Tired of long lines at immigration or security when traveling? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad revisits a favorite topic—Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®—but with a twist. While we’ve covered these programs before, there are important updates you need to know to make family travel even smoother. Whether you’re flying internationally or just looking to breeze through airport security, these tips are a game-changer. New Updates You Can’t Miss Since our last discussion on this topic, a major update now allows kids under 18 to get Global Entry for free if their parent or guardian is enrolled. Jess highlights how this policy change can save families hundreds of dollars—especially for large families like Alex’s. And if you’ve ever been frustrated by long wait times for Global Entry interviews, Alex shares how her family took advantage of the new interview-on-arrival option, skipping the months-long backlog to get everyone approved quickly. Jess also mentions that some airports, like San Francisco, are testing departure-day interviews, which could make the process even easier. How to Get It for Free Using Credit Cards Alex dives into the details of credit cards that reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® application fees. Popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture, and Amex Platinum cards make it easy to offset the costs. One pro tip: You can use the benefit on someone else’s application by paying with your card, so you can help friends and family members enroll too. Between these credits and the new kids-under-18 policy, Global Entry has never been more accessible. Backup Options for Occasional Travelers If you’re not ready to commit to Global Entry, Pam suggests Mobile Passport as an alternative. This app offers a shorter immigration line without the application process or fees. While it’s not as fast as Global Entry, it’s a great backup for infrequent international travelers.  The Key to Stress-Free Family Travel Between Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, and Mobile Passport, there’s no reason to deal with long lines at the airport. As Jess says, “Travel days are stressful enough—why not make them as easy as possible?” If you’ve been putting off enrolling in these programs, this episode is your sign to get started. Tune in now to hear all the details and updates that will make your next family trip a breeze!   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Mobile Passport Blog Post: https://travelmomsquad.com/no-global-entry-try-mobile-passport/ Mobile Passport App: ‎Mobile Passport Control   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Revisiting Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® with important updates 07:00 – TSA PreCheck® benefits and why it’s worth it 10:30 – The best credit cards for free enrollment 15:00 – How the new kids-under-18 policy can save families money 20:00 – Alex’s tips for interview-on-arrival success 28:00 – Mobile Passport: A simple alternative for occasional travelers 30:00 – Final thoughts and why it’s time to enroll

Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less. Chase Freedom Flex: A Keeper in Every Wallet Alex kicks off the episode with her top pick, the Chase Freedom Flex. This no-annual-fee card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points and offers 5% back on rotating categories like PayPal and grocery stores. With a 20,000-point welcome offer after spending just $500, this card can easily cover a one-way flight to Europe. Alex highlights how pairing this with a Chase Sapphire card allows you to transfer points to travel partners, unlocking even more value. Chase Ink Business Cards: Pam’s Love Language Pam shares her favorite no-annual-fee business cards, the Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited. These powerhouse cards earn Ultimate Rewards points on categories like office supply stores and internet or offer a flat 1.5% back on every purchase. With a whopping 75,000-point welcome offer (after spending $6,000), these cards are a cornerstone of her strategy for racking up points. Maximizing American Express Options Jess introduces the Amex Blue Business Plus card, a no-annual-fee option that earns 2X Membership Rewards points on every purchase up to $50,000 annually. She also mentions the Hilton Honors card, which comes with no annual fee and Hilton Silver status, unlocking perks like the fifth night free on award stays. For anyone looking to maintain Hilton points without paying a fee, this is a fantastic option. Waived Annual Fees: United and American Airlines Cards The team also highlights cards like the United Explorer and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, which waive their annual fees the first year. These cards offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and extra award availability for flights. No-Fee Travel Wins From Alex’s PayPal points strategies to Jess’s tips on tracking targeted offers, this episode proves that no-annual-fee cards can still pack a punch. Whether you’re just starting with points and miles or looking to add another card to your wallet, these recommendations are the perfect way to travel smarter without extra costs.     Links For This Episode:  Chase Freedom Flex℠: https://travelmomsquad.com/cff Chase Freedom Unlimited®: http://travelmomsquad.com/cfu Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/cic Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/ciu United℠ Explorer Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/uecp United℠ Business Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/ubc How to Qualify for a Business Card   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Introduction: Why No-Annual-Fee Cards Matter 01:37 – Chase Freedom Flex: Rotating Categories and Welcome Offers 06:00 – Pam’s Favorite: Chase Ink Business Cards 16:00 – American Express Options for Hilton and Membership Rewards 23:00 – United Explorer and AAdvantage Platinum Select Benefits 30:00 – Wrapping Up: Maximize Value Without Annual Fees

Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it’s absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this episode, Alex shares how she made an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam and London with her husband and four boys, all while keeping costs incredibly low. From flights to accommodations and even transportation, she breaks down every detail of her family adventure. Flying to Europe on a Budget The trip began with a flight deal Alex couldn’t pass up: just 105,000 Flying Blue miles for her entire family of six to fly to Amsterdam from Salt Lake City. Alex’s clever use of Flying Blue’s 25% discount for kids under 12 made the trip even more affordable, with taxes and fees coming to just $68 per person. Her tip? Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from American Express or Chase to Flying Blue for even bigger savings! Exploring Amsterdam Like a Local Staying at the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Alex used points to secure connecting rooms for her family, complete with Globalist perks like complimentary breakfast and club access. From the Anne Frank House to a canal boat ride and even creating custom chocolate bars at Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore, the trip balanced iconic attractions with kid-friendly fun. Her advice? Don’t overpack the itinerary—kids need downtime, even in a city as vibrant as Amsterdam. A Short Hop to London For the next leg of the trip, Alex used her Venture X travel credit to book a quick flight to London. Staying at her sister’s house added a personal touch to their time in the UK. From exploring neighborhood Tesco stores to an Arsenal football match, Alex’s kids got an authentic look at British life while bonding with their cousins. Travel Tips for Big Families Alex highlights the importance of preparation, from booking Anne Frank House tickets six weeks in advance to managing public transportation with the GVB app. Nervous about navigating new cities? It’s all part of the learning experience, and the confidence you and your kids gain is worth every moment. Memories That Last a Lifetime Whether it was riding a red bus through London or savoring Yorkshire pudding made by her brother-in-law, Alex’s trip was filled with priceless moments. And thanks to points and miles, this dream trip was not only affordable but also inspiring for her entire family. As Alex puts it, “Travel gives you confidence, and that’s something I saw in my kids every step of the way.” If you’ve ever thought traveling internationally with kids wasn’t possible, this episode will change your mind. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video on YouTube for all the details and tips from Alex’s incredible trip!   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode:  Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/amsra-hyatt-regency-amsterdam Anne Frank House: https://www.annefrank.org/en Harry Potter Studios: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk   Episode Minute By Minute: 03:00 – Finding affordable flights with Flying Blue 12:00 – Amsterdam highlights: Hotels, canals, and chocolate 22:00 – Tips for managing public transportation with kids abroad  27:00 – London adventures: Football matches, Harry Potter, and more 38:00 – Lessons learned and memories made

If you’ve ever wondered whether Hilton Honors deserves a spot in your points and miles strategy, this episode is for you! We’re diving into everything you need to know about Hilton’s award program, from earning points and using free night certificates to snagging unforgettable stays like Bora Bora and Santorini—all without breaking the bank. Why Hilton Honors is Worth a Look We kick off the episode with Jess sharing her journey from being a Hyatt loyalist to appreciating the value Hilton brings to the table. With perks like generous free night certificates and partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), Hilton is making waves. Alex and Pam echo these sentiments, recounting how they’ve used Hilton points to book some seriously bucket-list-worthy properties. Earning Hilton Points Made Easy One of the best parts of the Hilton Honors program? Their credit card lineup! Alex breaks down the personal and business options, from the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors card to the premium Aspire card with Diamond status. Whether you’re a casual traveler or all-in on Hilton, these cards make earning points a breeze. Jess also highlights a pro tip: timing your card applications to snag bonus offers with free night certificates. Maximizing Hilton Free Night Awards Hilton’s free night certificates are a game-changer, and we’re all in agreement—they’re the best in the business. Jess shares how she used one to stay at the Canaves Epitome in Santorini, a property where rooms go for $2,000 a night. Pam and Alex talk about combining points and free nights for five-night stays to take advantage of Hilton’s “fifth night free” benefit, a must for maximizing your points at luxury destinations. Our Favorite Hilton Stays (and What’s Next) From Bora Bora to Cabo, we each share our most memorable Hilton stays and what makes them so special. Pam recalls her time at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, where every room had a private plunge pool and daily guacamole delivery. Alex dreams of a future visit to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. And Jess has some incredible city stays lined up for next year, including the Conrad Tokyo and Canopy Reykjavik. Ready to Plan Your Dream Hilton Trip? This episode is packed with tips for making the most of Hilton points, including using tools like MaxMyPoint for award availability and taking advantage of Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonuses. If you’re not already a Hilton fan, this deep dive might just convert you. Tune in now and start dreaming of your next unforgettable stay—on points!   Links For This Episode: The American Express Hilton Credit Cards Hilton points explorer: https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/points-explorer/ Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:37 – Our Backgrounds with Hilton and First Impressions 06:30 – Earning Hilton Points with Credit Cards 12:50 – Maximizing Free Night Awards 18:20 – The Fifth Night Free Benefit and How to Use It 28:15 – Our Favorite Hilton Stays So Far 36:45 – Dream Hilton Destinations for the Future

In this episode, Pam takes us on a journey through Italy, sharing how she and her sister made the most of credit card points to explore some of the country’s most iconic spots. From the excitement of snagging business class seats on Turkish Airlines to their adventures in Rome, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a few surprises. Flying in Style with Turkish Airlines Pam kicks things off by describing how she and her sister flew business class round-trip for just 90,000 miles each! Although they traveled on Turkish Airlines’ older plane configuration, Pam found the seats spacious and comfortable. With quality food, incredible service, and even tea lights during dinner, Turkish Airlines left a lasting impression. Exploring Chicago’s Park Hyatt Before heading overseas, Pam and her sister spent a day in Chicago, staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt. With a stunning view of the city, a Viator tour, and some quality time on the Navy Pier, their Chicago stay set the tone for a relaxing trip. Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como is Pam’s favorite Italian destination, and staying at the Grand Hotel Victoria felt like a dream come true. Despite a minor hiccup with their limo service, she describes the hotel’s new beach club and the serene beauty of Lake Como’s small towns. A day trip to Varenna made this part of the trip unforgettable. Wandering Through Cinque Terre Pam and her sister finally made it to Cinque Terre, a place they’d planned to visit on a past trip. Staying at Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso, they explored the charming coastal villages by train, enjoyed the local gelato, and took in the stunning coastal views. Pam notes that, while crowded during the day, Cinque Terre transforms into a peaceful, magical place once the cruise crowds leave. Wrapping Up in Milan The sisters ended their Italian adventure with a stay at the Sheraton Malpensa before flying back. Pam shares a final tip for using points on international trips, especially when navigating multiple cities and modes of transportation. For Pam, Italy is a place she’ll never tire of, and her love for the country and its culture shines through in every story. If you’re dreaming of an Italian getaway or curious about how to make the most of points and miles, this episode is a must-listen! Hit play now to hear the full story!    Links For This Episode:  Park Hyatt Chicago: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/park-hyatt-chicago/chiph Grand Hotel Victoria: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bgyhvlx-grand-hotel-victoria-concept-and-spa-lago-di-como/ Hotel Pasquale: https://www.hotelpasquale.it/en/index.php Sheraton Malpensa Airport: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/milmp-sheraton-milan-malpensa-airport-hotel-and-conference-centre/overview Itailarail: https://www.italiarail.com Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Pam’s Love for Italy and Setting the Scene 01:37 – Scoring Business Class Seats on Turkish Airlines 06:00 – Exploring Chicago and Staying at the Park Hyatt 15:26 – Arriving at Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria 24:17 – Wandering Through Cinque Terre 35:30 – Wrapping Up the Trip in Milan and Travel Tips

Navigating the world of points and miles can be daunting, but there are essential tools to simplify the process. Discover the user-friendly Travel Freely app for tracking credit card points while keeping your information secure. Learn about award flight search engines like PointsYeah and Seats.Aero that help find last-minute deals. Uncover tips for utilizing hotel search engines such as MaxMyPoint to secure dream stays. Embrace flexibility and organization with strategies to optimize your travel planning and rewards.

We can’t believe it—Travel Mom Squad has hit 100 episodes! For this milestone, we wanted to do something extra special, so we put a question box on Instagram and let you take the lead on what we’d cover. From travel pet peeves to our all-time favorite destinations, we’re answering it all with our first-ever video podcast. Yes, you read that right! Now, you can join us on YouTube and see all our expressions as we talk about the good, the bad, and the hilarious moments of family travel. In this episode, we get personal with questions like, What’s your biggest “ick” when flying? You’ll hear all about Jess’s headphone policy, Alex’s boarding gate crowding frustrations, and Pam’s polite plea for more airplane etiquette. We laughed so hard sharing our biggest annoyances, but the truth is, these little quirks come up every trip. If you’ve traveled with kids, partners, or even just your own carry-on, you’ll be nodding along! Ever wondered if travel creators like us ever truly unplug? Or maybe you’re curious about how we balance making memories with capturing content. We’re spilling the secrets! It’s true: even when we’re “off,” we’re probably snapping a few photos or jotting down tips, but we also cherish those quiet moments with our families. There’s always a balance, and in this episode, we talk about how each of us keeps travel feeling like an adventure. Of course, a Travel Mom Squad Q&A wouldn’t be complete without diving into our points and miles obsession. We each reveal how many Hyatt points we’ve redeemed in 2024—Jess’s total might blow your mind! We share why Hyatt is our go-to and the incredible places points have taken us this year, from Japan to Costa Rica. But we also get real about the redemptions that weren’t so dreamy. Think Venice in the rain and unexpected Kuala Lumpur heatwaves. Lastly, we’re opening up about the business side of Travel Mom Squad. From affiliate links to digital courses, we explain how we keep the show running and offer advice for anyone hoping to turn their passion into a career. Whether you’re a travel fanatic or just love hearing behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is packed with everything that makes family travel so inspiring—and sometimes unpredictable! Join us for laughs, insights, and a few surprises as we celebrate 100 episodes. Listen to the full episode now on your favorite platform or head over to YouTube to watch the video and celebrate with us! Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Q&A and Reflection on 100 Episodes 02:00 – Travel “Icks” and Pet Peeves 10:00 – Do We Ever “Unplug” on Vacation? How we travel and work 16:50 – 2024 Points Redemptions and How We Use Hyatt 35:30 – Most Disappointing Points Redemptions and Why 48:00 – Top Travel Moments We Want to Relive Over and Over  51:00 – A Look Into The Business Side Of TMS and Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

Welcome back, traveler! In this episode, Jess takes us through her incredible multi-country trip using points and miles. She shares how she managed to explore the stunning landscapes of Santorini, the historic beauty of Vienna, and the charm of Prague—all while making the most of her points!  Whether you're looking to plan your own European adventure or just curious about how to make travel more affordable, this episode is packed with real-life insights and tips. From Santorini to Vienna to Prague—All on Points! Jess kicks things off by explaining how a spontaneous decision to visit Santorini was fueled by some serious FOMO (thanks to Alex's previous trip). The beauty of Greek islands and the ease of travel between countries made her adventure even more memorable. Plus, booking luxury stays using points made it all the more rewarding. Jess also shares how she snagged upgrades and found hidden gems like the Andaz Prague—her favorite hotel of the entire trip. Ready to Plan Your Own European Adventure? If Jess’s story has you dreaming of your next trip, make sure to hit play and learn all the details about how to book flights and hotels with points. This episode is filled with actionable advice that will inspire you to start planning your next points-powered journey today!   Links For This Episode: Canaves Epitome: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/jtrcelx-canaves-epitome Canaves Epitome vs. Canaves Oia Suites: https://travelmomsquad.com/canaves-epitome-vs-canaves-oia-suites Park Hyatt Vienna: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/austria/park-hyatt-vienna/vieph Andaz Prague: https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/prgaz-andaz-prague Sunset Oia diamond cruise: https://sailing-santorini.com/itineraries/diamond-cruise-with-ipanema-58/ Anna Loves Vienna: https://www.annalovesvienna.at/english/private-und-group-tours/ Scrooser Tour of Prague: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/367484 Field Restaurant: https://www.fieldrestaurant.cz/en/ How to Earn Globalist Without Staying 60 Nights: https://travelmomsquad.com/earn-hyatt-globalist-status-without-staying-60-nights/ Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 2:00 - Flights to Europe: Jess shares how she flew to Santorini using her Venture X card credits and managed intra-European flights for cheap. 5:00 - Exploring Santorini: From catamaran cruises to sunset dinners, Jess highlights how points allowed her to enjoy luxury experiences without the price tag. 12:00 - Moving on to Vienna: Jess talks about staying at the Park Hyatt Vienna, which had been a bucket-list hotel for her thanks to its rich history and great service. 20:00 - On to Prague: Jess describes her pleasant surprise at how much she loved Prague and the Andaz Prague, which became her favorite stay of the trip. 30:00 - Day trips and relaxation: Jess reflects on her favorite moments of relaxation and exploration, especially her day trip to the medieval town of Český Krumlov. 45:00 - Final thoughts: Wrapping up the episode with reflections on how points and miles made this dream trip possible.

Welcome back, travelers! Today, we’re tackling a common question we get—choosing between the Capital One Venture and Venture X cards. Both are powerhouses when it comes to earning travel rewards, but if you could only have one, which would it be? Alex, Pam, and Jess dive deep into the pros and cons of each card, sharing their personal takes on which one they’d pick and why. The Basics: What Do These Cards Offer? Before we make any decisions, let’s look at what these two cards bring to the table. With the Capital One Venture card, you'll earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, with no categories to track. Plus, it comes with a lower annual fee than its premium counterpart. On the other hand, the Venture X card is Capital One’s premium travel card, offering more perks for frequent travelers. You still get unlimited 2X miles, but add in access to airport lounges and a hefty travel credit, and you’ve got a card designed for those looking to elevate their travel experience. Which Card Fits Your Lifestyle? Alex and Jess compare the cards side by side, highlighting which types of travelers might benefit the most from each. For those who travel occasionally and want to avoid high fees, the Venture card is a no-brainer. It offers flexibility and ease, with enough earning potential to rack up miles for annual getaways. But for frequent travelers or anyone who loves luxury perks, Venture X is hard to beat. The lounge access alone can make the card’s higher annual fee worth it, especially if you travel multiple times a year. The additional bonus earning categories on travel also mean you’ll build up your miles faster, making it easier to fund those bigger trips. Ready to Choose Your Card? Whether you’re just starting your award travel journey or you’re a seasoned pro, choosing between the Venture and Venture X cards depends on your travel style and how much you value luxury perks. Hit play now to hear Travel Mom Squad's full breakdown, and start planning your next adventure using Capital One miles!   Links: Links for This Episode: Capital One Venture: https://travelmomsquad.com/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card Capital One Venture X:  https://travelmomsquad.com/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute-By-Minute Recap: 0:00 - Introduction: Kicking off the comparison between the Capital One Venture and Venture X cards. 2:00 - Alex breaks down the simplicity of the Venture card and why it’s great for beginners or those looking for low fees. 5:00 - Jess dives into the perks of Venture X, from lounge access to higher earning categories on travel-related expenses. 10:00 - Side-by-side comparison: Which card is better for different types of travelers? 15:00 - Alex, Pam, and Jess each share which card they’d choose if they could only have one and why. 20:00 - Final thoughts: Encouraging listeners to assess their travel habits and goals to make the best card choice for their lifestyle.

Welcome back, Disney lovers! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most magical places on earth—Disney World—and sharing how you can save big using points and miles. We’re joined by a familiar face (or voice!), Megan, who you may remember from previous episodes where she shared her family’s European adventures and Olympic travel tips.  This time, Megan is back to help us plan a Disney vacation that doesn’t break the bank, all while using travel rewards to cover flights, hotels, and even park tickets!   Why Megan Loves Disney (and How to Save) Megan kicks things off by explaining her long-time love for Disney and how it’s possible to make a dream Disney trip happen without spending a fortune. She’s an expert in planning family vacations with points, and she’s here to share her insights on how to maximize rewards programs like Southwest and Hyatt to keep your Disney trip as magical as possible, without the hefty price tag.   Flying to Disney with Points We start by breaking down the best strategies for using points to book flights to Orlando. Megan and Alex dive into why Southwest Airlines is one of the best options for families, especially with perks like two free checked bags and no change fees.   Staying Near the Magic for Less Next, they discuss how to score amazing hotel deals near Disney using points. From luxurious stays at nearby properties to convenient locations, there are plenty of ways to save on your Disney accommodations.    Ready to Plan Your Disney Dream Vacation? It’s time to head to the east coast! Thank you Megan, for returning with all the best tips to help turn your Disney dreams into reality! Whether you’re saving on flights, hotels, or even your Mickey Mouse ice cream bars, this episode is packed with advice on using points and miles to make your next Disney trip both magical and affordable. Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Get Away Today affiliate link: https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7979 Transfer Partner & Airline Alliance Cheat Sheet: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/transfer-partners   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Megan sets the stage for today’s episode, helping us dive into how to save on Disney World by using points and miles. 3:00 - Flights on points: Alex and Megan chat about using Southwest points to book flights to Orlando and why it’s a great airline for families. 7:00 - Jess jumps in to share how Hyatt points can cover stays near Disney World, and Megan adds her tips for making points go further. 10:00 - Park tickets on points? Megan explains the trickier part—using points and miles to cover Disney park tickets and how you can still save on other parts of the trip. 25:00 - Megan’s final thoughts: Megan wraps up with her top tips for making Disney World trips affordable and magical for families using travel rewards.