MAP Traveler
maptraveler.bsky.social
MAP Traveler
@maptraveler.bsky.social
Learn how to turn credit cards into FREE (or close to it) travel! Each episode is under 20 minutes, designed to give you the information you need without being overwhelming. Check us out! maptraveler.org
Unlock $5,000 in Value with Sapphire Reserve Card

After a major refresh this summer, it now offers new cardmembers over $5,000 in value their first year, thanks to the welcome offer of 125,000 bonus points (worth $2,500 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠) plus $2,700 in annual…
Unlock $5,000 in Value with Sapphire Reserve Card
After a major refresh this summer, it now offers new cardmembers over $5,000 in value their first year, thanks to the welcome offer of 125,000 bonus points (worth $2,500 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠) plus $2,700 in annual value through travel and lifestyle benefits. Sapphire Reserve still has our favorite benefits, like the flexible $300 annual travel credit and access to every Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club (with up to two complimentary guests).
maptraveler.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Retention Offers

A quick call, or chat, can put money and/or points in your pocket Success Twice This Month! Credit card annual fees can feel like a necessary evil—especially if the card comes with great perks. But here’s the part many people don’t realize: annual fees are often negotiable. You…
Retention Offers
A quick call, or chat, can put money and/or points in your pocket Success Twice This Month! Credit card annual fees can feel like a necessary evil—especially if the card comes with great perks. But here’s the part many people don’t realize: annual fees are often negotiable. You don’t need a special script, elite status, or a perfect credit score.
maptraveler.org
December 16, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Shopping Portals

You can earn miles, and cash back, for online activity We talked about it on the podcast, and it's worth noting, that if you shop online then you can earn flexible points, miles and cash back. This is a bonus for activity you were going to do anyway. Amazon-check.…
Shopping Portals
You can earn miles, and cash back, for online activity We talked about it on the podcast, and it's worth noting, that if you shop online then you can earn flexible points, miles and cash back. This is a bonus for activity you were going to do anyway. Amazon-check. WalMart-absolutely. Kohl's-you bet. Even places like InstaCart, AARP, Marriott...the list goes on and on.
maptraveler.org
November 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Untitled

The New and Improved American Express Platinum Card: Is It Worth It in 2025? The American Express Platinum Card® has long been a favorite for frequent travelers, offering luxury perks that make airport lounges, hotel stays, and even everyday purchases feel elevated. In 2025, Amex…
Untitled
The New and Improved American Express Platinum Card: Is It Worth It in 2025? The American Express Platinum Card® has long been a favorite for frequent travelers, offering luxury perks that make airport lounges, hotel stays, and even everyday purchases feel elevated. In 2025, Amex refreshed the card with new benefits—adding more than $3,500 in annual value, but also raising the annual fee to…
maptraveler.org
October 2, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Earn More with Chase Marriott: Top Card Guide

Which Chase Marriott Card Earns the Most — and which one should you use? If you frequently stay at Marriott properties (or plan to), using a Marriott-branded credit card (especially from Chase) is one of the best ways to boost your point accrual. But…
Earn More with Chase Marriott: Top Card Guide
Which Chase Marriott Card Earns the Most — and which one should you use? If you frequently stay at Marriott properties (or plan to), using a Marriott-branded credit card (especially from Chase) is one of the best ways to boost your point accrual. But not all of these cards are created equal. In this post, I’ll break down how much you can effectively “earn” (in points per dollar of hotel spend) on different Chase Marriott/Bonvoy cards, consider other perks (free nights, elite nights, etc.), and then suggest which card is likely the best choice for most.
maptraveler.org
September 29, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Untitled

Exploring the Skies: Why the Chase United Explorer Card Might Be Your Ticket to Better Travel When I first heard about the Chase United Explorer Card, my ears perked up—not just because of “free lounge passes” or “priority boarding,” but because of the way the signup bonus and fee are…
Untitled
Exploring the Skies: Why the Chase United Explorer Card Might Be Your Ticket to Better Travel When I first heard about the Chase United Explorer Card, my ears perked up—not just because of “free lounge passes” or “priority boarding,” but because of the way the signup bonus and fee are structured: generous, border-on-tempting, and—if you use it right—an excellent value.
maptraveler.org
September 12, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Time To Apply

IHG Premier Card’s Upgraded Welcome Offer! Starting September 4, 2025, Chase is offering a limited-time elevated sign-up bonus on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card:Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. This is a notable bump…
Time To Apply
IHG Premier Card’s Upgraded Welcome Offer! Starting September 4, 2025, Chase is offering a limited-time elevated sign-up bonus on the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card:Earn 165,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. This is a notable bump from the previous offer of 140,000 bonus points for the same spend requirement.
maptraveler.org
September 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Hotel Safety Tips

Make Your Next Trip Safer Let’s be honest—when we check into a hotel, most of us are thinking about fluffy pillows, that first dive onto the bed, or maybe the poolside cocktail waiting downstairs. The last thing on our minds? Safety. But here’s the truth: taking a few simple…
Hotel Safety Tips
Make Your Next Trip Safer Let’s be honest—when we check into a hotel, most of us are thinking about fluffy pillows, that first dive onto the bed, or maybe the poolside cocktail waiting downstairs. The last thing on our minds? Safety. But here’s the truth: taking a few simple precautions can make your stay way more relaxing. And the good news is—it’s not hard at all.
maptraveler.org
September 2, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Chase Business Options

Why I Love Chase Ink Business Cards (And Why You Might Too) If you run a small business or even just have a side hustle, you’ve probably heard about the Chase Ink Business credit cards. They’re some of the most popular cards out there for entrepreneurs, and for good…
Chase Business Options
Why I Love Chase Ink Business Cards (And Why You Might Too) If you run a small business or even just have a side hustle, you’ve probably heard about the Chase Ink Business credit cards. They’re some of the most popular cards out there for entrepreneurs, and for good reason—they come with big welcome bonuses, flexible rewards, and perks that actually make sense for business owners.
maptraveler.org
August 29, 2025 at 12:50 PM
How to Organize Your Credit Card Travel Perks

Travel credit cards offer incredible benefits—from lounge access and hotel upgrades to travel insurance and statement credits. But here’s the catch: with multiple cards in your wallet, it’s easy to forget which perk belongs to which card. A little…
How to Organize Your Credit Card Travel Perks
Travel credit cards offer incredible benefits—from lounge access and hotel upgrades to travel insurance and statement credits. But here’s the catch: with multiple cards in your wallet, it’s easy to forget which perk belongs to which card. A little organization can help you maximize those benefits and make your trips smoother (and cheaper). Here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing your travel perks like a pro.
maptraveler.org
August 26, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Enjoying an Airport Lounge with Priority Pass Access

Air travel can be hectic—long lines, crowded terminals, and limited seating at your gate. But if you’ve ever stepped into an airport lounge, you know the experience can shift dramatically from stressful to serene. Thanks to credit cards that…
Enjoying an Airport Lounge with Priority Pass Access
Air travel can be hectic—long lines, crowded terminals, and limited seating at your gate. But if you’ve ever stepped into an airport lounge, you know the experience can shift dramatically from stressful to serene. Thanks to credit cards that include Priority Pass membership, travelers now have access to hundreds of lounges around the world, offering comfort, quiet, and complimentary perks before a flight.
maptraveler.org
July 30, 2025 at 4:25 PM
10 Great New England Marriott Hotels Under 50,000 Points Per Night

New England offers postcard-perfect charm in every season—autumn foliage, coastal summers, ski getaways, and historic cities. Even better? You can experience it all without breaking the bank by redeeming your Marriott Bonvoy…
10 Great New England Marriott Hotels Under 50,000 Points Per Night
New England offers postcard-perfect charm in every season—autumn foliage, coastal summers, ski getaways, and historic cities. Even better? You can experience it all without breaking the bank by redeeming your Marriott Bonvoy points. Here are 10 excellent Marriott hotels across New England that typically cost less than 50,000 points per night. Whether you're planning a road trip or a weekend escape, these properties deliver standout value.
maptraveler.org
July 21, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Why Marriott Silver Elite Status Is More Valuable Than You Think

If you’re a casual traveler or just dipping your toes into hotel loyalty programs, Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status might not sound like a big deal. It’s the entry-level elite tier in Marriott’s loyalty program, often earned…
Why Marriott Silver Elite Status Is More Valuable Than You Think
If you’re a casual traveler or just dipping your toes into hotel loyalty programs, Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status might not sound like a big deal. It’s the entry-level elite tier in Marriott’s loyalty program, often earned automatically by holding a Marriott credit card or after just 10 nights a year. But don’t underestimate it — Silver Elite status can quietly enhance your travel experience…
maptraveler.org
July 16, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Pet-Friendly Vacation: Book Kimpton Hotels with IHG Points

Using the IHG card to bring your fur babies with you Why Kimpton Hotels Are the Ultimate Pet-Friendly Stay If you’re a pet parent who refuses to leave your furry companion behind when you travel, you’re in for a treat—literally and…
Pet-Friendly Vacation: Book Kimpton Hotels with IHG Points
Using the IHG card to bring your fur babies with you Why Kimpton Hotels Are the Ultimate Pet-Friendly Stay If you’re a pet parent who refuses to leave your furry companion behind when you travel, you’re in for a treat—literally and figuratively—with Kimpton Hotels. Known for their bold design, personal touches, and warm hospitality, Kimpton Hotels go above and beyond to welcome not just you, but your pets too.
maptraveler.org
July 9, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Chase-Big Changes are here

The bonus is HUGE but is it worth it?? Chase gave the Sapphire Reserve its biggest update since 2016, rolling out changes on June 23, 2025 . New applicants and existing cardholders (at their next renewal, post‑October 26, 2025) will see these changes. It's important to…
Chase-Big Changes are here
The bonus is HUGE but is it worth it?? Chase gave the Sapphire Reserve its biggest update since 2016, rolling out changes on June 23, 2025 . New applicants and existing cardholders (at their next renewal, post‑October 26, 2025) will see these changes. It's important to review everything to make sure this card it (still) for you. Key Changes at a Glance…
maptraveler.org
June 26, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Traveling with your fur baby? We love to stay at #Kimpton hotels. No pet fee, and they treat your pet like family! We stay 1 night free every year with our IHG cc #IYKYK #travelforless
June 18, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Used our Hilton Aspire free night to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach #travel #travelblogger
Incredible! Plus we were able to use the resort credit that comes with that card. Insane value. #IYKYK
June 17, 2025 at 4:16 PM
The new episode is out! A quick, under 20 mins ep, detailing a few new cc offers and both include FREE NIGHTS each year.
open.spotify.com/episode/2KIt...
Free Night Certificates Included
MAP Traveler · Episode
open.spotify.com
June 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM