Booking 5-Star Hotels in Italy, Airline Upgrade Scams & More News

Gunnar is back from Italy (and he’s completely insufferable about it …), so the guys break down his trip through Rome and beyond and how he booked some amazing stays - via Hilton. Plus, they recap some big news around Bilt 2.0, woes getting into Europe, a handy new tool for using your credit card perks, and the monumental news … about an airport Taco Bell. Show Notes Thank you to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards! Earn points on rent and make your entire neighborhood more rewarding with Bilt. Sign up at joinbilt.com/thrifty.  Watch us on YouTube! Join the conversation! Sign up for the free Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack community today. 00:00 - Kyle goes whale-watching (?) in Minnesota 02:25 - Jake welcomes us back from the Six Senses Kyoto 03:00 - Fun news: Join the Thrifty Traveler Podcast Slack Community! 04:10 - Bilt 2.0 gets grilled by a top Democratic lawmaker 08:02 - Europe’s Entry/Exit system issues 12:12 - Our all new credit card benefit tracker! 15:50 - RIP to the best Amex airline fee credit workaround 20:10 - Airlines are over-charging you for seat upgrades 24:55 - 1-month warning for the SkyMiles credit card snack benefit 26:50 - Live Más: Taco Bell Cantina opens at DEN 30:16 - Thanks to our sponsor, Bilt Rewards! 31:27 - Recapping Gunnar’s Hilton-and-SLH-fueled Italian vacay 51:00 - Revisiting our Hilton vs. Hyatt debate 57:40 - A listener asks: What’s it worth to fly Emirates First Class? 01:02:00 - On the Spot: Regional cuisine in airports Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.