Points Talk® with the Travel Mom Squad

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!

Join us today as we dive into how young adults can kick off their journey with points and miles! We’re super excited to have Jess's stepdaughter, Ella, here to chat about her own experiences. Whether you're just starting out yourself or you're a parent wanting to guide your kids, this episode is packed with useful tips and real-life stories. From Basic Banking to Chase Pro Ella shares how she started with a simple Chase checking account and grew into a savvy credit card user. Listen in as she talks about her first steps, from her earliest credit card to mastering the rewards game with Chase, empowering her to both join family trips and venture out on her own. Smart Credit Habits We also tackle the essentials of using credit wisely. It's all about making sure that those nearly-free trips don't end up costing a fortune in interest later… Ella’s Points and Miles Tips Hear straight from Ella about her approach to cards, maximizing perks, and how she makes every point count towards amazing travels. Hit play now to hear all about how you can turn your travel dreams into reality!   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Kickoff: We introduce the focus on young adults starting their points and miles journey. 1:00 - Ella jumps in with her story, starting with her first bank account with Chase. 2:00 - We emphasize the need to handle credit responsibly—think of it like a debit card. 3:00 - Ella talks about her first credit card experiences and the steps she took to build a solid credit score. 5:00 - Discussion on the importance of having a banking relationship, especially with Chase, and how it helps with credit card strategies. 6:00 - Navigating Chase’s 5/24 rule and planning out your credit card applications. 7:00 - Tips on guiding young adults in their first foray into credit cards to ensure they understand their financial responsibilities. 10:00 - How Ella started really accumulating points and learning to save them for bigger rewards. 15:00 - Advice for parents on helping young adults manage their early high-reward credit cards. 20:00 - Ella shares her favorite trips paid for with points, including unforgettable adventures in Japan and Australia. 30:00 - Final thoughts on helping the next generation become savvy travelers through smart credit use.

Join us in this episode as Alex and Pam, from the Travel Mom Squad, share the enchanting details of their separate summer journeys to Greece and other stunning European destinations. While Jess is off exploring Alaska on a Disney cruise, we're here to transport you to the sun-drenched islands and historic cities of Europe.  Alex's Greek Getaway—Alex starts us off with her spectacular trip, which began with an incredible stay at the Canaves Oia Suites in Santorini, a gem she snagged for a steal using Hyatt points (this property is now also bookable with Hilton points/free night certificates). She shares the ups and downs of booking award travel, emphasizing the "book now, plan later" strategy that seasoned travelers swear by. Pam's European Tour—Not to be outdone, Pam recounts her travels to Crete and Vienna, adding layers of history and luxury to the episode. Her adventure began in Santorini, where she embraced the local charm and stunning views, despite some travel hiccups that led to a switch from planned flights to last-minute bookings. Pam's stories highlight the flexibility and spontaneity needed in travel, sharing how she navigated changes and cancellations to ensure a smooth trip. Highlights and Tips—Both share their favorite moments, from Alex's business class experiences and hotel stays with breathtaking views to Pam's exploration of Crete and the luxurious Park Hyatt Vienna. They dive into the details of navigating points bookings, airline choices, and the joys of discovering new destinations. Join Us for the Journey—If you're dreaming of your own European adventure or just love hearing travel tales, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and information. Ready to explore Greece and Europe through the eyes of seasoned travelers? Hit play and let Alex and Pam guide you through their memorable journeys. Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:    Athens by Bike: Athens daily bike tours - What to do in Athens - Best bike tours in Athens   Acropolis Tickets: Online Tickets for Archaeological Sites | e-tickets Acropolis & Slopes   Canaves Oia Suites: 5 Star Hotel In Oia Santorini | Canaves Oia Suites   Airbnb’s Pam has stayed at: Rental unit in Oía · ★4.99 · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath Home in Oia · ★4.80 · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath Dome in Oia · ★4.96 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath   Ones I would like to stay at: Serviced apartment in Oía · ★4.95 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath Cave in Oia · ★4.92 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bath Episode Minute By Minute: 1:45—Alex spills the secrets on snagging dreamy stays like the Canaves Oia Suites using Hyatt points. 5:30—Join Alex as she navigates the skies in business class with Condor Airlines 10:00—Pam explains how unexpected changes add a sprinkle of spontaneity and excitement to her travels 15:30—Pam shares the wonders of Crete 20:45—Experience the elegance of Vienna with Pam at the stunning Park Hyatt 25:30—Discover how Alex and Pam turn travel mishaps into adventures, proving that flexibility is key to a fulfilling journey with points. 40:45—Closing thoughts on their European escapades, inspiring listeners to turn points into passports to the world.

Welcome back to another episode with the Travel Mom Squad! Today, we're pulling back the curtain on our own points and miles blunders. Yes, even the pros goof up sometimes! We’re sharing our mishaps not just to entertain you (though some of these stories are pretty amusing), but to help you learn from our experiences so you can navigate the points and miles world more smoothly. Real Mistakes from Real Travelers First up, Alex talks about the time she accidentally set her credit card payment to the minimum due instead of the full statement balance. It’s a simple checkbox mistake that led to unnecessary interest charges. It’s a crucial reminder to double-check your autopay settings, ensuring you’re not paying more than you should. Pam, often nicknamed 'Quick Start Pam,' dives into several of her own memorable mistakes, from overlooking important details like the Chase 5/24 rule to booking a hotel for the wrong date. She highlights the importance of slowing down and double-checking every detail, especially when dealing with bookings across different time zones. Learning the Hard Way Hear about Jess’s adventure of nearly leaving her companion behind on a flight to Costa Rica because she delayed adding a companion to her Southwest flight. This story underscores the importance of managing travel bookings proactively, especially when using features like the Southwest Companion Pass. Takeaways to Make You a Better Traveler Through these tales, we underline a universal truth: mistakes happen, but they don’t have to define your travel experience. With each slip-up, we’ve learned valuable lessons about paying attention to details, the importance of confirmation checks, and the benefits of being meticulously organized. Don’t Let Errors Discourage You In closing, remember that every error provides a chance to learn and improve. Whether it's setting up payment reminders or thoroughly reviewing your travel itineraries, these lessons are priceless for making your future travel both smoother and more rewarding. So, ready to learn from our faux pas and make your points and miles journey foolproof? Hit play to dive into the full episode for all the juicy details and key tips to keep you savvy on the road!   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Kickoff: We dive into why even seasoned travelers like us still make mistakes with points and miles. 1:15 - Alex's Autopay Alert: Hear how a simple checkbox error cost Alex more than just money. 3:30 - Pam's Planning Pitfalls: Discover the chain reaction of errors that started with one rushed decision. 6:00 - Jess's Companion Pass Cautionary Tale: A nearly disastrous oversight with the Southwest Companion Pass—avoid this at your next booking! 8:25 - Lessons Learned: We share key strategies to prevent these common errors in your travels. 10:45 - Wrap-Up: Summing up our stories with a reminder of how each mistake has a lesson and encouraging listeners to share their own blunders.  

Welcome back to another episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad where today we dive deep into one of our favorite topics: the Chase Ink credit cards! These cards could be a game-changer in maximizing your travel points. Why We Love Chase Ink Cards In this episode, Alex, Jess, and Pam share their insights on why the Chase Ink cards are indispensable tools in their credit card arsenal, especially for business owners or anyone with a side hustle. From easy eligibility to incredible rewards, these cards pack a punch without the hefty annual fees. Qualifying Is Easier Than You Think First off, Alex breaks down the common misconceptions about qualifying for business credit cards. You'll be surprised to learn how many activities count as business operations. Plus, Jess adds her perspective on how these cards fit into broader credit strategies without affecting your Chase 5/24 count. Meet the Chase Ink Family Visit Our Best Cards Page to see all of the Ink Business Cards we love! Discover which card (or cards!) might be right for you, how to leverage their benefits, and why having more than one Ink card can be advantageous. Jess and Pam discuss the optimal use of each card, highlighting the perks like cash back options, bonus points on business expenses, and exceptional introductory offers. Getting the Most Out of Your Cards Lastly, we cover practical tips for applying and managing these cards, ensuring you get the most out of the generous reward structures without falling into common pitfalls like foreign transaction fees or mismanaging benefits. So, whether you’re planning to expand your credit card strategy or just curious about what business cards can offer, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Ready to turn your business expenses into travel experiences? Hit play to unravel the secrets of Chase Ink cards with us, the Travel Mom Squad! Links: Find All the Ink Cards Here How to Fill Out a Business Card Application: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9cjtNUq9RF/?igsh=YXhxaWJ0M3o0NW5p   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 1:14 - Why Chase Ink Cards are Essential for Traveling on Points! 2:37 - How to Qualify for Chase Ink Cards with Minimal Business Activity 5:00 - Overview of Each Chase Ink Card and Their Benefits 6:19 - The Advantages of Holding Multiple Ink Cards 9:58 - Tips for Applying for Chase Ink Cards and Common Misconceptions 12:04 - Discussing the Specific Benefits of Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited 14:27 - Exploring the Premium Features of the Ink Preferred Card 16:49 - Utilizing Business Spending to Earn Massive Rewards 18:35 - The Lesser Known Chase Ink Premier Card Explained 20:47 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations on Chase Ink Cards 22:00 - How to Support the Show Using Affiliate Links! :)

Ever wondered how the Travel Mom Squad makes those dream trips happen using points and miles? Well, buckle up because in today’s episode, we're diving into our latest bookings and the clever strategies behind them. From spontaneous deals to meticulously planned adventures, we’ve got a load of tips and tales that could turn you into a points and miles guru, too. Join us as Alex kicks things off with a jaw-dropping deal to Spain. Imagine snagging business class tickets for the price of economy! Thanks to an alert from Thrifty Traveler Premium, Alex, along with Jess and Pam (albeit on different flights), managed to book business class seats to Spain for an incredible points price. Hear how they navigated limited availability and strategic airport choices to make the most of their miles. But that's not all. While Alex and Jess will be enjoying the luxuries of business class together, Pam shares her solo travel charm, opting for a different route but meeting up in Spain nonetheless. The excitement doesn't stop in Spain though; they’ve got their eyes set on exploring both Madrid and Barcelona, with luxurious stays planned at Hyatt properties. In this episode, we also get a peek into their future travel plans and how they intend to use their points for upcoming trips. Whether it’s leveraging hotel points for lavish stays or choosing the right credit cards for accessing those hard-to-snag flight deals, the squad leaves no stone unturned. So, whether you're planning your next big adventure or just dreaming about your first points-funded trip, this episode is packed with actionable advice and infectious excitement. Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality without the hefty price tag? Hit play and join us on this globe-trotting journey powered by points and miles. Your next epic adventure awaits! Links: Thrifty Traveler Premium: Use code TMS to save $10 on your first-year subscription http://thriftytraveler.com/premium Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:45 Alex's Exciting Alert: Business Class to Spain for Economy Prices 3:20 Booking Strategies: Navigating Limited Seat Availability 4:55 Why We Chose Different Flights and Airports 6:10 Jess and Alex's Plan: Flying Out of Dallas 7:30 Pam's Solo Flight Strategy: The Benefits of Traveling Alone 9:00 Anticipating the Luxuries of Business Class 10:15 Planning Our Stay in Madrid and Barcelona 11:40 Future Travel Plans: How We Use Points to Plan Ahead 13:20 Tips for Using Points for Hotel Stays and Luxurious Experiences

The world of points and miles is always changing! But we've got you covered and are about to catch you up to speed! Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we dive into the significant updates that have swept through the travel rewards scene in 2024. From complex credit card rules to unexpected shifts in hotel affiliations and lounge access, we're unpacking everything you need to know to stay ahead in the points game. We’ll explore the new twists in Amex card eligibility that could impact your strategy for accruing points, and discuss the surprising changes in hotel partnerships that might influence where you book your luxury stays. Plus, we’re breaking down the latest updates in lounge access—some of which might actually improve your time at the airport! Whether you're plotting your next escape or just dreaming about those plush, first-class seats, this episode is packed with essential tips and a healthy dose of humor to guide you through the latest developments in the world of travel rewards. Ready to get the full scoop? Hit play to listen to the entire episode and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of points and miles with your favorite Travel Mom Squad! PS—If you are new here…your next big trip might just be a few points away! :) Get started now and learn how to travel nearly free by following the links below. Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links for This Episode: Changes to Hyatt's Loyalty Program - Travel Mom Squad   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 Introduction to major changes in the points and miles world in 2024. 1:06 Overview of changes to Amex personal cards' eligibility rules. 2:46 Discussion on the strategic use of Amex cards to maximize benefits. 5:28 Changes to Delta personal cards and their impact on strategy. 8:32 Shifts in partnerships with boutique hotel brands like Mr. and Mrs. Smith. 13:06 The impact of losing Small Luxury Hotels from Hyatt to Hilton. 18:52 Updates to Global Entry cost and its effect on families. 24:49 Changes to lounge access privileges for various credit card holders.

Are you dreaming of your next big adventure but worried about your budget? Buckle up because today, we, the Travel Mom Squad, are diving into each of our bucket list destinations and how we would get there using points and miles. From the bustling markets of Morocco to the northern lights of Iceland, we're sharing our secrets to making these dream trips a reality—nearly free! Join us as Pam spills the details on her ultimate bucket list adventure—a round-the-world trip that's more affordable than you'd think, thanks to some savvy points planning. She's got her sights set on Morocco next, with a detailed plan to explore the vibrant streets of Marrakesh and the historical depths of Fez, all on points and miles.  Not to be outdone, Alex is plotting a dream trip to Thailand, the land of stunning beaches and delicious street food. She discusses the best ways to leverage Singapore Airlines' generous routing rules to score affordable travel in style and how to make the most of hotel points for stays in breathtaking locations like Phuket and the Hilton Conrad in Koh Samui. Jess, with her adventurous spirit, talks about her dream to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland and how she'd maneuver her points strategies to make it happen. From flying to Manchester on Singapore Airlines and catching a budget flight to Reykjavik, Jess outlines her plan to use points creatively for a trip that combines natural wonders with urban exploration. So, whether you're dreaming of sipping mint tea in the Moroccan sunset or exploring the lush landscapes of Thailand, this episode is your gateway to turning those dreams into reality with points and miles. Ready to start planning your own epic adventure? Hit play to join us on this thrilling journey. Your next big trip might just be a few points away! Links: Awayz: https://awayz.com/ Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad:  stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 1:03 Introduction to Dream Bucket List Trips using Points and Miles 2:20 Pam's Introduction to Morocco Trip using Points and Miles 5:15 Details on Booking Flights to Morocco with American Airlines Miles 7:10 Pam Explains Staying at the Park Hyatt with Suite Upgrade Awards 9:35 Alex's Thailand Adventure on Points and Miles 12:20 Using Singapore Airlines Miles for Affordable Travel to Thailand 15:45 Hotel Strategies in Thailand Using Points 18:30 Jess Shares Her Plan for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland 21:25 Strategy for Flying to Iceland Using Singapore Airlines Miles 24:30 Accommodation Options in Iceland Using Points 27:15 Recap of How Points and Miles Make Dream Trips Possible