{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Ff73084a2-c338-431e-9c11-638ebdecd5c4","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Travel Smarter with Joy & Mara of @savvytravelmamas: Points, Timeshares & Travel Freebies (Ep. 73)\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/f73084a2-c338-431e-9c11-638ebdecd5c4\"></iframe>","title":"Travel Smarter with Joy & Mara of @savvytravelmamas: Points, Timeshares & Travel Freebies (Ep. 73)","description":"Can vacation clubs and timeshares be worth it, and how do you avoid the traps?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke welcomes Joy Smith and Mara Rice, better known as the Savvy Travel Mamas, for a candid conversation on travel strategies, points and miles, and making family vacations a reality without breaking the bank. Mara shares how she started travel hacking decades ago out of financial necessity. At the same time, Joy reflects on her evolution from avoiding travel planning to becoming the go-to organizer for unforgettable getaways.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThey break down the difference between vacation clubs and timeshares, discuss how to spot (and avoid) high-pressure sales tactics\u2014especially in Las Vegas\u2014and explain why freebies can be both a perk and a pitfall. You\u2019ll also hear personal stories from their stays at Hilton and Hyatt resorts, tips for using credit cards wisely, and prioritizing experiences without overspending. This episode offers a practical guide for families, beginners, and anyone curious about getting more from their travels through smart planning and intentional choices.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKey Highlights:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tMara\u2019s beginnings: She started using points and miles out of necessity, proving you don\u2019t need money to travel smart.\r\n\r\n \tJoy\u2019s shift: Initially hesitant, Joy embraced travel planning to prioritize family vacations.\r\n\r\n \tVacation club clarity: Understanding the structure of vacation clubs vs. timeshares is critical to making wise decisions.\r\n\r\n \tMaximizing redemptions: Spacious accommodations and points strategy make family travel more affordable.\r\n\r\n \tCommon mistakes: Many people jump into timeshares without understanding what they buy.\r\n\r\n \tFinancial insight: Being financially responsible when considering ownership is key.\r\n\r\n \tPresentation strategy: If you prepare, you can attend sales presentations just for the perks.\r\n\r\n \tVegas freebies: Joy and Mara reveal how they scored thousands in vacation value just by showing up.\r\n\r\n \tFamily-first mindset: Travel should work around your family\u2019s needs, not the other way around.\r\n\r\n \tStart small: You don\u2019t have to jump into luxury travel\u2014start where you are and build from there.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis episode is sponsored by Saily. Use Code BOLDLYGO for a 15% discount\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResources:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel\r\n\r\n \tSign up for our newsletter!\r\n\r\n \tThis month's best current card offers\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tUse coupon code \"BOLDYGO\" for a 50% discount!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tBoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group\r\n\r\n \tTruicity Wealth Management\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResources:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tBook a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nInterested in Financial Planning?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tTruicity Wealth Management\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNote: Contains affiliate/sponsored links\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)\r\n\r\n \tZil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)\r\n\r\n \tTravel Freely\r\n\r\n \tPoint.me\r\n\r\n \tFlightConnections.com\r\n\r\n \tThrifty Traveler Premium\r\n\r\n \tLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tUse coupon code \"BOLDYGO\" for a 50% discount!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConnect with DeAndre Coke: \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tInstagram: BoldlyGo.world\r\n\r\n \tWebsite: BoldlyGo.world\r\n\r\n \tYouTube: BoldlyGoWorld\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nConnect with savvytravelmamas:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \tInstagram: savvytravelmamas\r\n\r\n \tFacebook: Savvy Travel Mamas\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n ","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/7007a4cb-3da5-488f-ad37-03f335d43647/6.jpg"}