Episode 108

Our 2025 Recap: Biggest Points & Miles Wins, Lessons, and Mistakes (Ep.108)

In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, Taryn and DeAndre look back on an unforgettable 2025, filled with major life milestones, ambitious travel, and an intentional points-and-miles strategy. From wedding planning to luxury hotel stays and standout food experiences around the world, they break down how thoughtful planning turned everyday spending into millions of points redeemed.

They share favorite destinations from the year, memorable redemptions, and practical lessons learned along the way, including when buying points made sense, how community insights shaped decisions, and why traveling as a strong “player two” team amplified results. The episode also highlights unique strategies, such as earning miles instead of interest through alternative banking options, and the role that credit card bonuses played in unlocking premium experiences.

The conversation wraps with a forward-looking mindset as Taryn and DeAndre encourage listeners to set clear, intentional travel goals for 2026, lean into community, and design travel plans that align with real life, not just aspirational redemptions.

Key Highlights:

  • 2025 in review: A year defined by weddings, big trips, and strategic redemptions.
  • Points at scale: How millions of points were earned and redeemed through planning and timing.
  • Player two advantage: Why traveling as a couple multiplies earning and redemption opportunities.
  • Buying points strategically: When point sales made sense and delivered outsized value.
  • Standout destinations: Mexico City and other favorites for hotels, culture, and food.
  • Alternative earning strategies: Using banking tools to earn miles instead of traditional interest.
  • Credit card leverage: Maximizing welcome offers and category bonuses throughout the year.
  • Life balance: Managing travel alongside business and personal commitments.
  • Looking ahead: Setting focused, intentional travel goals for 2026.

Resources:

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Travel Network, that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsered content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.

Voyascape Podcast Network

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast

About the Podcast

Show artwork for The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey
The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey
Travel better, farther, and more luxuriously using points & miles.

About your host

Profile picture for DeAndre Coke

DeAndre Coke

DeAndre Coke is a financial advisor and avid traveler with a passion for helping others explore the world affordably and luxuriously. Ranked by Forbes as one of Virginia’s top financial security professionals for two consecutive years, DeAndre brings his strategic mindset to his travel pursuits. Together with his fiancée, Taryn, he navigates the world of points and miles, uncovering the secrets of award travel to share with his audience.