Episode 36: Best Airline Reward Card Programs, Part 3

Posted on April 5, 2020May 13, 2025 by admin

With so many challenging things going on all at once, we could all use a break from the news to focus on more enjoyable distractions. And one of our favorite distractions is doing research on traveling. So in this episode we continue our discussion on the best credit cards by diving into research we have been doing on airline rewards cards and programs .

Before discussing the best airline credit cards, we start off this episode with what we hope will be a favorite segment of the show: our featured cocktail. And to kick that segment off we break down a deliciously drinkable espresso martini! Refreshing, bold and packing a nice punch, an espresso martini goes great with any dinner or as a relaxing way to wind down an evening. The show continues with a discussion of some of the major airline credit card rewards programs that we have had experience with.

It’s never been a better time to research that next destination and to start racking up those rewards miles. And when you are ready to redeem those points, be sure to check out our Destinations page to narrow down your choices. Enjoy!

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Episode 34: Best Credit Card Rewards Program, Part 2

Posted on March 16, 2020May 13, 2025 by admin

In the last episode, we provided some tips on how to identify the best credit card rewards program for your travel needs. In this episode, we go a bit deeper and explore some of the cards we personally own that have worked well for us. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, there are some great programs to satisfy where ever your travels take you.

Now is the perfect time to start doing some research on how to maximize your next hotel stay. And credit card rewards programs are a great way to earn immediate status at some of the top hotels and properties across the globe. What’s more, they are offering even more incentives to entice new subscribers. Many of the credit cards we cover in this episode offer up to 3x’s rewards points towards stays, cash-back rewards for certain purchases as well as discounts for a variety of other amenities. We break it all down in this episode and share our favorite credit card travel rewards programs to help you maximize your points accumulation. And don’t forget to check our top Destinations when it’s time to redeem all those points. Enjoy!

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Episode 33: Best Credit Card Rewards Programs: Part 1

Posted on March 11, 2020May 13, 2025 by admin

Every day we see ads for various credit cards. Whether it’s Capital One, American Express, Chase, or Discover, they all offer attractive rewards programs geared toward travel. But that begs the question: which are the best credit card rewards programs for me?

Choosing the right travel rewards program can be time consuming, confusing and frustrating. In this episode – Best Credit Card Rewards Programs: Part 1 – we break down the questions you need to answer as well as share some tips to help guide you through the maze of choices to maximize your travel rewards. Don’t miss our next episode where we’ll provide additional guidance as well as uncover some of the “gotchya’s” to avoid that we learned along the way. After you settle on the best card for your travel needs, peruse our Destinations page to find the perfect spot to use all those points. Enjoy!

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Episode 32: Tokyo Travels Unleashed, Exploring the Best Day Trip Destinations

Posted on February 24, 2020May 13, 2025 by admin

In this episode, we continue our adventures in and around Tokyo with some of our top day trip destinations for exploring the area around Tokyo. As amazing as Tokyo is, the surrounding countryside, coastlines and rustic beauty of Honshu Island are in full display when you venture just a bit south and west of the city.

Some of our favorite destinations that are within an hour or two of Tokyo include Hakone, Nikko, Izu, and Kamakura. In this episode we break down all four cities – at most about a 2-hour train ride out of Tokyo – to give you a taste of what awaits just on the outskirts of Tokyo. From the majesty of the famous Mt. Fuji to the beautiful beaches, ornate temples and shrines to the numerous hot springs, adventure awaits with enough variety to suit any interest. What are you waiting for? Be sure to check out the Japan section of our Destinations page to explore even more of Japan. Enjoy!

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Episode 31: Insiders Guide to Tokyo, Japan

Posted on January 26, 2020May 13, 2025 by admin

With this episode of Pure Life Podcast, we start a much anticipated series on Japan with a special focus on Tokyo and the area around Tokyo. Tokyo holds a special place in our hearts and has been a frequent destination for us – both for pleasure and business – that covering all must-see and must-do activities can’t be done in just one episode.

For first timers or seasoned travelers to Japan, this episode provides first-hand tips and guidance on what to expect getting in and out of Tokyo as well as some of our favorite foods, shops and destinations. With so much to offer, Tokyo is a must visit destination and there’s never been a better time to start exploring Tokyo. We break it all down for you so you can maximize your stay in Tokyo. Be sure to check out all things Japan in our Destinations page for even more activities in the Land of the Rising Sun. Enjoy!

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Episode 26: Charming Costa Rica, Eco-Tourism Adventures

Posted on November 10, 2019May 13, 2025 by admin

In this podcast episode, we uncover the origin of our site and podcast name – Pura Vida or Pure Life – from an eco-tourism jaunt to Costa Rica. Located just north of Panama, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round that makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking beach, jungle or other tropical activities.

If you love nature and rustic adventures, then Costa Rica is a perfect destination! Enjoy the lush rain forests, plentiful rivers and tributaries as well as volcanoes and natural hot springs – not to mention the wildlife! From toucans to three toed sloths, howler monkeys and American crocodiles, there’s something waiting around every corner to explore. We break it all down for you here and provide some tips on how to maximize your adventure. Be sure to also check out our Destinations page for even more info on this and other exciting destinations. Enjoy!

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Episode 23: Highlights of Portugal

Posted on September 22, 2019May 13, 2025 by admin

In this episode, we complete our European road trip with a quick four day excursion in Portugal. Driving from Spain to Portugal is a breeze, so we set off from Seville, Spain to our first stop in southern Portugal – an amazing beach-front town called Burgau.

After a quick overnight in Burgau we drove up north to Lisbon to stay for the next three days to explore the Portuguese capital along with the towns of Sintra and Evora. Along the way, we picked up some useful tips and tricks on where to go, where to eat, how to get around (especially with a large family) and how to make the most of your time in these amazing cities. If you are a fan of Portugal and looking for some new recommendations or planning your first trip to country, this episode is a must listen. Be sure to catch the sights as well on our Destinations page. Enjoy!

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Episode 22: Epic Road Trip Through Spain

Posted on September 3, 2019May 13, 2025 by admin

Always on the hunt for an epic adventure, we decided to take a road trip through Spain and Portugal. With so many places and things to discuss, we’re going to break our trip into two episodes with this one solely focused on Spain. And one thing became very clear throughout this adventure – you learn tons more about the country you are visiting when you drive.

This trip took us into Madrid, the capital of Spain, where we rented a car and started exploring! With luggage in hand, we packed our car and drove all over exploring Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville and Cadiz! Through it all we break it all down and give some tips and tricks we learned along the way to help you navigate your own adventures in Spain. And be sure to check out even more images in our Destinations page. Happy traveling!

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Episode 13: Fascinating Fukuoka and Saga, Japan

Posted on April 1, 2019May 13, 2025 by admin

In this episode, we wrap up our road trip through Kyushu with a couple of quick stops in the Fukuoka and Saga prefectures. Fukuoka provided a convenient port of entry and exit from Kyushu, so we stayed overnight and explored some of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to scholar and politician Michizane Sugawara. We also spent time at the shopping and entertainment arcade Canal City Hakata where we found the truly enjoyable Ramen Stadium, a must experience for even the most discerning ramen lovers.

Next we visited Saga and spent the entire day exploring the Yoshinogari Historical Park. This incredible archaeological site takes you back to the Yayoi Period of Japan’s history to show what life was like as Japan transformed into more of an agricultural society and culture. What a way to cap off the experience! We will surely return for more outstanding adventures! Please check out our Destinations page for even more amazing views of Kyushu.

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Episode 12: Beautiful Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Posted on March 26, 2019May 13, 2025 by admin

In this episode, we head back for a quick stop over in the Kumamoto prefecture. Kumamoto is located in the center of Kyushu along the western coast. Among the attractions of Kumamoto are Mount Aso, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, Kumamoto Castle in the capital city of Kumamoto, and Kurokawa Onsen (or hot spring baths).

Our adventures took us through Kumamoto twice; once to visit Mt. Aso and Kurokawa, and another trip to visit Kumamoto castle. Highly recommend Kurokawa – such an amazing town with charming ryokan inns in a delightfully natural setting. Definitely a must stop to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and rejuvenate your spirit. Next we stopped over in Kumamoto city for a quick visit to the castle. Unfortunately, the castle was damaged by two powerful earthquakes in 2016 so the inner grounds were closed to the public but we were still able walk around the outside of the castle to get an idea of the sheer size of the complex as well as view the restoration in progress. In addition, the shops at the entrance to the castle offer a great spot to get some refreshments or souvenirs. And don’t forget to check out our pics as well. Enjoy!

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