Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points

Have you used all your card credits and perks before the year ends? With the holidays approaching and schedules getting busier, it's easy to forget about valuable benefits waiting to be redeemed. From shopping and dining credits to free night certificates and travel perks, there's still time to make sure nothing goes unused. In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess walk through an end-of-year checklist to help you review the benefits and rewards that often expire on December 31. They share strategies for maximizing annual, semi-annual, and quarterly credits, tips for checking expiration dates on rewards, and reminders about travel status and point transfers. Whether you're catching up on unused rewards or preparing your strategy for the new year, this episode will help you wrap up the year with confidence and clarity. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/155 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

This short bonus episode comes with an important update from the Squad. After an unexpected curveball and a lot of behind-the-scenes work, Alex, Pam, and Jess share what's been happening and why this moment marks the start of a new chapter. You'll hear why they made this decision, what it means for the podcast and the community, and what isn't changing as they move forward. Press play to hear the full story and the official announcement. You can find the updated Points Talk Squad website here: pointstalksquad.com Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

Do you need help planning a girls' trip that feels luxurious but doesn't drain your wallet or your points balance? Whether you picture spa days in the desert, shopping weekends in big cities, or a European escape filled with good food and laughter, The Points Talk Squad shares their favorite types of getaways and how to make them happen using points and miles. In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess talk about how they plan and book their own girls' trips, from choosing destinations and coordinating flights to dividing hotel stays and keeping things simple when friends have different point balances. They share trip ideas that range from short weekend escapes to longer adventures abroad, with options for every kind of traveler and budget. No matter what kind of trip you have in mind, this episode will help you turn your girls' trip idea into a memorable adventure that feels well planned and perfectly within reach. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/154 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@pointstalksquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

Have you ever wondered if it's actually possible to visit Switzerland without spending a fortune? From business-class flights booked on points to scenic train rides through the Alps, Jess shares how she planned a stunning mother-daughter trip that balanced comfort, adventure, and strategy in one unforgettable experience. In this episode, she breaks down how she used points and miles for flights and hotels, navigated Switzerland's complex train and cable car system, and found smart ways to save on food and transportation. Whether you're planning your first trip to Switzerland or looking to make your dream Alps vacation more affordable, this episode reveals how to travel through one of Europe's most expensive countries with confidence, clarity, and a few clever tricks. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/153 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to experience Morocco - including the medinas, the desert, and the Blue City - all in one trip? From camel rides in the Sahara to wandering the alleyways of Fez, this trip was all about embracing adventure, culture, and connection in one unforgettable journey. In this episode, Alex and Pam share how they explored Morocco on a whirlwind girls' trip using a mix of points, miles, and cash. Listen in to learn how to plan your own Moroccan adventure, from selecting riads and desert camps to understanding local customs and tipping etiquette. They share what surprised them most, which cities left the biggest impression, and how this trip proved that sometimes, the best use of points is creating once-in-a-lifetime memories. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/152 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week's episode, The Travel Mom Squad digs into the true value behind four of the most popular premium cards. They look beyond the price tags to compare how these cards perform when you factor in credits, perks, and everyday usability. From easy-to-redeem travel credits to lifestyle benefits that require more effort, the Squad breaks down how to calculate whether a card earns its place in your wallet long-term. Finally, Alex, Pam, and Jess each share which premium card they'd keep if they could only choose one—and why their answers might surprise you. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/151 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Which premium credit card is really worth it for your travel style and spending habits? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad put four of the top-tier cards head-to-head. They break down the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the brand-new Citi Strata Elite℠, exploring the earning potential, perks, and lifestyle benefits of each to help you evaluate which one fits your wallet best. Alex, Jess, and Pam walk you through the differences in earning power and rewards structures across all four cards. By the end of the episode, you'll have a clear framework for comparing premium cards without getting lost in the fine print. You will hear strategies for choosing the card that aligns with your spending patterns, travel goals, and home airport, plus tips for getting the most out of credits and perks so that you can make premium cards work for you. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/150 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Short getaways don't have to be stressful or require a full week off. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad explores the world of micro-trips: perfectly sized escapes that deliver maximum value and relaxation. Alex, Jess, and Pam share their experiences planning and enjoying these quick getaways, from domestic city breaks to international trips, and show how even a few nights can feel like a meaningful vacation. You will hear which destinations work best for micro-trips based on your location, why some luxury properties are actually ideal for shorter stays, and how to make the most of points and free night certificates. Tune in for ideas on destinations, strategies for using points, and honest feedback from their own adventures. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/149 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

The world of points and miles can feel overwhelming when everyone has an opinion on the "right" way to do things. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad break down common travel rewards advice and show why it doesn't always apply to every traveler. From what counts as smart redemptions to how to prioritize your points, they give you permission to ignore the rules and focus on what works for your own goals. Throughout the episode, the Squad shares examples from their own travel experiences. If you've ever felt pressure to follow the "expert" advice, Alex, Jess, and Pam help you cut through the noise. You'll learn when breaking typical points and miles rules makes sense, how to tailor your strategy to your lifestyle, and why there's no single right way to make your points work for you. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/148 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Does a getaway to a wellness resort seem like an unattainable luxury? Alex and Jess recently stayed at Miraval Arizona. In this episode, they're sharing their experience from booking their flights and room to their favorite activities, and everything in between. While Miraval is known for its premium wellness experience, they're here to show you how it can be more accessible, especially when booking with points. They'll also give you the honest rundown on the resort's all-inclusive offerings, the digital-device-free policy, and how the resort credits worked to enhance their experience. Plus, they compare their time at Miraval Arizona to Jess's previous visit to Miraval Austin, giving you the inside scoop on which location might be the best fit for you. Tune in for their honest feedback on the Miraval experience and what you can expect if you choose to visit. You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/147 Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/ The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad