Quick Hits: The First EVER BoldlyGo Meetup, This Week’s Most Important Points & Miles News & More!

In this week’s Quick Hits, DeAndre blends a powerful community story with actionable updates across the points and miles space.He opens with a feel good moment from Roatan, where a simple recommendation shared with the audience turned into real impact for a local driver and his family. What started as a single connection has now led to over 100 referrals, highlighting how this community can create meaningful change far beyond travel itself.That same spirit carries into the announcement of the first official Boldly Go meetup, set for February 5 to 7 in Miami. It marks a major step in bringing the community together in real life.On the strategy side, DeAndre breaks down current transfer bonuses across major programs, shopping portal opportunities like Rakuten, and targeted offers such as Capital One DoorDash bonuses. He also covers several industry shifts, including Amex ending transfers to Etihad, United tightening perks around cardholders, and widespread airline baggage fee increases.The episode wraps with insights on buying Hilton points during a 100 percent bonus and why having a diversified points strategy continues to create flexibility and value.Key takeaways: Community impact: A single connection in Roatan turned into real opportunities for a local family.Meetup announced: First Boldly Go community event set for Miami in February.Transfer bonuses: Multiple limited time opportunities across Citi, Chase, Capital One and more.Shopping portals: Easy way to stack points on everyday purchases through Rakuten.Program changes: Amex dropping Etihad and United shifting benefits toward cardholders.Rising costs: Airline baggage fees increasing across multiple carriers.Points strategy: Buying Hilton points during bonus promos can unlock strong value.Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World NomadsGet a travel insurance quote hereResources:Get your $50 Rakuten bonus herePediatric CEO Intensive 2026 tickets - coupon code COKE10Let’s meet up at Points Travel Festival 2026 in TorontoPodcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupSome 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.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.worldWebsite: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravelsMentioned 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