Points Talk® with the Travel Mom Squad

Hey fellow travelers! It’s Alex, Jess, and Pam, excited to share our best Washington, D.C. tips, ensuring your Capital visit is unforgettable! In this episode, we dive deep on everything you need to know when it comes to traveling to D.C. on points a miles. :) Hit play to dive in or keep reading for a sneak peek!  Logistics can truly set the tone for your trip. Take Alex's recent experience as an example. On her last trip, she flew into Dulles. It was fine, but the more seasoned travelers among us know that Reagan is closer and more convenient. Details like this can truly uplift your entire adventure!  But a trip isn't just about the airport, right? Just as important is where you choose to stay at night. Washington DC offers a plethora of hotel options. The city's hotel scene mirrors New York's in many ways. No matter the type of points or rewards you've accumulated, you're sure to find a suitable accommodation. Be it Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, or IHG – every major brand has a presence there. This diversity and ease of point redemption make DC a favored destination for many.  As for the city itself, where do we even begin? There's a world to discover, from the iconic National Mall to those Smithsonian gems. Jess, despite her countless visits, still stumbles upon new treasures every time. If you want a real history lesson, DC doesn’t disappoint. Whether you're standing in awe at the Lincoln Memorial or booking your tickets for the poignant Holocaust Memorial, the city offers a blend of experiences that is unparalleled. As for navigating the city, trust Alex's word and hop on the D.C. metro to bypass the notorious traffic. And if you're touring with kids, Pam's list of family activities—from interactive museums to bike rides—has got you covered. So, hit play, and journey with us as we unpack Washington, D.C. one travel trick at a time.    Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Ultimate Guide To Hyatt:  https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt Episode Minute By Minute: 00:49 Intro to today’s episode, all about flights, hotels and activities in Washington DC 01:28 The top recommendation to fly into Washington DC is Regan   02:41 Washington DC has a variety of hotels to choose from for your trip  03:53 Alex and Pam share their experience at the Grand Hyatt, Washington DC 04:19 Alex and Pam cashed in free night certificates and the location was perfect  05:59 Jess shares her family’s experience at the bougie Park Hyatt  06:26 Jess talks about the Hyatt family plan rate, a great option for large groups 08:09 The Park Hyatt is always known for great breakfast and room service  11:51 Pam shares her love for the unique and quirky Kimpton Hotel Monaco  16:06 All hotel Monaco’s are built on historic sites, so each hotel is very unique  17:35 Alex talks about another great option; the Washington Marriott at Metro Center  18:51 Alex mentions that the Marriott is under renovation in 2023  19:58 Jess shares how to earn points and get free night certificates for these hotels 21:25 Jess was surprised at how many great activities for families were free  23:20 Alex talks about all of the historical things you can experience in DC  28:18 Smithsonian Museums are all along the National Mall and easy to walk to  29:02 Jess and her family loved the Spy Museum, but it is not free 31:42 Jess shares how her and her husband became members of the Supreme Court Bar  32:59 Pam’s talks about her desire to do the tour of the White House  35:27 Overall, there are so many fun things to do in Washington DC and it’s hard to do them all in one visit!  

Hey there, it's the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Jess, and Pam! Everyone has different preferences when it comes to travel. Some prefer the efficiency and speed of flights, while others enjoy the adventure and unpredictability of a road trip. Today is all about leveraging the art of award travel for road trips! Jess's recent journey is a perfect example. She and her family decided to drive from Houston to Chicago.  More impressive is how Jess made the most of her points. She used them to stay at unique places like the Caption Hotel in Memphis, and didn't stop there. In Chicago, she managed to stay at the upscale Thompson, right in the heart of the city, again using her points. Chicago itself is a delight. Apart from its many attractions, what stands out is how easy it is to get around. The city's efficient public transportation means that even those who drive into the city (like Jess) can park their cars and move around without them. However, traveling, especially by road, comes with its set of challenges. For those with kids, keeping them entertained and comfortable is crucial. Alex offers some practical tips in this area.  Hit play to learn about how your next roadtrip can be affordable and memorable! Whether you're up in the air or on the road, the adventure awaits. Happy traveling! :)    Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  How I Earned Two Free Nights by Paying My Taxes: https://travelmomsquad.com/how-i-earned-2-free-hyatt-nights-by-paying-my-taxes/ Caption Memphis Thompson Chicago Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown Spot The State   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What’s inside today’s episode! 02:38 Jess shares about her latest trip to Chicago! 05:22 Jess dishes on the Caption Hotel in Memphis 07:49 Jess stayed in downtown Chicago for the first four nights  09:08 Jess shares how to consolidate earned free night stays into one reservation  11:15 Jess breaks down how her and her husband earned free nights with Hyatt  14:15 Hyatt Place downtown is another great option for larger families  17:41 Jess and Alex breakdown all the great options for Hyatts in Chicago  22:22 Jess shares some family friendly things to do while in Chicago  28:12 Public parking is expensive downtown so utilize public transportation  30:59 Alex shares some road trip tips for large families with kids  32:36 Jess shares an app called Spot The State  34:47 Using points and miles on a family road trip can save you hundreds of dollars!  

Discover the power of Capital One Venture Miles and how they can revolutionize your travels. Learn about the different cards that earn Venture miles and how to improve your approval odds. Explore the benefits of the Venture X card, including airport lounge access and primary rental car coverage. Unveil sweet spots for redeeming Capital One miles and find out how they can make your travel dreams come true. Plus, discover an affordable way to travel to Hawaii and maximize the benefits of Capital One Venture Miles for travel expenses. Don't wait, hit play now and join the fellow travel hacking moms on this enchanting journey!

Ever wonder how we manage to open so many credit cards and score loads of points? Well, today, we're going to spill the beans! Get ready for a deep dive into our credit card strategies. We'll also share how many points we've racked up in 2023. Can you believe one of us has already hit a whopping 1.8 million points this year? Can you guess who? Here's a pro-tip: most business cards don't count towards the 5/24 rule, which is why we've been going hard on business cards this year. They're essential to our strategies, and it's surprisingly easy to qualify for one—even without a formal business! It's been a fantastic year for award travel so far, and business cards have been the secret sauce! But hey, remember, everyone's situation is different, and what works for us may not be the best fit for you. So, always do your research and find what suits your goals and lifestyle. Hit the play button to discover more travel tips!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Can I Get a Business Credit Card?: https://travelmomsquad.com/can-i-get-a-business-credit-card/  Travel Freely App: https://my.travelfreely.com/app_store?bref=hmin    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:02 What’s inside today’s episode on credit card strategies!  01:22 Jess gives a recap of what the Chase 5/24 rule is  03:32 Diving into each of their 5/24 strategies  11:39 The reveal of how many points have been accumulated this year 13:29 Alex reveals how many cards she's opened in 2023 and how many points she’s accumulated  15:49 Pam reveals how many points she has saved up in 2023  19:34 Pam talks about how she reached her minimum spend on new cards 21:16 Jess talks about all the cards she has opened this year and the massive points savings  27:04 General life expenses can be put the credit card to meet minimum spend faster  29:09 Remember, building points and miles is not a sprint, it’s a marathon!   

Hey there, it's the Travel Mom Squad is back in action! Today is all about getting your partner in crime, your "player two," hooked on award travel with you. It's like getting them on board the thrill ride of free travel using credit cards and points!  Okay, so what exactly is a player two? Well, it's not just your better half—it could be your best friend, your sister, or anyone who's up for some adventures.  Now, let's talk about the sneaky challenge of convincing your partner to jump on the points and miles bandwagon. First up, do your homework! Know your stuff and dazzle them with the magic of welcome offers and travel perks. They'll be shocked like, "Wait, this is crazy good!"  Oh, and here's a genius move: Treat them to a free trip! And guess what? Parents can be players too! Jess got her mom on the points and miles train, and now she's raring to rack up those rewards! One more thing: Be the mastermind—talk, organize, and earn those points! Get them excited, and they'll be partners-in-crime in no time! Just don't forget this golden rule: Stay away from credit card debt! Keep those balances in check, and your partner will be singing, "You're the points hero!" Hit play now to hear more awesome tips from Alex, Pam, and Jess and their player two’s! Convincing your player two might require some charm, but with these tricks, you'll be travel dream teams! Stay tuned for more epic fun, because this party's just getting started! Happy travels!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:02 Uncover the secrets of finding your perfect "Player Two" in award travel! 01:30 Explore the benefits of having a "Player Two" by your side. 01:47 Your travel companion, your "Player Two," can be anyone, sharing points and experiences. 03:09 Referring cards to each other unlocks bonuses and accelerates points. 05:28 Consider a non-traveling parent as your "Player Two" for point transfers. 07:39 Embrace tips to persuade hesitant partners to join your adventure. 07:48 Mastering the basics. 10:24 Introduce travel by gifting a complimentary trip to your partner. 12:57 Manage accounts effortlessly with the Travel Freely app. 16:16 Treat credit cards wisely, paying them off in full each month. 18:57 Meet guest Lee, who will inspire you with his points experiences. 24:41 Witness the magic of points and miles transforming family adventures. 27:42 Meet Ted and his introduction to the world of traveling on points.  

Welcome back to the Travel Mom Squad, your go-to for exhilarating travel exploits using points and miles! This episode sees Jess delve into her recent Hawaiian escapade, comparing the Hyatt Regency Maui and the Andaz Maui in part two of our Hawaiian Hyatt Showdown. If you missed Episode 23, catch up to learn about Alex and Pam’s adventures! Jess embarked on a hotel-hopping adventure in Maui with her daughter, dissecting both Hyatt resorts to share the good, the bad, and her secret favorite. The busy hub of Hyatt Regency Maui vs. the tranquil Andaz Maui, each offering unique experiences from crowded beaches to perfect snorkeling spots. Our podcast culminates in the grand Hawaiian Hyatt Showdown, including a surprise contender: the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Who will emerge victorious? Hit play to find out! It's mind-blowing how you can enjoy six nights of luxury on Maui for $0. Want to travel like us? Register for our free MasterClass. Exciting Hawaiian adventures await!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  NEW Ultimate Guide to Hyatt:   https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt Episode Minute By Minute: 00:58 Today, Jess spills the tea on her recent trip to Hawaii and reveals which resort is her favorite!  05:13 For insider tips, check out our brand new ultimate guide to Hyatt—unleash the possibilities! 05:35 Jess stayed at both resorts for 3 nights, both were very comparable with great ocean views  07:32 The Regency - best for those who want a bigger, busier resort experience 07:42 The Andaz is a great resort for those who are looking for rest and relaxation 13:25 Jess reveals how she would take advantage of the Andaz snack bar  15:42 The beach in front of the Andaz was calm, great for snorkeling in the morning, and boogie boarding in the afternoon 17:37 Alex shares how her kids loved snorkeling at the Regency beach, but this was before maintenance was being done in that area 23:36 Pools and recreation: The Hyatt Regency is great for kids! 26:57 The Andaz has five different pools and although luxurious, can still be fun for kids  30:27 Alex shares how staying at the Andaz would be difficult to pull off with a large family because of how many points it would cost 37:28 Do you want to learn how you can travel like this? Go register for our free MasterClass!  

Ever wonder which credit cards you should carry and how to effectively use them to cash in on max rewards? Well today we want to share with you what's in our wallets and how we decide which cards to use and which ones to keep tucked away. We are super excited for today's episode, not only to give you a behind-the-scenes look into what's in our wallets, but also to find out what each other's daily rhythms are when it comes to using them. So let's get to it. We also discuss cards that we plan to "sock drawer" after meeting the minimum spending requirements and earning the bonuses.  Lastly, we talk about cards that we plan to downgrade to keep them open without paying the full annual fees.  Hit play to hear the full conversation! We hope you gain some valuable tips for leveling up your own wallets for maximum points!  As always, if you are interested in the credit cards mentioned today, or if you want to learn more about traveling for nearly free, click on the links below!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Travel Freely App: https://my.travelfreely.com/app_store?bref=hmin    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:37 Have you ever wondered what's in our wallets? Today we break down what we use every day and why!  01:35 Pam shares her favorite cards in her wallet right now 06:20 Jess shares what's in her wallet 08:40 Alex shares her wallet contents 12:15 Discussion about our go-to/main credit cards 15:00 Get the most out of every purchase using the right credit cards for specific spending categories like dining, grocery shopping, and travel 18:46 How the Amex Gold can help you earn big at grocery stores and restaurants 23:08 Find out what cards have recently been added to Jess's collection 25:23 Equally As Important News: Our list of cards that have recently left our wallets and why 36:11 Our #1 Travel App recommendation  38:02 How to get access to all the cards mentioned today and learn how you can travel nearly free!  

Join us today as we share our favorite tips for using points and miles to plan a trip to New York City. New York City holds a special place in our hearts, and through traveling on points we've discovered incredible ways to explore this vibrant city. Getting to New York City is a breeze, thanks to the multitude of airlines that fly there.  When it comes to airport hotels, the options at JFK and LaGuardia are worth considering.  When it comes to accommodations in New York City, we have a range of recommendations. There is the highly rated and luxurious Park Hyatt New York, known for its spacious rooms and impressive indoor pool. Jess suggests the family-friendly Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Midtown East, which offers complimentary breakfast and spacious rooms with kitchenettes.   In terms of activities and places to eat, we highlight a few must-visit places. Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market is at the top of Alex’s list, giving high praise for its delicious and affordable tacos. Taking a stroll along the High Line, a public park built on an elevated historic rail line, is also high on our list for its beautiful views and greenery. The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a moving and well-designed experience, offering a deeper understanding of the tragic events. The Statue Of Liberty, Central Park, and Central Park Zoo are great places for families to explore.  Want to know how you can visit the city that never sleeps for nearly free? Hit that play button and find out more of our award travel tips on how to make your travel dreams a reality!    Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  The TWA Hotel Hyatt Regency JFK at Resorts World Hyatt Place Flushing/La Guardia Airport Crowne Plaza JFK Park Hyatt NYC Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Midtown East Hotel Indigo Lower East Side Thompson Central Park   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:02 Ready to travel to the Big Apple for nearly free? 02:00 Alex shares her preferred airline options to fly to New York City. 03:15 Pam talks about her preference for United Airlines and their flights to LaGuardia or Newark. 04:07 Jess shares her experience flying various airlines to New York City. 06:20 Discussion about using New York City as a starting point for international travel. 07:00 Review of airport hotels, including the TWA Hotel at JFK 13:30 Transition to Manhattan hotels and discussion of staying at the Park Hyatt New York. 15:25 Alex shares her positive experience at the Park Hyatt New York. 21:40 They discuss the Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Midtown East as a good option for families 23:02 Jess mentions her stay at the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, and the varying points required for IHG stays in New York. 25:50 They discuss the Hyatt Find Experiences program, specifically for Broadway shows, and the ability to earn Hyatt points by booking through it. 38:14 They express their love for hotel hopping and mention the desire to try different hotels in New York City.  39:08 They conclude the episode by discussing their plans for future stays in New York City.  

Hey there! We're Alex, Pam, and Jess, the Travel Mom Squad. Today, we're diving into the world of business cards and why they're essential for maximizing points and miles. Business cards are a game-changer in traveling on points. They don't count towards the Chase 5/24 rule, except for a few exceptions like Discover and Capital One. This means you can keep opening new business cards, earning more points and miles. Qualifying for a business card is easier than you think. While you can still take advantage of personal cards, business cards offer more significant opportunities for accumulating points. Higher welcome offers and increased flexibility make them a valuable tool in your award travel journey. One of the best things about business cards is that they open up a whole new world of credit card options. You'll find cards with generous welcome offers ranging from 75,000 to 200,000 points. That means more points for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Now, some of you might be hesitant about getting a business card. We understand. But let us assure you that you can do it! Don't let the fear of not having a traditional business hold you back. Get creative, explore side hustles, and open the door to more rewards. If you're ready to supercharge your travel game, hit play now and listen to our latest episode. We'll dive deeper into the world of business cards, sharing tips, insights, and personal experiences. Get ready to take your points and miles to new heights. Happy traveling!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:10 Exploring the significance of business cards in credit card strategies. 01:51 Understanding that business cards generally do not count towards the Chase 5/24 rule. 02:25 Clarifying the Chase 5/24 rule, explaining its limitations on card approvals. 03:16 Highlighting the advantages of business cards for maximizing point accumulation. 04:24 Discussing various business cards with generous welcome offers and their potential benefits. 05:38 Explaining that award travel is still possible without business cards, but with a more limited point-earning potential. 06:27 Emphasizing the additional opportunities and benefits gained by opening business cards. 07:32 Discovering different side hustles that qualify individuals for business cards. 09:43 Sharing examples of side hustles, such as selling on Facebook Marketplace, tutoring, coaching, photography, and gig work. 12:04 Sharing personal experiences of the hosts in utilizing their own businesses for business card applications. 14:24 Highlighting creative business examples shared by readers, including ticket reselling and selling eggs. 15:39 Outlining a simple three-step process to create a business for qualifying for a business card. 17:11 Addressing frequently asked questions related to business card applications. 21:35 Sharing personal favorite business cards, including Chase Ink Cash and Hilton Honors Business Card. 27:42 Encouraging listeners to check the show notes for a blog post on how to qualify for a business credit card.  

Hello, fellow travelers! We're the Travel Mom Squad—Pam, Jess, and Alex. In this episode, we're taking you on a virtual journey to sunny Southern California, and the best part? We're showing you how to do it all on points and miles! We all love visiting Southern California. It's a quick flight for Pam from Denver and Alex from Salt Lake City, and even for Jess from Houston, it's not too bad. The weather is always perfect, and it's a hit with our families. In this episode, we're covering all our favorite ways to get to Southern California, the best places to stay, and so much more.  We've flown into various airports depending on our destination within SoCal, including San Diego, John Wayne, and Long Beach. And we've found some really good redemptions. For example, Alex's recent trip to Huntington Beach cost just 48,000 miles round trip for four tickets. That's less than one signup bonus for a Southwest card! When it comes to accommodations, we have a few favorites.  But that's not all! We also discuss tips for making the most of your points and miles, and so much more. So come along with us as we take you to Southern California today, all on points and miles, of course! Hit play to hear the full conversation! A trip to Southern California is sure to be a memorable one for the entire family. There is so much to do and see all for pennies on the dollar! Make sure you register for our Free Masterclass “How to Start Traveling for Nearly Free.”  Links below!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Manchester Grand San Diego Andaz San Diego Park Hyatt Aviara Coronado Island Marriott Grand Pacific Palisades Resort Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach The Seabird   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 Favorite ways to travel and stay in Southern California  1:21 Alex gives her preferred flights when traveling to Southern California 2:58 Why smaller airports can make for easier travel and better redemptions 3:54 Why Southwest prices and redemptions are best for large family travel 4:15 Pam always flies United and saves miles and points for business class seats 5:13 Jess prefers Southwest for her family, utilizing the companion pass 6:02 Favorite places to stay in San Diego 6:21 Jess gives a glowing family review of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego  9:57 Pam loves the Andaz San Diego for a more bougie, classy feel 11:56 Jess mentions the most luxurious and expensive option, the Park Hyatt Aviara 16:30 Pam offers the Coronado Marriott as another family friendly alternative  18:04 Alex shares her experience staying at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort 20:06 The Grand Pacific is walking distance from Legoland and condos for families  21:35 Places to stay in Huntington Beach 25:28 Jess and Alex give their review of the Hyatt Globalist breakfast 28:47 Alex shares her experience at the Seabird  29:08 The Seabird has more of a boutique feel that overlooks the ocean 31:51 The Hyatt Regency and The Seabird are both great ocean-side options for families  37:04 A look into the Travel Mom Squad next planned trip to Southern California