast Join Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast as he chats with Tina and Pari, stars of Netflix's 'Love on the Spectrum' Season 3. Recorded at the Hyatt Place Medford near Boston, this episode dives into a candid and heartfelt conversation about Tina's and Pari's journey, the joys of public transit, and the impact of finding love. Pari, a pu...
Mark as Played

Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes

June 24, 2025 • 57 mins
Chase Sapphire Reserve Changes and New Credit Card Strategies In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and co-host Darren Remsberg discuss major upcoming changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. They cover the new signup bonuses, travel credits, dining credits, and other benefits such as lounge access and IHG Platinum status. The hosts delve into strategies for maximizing these benefits, ...
Mark as Played

Profit and Earn Status from Caesars Online Blackjack

June 21, 2025 • 8 mins
Maximize Rewards with Caesars Online Blackjack In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula shares strategies for traveling at low cost using credit card points, miles, and loyalty programs. He discusses the benefits of playing Caesars Online Blackjack to earn rewards and profit with low risk. Justin explains the mechanics of depositing funds, leveraging bonuses, and accruing tier credits to enhance your...
Mark as Played

Optimizing Chase Instacart and Doordash Credits

June 17, 2025 • 42 mins
Maximizing Chase DoorDash and Instacart Credits with Justin Vacula and Beth In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and guest Beth delve into optimizing Chase DoorDash and Instacart credits to save money on groceries. They discuss the benefits of credit card rewards and loyalty programs, specifically focusing on Chase's offerings. Beth shares her strategy of using multiple family members' accounts...
Mark as Played

More MGM Cruise Enchancements

June 13, 2025 • 47 mins
In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and co-host Darren Remsberg discuss the latest enhancements to the MGM Rewards program, particularly its new benefits with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Listeners learn how to earn points, tier credits, and slot dollars on cruises booked through MGM, adding incredible value to their travel experiences. The episode also delves into strategies for maximi...
Mark as Played

Chicago Seminars Hyatt Regency 2025 with Jackie Wisniewski

June 5, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula interviews Jackie Wisniewski about the upcoming Chicago Seminars at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in 2025. Jackie discusses her decade-long involvement in the award travel community, her role in organizing the seminars, and what attendees can expect, including networking opportunities, educational sessions, and community-building events. The seminar, celebrating i...
Mark as Played

Krakow Poland Trip Report

June 2, 2025 • 50 mins
In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, Justin Vacula and co-host Darren Remsberg dive into Justin's affordable travel experiences using credit card points and miles. The episode features a detailed trip report on Justin's recent visit to Krakow, Poland, highlighting how he used credit card rewards to minimize costs. They discuss accommodations, local attractions, transportation, and practical tips for maximizing point...
Mark as Played

Zorkfest 2025 with Michael Trager

May 28, 2025 • 54 mins
In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula is joined by special guest Michael Trager to discuss ZorkFest 2025, a conference focused on maximizing travel and casino loyalty rewards. Scheduled for December 5th-7th in Las Vegas, ZorkFest offers a range of educational sessions covering the use of credit card points, miles, and casino loyalty programs to enhance travel experiences. Topics include detailed ...
Mark as Played

Emerald Princess Cruise Trip Report

May 15, 2025 • 59 mins
Join Justin Vacula on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast for a special episode recapping his Emerald Princess Europe cruise. Dive into the intricacies of traveling at a low cost with credit card points, miles, and benefits. Hear about his adventures in Europe, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the rocks of Gibraltar. Learn about his experiences with various loyalty programs and the unique opportunities they offer. This episode also...
Mark as Played

Pari Kim from 'Love on the Spectrum' Interview - Trains and Amtrak

April 26, 2025 • 48 mins
Pari Kim from 'Love on the Spectrum' Interview - Trains and Amtrak by Justin Vacula
Mark as Played

MGM Rewards Iconic Credit Card

April 25, 2025 • 51 mins
In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula and returning guest Darren Remsberg dive deep into the features and benefits of the new MGM Rewards Iconic Credit Card. They explore its potential for earning rewards and enhanced travel experiences through MGM Rewards. The discussion covers sign-up bonuses, annual fees, spending structures, and unique perks such as complimentary nights and tier status benefits. ...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    True Crime Tonight

    True Crime Tonight

    If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.