109. Our 2024 Points and Miles Recap—Cards We Opened, Closed, and the Trips We Took

As 2024 comes to a close, the Travel Mom Squad is reflecting on an incredible year of points and miles. In this special episode, we're breaking down the credit cards we opened and closed, the strategies we used to rack up points, and the unforgettable trips we took along the way. If you're curious how points and miles can transform your travel, this episode is a must-listen!

The Cards That Made 2024 Happen Jess, Alex, and Pam each opened (and closed) a variety of cards to maximize their points strategies. From Chase Ink cards to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, the team shares how they targeted cards with elevated welcome offers and leveraged creative strategies to earn millions of points.

Lessons Learned From Closing and Downgrading Cards A major part of managing a points portfolio is knowing when to say goodbye. The team discusses their approach to closing and downgrading cards, emphasizing the importance of timing to avoid red flags.

A Year of Incredible Travel From Bora Bora to the Italian Dolomites, 2024 was packed with bucket-list trips. Jess's travel highlights included following Taylor Swift across the globe, visiting Tokyo, Scotland, and Santorini. Alex took her family on a trip to Amsterdam and London, and Pam reflected on her most cherished moments, from flying Etihad Apartments to enjoying three-generational family getaways. The best part? Nearly all of these adventures were made possible by points and miles.

The Emotional Impact of Points and Miles Pam ends the episode on a heartfelt note, sharing how compiling her 2024 recap brought her to tears of gratitude. "This is something I never would have been able to do without credit card points and miles," she says. The team agrees: this hobby is about so much more than just saving money. It's about creating memories and opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be possible.

Looking Ahead to 2025 The Travel Mom Squad is already planning for another year of unforgettable travel, and this episode is full of inspiration for how you can start planning your own points-powered adventures. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the lessons and stories shared here will motivate you to dream bigger and travel smarter.

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

• How I Got Approved for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus
• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Reflecting on an amazing year of points and miles
• 01:15 – Cards opened in 2024 and how they shaped our strategies
• 15:00 – Closing and downgrading cards: Tips and lessons learned
• 25:00 – Highlights from Jess, Alex, and Pam's 2024 trips
• 35:00 – The emotional impact of creating memories with points and miles
• 38:00 – What's ahead for 2025 - what's coming up next on the show!