Points Talk® with the Travel Mom Squad

In this episode, we cover positioning flights—what they are, why they're important, and how we use them to our advantage. Positioning flights can be a smart way to maximize travel rewards and ensure we get to our desired destinations efficiently. At its core, a positioning flight is a short, separate flight that helps travelers reach a major hub airport (often times with better deals). The beauty is, you don't necessarily need to stick to the same airline. Alex stresses that timing is crucial when it comes to positioning flights. Since they're usually on different airlines and aren't connected itineraries, missing a flight could spell trouble.  Another perk of positioning flights is the flexibility it affords when using points and miles. In the face of delays or system outages, being able to switch airlines quickly using your rewards points can be a lifesaver.  Alex tackles the topic of traveling with a family and its challenges, especially when it comes to positioning flights. For many, arriving a day early and staying at a hotel near the airport can alleviate the stress of long airport waits, especially with kids.   So, fellow travelers, positioning flights might be an extra step, but they're often worth the effort for the savings and options they unlock. Curious about more insider tips and strategies? Hit play to hear the full conversation and immerse yourself in the world of traveling on points!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:00 What is a positioning flight?  03:50 How positioning flights can effectively be used to get better deals  07:58 Alex gives us her best positioning flight tips  14:48 How to tackle positioning flights with kids  18:15 Pack less luggage and avoid checking a bag to make travel easier  22:27 Pam shares about her idea of "reverse positioning" 27:41 Best tips on where to position your flights to!  30:18 Pam gives a cautionary tale of a positioning flight gone wrong  34:58 If you enjoyed this episode, remember to check out our course Award Travel Academy!  

We have an exciting podcast for you today as Jess shares her bucket-list experience in Australia! From negotiating for a room with the perfect view to taking the scenic coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, Jess packed her 10-day trip with unforgettable experiences. First, Jess shares how she scored flights to Sydney that would have cost $24,000 for only $800 out of pocket.  Then she shares where she stayed in Sydney for three nights for FREE! From a kayaking trip in the Sydney Harbour, to a sumptuous breakfast overlooking the opera house, it's clear that Sydney was bursting with unique experiences. And though it was winter, the Australian weather proved to be pleasantly mild. And as if Sydney wasn't enough, Jess also took a quick hop over to Melbourne. She shares how she used British Airways Avios to pay for the flights there, plus how Hyatt points came in clutch once again for her 5 nights in Melbourne. Melbourne offers the perfect balance of city experiences, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. Whether it's through points, miles, or just splurging a little, the experiences you get are truly priceless.  I'm with Alex on this—if I wasn't already dreaming of a trip down under, I am now! But to get the full scoop, including more on Jess's Australian tales, you're going to want to tune in for yourself. So what are you waiting for? Hit play to hear the full conversation!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Park Hyatt Sydney: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-sydney/sydph?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_sydph Grand Hyatt Melbourne:  https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/grand-hyatt-melbourne/melbo?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_melbo Park Hyatt Melbourne: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-melbourne/melph?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_melph Sydney by Kayak: https://sydneybykayak.com.au/tours/sunrise-kayak-and-coffee/ Great Ocean Road tour:  https://www.theprivatetourguide.com/great-ocean-road-private-tour Yarra Valley tour: https://www.theprivatetourguide.com/private-yarra-valley-wine-tour Phillip Island/Moonlit Sanctuary tour: https://gowest.com.au/our-tours/phillip-island-penguin-parade-small-group-eco-tour/   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:10 Jess shares all about her flights and how she booked them 04:09 Pam highlights how important it is to stockpile points for last-minute bookings  06:35 Jess shares her experience with her stepdaughter on Qantas Airlines  11:21 Here are more airline options for travel to Australia! 12:55 Jess talks about her first stay in Sydney at the Park Hyatt  27:29 From kayaking in the harbour, to touring the famous Opera House, Sydney is a dream!  29:16 Jess dives into the second half of their trip, from Sydney to Melbourne  31:28 Jess's review of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne 32:18 Jess's experience at the Park Hyatt at Melbourne 37:57 Jess breaks down her favorite things to do while in Australia 43:30 Hear about the fun experiences you can have in Melbourne  45:26 Jess gives her Sydney versus Melbourne take   

Welcome back! In our today's episode we uncover the hidden gems within airline alliances! Ever wondered about flying Q Suite for fewer miles than you'd expect? Or how about discovering those hidden airline sweet spots that seem elusive? We've got you covered. We dive deep into the world of airline alliances. These power-packed groups allow travelers like us (and you!) to book flights using miles from one airline but fly on another. To put it in perspective, imagine using Virgin Atlantic miles to book a Delta flight and snagging a bargain in the process. And yes, flying Q Suite on Qatar Airways with American Airlines miles is entirely possible—we've done it! And for those of you keen on understanding the potential of less-talked-about loyalty programs, Pam dove deep into her experiences with Avianca Life Miles. Want to catch all the details and tips we shared? Press play on the episode and embark on a journey of points and miles mastery with us!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode:  Award Travel Academy Next Level: https://travelmomsquad.com/ata-next-level Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet:  https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:48 Jess breaks down how airline alliances work, check the cheat sheet in the show notes!  02:49 Working with a partner airline can save a lot of miles, but it's not always an option  04:27 Alex shares her favorite airline alliance sweet spots  06:59 Alex and Pam share their experience with Qatar airlines, flying in Qsuite   11:51 Pam talks about the sweet spots that she's taken advantage of with Avianca Life miles 15:11 Jess shares her favorite sweet spot with Star Alliance  18:29 Alex talks about booking Delta flights through Virgin Atlantic  21:00 Pam gives another tip when it comes to booking flights to Hawaii  25:10 Jess shares her plan to get home from Japan with American Airlines miles  26:12 Breaking down sweet spots that don't involve airline alliances  28:01 Jess talks about Turkish Airlines, known for an amazing experience  32:54 Make sure to check out the Award Travel Academy Next Level course!   

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!