Quick Hits: Hyatt Adds The Standard Hotels, Emirates First Class Lockdown, Rakuten Promo Alert & More!

Planning your summer 2025 travel? Now might be the perfect time to book. In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares key updates from his recent trip to Roatan and fresh news in the points and miles world. He covers limited-time transfer bonuses, how to spot travel savings on previously booked trips, and why Rakuten’s 7,500 Amex point promo is worth jumping on. You’ll also hear why Newark Airport might be best avoided for now, how Hyatt integrates The Standard hotels, and what Hyatt’s new gifting rules mean for loyal travelers. Finally, DeAndre breaks down Emirates’ move to restrict first-class redemptions and how to still unlock the experience through strategic credit card plays. Key takeaways: Roatan reflections: A surprisingly incredible stay at the Grand Kimpton Roatan, made better with points and Amex FHR perks.Summer 2025 alert: Now is the sweet spot for booking cheap domestic flights before prices spike.Travel disruptions: Newark Airport is seeing significant delays and cancellations—consider alternative routes.Booking tip: Already booked a summer trip? Check current pricing—DeAndre saved $300 and 70k Hyatt points on a rebook.Rakuten promo: New users can get 7,500 Amex points with just $25 in spending through Rakuten.Hyatt & The Standard: The Standard hotels officially join World of Hyatt with elite perks intact.Award gifting limits: Hyatt will limit members to 10 award gifts received per year starting June 7.Emirates first-class restrictions: As of May 12, only Skywards elite members can redeem for first class.Credit card workaround: Get Emirates Silver or Gold elite status through co-branded Skywards cards to retain access. Resources:Rakuten Promo: Get a 7,500 point bonus after you spend $25Shopping Portals Explained (Ep. 49)Blog: How to Use Shopping Portals to Boost Your Points and MilesStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!This month’s best current card offersLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupThrifty Traveler PremiumDaily Drop NewsletterThis month’s best current card offersBoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldWebsite: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorld Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis 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