Miles & Pints: The Travel and Beer Podcast

Today’s Guest: Kim Tate

Kim Tate is a family travel expert who runs StuffedSuitcase.com and is a co-host of the Vacation Mavens podcast. Through her site, her podcast, and her social channels, Kim provides amazing information on travel destinations, including what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and how to get there. Add in the tips and tricks she provides for everything from packing and planning to saving on your trip, and you have an impressive one-stop resource for family travel.

Times of Note:

1:42 - Kim says Hi.

2:14 - What we’re drinking.

7:14 - Kim’s background and introduction to travel.

9:38 - Some quick Kansas City tourist tips.

11:02 - Travelling with kids.

13:35 - Kim’s professional background.

15:36 - Stuffed Suitcase is born - Kim started with a plan!

17:55 - We realize that Kim is smarter than us (not a shock).

18:55 - All about Stuffed Suitcase.

22:10 - Destinations look to Kim to share their stories.

27:19 - Get out of your bubble and stop comparing your trips to others!

30:04 - Kim has been podcasting for far longer than us.

35:56 - Derrick and Jeff need to like each other - uh-oh!

37:30 - The Wanderlist Book.

41:52 - Team Carry-On for the win!

46:43 - We start talking travel.

50:25 - Kim doesn’t need a butler at her hotel, Jeff and his kids do.

53:00 - Jeff is the worst kid in his family.

55:30 - How the pandemic has affected Kim's business and travel.

59:17 - Vampires!

1:00:27 - Kim’s favorite domestic destinations.

1:02:24 - Kim’s favorite international destinations.

1:06:56 - Kim’s recommendations for family travel this summer.

1:12:14 - Where Kim is escaping to post-pandemic.

1:14:48 - Where to find Kim and Stuffed Suitcase online.

1:17:23 - The Miles & Pints Theme Song!

Relevant Links:

Lot Six Double IPA - Evolution Craft Brewing

The Way Things Were American Pale Ale - Marlowe Artisanal Ales

Kat Matting - @katmanning

Bodhizafa IPA - Georgetown Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company

American Jazz Museum

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

We3Travel.com

National Parks Pass - 4th (and 5th) Grade Free

Stuffed Suitcase

Website - StuffedSuitcase.com

Podcast - Vacation Mavens

Twitter - @stuffedsuitcase

Instagram - @stuffedsuitcase

Facebook - Stuffed Suitcase

Pinterest - Stuffed Suitcase

Travel On Point(s)

Website - travel-on-points.com

Facebook - Travel on Point(s)

Miles & Pints

Website - milesandpints.com

Store - Miles & Pints Swag

Facebook - Miles & Pints

Twitter - @MILESandPINTS

Instagram - @milesandpints

TikTok - @milesandpints

Today’s Guest: Erik Coleman

Erik Coleman is the owner and operator of Beer By Coleman, a concierge craft beverage service that offers guided tastings, brewery consultations, and custom brewing tours. In addition, Erik oversees the Trocaire College Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation Program, and is the Chair of the Events Committee for the Buffalo Niagara Brewers Association. If something is happening in the brewery scene in western New York, Erik Coleman is probably involved.

Times of Note:

2:04 - Erik says Hi.

2:13 - What we’re drinking.

3:57 - Erik’s background and introduction to craft beer.

6:55 - A 30-40 hour a week side hustle?!?

9:47 - Derrick asks the important question.

16:00 - Erik starts to help out at Big Ditch Brewing.

18:12 - Too much STRESS!

20:05 - Drinking with friends provides the best ideas.

21:03 - What is Beer By Coleman?

29:53 - Where Beer by Coleman gets their clients.

32:59 - What Erik does with Trocaire College.

41:45 - Trocaire goes virtual.

46:56 - We start to talk about beer travel.

47:33 - Erik’s favorite US locations to travel for beer.

51:19 - Building the business strategically for travel.

53:15 - Some of Erik’s favorite international locations.

56:20 - Erik gets to brew a beer while on vacation.

57:57 - Jeff gets to help name and create tasting notes for a beer.

59:59 - Erik gets hazed by Hill Farmstead.

1:06:36 - Erik’s post-Covid travel goals.

1:09:25 - Where to find Erik and Beer By Coleman online.

1:12:36 - The Miles & Pints Theme Song!

Relevant Links:

Dave at Basic Travel Couple

Port City Brewing Company - Optimal Wit

RAR Brewing - Stunts!

Empire Brewing - Stormy Weather

Ellicottville Brewing Company

Southern Tier Brewing Company

Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

Flying Bison Brewing Company

Saranac Brewery

Resurgence Brewing Company

Big Ditch Brewing Company

Foam Brewers

Hill Farmstead Brewery

Tour de Geuze - Belgium

Cicerone Certification Program

ChurchKey - DC

Hopleaf Bar - Chicago

Beer By Coleman

[email protected]

Erik C. Coleman - LinkedIn

Erik Coleman - Facebook

Trocaire College Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation Program

Travel On Point(s)

Website - travel-on-points.com

Facebook - Travel on Point(s)

Miles & Pints

Website - milesandpints.com

Store - Miles & Pints Swag

Facebook - Miles & Pints

Twitter - @MILESandPINTS

Instagram - @milesandpints

TikTok - @milesandpints

Today’s Guest: Miles and Points with Pints

We don’t have a guest on this episode of Miles & Pints. Instead, Jeff and Derrick are taking some time to discuss the latest hotel promos and some general travel updates. This episode is the conclusion of Episode 12, so make sure you listen to that episode first to hear all of the updates and information we have to share.

Times of Note:

1:17 - We get into what’s going on with loyalty programs.

2:01 - Crazy good current Hyatt promos.

8:11 - What could be the downside of the Hyatt Globalist promos.

11:06 - Hilton Diamond promo.

13:57 - Hilton Gold Giveaway!

14:47 - Marriott Bonvoy promos.

20:17 - Marriott Elite Guarantees update.

23:36 - We start to talk about travel updates.

24:38 - Updates and opinions on empty middle seats.

28:24 - Centurion Lounges re-opening.

29:45 - Our take on the latest TSA numbers.

32:33 - International travel restrictions increasing again.

35:59 - Our hopes as we move forward.

37:55 - The Miles & Pints Theme Song!

Relevant Links:

World of Hyatt

Hilton Honors

Marriott Bonvoy

Travel On Point(s)

Website - travel-on-points.com

Facebook - Travel on Point(s)

Miles & Pints

Website - milesandpints.com

Store - Miles & Pints Swag

Facebook - Miles & Pints

Twitter - @MILESandPINTS

Instagram - @milesandpints

TikTok - @milesandpints

Today’s Guest: Miles and Points with Pints

We don’t have a guest on this episode of Miles & Pints. Instead, Jeff and Derrick are taking some time to discuss updates to credit card benefits and the latest Amazon promotions as we start the new year. You’ll hear what our favorite promos are, what we hope to see in the coming weeks, and maybe even learn about something you’ve missed. This recording went a little long, so catch the end of our conversation in Episode 12a.

Times of Note:

1:50 - What we’re drinking.

3:00 - The original location is in Herndon, VA.

4:09 - Credit card benefit updates.

5:44 - American Express card promos.

8:05 - How Jeff is using his Paypal Credit for January.

12:03 - Spencer has had lots of people sign up for the 6 month Paypal option.

18:12 - Miles & Pints on video?

25:05 - Citi card promos - Jeff has an odd reaction.

28:30 - Chase card promos - the good and the bad.

38:52 - Amazon promos have been great!

40:28 - Derrick got $40 per point in value!!!

43:39 - Hear the rest of the conversation in Episode 12a.

44:53 - The Miles & Pints Theme Song

Relevant Links:

Crux Fermentation Project - Gimme Mo IPA

Aslin Beer Company - Triple Orange Starfish TIPA

Paypal

Straight to the Points Premium

American Express

Citi

Chase

Amazon

Travel On Point(s)

Website - travel-on-points.com

Facebook - Travel on Point(s)

Miles & Pints

Website - milesandpints.com

Store - Miles & Pints Swag

Facebook - Miles & Pints

Twitter - @MILESandPINTS

Instagram - @milesandpints

TikTok - @milesandpints

Today’s Guest: Andrew Brooks

Andrew Brooks is the owner and operator of Talking Cursive Brewing Company in Syracuse, New York. Along with his wife, Andrew has built a beautiful tasting room, an efficient state of the art brewhouse, and a successful business that will surely be around for a long time. Having taken the past year’s slow down of in-person business as an opportunity to increase their distribution network, Andrew and the team at Talking Cursive are ready to grow by leaps and bounds as the economy picks back up and customers return to the tasting room.

Times of Note:

2:05 - Andrew says hi.

4:00 - How the idea for Talking Cursive came about.

6:23 - The process of opening a brewery in Syracuse, NY.

8:51 - The craft beer scene in the Syracuse area.

12:30 - The inspiration for Talking Cursive beer names.

16:22 - Talking Cursive is a great stop around Syracuse University events.

17:30 - It is 1.5 miles walking...since Andrew didn’t know.

19:04 - Why Talking Cursive stands out.

25:33 - What I’m Drinking at Talking Cursive.

28:17 - Jeff predicts a new IPA trend.

29:23 - The effects of Covid on production.

38:12 - Not all foods travel well.

41:33 - Where Talking Cursive beer is distributed.

45:51 - Just Keep Swimming! - Making changes that make sense.

49:00 - Andrew’s favorite spots to travel for beer.

50:11 - How Talking Cursive was named.

53:18 - What's coming up at Talking Cursive.

54:50 - Where to find Talking Cursive online and in person.

56:08 - Derrick and Jeff sum things up.

57:28 - The Miles & Pints Theme Song.

Brewery Address:

Talking Cursive Brewing Company

301 Erie Blvd W

Syracuse, NY 13202

Relevant Links:

Talking Cursive Brewing Company

Instagram - @talkingcursivebrewing

Facebook - Talking Cursive Brewing

Cinàed - Scottish Export Ale

Ryes & Pine - IPA - Rye

Eastwood Brewing Company

Middle Ages Brewing

Heritage Hill Brewhouse

Willow Rock Brewing Company

Red Hawk Brewing

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Revolution Mobile Canning

Travel on Point(s)

Travel on Point(s) - Facebook

Miles & Pints Swag

Miles & Pints Facebook Page

MilesandPints.com

Twitter - @MILESandPINTS

Instagram - @milesandpints

TikTok - @milesandpints

Today’s Guest: Spencer Howard

Spencer Howard joins us for this episode to talk about his newly announced Straight to the Points Premium service. Hear about what you will get with a Premium subscription and why Derrick and Jeff think it's such a great value. We also touch on booking award flights and hotels for major events, a bit about Oktoberfest, and how Spencer almost got stuck when Covid shut things down.

Times of Note:

1:45 - What we’re drinking.

3:45 - Jeff can’t remember what a bar is.

4:19 - Derrick feels left out.

5:22 - Spencer’s background.

7:31 - Spencer’s first travel reward credit card.

10:28 - When Spencer started working in the miles and points space.

11:31 - How Straight to the Points was born.

16:57 - Straight to the Points Premium!!!!!

25:16 - Derrick and Spencer become self-aware.

28:17 - How and when to get Straight to the Points Premium.

32:14 - Look for Straight to the Points Premium giveaway from Travel on Point(s).

34:54 - Traveling for major events (including Oktoberfest)

43:01 - Derrick proves he’s fancier than us.

43:45 - The experience of Oktoberfest.

48:38 - PilsnerFest!

50:34 - Spencer’s 2021 travel plans (hopefully).

55:55 - The difference between our travel and our beer listeners.

58:05 - How Spencer almost got stuck on the other side of the world.

1:01:57 - How to find Spencer and Straight to the Points Premium.

1:05:35 - The Miles & Pints Theme Song!

Relevant Links:

Talking Cursive Rosarita Beach Cafe - Jeff’s Drink

Burley Oak J.R.E.A.M. Series - Derrick’s Drink

Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond - Spencer’s Drink (Bourbon)

Dominion Wine and Beer - Falls Church

Straight to the Points

@straighttothepoints - Instagram

@spencerformiles - Twitter

Travel on Point(s)

Travel on Point(s) - Facebook

Miles & Pints Swag

Miles & Pints Facebook Page

MilesandPints.com

Twitter - @MILESandPINTS

Instagram - @milesandpints

TikTok - @milesandpints

Today’s Guest: Mark Ostermann

Mark Ostermann left the corporate world several years ago to be a stay at home dad and quickly found his way into the world of miles and points. Today, he works as the Managing Editor at Miles to Memories, helping thousands of people every day, as they learn how to maximize loyalty programs and travel the world for less. Always happy to grab a beer (or three) and talk about travel, Mark fits in perfectly with Derrick and Jeff here at Miles & Pints.

Times of Note:

1:47 - Interview begins.

1:54 - Mark’s first complaint.

1:58 - Mark’s first laugh.

5:03 - What we’re drinking.

9:30 - Mark’s daily exercise plan.

11:53 - Jeff’s non-humble brag.

18:03 - Derrick just doesn’t understand.

25:08 - Mark buys a house while on vacation.

26:03 - Mark buys a car while on vacation.

32:32 - How Mark got into miles and points.

35:45 - Mark enjoys flying Spirit???

39:15 - Derrick picks Airbnb places close to beer bars.

41:17 - Side Tangent - Mark likes screens on his windows.

47:36 - Hyatt Place hotels feature super slow elevators.

52:00 - Bro Love!

55:55 - BlaBlaCar experiences.

1:02:16 - Too much Amsterdam?

1:08:01 - Where to find Mark online.

1:10:07 - The Miles & Pints theme song.

Relevant Links:

Bardo Brewing

Burlington Beer Company

RaR Brewing

Atwater Brewery

Griffin Claw Brewing Company

Arbor Brewing Company

Cafe Gollem - Amsterdam

Epic Brewing - Denver

Cantillon Brewery - Brussels

BlaBlaCar - European based rideshare with individuals.

Rome2Rio.com - Find transport options between any two points.

Miles to Memories

Miles to Memories on Facebook

Miles to Memories Podcast

Twitter: @detroitmark

Miles & Pints Swag

Miles & Pints Facebook Page

MilesandPints.com

Twitter - @MILESandPINTS

Instagram - @milesandpints

TikTok - @milesandpints

Today’s Guest:

The guest on today's episode is more than just a guest, he's the new co-host of the Miles & Pints Podcast.

Derrick Dye is well known in the travel world as the founder of Travel of Point(s). They have a great site and a friendly Facebook group, both of which will help you learn how to maximize your use of travel rewards programs. To those of us who know him personally, Derrick is also known as a great guy to have a pint with. It's hard to say which he likes better, but it's easy to see that Derrick's love of both travel and beer makes him a perfect addition to the show.

Times of Note:

0:35 - Our new co-host is introduced!

2:19 - Learn about Derrick's background.

2:55 - Travel on Point(s)

11:05 - We start talking about travel.

17:14 - Hear about our terrible timing and how the world shut down.

19:21 - Saying goodbye to a couple of amazing trips.

24:31 - Is Jeff crazy for booking this return from Europe?

25:27 - Our planned travel for the rest of the year.

28:23 - What we're drinking.

33:55 - An ode to Sam Adams.

35:16 - Most recently visited brewery - Jeff.

37:19 - Most recently visited breweries - Derrick.

41:41 - What to expect from the Miles & Pints Podcast.

45:12 - The Miles and Pints Theme Song!

Relevant Links:

Travel on Point(s)

ToP Facebook Group

Hyatt - Ventana Big Sur

Radisson Blue Resort Maldives

Sam Adams

Solace Brewing

Explore Ashville

Miles & Pints Swag

Miles & Pints Facebook Page

milesandpints.com

Today’s Guest:

Matt Ehinger is the head brewer and co-owner of the Bitter Sisters Brewing Company in Addison, Texas. Married to one of the actual Bitter Sisters, Matt is one of 8 family members who own and run the brewery and taproom. From their clever named beers to their expansive taproom, Bitter Sisters is a great place to spend your evening drinking a few delicious brews, and Matt tells us everything from how they got started to how they make working all together go as smoothly as possible.

Times of Note:

1:54 - Matt says hi.

4:01 - A family-owned brewery.

5:42 - Bitter Sisters is born.

13:33 - Germans in Texas.

15:40 - Emirates pilots even drink here!

17:45 - You heard it here first - Coffee Blondes are the next big thing!

23:11 - This is getting even closer to law since we recorded!

29:05 - One of Matt’s rules for choosing which beers to brew.

38:08 - Matt’s recommendations for great beer trips.

43:52 - The best brewer’s beard answer so far!

45:15 - Where to find Bitter Sisters online and in person.

47:09 - The Miles and Pints Theme Song!

Brewery Address:

Bitter Sisters Brewing Company

15103 Surveyor Blvd

Addison, TX 75001

Relevant Links:

Website: Bitter Sisters Brewing Company

Instagram: bittersisters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bittersisters

Twitter: @BitterSisters

Cattleack Barbeque

Yuengling Brewery Tours - Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Bierbrasserie Cambrinus - Brugge, Belgium

Churchkey - Washington, DC

Deschutes Public House and Brewpub - Portland, Oregon

Rogue Ales - Portland, Oregon

Today’s Guest:

I first met Caroline Lupini back in 2013 at a miles and points centered travel conference. Since that time, she’s graduated from college, got her MBA, and launched a successful freelance career that she can do from anywhere in the world. That’s something that Caroline definitely takes advantage of. In fact, as of the recording of this episode, she’s now been to over 80 countries. We’ve traveled together a couple of times and I’m sure we will again, so I’m happy to introduce you to my fantastic friend Caroline.

Times of Note:

2:12 - Caroline says hi!

7:36 - The discovery of travel hacking.

9:16 - Study for finals? Nah…

15:00 - Keep your food expenses under control.

16:52 - Find out Caroline’s country count.

21:16 - A great way to look at travel.

25:39 - How does Caroline get so much vacation time?

28:56 - I learn about a new island hopper flight.

32:19 - Caroline’s plan for seeing Machu Picchu.

38:19 - How beer fits with Caroline’s travels.

45:23 - What Caroline loves about travel.

Fun Fact: Caroline and I tried fermented shark together in Iceland.

50:50 - Where to find Caroline online.

54:01 - The Miles and Pints Theme Song

Relevant Links:

Instagram: caroline.lupini

Facebook: facebook.com/carolinelupini

Twitter: @carolinelupini

Website: CarolineLupini.com

Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant

The WiFi Tribe

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

Old Ox Brewery