Today, we're diving deep into the world of travel hacking with Julia Menez, a former actuary turned travel influencer and educator. Julia's journey takes us through her unconventional path, where she transitioned from crunching numbers to unraveling the secrets of accumulating points and miles for luxurious travel experiences. Episode Guide 01:26 How did you start travel hacking? 05:59 What is an actuary? 13:08 Everything turned out not quite as she planned. 13:48 How did traveling fit into your life? 17:04 The transition from actuary to Instagram and online marketing 19:35 Opening your own travel agency and the challenges of opening one 22:04 How did people react when you say you can travel for free? 23:23 When did you realize that you can actually make a career out of helping people? 25:08 What’s your thought process about raising your price? 27:51 What type of clients do you work with? 29:17 Are you still challenged with what you’re doing? 30:56 How do you balance your ambition? 34:48 Any advice to someone who’s starting travel hacking? 35:46 Busting some travel hacking myths 36:40 Best credit card for starters? 38:21 Where do you go to learn more? 39:17 Have you ever thought of starting a startup? 42:00 Anything you need help with? Julia's journey is a testament to the incredible power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. From a math whiz in an actuarial career to a trailblazing travel expert, Julia's story embodies the idea that life's most remarkable transformations often occur when we dare to challenge the norm and embrace our passions. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it! Until next time, happy travels! Email: [email protected] Instagram:geobreezetravel Youtube: geobreezetravel Want to learn more about us? Check out our site here: https://www.vacayhq.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message

In Part 2 of my conversation with Freddy Lansky, let’s get to know more about the man behind Points Panda and how his experience traveling to 70+ countries using various strategies and tricks is helping his clients travel more for less.  Episode Guide 06:27 What is your strategy for going and creating revenue through Upwork? 14:25 Would you recommend you start by buying a business? 17:07 Why didn’t you just go get a regular job? 22:29 What do you do for Healthcare? 25:19 How do you manage your visa applications? 28:14 How does Points Panda work? 33:48 How does your business work? 37:21 Can you tell me more about Seat.aero? 45:18 What’s something you could use some help with right now? Freddy Lansky's journey from chess enthusiast to travel hacking guru is nothing short of inspiring. He's shown us that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations. By optimizing reward points acquisition and customizing your travel strategy, you too can master the art of travel hacking. Thank you for joining me on this remarkable journey with Freddy Lansky. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! Want to learn more about us? Check us out here: https://www.vacayhq.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Traveling on Purpose. My guest today is Freddy Lanski, founder of Points Panda. This is a 2-part episode where we will be talking about his early beginnings, his various business successes and failures, business strategies, and most important of all, how he became the travel hacking guru he is today.  Freddy's story begins at the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a business degree. Like many of us, he initially ventured down the corporate path, but life had other plans. The Great Recession hit, and Freddy found himself facing job losses that made him rethink his career choices. Checkmate With a dash of adventurous spirit and a pocketful of savings, Freddy decided to embark on a life-changing journey across Europe. This journey served as a pivotal moment, igniting his passion for exploration and discovery. But it was during a trip to Argentina that he started a unique business venture called iChess. Teaming up with a partner, they created chess courses. For almost a decade, they worked tirelessly on this venture, allowing him to make frequent travels to Europe and South America.  Episode Guide 04:49 When did you realize you love to go into business, to make your own money? 13:02 What would you say your superpower is as an entrepreneur?  15:30 How does AI into Marketing? 21:59 What does your brother and the rest of your family do? 24:22 How do you know if your business is doing good or not, what is your number? 32:19 What do you think about offering online courses? 34:41 Can you tell us more about Points Panda? 40:25 Where did you advertise? If you think we’re done, well you’re in for a treat. So, tune in to our next episode and get ready to be inspired as we dive deeper into the world of travel hacking with the incredible Freddy Lanski. But for now, keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it. Until next time, happy travels! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message

This week, I chatted with Amena Bakali, Award Travel Educator and the woman behind “Hassans On Holiday”. Let’s get to know more about Amena and learn family travel hacks so we can all travel more, for less.   Early Influences and Passion for Giving Back Amena’s passion for giving back and making a positive impact stems from her parent's involvement in the local nonprofit sector. Growing up, she attended fundraisers with her parents and gradually developed an understanding of different causes. As an immigrant family, her parents instilled the value of making a difference and giving back, which she carries with her today. Alongside her passion for travel, Amna has a background in the nonprofit sector. She recently finished her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership. She is passionate about combining travel, social impact, and helping organizations do good. Introduction to Travel Hacking Episode Guide 01:10 How did you discover the world of Travel Hacking? 04:16 Where did this passion to do good come from? 06:04 Choosing family over career 07:33 Balancing act 08:30 Do you have any regrets about focusing on family over your career? 09:52 Point, Miles, and what to do about them 12:43 Loyalty program 14:39 What is a Companion Pass? 16:06 How much money did you save using the Companion Pass? 16:52 Pros and Cons of the Companion Pass 19:14 How do you help your clients? 20:54 Who are your clients? 22:07 What are some of the misconceptions and the things people worry about? 24:47 When is the best time to ask for your help? 29:52 Rewards or Cashback? 31:16 AMEX vs. Chase 32:20 Airport lounge access 36:08 Do you remember any mistakes you made when starting travel hacking? 40:12 What credit card do you need to get to the Capital One lounge? 46:56 Is there anything you need help with?  48:08 What is your purpose and how do you think about your purpose? Travel hacking is a privilege and an opportunity to enhance financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. Overall, Amena’s insights provide valuable guidance for individuals interested in maximizing credit card rewards and achieving affordable travel while emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and responsible financial management. If you want to keep in touch with Amena, check out her Instagram account @HassansonHoliday. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it! Until next time, happy travels! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message

In today’s episode, we talk to Eli Facenda better known on the Internet as The Travel Guy. Let’s get to know more about Eli and learn more about travel hacks and tips on how you can travel for free or for a fraction of the cost.  Meet the Travel Guy Eli has been involved in the travel hacking game for about 8 or 9 years and turned his passion into a full-fledged business. Eli helps primarily business owners, as well as individuals, maximize their spending to travel better and enjoy more luxurious experiences. His mission is to help people create a life filled with adventure and fun, packed with memorable experiences shared with loved ones, and travel hacking, is one of the best tools to achieve this. Episode Guide 01:55 When did your interest in travel hacking start? 03:32 You have a degree in Finance, so why not pursue a job on Wall Street? 05:20 Where did your rebellious spirit come from? 06:33 Did you get any pushback for not following the norm? 12:38 The Abundance Mindset 14:01 Why become an entrepreneur? 15:21 Battling anxiety and depression 19:00 How do you deal with failure? 20:32 What is your philosophy in life? 25:44 Failure and the need for validation 31:20 About The Travel Guy 32:31 Why high-spending business owners? 34:56 What is your advice to people who want to do travel hacking? 36:50 Are there sources of information you can recommend to people who are just getting started? 40:15 Is there anything in your life that you could use a little help with right now? For Eli, Travel does not necessarily require vast financial resources, but rather a well-thought-out strategy. He left a possible lucrative life on Wall Street and embarked on a journey of exploration and adventure. Eli's story serves as an inspiring reminder that with the right mindset and a willingness to think outside the box, one can break free from conventional expectations and pursue their passions and dreams. It reinforces the idea that travel is not limited to the wealthy or privileged, but rather accessible to those who approach it with creativity, resourcefulness, and a positive outlook. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it! Until next time, happy travels! If you want to know more about Eli, check out his website at https://www.freedomtravelsystems.com/ or follow EliTravelGuy on Instagram. Want to learn more about us? Check out our site here: https://www.vacayhq.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message

In the Pilot episode of Traveling on Purpose, join me as I talk to one-half of the Point Sisters, Devan Sullivan. Devan and her sister Kelsi, are Americans who grew up in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Being exposed to various cultures at a young age has influenced her love for travel and the desire to travel and explore diverse cultures and religions.  Introduction to Travel Hacking Devan admits she didn’t realize she was a travel hacker until 2020, but she had been using points and miles for over 15 years. She shares her early experiences of using her dad’s accumulated points and miles and gradually learning to earn her own.  Traveling can be an expensive hobby but with careful planning and knowing the right tools, you can book flights that will enable you to land your dream vacation without breaking the bank.  Episode Guide 10:47 What was your first credit card and how did you start racking points?  12:25 Who taught you about credit? 17:22 What are some tips you would give people about building their credit? 20:01 Who were the first people you helped that jump-started your business? 23:34 The beginning of Point Sisters.  25:29 Earning their first dollar. 27:28 What type of trips do you specialize in? 29:12 What are the tools you use when planning trips? 32:13 How much time would it take to plan a trip together? 35:19 Fast Talk: Devan answers our burning questions In conclusion, we highlighted the Point Sisters' journey in utilizing credit card points and miles to create unforgettable travel experiences for their clients. It served as a reminder that when used responsibly and strategically, credit cards can serve as a powerful tool to unlock incredible savings and opportunities for travel, transforming them from mere debt instruments to valuable assets for exploring the world. By understanding the ins and outs of rewards programs and leveraging their benefits, you can embark on adventures you might have otherwise deemed unattainable. Keep traveling, keep thinking about your purpose, and don’t be afraid to pursue it! Until next time, happy travels! Want to learn more about us? Check us out here: https://www.vacayhq.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message

Welcome to the Traveling on Purpose Podcast. This is where we explore the journeys of travel hackers who have discovered the power of travel to elevate their lives and inspire others. Join me as we dive deep into the stories of these amazing Travel Hackers – modern-day explorers who cracked the code to a life less ordinary. I'm warning you though, this podcast isn't just about their travel tales; it's a canvas where dreams evolve into reality, and where you, dear listener, gather the tools to craft your very own adventure. So, are you ready to Travel on Purpose? ✈️ Check us out here: https://www.vacayhq.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message

Welcome to Season 1 of Traveling on Purpose Podcast. 🎙️ Hi, my name is Damondrick Jack. You can call me 𝐃𝐉, and I'm a 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿.𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝟭𝟴 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝟴𝟬𝟬, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟳! Here in this podcast, we'll be unraveling tips and tricks from different expert travel hackers. Don't miss out, follow us here and don't forget to always Travel on Purpose! You can also check us out here at: https://www.vacayhq.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travelingonpurpose/message