Points Talk® with the Travel Mom Squad

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.

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, Pam and Alex take us on a remarkable journey through Lisbon and the Azores, sharing every detail of their family vacation powered by points. From the charming streets of Lisbon to the breathtaking landscapes of the Azores, they reveal how to travel to these stunning destinations for nearly free! The Planning Phase Hear how Pam and Alex strategically used their points for flights and accommodations, making their dream trip a reality. They’ll walk us through their planning process, from choosing the best time to travel to selecting the perfect points strategy for each segment of their journey. Lisbon: The City of Seven Hills Explore Lisbon through the eyes of our travelers. Pam and Alex discuss their favorite spots, from the historic tram rides to the vibrant neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto. Learn how they maximized their points for experiences, dining, and tours in one of Europe's oldest cities. The Azores: Nature’s Paradise Next, the journey takes us to the Azores, where the landscapes seem to burst straight out of a fairytale. Discover how they explored this archipelago’s natural wonders, from volcanic craters and lush greenery to stunning coastlines.  Ready to Explore Lisbon and the Azores? Hit play now to join Pam and Alex as they guide you through planning and enjoying a fantastic vacation on points. Whether you’re a seasoned points traveler or just starting out, their insights will inspire you to consider your next adventure to these Portuguese gems.   Links For This Episode:  Hyatt Regency Lisbon: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/lishr-hyatt-regency-lisbon Cooking Lisbon: https://www.cookinglisbon.com Tuk Tuk Tour: https://www.itookatuktuk.com/tuktuktours Restaurant from Sintra Tour:​​ https://restaurantenortada.com/home_en Azores Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/ekAue0cJ Sensi Azores Nature & Spa:https://www.sensiazores.com   Beaches in Azores: Praia dos Mosteiros Praia Baixa d’ Areia   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Introduction to Pam and Alex’s journey to Lisbon and the Azores using points. 2:00 - Planning details: Deciding on destinations, flights, and hotels using points. 6:00 - Arriving in Lisbon: First impressions and top sights 12:00 - Local life and cultural experiences in Lisbon, exploring neighborhoods and local cuisine. 18:00 - Transition to the Azores: Expectations and preparations for island adventures. 23:00 - Exploring the natural beauty of the Azores, from volcanic landscapes to coastal excursions. 35:00 - Lessons learned from the trip and tips for families traveling on points. 40:00 - The impact of this trip on their approach to future travel with points. 45:00 - Final reflections on the experiences in Lisbon and the Azores.

Unlock the secrets to nearly free vacations using Southwest and Hyatt points! Discover why these two programs are perfect for beginners, offering flexible booking and generous perks. Learn tips for maximizing your points through everyday spending and strategic credit card choices. Hear personal anecdotes about unique stays, like a whimsical resort experience filled with s'mores and wellness retreats. Get inspired to plan family-friendly adventures or luxurious getaways without breaking the bank!

Welcome back, everyone! Today’s episode is a real treat—we’re catching up with Megan, our amazing digital business manager, who’s here to spill the details about her epic two-week European adventure with her family. And guess what? They even made it to the Paris Olympics! Whether you’re dreaming of a similar journey or just love gathering family travel tips, you’re in the right place. Planning a European Adventure with Kids Imagine planning a trip for five, including three kids, across Europe during one of the busiest events—the Olympics! Megan starts off by sharing the initial excitement of swapping their plans from Japan to Paris and snagging those golden Olympic tickets through a lottery. It’s a masterclass in flexibility and seizing opportunities. Ready for Your Own European Tour? Hit play now to dive into Megan’s journey across Europe to the Paris Olympics and discover how you can leverage points for your family’s next big adventure. From the logistical challenges to the joyous moments, this episode is filled with valuable insights and heartwarming stories. Links:  Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free: https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/ Rome Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9983342?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=cb56457d-961d-4ff0-a152-5a068c7e48a7  Hotel Pendini in Florence: https://tidd.ly/3AytHDu (TMS affiliate link) Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace in Venice: https://tidd.ly/3X9rw1N (TMS affiliate link) Golf cart tour in Rome: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/uyvJJQxq Tuscany Day Trip: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/gjWSzuh9  TMS Flytographer discount: https://flytog.co/TMS   Episode Minute By Minute: 1:30 - The Spark: How the Olympic plans shifted from Japan to Paris, including the process of securing Olympic tickets. 4:00 - Logistics Unpacked: Detailed strategies for booking flights and accommodations for a family of five, leveraging points for optimal value. 7:00 - Olympic Highlights: Megan shares her family’s experiences in Paris during the Olympics, describing the atmosphere and events they attended. 12:00 - Touring Europe with Kids: Megan talks about visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice, providing tips on engaging activities for kids and managing travel as a family. 17:00 - Point Tricks: Insight into how Megan utilized points for various aspects of the trip, including flights and hotel stays. 22:00 - Travel Challenges and Solutions: Megan discusses some of the obstacles they faced, such as navigating different languages and cultures with young children. 27:00 - Wrap-up: Megan shares final tips for families planning to travel for big events like the Olympics and reflects on the importance of such experiences for family bonding. 35:00 - Reflections on personal growth and the educational value of travel for her children.  

Listen up, Swifties! Today, we’re riding the high notes of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour across Europe with Jess. Dive into the excitement as she shares how she turned points into an unforgettable journey through Milan and London, seeing Taylor Swift live and experiencing luxury without the luxury price tag. Swift Moves: Planning the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tour Adventure Jess kicks off the episode by sharing her initial reaction to Taylor’s tour announcement and how it sparked a swift decision to hit two European cities. With points and miles as her ticket to these dream destinations, Jess details her strategic moves from scoring tickets to booking flights and luxurious stays. Flying High: Business Class on Points Hear how Jess flew business class without breaking the bank. From Houston to JFK, and then overseas to Milan and London, learn how she utilized points for comfortable travels and what it takes to snag those coveted business class upgrades. Accommodations and Concert Experiences Jess doesn’t just go to concerts; she turns them into full-blown experiences. From her stay at the Hyatt Centric in Milan to the opulence of the Park Hyatt, she shares how points can translate into luxurious stays. Plus, get the insider scoop on her concert nights, including a spontaneous ticket purchase that led to an even better view of the stage. Ready to Rock Your Travel Plans? Hit play now to learn how Jess followed her favorite pop star across Europe, turning points into unforgettable memories. Whether you’re looking to chase concerts around the globe or simply jet off on your next family vacation, this episode is your backstage pass to doing it on points!   Links:   Webinar: How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free   Thrifty Traveler (Use Code TMS): http://thriftytraveler.com/premium   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Intro: Jess sets the stage for her points-fueled tour to see Taylor Swift in Milan and London. 1:30 - Planning the Dream: Jess explains how she chose her destinations based on the availability of award flights and hotels. 3:45 - Jet Set in Style: Details on Jess’s business class experiences, showcasing how she made luxury travel affordable with points. 6:20 - Luxurious Stays: Jess talks about her hotel selections, from the chic Hyatt Centric in Milan to the lavish Park Hyatt. 8:30 - Taylor Swift Live: Jess shares the highlights of the concerts, including how she upgraded her tickets for a better experience. 11:00 - Pro Travel Tips: Jess provides tips on how to manage points effectively for big trips like hers. 18:30 - Closing Thoughts: Jess wraps up with advice on why and how to use points for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  

Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the fantastic possibilities of family travel with points and miles! Today, we're joined by some very special guests—our kids—who will share their favorite points and miles trips and their dream destinations. This is not just an episode about our travels but a practical guide on how family travel with points is not only feasible but also filled with fun and learning opportunities. Traveling with a Big Family on Points Many of you ask if it's possible to travel on points with a large family. The answer is a resounding yes! Both Alex and Jess have large families—Alex has four young boys, and Jess has an 11-year-old daughter plus three older stepkids. We travel several times a year using points, proving that with the right strategies, family vacations on points are not just possible; they're fantastic. The Realities and Rewards of Family Travel Traveling with a family on points does mean you might need more points, but don't let that discourage you. It's like shopping for a bigger family: yes, it costs more, but the rewards are proportionately greater. Whether you're covering flights, hotels, or entire trips, the key is to accumulate points through strategic spending—something we've mastered over the years. This episode dives deep into how you can do this effectively, ensuring your points stretch further to cover your family's travel needs. Expert Tips: Making Family Travel Happen We'll share how we each plan and book trips, manage logistics around school schedules, and make the most of peak travel times like spring breaks and summer vacations. It's all about planning ahead and being flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Kids' Corner: Young Travelers Speak Up Hear directly from our kids about their travel highlights and where they hope to go next. It's a fresh perspective that reminds us why we travel in the first place—to create lasting memories and global experiences for our children. Ready to Explore More with Your Family? Hit play now to dive into the joys and logistics of traveling with a big family on points. Whether you're a seasoned award traveler or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real stories that will inspire you to make the most of your points for more family adventures.   Links:  Free Webinar:  How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free How to Qualify for a Business Credit Card: How to Qualify for a Business Credit Card - Travel Mom Squad   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 1:00 - Discussion on the feasibility of family travel with points, debunking myths and setting the record straight. 3:00 - Tips on how to manage and accumulate more points for family trips. 5:00 - Practical strategies for booking trips, leveraging both points and strategic planning to cover travel expenses. 10:00 - Kids take the stage to share their memorable trips and future travel wishes. 15:00 - How to handle travel bookings during peak times and make the most of school schedules.

Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the amazing world of points and miles! Today, we're excited to share the details of a massive family trip to Florida that included 29 family members. Despite the size and scope of the trip, we were able to significantly reduce costs thanks to strategic use of points and miles. Big Family, Bigger Savings Join us as we explore how we planned and executed a family reunion in Florida, handling everything from flights to accommodations for a large group. You’ll hear from Pam, the mastermind behind the trip, about organizing such a massive gathering and how points and miles played a crucial role in making it affordable. Strategies for Managing a Large Group Vacation Learn valuable tips on booking for large groups, selecting accommodations that suit everyone, and managing logistics without breaking the bank. We discuss the benefits of various accommodations, including a detailed look at our VRBO rental and how we made it work for everyone. Planning Your Next Family Adventure with Points Ready to start planning your own family getaway? Hit play to find out how you can leverage points and miles to create unforgettable memories without the hefty price tag. Whether you're coordinating a small family vacation or a grand reunion like ours, these tips will help you maximize every point for the best possible experience.   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Hyatt Place Panama City Review  Using Bank Account Bonuses for Extra Travel Expenses Home in Miramar Beach · ★4.75 · 10 bedrooms · 18 beds · 12 baths   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - Kickoff: Why Florida? Pam and Alex introduce the family adventure and how points and miles made it possible. 1:00 - Planning Begins: Pam reveals how she organized the accommodations for such a large group and chose the perfect location. 3:00 - Accommodation Deep Dive: A closer look at our VRBO in Miramar Beach, fitting 29 people comfortably. 5:00 - Flight Planning: Alex details the process of booking flights for 29 using points, sharing tips for the best deals. 7:00 - Cost-Saving Strategies: From meals to local transport, learn how we kept additional costs low. 10:00 - Review of Hyatt Place Panama City Beach: Why this hotel added value to our trip and how points covered our stay. 20:00 - Wrapping Up: Reflecting on the emotional and financial benefits of using points for family reunions.

Explore the endless possibilities of travel with 120,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points! Dreaming of a romantic Paris getaway? Discover tips for maximizing points to reduce costs on flights and hotels. Planning a budget-friendly family trip to Disneyland? Learn how to make it affordable using rewards. Get insider strategies for applying for the Chase Business Card to earn even more points and hear exciting anecdotes about upcoming stays at luxurious resorts. This journey is all about turning dreams into unforgettable adventures!