All you need to know about making the most of your rewards programs in Canada.
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Want to make more family travel memories without breaking the bank? Longtime travel journalist Lyn Mettler shares her top tips to help families quickly and easily travel for less using rewards points and inspires you with ideas of where to travel on your next vacation.
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Join Australian Frequent Flyer editor Matt Graham and other experts from the travel industry for the latest frequent flyer news, tips and travel stories each month!
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No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel
No Tourists Allowed - An Insider's Guide to Travel
Two recognized travel industry executives with a combined 71 years on the inside of travel and technology, give up their secrets to the thing everyone wants to do - travel better, pay less and see more of the world. Join us each week - along with recognized industry executives and travel celebrities - as we bring you intel on the hottest new resorts and cruise liners, the latest travel apps and tech tools, and the hacks and maneuvers that help travelers beat the crowds and find those hidden ...
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This Week in RWRDS: April 25, 2025 - No Travel Required! Credit cards that offer automatic elite status
32:03
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32:03This week we look at credit cards that provide automatic elite status, earning Aeroplan points with Chexy, the new A&W Rewards program and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast! Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code rewardscanada at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://www.saily.com/rewardsc…
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185 | Why Travel Feels So Hard — And How to Make It Much Easier
23:41
23:41
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23:41Ever feel like travel is more stressful than it should be? You’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it. In this episode, I unpack the real reason travel feels overwhelming: No one ever taught us how to do it well. From not knowing if you passport will pass muster to panicking when a flight gets canceled, most of us are just guessing our way thro…
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All-Inclusive, All Authentic: Rewriting Resort Stories
50:28
50:28
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50:28When Jim Tedesco saw fire dancers performing at street corners rather than resort stages during his first post-pandemic trip to Mexico, he witnessed tourism's invisible economic lifeline suddenly exposed. The ALG Vacations VP brings intimate industry insights to No Tourists Allowed, revealing how all-inclusive resorts have evolved from "beans on a …
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184 | The Problem With Opening Too Many Travel Cards
25:51
25:51
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25:51Unfortunately, it's commonly recommended to open a lot of travel cards in order to earn the "sign up bonus" (SUB), but this can quickly lead to overwhelm, getting banned by banks and cause you to miss out on the truly great deals and a simpler system that could save you thousands on travel. In this episode, I outline the problems with opening too m…
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How loyalty programs are becoming an increasingly essential tool for everyday purchases
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43:19In episode 121 we welcome back Jason Beales of AIR MILES to discuss how loyalty programs are becoming an increasingly essential tool to aid in the search for value on everyday purchases. Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code rewardscanada at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://www.saily.com/rewardscanada…
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In Travel Pointers Episode 10, Matt and Wilson chat about finding cheap flights! The pair talk about the strategies they use to save money and find cheaper flights to destinations including Asia, Europe and North America, for both Economy and premium cabins. The pair also discuss Virgin Australia's flights to Doha, and recent updates about the serv…
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This Week in RWRDS: April 11, 2025 - 43 Million Points.... GONE!
30:53
30:53
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30:53This week we discuss how a PC Optimum member has lost 43 millions points, check out the Ultimate High End Traveller Credit Card portfolio, look at a WestJet point bonus for using your companion voucher and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast! Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code rewardscanada at c…
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Fresh off my family’s trip to London, I’m sharing 5 travel insights you can use on your next international adventure. These simple but powerful tips helped make our trip smoother, more memorable — and more fun! You’ll learn: My #1 strategy to beat jet lag Why flexibility can be your travel superpower How to stay on top of major travel news (and why…
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This Week in RWRDS: April 4, 2025 - The best credit card welcome bonuses for April
31:29
31:29
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31:29This week we look at the best credit card welcome bonus offers for this month, a 25% discount on reward flights from Montreal to Europe and beyond, Fiji Airways joining the oneworld alliance and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast! Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code rewardscanada at checkout. Do…
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182 | Does Costco Fit Into a Travel Rewards Strategy? Let's Break It Down
5:38
5:38
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5:38If you love shopping at Costco (who doesn’t?), you might be missing out on a hidden travel perk. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to make your Costco spending — and even your Costco credit card — work harder for your travel goals. Whether you’re earning points or planning your next trip, I’ll show you how Costco fits into a smart travel rewar…
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In Travel Pointers Episode 9, Matt and Wilson talk all things Japan! Find out why so many Aussies are going there, what we like about it the most, and which airlines you can fly to get there. The pair also chat about Velocity moving to spend-based status, and whether Qantas will follow suit. Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the rece…
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This Week in RWRDS: March 28, 2025 - First look at the new BMO VIPorter Mastercards
41:25
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41:25This week we look at the new BMO VIPorter Mastercards, Aeroplan's partner changes - which are not pretty, flying to London for only 12,000 Membership Rewards Points and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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181 | Turn Your Tax Bill Into Travel Rewards
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26:40
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26:40No one loves writing a check to the IRS — but what if it could help fund your next vacation? With the tax deadline approaching, I’m sharing smart ways to earn valuable travel points when paying your taxes. If you owe money this year, don’t miss this chance to turn a painful payment into free flights! 💡 It’s one of my favorite creative ways to rack …
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180 | How to STILL Fly Your Southwest Bags Free + Other Questions About Southwest's Changes
23:49
23:49
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23:49We continue our discussion with more information now available about Southwest's big changes announced on March 11, 2025. We discuss the answers to questions like: Is there an easy way to still get my checked bags free? Yes! Do these changes affect flights I've already booked or will book before May 28? Should I stop booking the cheapest Southwest …
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The 400% Flight Markup: How Your Passport Flips the Travel Script
36:48
36:48
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36:48Would you book a one-way ticket to Europe to save $8,000 on business class flights? In this revealing episode, discover why airlines charge Americans up to 400% more than Europeans for identical premium seats—and the perfectly legal strategy savvy travelers use to beat this system. Meanwhile, producer Nathaniel explains the counterintuitive reason …
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Episode 8 - How to Use Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles
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33:19
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33:19In Travel Pointers Episode 8, Matt and Wilson explain everything you need to know about redeeming Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles. It’s a great program with tons of Business Class award availability in and out of Australia, so it’s worth taking the time to get to know it! The pair discuss the quirks you need to be aware of when using Singapore A…
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This Week in RWRDS: March 14, 2025 - Which is better: Avion Rewards or Scene+?
38:10
38:10
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38:10This week we have a Clash of the Loyalty programs as Avion Rewards challenges Scene+ plus we look at a 50% discount on select award flights out of Canada, the pausing of Hudson's Bay Rewards and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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179 | Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags + Other MAJOR Changes: What You Need to Know...
37:56
37:56
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37:56Southwest ends free checked bags and announced other MAJOR changes recently, including a new "Basic" fare. While much of these changes are very disappointing, in reality, they only requires a few minor adjustments for those of us flying Southwest using travel rewards. I explain the changes and what shifts you need to make in this episode. After rec…
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Is Air Travel Still Safe? Surprising Facts You Need to Know
31:21
31:21
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31:21Is air travel becoming more dangerous? We confront this question head-on and reveal surprising statistics that will make you rethink your fears. We also take you behind the scenes of our recent cruise on Norwegian, exposing the shockingly wide array of onboard dining options and debating whether it's truly possible to have an authentic travel exper…
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This Week in RWRDS: March 7, 2025 - Canada's First Ultra Premium No FX Fee Credit Card
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23:30This week we look at the new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the 30% transfer bonus from Amex to Marriott, The Ultimate No FX Fee Card Portfolio and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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BONUS | Is Southwest's Surprise Reduction in Points Earned on Flights a Big Deal?
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11:11Is Southwest's surprise reduction in the number of points you can earn on certain fares when you book paid flights a big deal? It's not, trust me. I explain in this episode... Want to learn my simple system to use miles and points to always fly for free and learn my clever technique to earn Southwest A-List? Come join my Families Fly Free membershi…
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178 | The Benefits of Banking With Chase for Travel Rewards
28:34
28:34
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28:34If you follow my simple system to use travel rewards to fly for free, you know that Chase cards are some of my favorite travel cards. That makes doing all, or most of, your banking at Chase a no-brainer. As a longtime Chase banker, I explain some of the benefits of banking with Chase, especially if you use travel rewards on the regular. If you deci…
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Episode 7 - How to Find Reward Flight Availability in 2025
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31:10In Travel Pointers Episode 7, Matt and Wilson explain how to find reward flight availability in 2025 - especially if you want to redeem your frequent flyer points for Business Class tickets. The pair discuss the latest reward flight trends, the airlines and routes which have the most reward seats, and the strategies you need to find them. Over rece…
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This Week in RWRDS: February 28, 2025 - Major improvements are coming to WestJet Rewards!
31:33
31:33
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31:33This week we look at the WestJet Rewards program revamp, our exclusive GigSky contest, the return of Aeroplan Family Sharing and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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177 | What Travel Rewards ACTUALLY Is Versus What You Think It Is
31:55
31:55
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31:55A lot of people have mistaken assumptions about travel rewards that simply aren’t true. In this episode, Lyn lays out what you “think” travel rewards involves, versus the reality of what is actually the case. Want to learn my simple system to use miles and points to always fly for free? Come join my Families Fly Free membership, where you'll learn …
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This week we discuss a credit card that we feel more people should have in their wallet, earning Avion points with investments, Uber's new pricing tactic that you should beware of and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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176 | The Latest on Southwest Airlines' Changes Coming Soon
33:20
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33:20Lyn shares the latest about the changes coming to Southwest Airlines this year and next year, including assigned and extra legroom seating, their partnership with Icelandair, credit card changes, hotel partnerships and more. Want to learn my simple system to use miles and points to always fly for free? Come join my Families Fly Free membership, whe…
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Exciting new Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott hotels opening in Canada 2025
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12:51In episode 120 we look at some exciting new hotels opening in Canada this year from some of the chains that are favourites with the points and miles community.By Rewards Canada
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This week we look at how you can pay no FX fees and earn up to 5x points outside of Canada, using your Air Canada or WestJet elite status to get SkyTeam alliance status for a full year and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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Episode 6 - Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes & A Deep Dive Into Qatar Airways
42:09
42:09
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42:09Welcome to a new year of the Travel Pointers podcast! After a break over the summer holidays, we’re back with not just a new episode, but also a new format. From 2025, Travel Pointers is becoming an Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) podcast. Of course, we’ll still share lots of tips to help you make the most of your frequent flyer points, tell lots o…
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175 | The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
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31:36
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31:36When you start flying more because you're using miles and points, having access to airport lounges can be a nice perk of traveling! In this episode, Lyn shares the easiest way to get access to airport lounges - by holding the right travel cards - and her favorite card options to help you do so most affordably. Resources: Capital One Venture X refer…
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This week we discuss the upcoming changes to Air Canada Aeroplan, the new More Rewards RBC Visa cards, up to $225 in rewards for hotel stays in Edmonton and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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174 | Success Story: Flying Free for Travel Sports with Amy Heffern
28:46
28:46
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28:46Learn how Amy Heffern, a mom of 2, has used travel rewards and Southwest Airlines specifically to not only save on the cost of flights for travel sports for her son's travel lacrosse tournaments, but also how flying Southwest is a more flexible and convenient option for her family. Want to learn my simple system to use miles and points to always fl…
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This week we discuss the upcoming Porter Airlines BMO VIPorter Mastercards, the return of the 55,000 point bonus on the RBC Avion Cards, Marriott Bonvoy's new global promotion and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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Canada's Best Cash Back Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
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14:35In episode 119 we look at all the best cash back rewards credit cards in Canada for 2025. These are RWRDS Canada's 9th annual Top Cash Back Credit Card rankings!By Rewards Canada
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173 | Shhh... 5 Things They Don't Want You to Know About Travel Rewards
28:03
28:03
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28:03Here are 5 things that banks, airlines, hotels and others DON’T want you to know about travel rewards because it’s not in their best interest for you to know. In this episode, I’m sharing the straight truth to help you fly and travel for free in the most efficient, effective and easiest possible way that’s in YOUR best interest. Want to learn my si…
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This week we look at the improvements coming to TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, RBC extending their 70,000 Avion Points bonus, a new redemption bonus from AIR MILES and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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This week we look at an increased welcome bonus on the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, Air France KLM Flying Blue's devaluation, a contest to win a trip for 2 to Tokyo and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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Lyn shares how aficionados of Dave Ramsey can still follow his advice and remain debt free, while responsibly taking advantage of travel rewards. Want to learn my simple system to use miles and points to always fly for free? Come join my Families Fly Free membership, where you'll learn my expert process, receive personal support and get access to l…
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Canada's Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
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32:37In episode 118 we look at all the best travel rewards credit cards in Canada for 2025. These are RWRDS Canada's 17th annual Top Travel Rewards Credit Card rankings!By Rewards Canada
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171 | My 2024 Travel Rewards Savings Round-Up: $11,000 on 6 Trips
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44:30Lyn shares how her family saved $11,000+ on free flights, hotel and vacation rental stays across six trips in 2024. This included trips to Orlando, Costa Rica, Austin, New Orleans and more. Links and Resources: PODCAST #132: Last Minute Getaways Using Points PODCAST #129: There's No Right Way to Use Your Points PODCAST #143: Using Your Points Howev…
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This week we look at the biggest bonus ever seen on a Scotiabank credit card, Canada’s best credit cards for 2025, how to properly use Cents Per Point and Cents Per Mile Valuations and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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170 | Success Story: Prioritizing Travel Despite Reduced Finances With Michele Holmes
34:22
34:22
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34:22Families Fly Free member Michele Holmes shares how she went from never using miles and points to save thousands with travel rewards and prioritizing remaining a member despite a job loss to ensure her family can continue to travel affordably. Get access to Michele's secret of success: the Families Fly Free membership. Learn more at https://www.fami…
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This week we give the Neo World Elite Mastercard the RWRDS Canada review treatment, look at some excellent welcome bonuses that are ending, IHG One Rewards new global bonus points offer and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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Episode 117: A discussion with AIR MILES about the past year in loyalty and what we can expect for 2025
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31:54In this episode we welcome Jason Beales of AIR MILES to talk about what the past year of the program and the loyalty industry brought us and what we can expect in 2025.By Rewards Canada
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This week we look at the highest bonuses ever seen on some CIBC credit cards, even more National Bank of Canada credit card limitations, Air Canada adding free inflight Wi-Fi and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast!By Rewards Canada
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169 | Top 5 Things to Know About Travel in 2025
26:19
26:19
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26:19What are some trends I'm seeing in travel among my Families Fly Free members? In this episode, I share not silly, made up travel trends like "multi-generational" travel or "babymoons" but real, on-the-ground things that I've seen in 2024 regarding flights, hotels, vacation rentals and more that you need to prepare for in 2025. Don't miss this episo…
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This week we look at the most valuable credit card welcome bonuses for December, two great award flight sales, a new dual concept Plaza Premium Lounge in Vancouver and much more in our weekly credit card and loyalty rewards newscast! Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code rewardscanada at checkout. Download Saily app or go to h…
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AI Won't Plan Your Trip - But It's Transforming Travel
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34:54Is AI all hype when it comes to travel planning? We go beyond the buzz to uncover how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming operations behind the scenes. From analyzing the latest innovations to adopting Mexican gray wolves, we share provocative insights from our industry travels. Discover the unsexy truth about AI's real impact on travel…
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Episode 5 - Interview with Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach
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45:03In episode 5 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach joins Matt and Chris to talk about the recent changes to Virgin Australia's loyalty program. In this interview, find out why Velocity is making status harder to earn, why Velocity is launching a Forever Gold tier, what the enhanced partnership with Qatar Airways …
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