In this episode, Landings and Layovers host Matthew Fleischman is joined by seasoned travelers Marty Paz and special guest David Ocamb. Together, they share valuable travel insights, tips, and stories:

• Fare of the Week: Marty highlights a discounted business class fare from Europe to Asia on Finnair, featuring their innovative eco-friendly loveseat design.

• Million Mile Challenge: Marty discusses his participation in the Scandinavian Air Systems’ Million Miles promotion, sharing his progress and travel strategy for earning one million bonus points.

• Travel Demographics Study: David Ocamb, owner of the Ocamb Group, presents findings from his demographic study of frequent travelers, revealing insights into education, income, and travel habits within the Points and miles community.

• Personal Travel Stories: David recounts his family’s recent trip to Disney World and his travel essentials, including his fully optimized travel backpack for smooth journeys.

• Funny Travel Memories: David shares a heartwarming story from the Chicago Seminars, where he learned life-changing news.

Tune in for unique travel hacks, fascinating data on travel behavior, and stories from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your next big adventure, this episode is packed with tips and entertainment!

Tags: #LandingsAndLayovers #TravelHacks #MillionMileChallenge #FrequentFlyer #Podcast #TravelTips #DisneyWorld #Finnair #PointsAndMiles

In this exciting episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz dive into the vibrant travel landscape of Southeast Asia with special guest Scott Waldstein, an expat living in the Philippines. Scott shares his unique journey, from managing call center outsourcing to owning a pizza shop during the pandemic. Get inspired by his adventures and learn about his favorite destinations, including stunning locales in the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond.

Fare of the Week:
This week’s exclusive deal highlights a business-class roundtrip from Jakarta to major European cities for an unbeatable rate, courtesy of Notiflyr.com. Sign up with code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership and stay ahead of the best travel deals.

• Discovering Southeast Asia: Scott shares his favorite spots across the Philippines and Thailand, from the unspoiled beauty of El Nido to luxurious, budget-friendly villas in Koh Samui.
• Living as an Expat: Scott talks about the opportunities and challenges of living abroad, and why he took a leap of faith to move to the Philippines in 2020.
• Travel Hacks and Deals: Scott gives practical tips on finding affordable flights, including flexible airport choices and booking through Middle Eastern carriers.
• Survival Adventure: Hear about Scott’s annual “survival trip” in the Philippines, where participants live off the land on a secluded island.

Follow us on Socials:For more updates, travel deals, and behind-the-scenes content, connect with us on social media!

• Instagram: @landingsandlayovers

• Twitter (X): @LandingNLayover

• Facebook: Landings and Layovers Page

Read More on the Blog :If you enjoyed this blog post, explore more tips, destination highlights, and travel hacks in our latest blog updates.

Tune in for more unique insights on Southeast Asia, travel deals, and expat life!

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz welcome experienced traveler and marathon enthusiast Kathy Kass. Kathy shares invaluable insights on how to maximize your hotel stays, find the best loyalty programs, and navigate both budget and luxury travel with ease. With a track record of visiting over 75 countries and completing 140 marathons across the globe, Kathy offers expert advice on turning your travels into unforgettable experiences.

• Hotel Hacks: Kathy discusses how to find hidden gems in hotel loyalty programs, including how to take advantage of Hyatt deals that won’t break the bank.
• Luxury vs. Budget Stays: Learn how to combine budget and luxury hotels to optimize your travel experience without overspending.
• Travel Rewards: Tips on using credit card points and frequent flyer miles to elevate your travel game.
• Destination Picks: Hear about Kathy's favorite marathon destinations and why Kyoto stands out as a world-class travel experience.
• Booking Strategies: The importance of booking refundable travel and staying flexible for last-minute changes.

In preparation for an upcoming trip with his daughter, Matt recently ordered an inflatable toddler bed to help keep her cozy and secure while traveling. He’s looking forward to testing it out and will share a full review after the trip! If you’re curious about the bed, here’s the link on Amazon. (Affiliate link—while it supports us, it’s not a sponsorship. https://amzn.to/4ehSyJX)

• Always check for updated prices and rebook when fares drop.
• Take advantage of travel loyalty programs for both budget and luxury stays.
• Mixing in lower-cost stays with high-end hotels can significantly reduce overall trip costs.

Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by Notiflyr.com, your ultimate guide to finding exclusive airfare deals. Use Promo Code PODCAST for 20% off your annual premium membership and unlock the best travel savings today.

• Follow us on Instagram: @landingsandlayovers
• Follow us on X: @LandingNLayover
• Visit our website: BrieflyDistracted.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share your own travel tips in the comments or on social media. We’d love to feature listener stories in future episodes!

Be sure to check out our Blog Here.

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz welcome travel expert Sten Kristiansen to discuss the intricacies of airline alliances, frequent flyer programs, and travel hacks. Sten shares his insights on SkyTeam, SAS Gold status, and how to maximize your travel experience through strategic use of airline partnerships.

Episode Highlights:

• UnderStending Airline Alliances: Sten breaks down the benefits of major alliances like SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld, and how they can save travelers time and money.
• SAS Gold Status: Learn how Sten achieved SAS Gold status and the perks it offers, including priority boarding, lounge access, and enhanced mileage earning.
• Frequent Flyer Tips: Sten reveals strategies for accumulating miles, leveraging status matches, and booking award tickets for better travel experiences.
• Hidden Travel Deals: Discover how to find fifth freedom routes and special airfare promotions that can make your trips more affordable.

Key Takeaways:

• Using alliances to access premium benefits across multiple airlines.
• Tips for frequent travelers on earning and redeeming miles efficiently.
• How SAS Gold status can elevate your travel experience.

Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Notiflyr.com, your go-to source for exclusive airfare deals. Sign up with Promo Code PODCAST to get 20% off your premium membership and never miss a great deal again.

Connect with Us:

• Check out Notiflyr.com for exclusive deals and discounts.
• Listen to more episodes here.
• Check out our Blog on this week's episode here.

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz sit down with travel expert Emilia Rutigliano to discuss how to prepare children for independent travel. Emilia shares valuable tips from her experience speaking at Chicago Seminars, highlighting key steps to set kids up for success as they navigate the world of frequent flyer miles, travel credit cards, and the importance of early travel education.

Episode Highlights:

• Starting Young: Emilia emphasizes the importance of opening frequent flyer accounts for kids early on and teaching them how to accumulate miles.
• Travel Credit Cards: Learn how to introduce your children to travel credit cards at the right age to maximize points and rewards.
• Chicago Seminars Insights: Emilia recaps her presentation, focusing on how Generation Z can best prepare for independent travel through strategic planning.
• Family Travel Hacks: Tips on how to make family trips stress-free, including Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and smart packing strategies.
• Fare of the Week: Find out about an amazing roundtrip fare from Los Angeles to Honolulu for just $197 on Delta Airlines.

Key Takeaways:

• Get kids started early with frequent flyer accounts and educate them on travel perks.
• The right credit cards and reward programs can set teens up for a lifetime of affordable travel.
• Family travel can be fun and hassle-free with the right preparation.

This episode is sponsored by Notiflyr.com, where you can discover the best airfare deals. Use Promo Code PODCAST for 20% off your premium membership and unlock exclusive travel discounts.

Don't forget to check out our Blog

This week on Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz sit down with Ari Charlestein from Competitours to explore the exciting world of adventure travel competitions. Ari reveals how Competitours creates thrilling, challenge-based trips that turn your travels into unforgettable adventures. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about teams racing across Europe, taking on spontaneous challenges, and building connections through shared experiences.

Episode Highlights:

• What is Competitours? Discover how this one-of-a-kind travel competition works and what makes it so unique for adventurers.
• Making Travel Exciting: Ari discusses the joy of mystery travel, where participants embark on trips without knowing the itinerary.
• The Value of Competition: Learn how Competitours builds camaraderie through friendly challenges that test creativity and adaptability.
• Adventure Tips for All Travelers: Whether you're a solo traveler or exploring as a group, Ari shares practical tips to spice up any trip.
• Travel Deals with Notiflyr.com: Sponsored by Notiflyr, find out how to access the best flight deals for your next adventure. Use Promo Code PODCAST for a special discount.

Connect & Compete: Interested in participating? Follow @Competitours on social media to learn more and get ready for your next adventure.

Adventure is out there—whether you’re racing through hidden cities, engaging in spontaneous challenges, or seeking the best travel deals, there’s always a way to make your journey more exciting.

In this episode of Landings and Layovers, hosts Matthew Fleischman and Marty Paz take you on a journey from the sunny shores of Abu Dhabi to the bustling travel community of the Chicago Seminars. Marty recounts his recent birthday trip to the United Arab Emirates, where he experienced both the luxury of a five-star hotel and the challenges of travel mishaps like a canceled car rental. The conversation then shifts to Marty’s role as an organizer at the 14th Annual Chicago Travel Seminars, an event dedicated to helping travelers maximize their miles and points, as well as giving back to the community.

• Birthday in Abu Dhabi: Marty shares his birthday adventure at the Conrad Hotel in Abu Dhabi, detailing the hotel’s incredible service, family-friendly pools, and beautiful views of the Persian Gulf. Marty and his family also explore local dining spots, enjoying Middle Eastern cuisine, sushi, and fresh local dishes, all while navigating the highs and lows of traveling with a toddler.

• Flight Deals of the Week: Discover an exciting fare deal brought to you by Notiflyr.com, where Air France, KLM, and Delta Airlines are offering incredible round-trip flights from Bilbao and Madrid, Spain, to major U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Marty explains how savvy travelers can use this deal to create back-to-back vacations and even enjoy a business class experience at a fraction of the regular price.

• Chicago Travel Seminars: Marty offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Chicago Seminars (Facebook) where over 300 travel enthusiasts and experts gather to discuss how to earn, use, and maximize travel points. Topics covered include status matching, cheap airfare, credit card rewards, and travel insurance. Marty’s presentation on status matching will help travelers understand how to leverage their VIP status from one airline, hotel, or rental car company into multiple perks across the travel industry.

• Charity Focus: This year, the Chicago Seminars are supporting two incredible charities: Miles for Migrants, which helps refugees and migrants with airfare, and the Armed Services YMCA, which provides essential support to military families. The event raises money through donations and sponsorships, helping these organizations continue their impactful work.

• Travel Mishaps & Solutions: Marty shares valuable advice on how to handle unexpected travel challenges, such as flight delays, cancellations, or losing a car rental reservation. He emphasizes staying calm, understanding that the journey itself is part of the adventure, and using tools like ExpertFlyer and credit card travel insurance to make the best of any situation.

• Abu Dhabi as a Travel Destination: If you're considering a trip to the UAE, listen in for tips on navigating the region, from luxury accommodations to family-friendly activities.
• Maximizing Miles and Points: The episode is packed with actionable advice on how to make the most of airline loyalty programs, status matching, and finding affordable flights using tools like Notiflyr.com.
• Embrace the Journey: Whether it’s a canceled flight or an unexpected travel delay, Marty encourages listeners to see every step of the journey as part of the adventure.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Notiflyr.com, your guide to the best travel deals. Sign up with Promo Code Podcast and get 20% off your premium subscription. With Notiflyr, you’ll never miss a chance to save on your next adventure.

Episode Summary:
Join host Matt Fleischman and world traveler Marty Paz in a lively discussion about their recent travel experiences, from unexpected airline deals to memorable mishaps. In this episode, they explore affordable travel opportunities, share personal anecdotes from trips to Africa and the unexpected events on a cruise, and delve into the pros and cons of traveling with family.

Featured Segments:

• Deal of the Week: Notiflyr.com presents an exceptional travel deal to Africa, featuring airfare as low as $753. Remember to use promo code Podcast for a 20% discount on your annual membership.
• Travel Tales: Marty shares a mix-up during a family trip involving different airports, and Matt recounts his solo travel experiences in South Africa.
• Family Travel Insights: From navigating with toddlers to dealing with unexpected changes, Matt and Marty discuss the challenges and joys of traveling with family.
• Listener Q&A: Matt and Marty answer listener questions about managing travel hiccups and offer tips for smoother adventures.

Promotions:

• Visit notifier.com and use promo code Podcast for exclusive deals and savings.

Next Week’s Preview:
Marty will share insights from his recent trip to the UAE, and Matt will discuss upcoming travel plans and podcast developments.

Closing Remarks:
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Landings and Layovers. Don't forget to subscribe for more travel tips, stories, and deals. Safe travels, and see you next week!

Check out our sponsor Notiflyr.com and use the code PODCAST when signing up for 20% off the premium membership.