Points Talk® with the Travel Mom Squad

Ever wondered what cards the Travel Mom Squad would pick if they were diving into traveling on points and miles today? In our latest episode, we unveil the strategies and cards we would go for if we were newcomers in this game of savvy travel. Alex kicks off by sharing her initial strategy involving the Southwest Companion Pass, while Pam reflects on her allegiance to United and Marriott. Jess, a bit more cautious, initially opted for the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom. Now, we each have a fresh top-five list influenced by the current credit landscape and the game-changing Chase 5/24 rule, emphasizing the importance of choosing wisely to maximize travel rewards. Although there are some similarities in our choices, each of our selections cater to how we travel. Taking a close look at each card's benefits, how to strategically earn points, and the extra perks they offer, we aim to give you all the details you need to make smart choices about which cards work best to fit your preferences. With the evolving nature of credit card benefits, our strategies have to be adaptable to make the most of the offers on the table. This episode is packed with insights into the strategic choices that shape an award traveler's journey. So, whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this will serve as a guide to help you through the dynamic world of accumulating and using points for travel. Are you ready to start your travel journey? We invite you to hit play and join the conversation as we explore the methods we'd use if we were beginning today. Listening in could be your first step towards mastering the art of traveling for less with the most rewarding credit cards in your wallet!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad     Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 Today’s episode on how we would start if we were starting over! 02:00 Jess gives a quick recap of the Chase 5/24 rule  03:00 Alex talks about the first cards that she opened  06:30 Pam shares how she started and what cards she opened first  08:49 Jess talks about the first cards that she opened when she started 10:29 Alex lists the 5 cards she would open if she were to start today 17:29 Alex shares what her pacing would be with these cards knowing what she knows now  20:06 Pam talks about her travel journey and how she opened her first cards  23:46 Pam shares the 5 cards she would open 28:45 Jess talks about the 5 cards that she would open is she was starting today  35:35 Some final thoughts and how you can get started today!  

Welcome back! Can you imagine embarking on a journey through 15 states, taking on six national parks, and traveling over 4,500 miles, all within a span of two weeks? And mind you, this isn’t a solo or couples trip. We’re talking about a family of five with young kids! We know someone who did just that, and today she’s breaking it down for us! In today’s episode we had the privilege of chatting with Megan Condello, our Digital Business Manager. A mom to three adorable daughters, including a set of twins, Megan shared her amazing Midwest National Parks road trip with us. Road trips and national parks aren’t often a topic we hit on, because you know how much we love to fly! So when we learned Megan had journeyed through 15 states and six national parks in one trip, we just had to get her on the show! Covering 4,500 miles in a minivan with three kids is no small feat. Hear all about how she did it plus how she cashed in points for hotels along the way. Megan wisely used points and Marriott free night certificates to make the trip cost-effective. Out of 15 nights, they used points or free night certificates for 12 of them. Megan’s experience was a testament to how enriching and possible it is to journey across the nation, soaking in its diverse landscapes, histories, and cultures – all while on a budget. If you've been thinking of hitting the road with your family, take inspiration from our chat with Megan. Whether you’re a road trip veteran or a newbie, there’s always something new to discover, experiences to cherish, and travel tricks to learn. Are you ready to uncover more road trip tips for your next family adventure? Hit that play button!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Hotels  Residence Inn Cleveland Avon At Emerald Event Center  Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop  Fairfield Inn and Suites Winona Fairfield Inn & Suites Jamestown Badlands Motel Residence Inn Rapid City Cedar Pass Lodge The Warrior Hotel, Marriott Autograph Collection Residence Inn Kansas City at the Legends  Courtyard Marriott St. Louis Brentwood  Residence Inn Columbus Airport Every Kid Outdoors program Portable Cot   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 Introduction to today’s episode with special guest, Megan Condello! 02:33 Megan talks about her family road trip and how they did it on points 05:00 Alex talks about the Marriott free night certificates  06:01 Megan talks about the route that they chose 07:57 Megan talks about tying in literary adventures along the way for fun and education  08:57 The convenience of free hotel breakfasts when traveling with a family  09:40 Jess highlights the importance of diversifying your points when road tripping  10:38 Megan talks about North Dakota and the surprisingly fun adventures they had there  13:44 Megan breaks down all of the fun and historical places to see in Wyoming  20:28 Megan shares their experience at Badlands National Park  23:01 Breakdown of the Warrior Hotel in Sioux City, Iowa 26:37 Megan talks about their time in St. Louis and Gateway National Park  29:03 Megan’s recommendation for a week-long trip  31:24 Megan gives some bonus tips for National Parks   

Want to hear what we've been up to lately? We thought it would be fun to recap some of the cards we've opened and trips we've been booking!  In this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes. We discuss exciting travels we've embarked on and some of the gems we've discovered. We kick things off with our most recent stays on points and miles.  Looking ahead, we move onto trips we've recently booked (but haven't yet taken) using points and miles. TMS is gearing up for several bucket list trips! We hope you’re ready for a Travel Mom Squad tour of Asia. Lastly, we asked our favorite question: "what’s the most recent credit card you opened?" We dive into which cards we've opened recently + why. Hit play to learn more about each of our recent adventures, future bucket list trips, and credit card updates!  Happy Travels! PS—Start your points journey today by following the links below!    Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute:  01:23 Pam starts off talking about her most recent trip to Costa Rica  05:10 Jess breaks down one of her most recent trips to Mexico  06:32 Alex talks about her trip with Jess to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines 08:47 Pam shares what her next trip is going to be and how she booked it  11:49 Jess talks about her next booked trip to Istanbul  13:26 Alex breaks down her upcoming family trip to Cancun  17:08 Pam shares her most recent trip that she’s booked   21:21 Jess’s most recent trip that she booked to London to see Taylor Swift  23:26 Alex shares two trips that she’s booked recently  28:11 The breakdown of their planned group trip to Singapore  33:01 Pam looks to the future and talks about what trips she’s dreaming up  34:03 Jess talks about future trips that she wants to take  35:12 Alex shares her potential future trip ideas  36:28 Pam talks about the last card that she opened  37:45 Jess shares what cards she’s opened up recently  39:27 Alex breaks down her latest cards and the struggle with AMEX pop-up jail  42:15 Pam shares what card she is hoping to open next  44:15 Jess talks about what card has piqued her interest  48:02 Alex talks about which card is on her radar to apply for next  

Welcome back! Do you have some American Express Membership Rewards points and aren't quite sure how to use them? Or have you heard about the program but aren't sure how it works? If so, this episode is for you. Keep listening as we cover all things American Express Membership Rewards.  If you are a loyal listener, you know we've previously taken a deep dive into the realms of Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Venture Miles. But today, we're turning our attention to another significant player—American Express Membership Rewards! First thing you need to understand is AMEX's lineup. With a plethora of cards under its umbrella—from personal cards like the Gold, Green, and Platinum to business ones—knowing which card to snag can be a bit tricky. Our top picks? The personal Gold, personal Platinum, and the business Platinum. These cards not only earn you some major points but also come with perks that make the annual fees worthwhile. This isn’t even scratching the surface of how many points and miles you can rack up in the AMEX world. And as with all travel tricks, knowledge is key! Want to delve further into the American Express narrative? Tap that play button! Learning how to navigate the AMEX landscape could be the next thing you need to unlock your dream trip or vacation! As always, if you need more help with award travel and where to start, follow the links below to connect with us!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  American Express Membership Rewards Explained: https://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-membership-rewards-explained/  Using Airline Incidental Credits: https://travelmomsquad.com/using-airline-incidental-credits/  Transfer partner cheat sheet:  https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet Alex’s Rakuten link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALEXPA114?eeid=28187  Pam’s Rakuten link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/PAMIOR?eeid=28187  Jess’s Rakuten link: http://www.rakuten.com/r/PWRJES?eeid=28187    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:44 Getting into the different AMEX cards and how they stack up to competitors  04:43 The pros and cons of the AMEX Gold card  06:13 Here is the breakdown of the AMEX Platinum card 11:34 Jess talks about confusing new rules in regards to opening multiple AMEX cards  16:24 Pam breaks down the public offers for the AMEX cards  18:01 Alex talks about AMEX pop-up jail, what it means, and how to avoid it  24:30 Jess talks about AMEX card offers 28:31 Using retail offers with shopping portals to save even more money 31:07 The pros of using a shopping portal like Rakuten  32:29 Here’s the breakdown on combining points and points expirations  34:42 Here are some of our favorite ways to use AMEX points  41:34 Hotel options for AMEX rewards, but they are limited  

Today, we’re diving into our adventures at Secrets Resorts. While Alex and Jess basked in the sun at Impression Moxché by Secrets in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Pam had her own journey at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica. So, if you're yearning for the inside scoop on Secrets Resorts, you're in the right place! Let’s kick things off by talking about what Secrets Resorts really are. Last year, Hyatt decided to amp up its resort game by acquiring a slew of all-inclusive resorts, and guess who's now donning the Hyatt crown? Yup, Secrets. Falling under the grand “World of Hyatt” program, Secrets is a dream for adults looking to escape and relax in luxury. It's exclusive, all-inclusive, and purely for adults. And with prime locations in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and even Spain, the allure is hard to resist. The deal gets even sweeter when you consider the benefits of using Hyatt points at Secrets.  Now, let’s delve into our personal experiences! Pam details her stay at Secrets Papagayo (the good and the bad)! Then Alex and Jess dive into their stay at Impression Moxché. Nestled right next to the regular Secrets Moxché, it's a tad bit pricier, but they think it’s worth every point!  Bringing it all together, while both Secrets Resorts bring their own flavor to the table, there's no denying that the quality, cost, and experience can vary. But hey, at the end of the day, a free trip to an exotic locale is still a win in our books! If our experiences have got you itching to rack up those Hyatt points and set off on your own Secrets adventure, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Hyatt, linked below.  To unpack more about our stay at Secrets Resorts, hit that play button!    Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode:  Ultimate Guide to Hyatt:  https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/costa-rica/papagayo-costa-rica/sepcr  Secrets Moxché: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/moxche-playa-del-carmen/sepdc Impression Moxché by Secrets: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/impression-moxche-by-secrets/secim    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:40 Today’s episode is all about our recent trips to two different Secrets all-inclusive resorts!  01:09 What are Secrets Resorts?  02:54 Pam talks about her stay at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica  06:22 Pam lists her pros for the Secrets Papagayo  07:48 Pam dives into the things that she didn’t like about Secrets Papagayo  10:20 Alex talks about the overall experience that people get with all-inclusive resorts 13:15 Pam gives a pro tip to anyone who is booking an all-inclusive vacation!  15:49 Pam gives her overall opinion of her stay at the Secrets Papagayo  17:43 Alex and Jess share their experience at Impression Moxché and Secrets Moxché 19:43 Hear all about the luxurious Impression Moxché!  25:02 A breakdown of all the accommodations of the two resorts  29:02 Jess and Alex highlight the spa and massages treatments  31:11 The breakdown of the amazing food options!  34:22 Jess talks about the pools, one of the biggest highlights!  37:33 Jess and Alex give their overall review of the two resorts 40:00 Here is how you can start earning points towards your all-inclusive, dream vacation!   

Welcome back! It's just Alex and Jess here today. Pam is enjoying her trip to Costa Rica. Considering today's all about the Southwest Companion Pass, her timing is impeccable – Pam’s not the biggest fan of Southwest. Now, imagine the thrill of having a companion fly alongside you for nearly free (just the taxes and fees) for up to two years. That's the magic of the Southwest Companion Pass. If you've yet to experience this, it's one of the best deals in the award travel world. But how do you get this coveted pass? You could fly a hundred one-way trips in a year, but who's got the time? The more practical route involves amassing 135,000 Southwest points within a year. Luckily, Southwest offers a variety of credit cards, and the points earned from the credit card welcome offers count towards the points needed for the Companion Pass. Timing is crucial. Think about beginning this journey towards the end of the year. Why? Because by the time you hit your minimum spend, a new year beckons. This strategy ensures you make the most of the pass for nearly two full years. And hey, if you're strategizing with a partner, there's a way both of you can earn the Companion Pass simultaneously. It’s all about the game plan! Are you ready to discover how to unlock one of the greatest travel tips out there? Hit play to discover the ins and outs of Southwest's Companion Pass. Happy travels!   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Ultimate Guide to Southwest: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/southwestguide   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:19 What is the Southwest companion pass and why is it such a good deal?  02:16 Alex breaks down how to get the companion pass with Southwest cards  06:31 Alex gives her recommendation on what cards to open to earn the companion pass  07:40 Jess gives another option on what cards to open to earn the companion pass  08:59 You can’t afford to miss this very important step!  11:01 Jess shares her journey to getting the companion pass  13:40 Tips on when to start the process and how to stay organized  14:42 How you and your player two can earn the companion pass at the same time!  25:15 Alex gives the steps for naming your companion  27:21 Jess talks about adding a companion with flexibility and ease  32:04 Alex talks about changing flights and how the companion pass impacts that 35:33 Jess breaks down ways to earn points towards a companion pass  38:43 Here are two things that will not earn you points towards a companion pass  39:52 Hit the Ultimate Guide to Southwest link for more information and be sure to use our affiliate links if you are interested in applying today!  

Welcome back to another round of juicy travel tales and tips. This episode is a sure treat as it revolves around Pam’s recent travel escapade to NYC and Dublin, unfolding how her clever use of points and miles smoothed out a trip that didn’t go exactly as planned. Let's dive in, shall we? Pam describes her and her sister Julie's fun-filled trip starting from the bustling streets of New York City. They spent three luxurious nights, hotel hopping between the stylish Andaz Fifth Avenue and the chic Thompson Central Park.  Her adventure didn't stop in NYC. Pam and her sister jet-setted to Dublin, a destination that had been on her radar for a while. Despite the gloomy weather, they were captivated by the beauty of the architecture and landscape that Ireland had to offer.  From there, the trip takes a drastic turn in Florence when upon arrival, they are notified that their luggage was never loaded onto the plane! Pam and Julie push through the chaos and still get to experience the beautiful sites and attractions that Florence has to offer!  This episode is packed with handy tips and insights, especially for those willing to make the most out of their points. Pam's experience stands as a testament to how a flexible approach, combined with a solid knowledge of using points and miles, can turn any trip into a delightful adventure, even when things don’t go as planned. Ready for the full scoop on the journey, and eager to learn all the clever tips Pam utilized during her travels? Dive into the complete episode to catch all the fun details, the ups and downs, and the laughter that followed Pam and her sister throughout their adventure.    Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Link to Credit Cards with Travel Protection: https://travelmomsquad.com/credit-cards-with-travel-protection/ Ultimate Guide to Earning and Redeeming Hyatt Points:    https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:13 Pam talks about where she went on this trip and how she got there  03:08 Booking an 88K redemption through ANA  05:34 Pam talks about her stay in NYC and attractions in the area  09:40 Pam highlights the Thompson Central Park hotel and why she recommends it 13:42 Pam goes from Newark to London on the fabulous Polaris business class  18:15 Pam breaks down their stay in London and all the sites and attractions  19:19 From London to Dublin, Pam shares her experience and the gloomy weather  22:47 Pam talks about hotels in Dublin and the decision not to hotel hop  26:22 Pam talks about her “fiasco” in Florence 32:01 Pam highlights their small luxury hotel in Florence  37:02 Pam’s journey of finding her lost luggage  44:02 Summing up Pam’s amazing trip, even with the fiasco in Florence!  

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!