If you’ve ever wondered whether Hilton Honors deserves a spot in your points and miles strategy, this episode is for you! We’re diving into everything you need to know about Hilton’s award program, from earning points and using free night certificates to snagging unforgettable stays like Bora Bora and Santorini—all without breaking the bank.

Why Hilton Honors is Worth a Look
We kick off the episode with Jess sharing her journey from being a Hyatt loyalist to appreciating the value Hilton brings to the table. With perks like generous free night certificates and partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), Hilton is making waves. Alex and Pam echo these sentiments, recounting how they’ve used Hilton points to book some seriously bucket-list-worthy properties.

Earning Hilton Points Made Easy
One of the best parts of the Hilton Honors program? Their credit card lineup! Alex breaks down the personal and business options, from the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors card to the premium Aspire card with Diamond status. Whether you’re a casual traveler or all-in on Hilton, these cards make earning points a breeze. Jess also highlights a pro tip: timing your card applications to snag bonus offers with free night certificates.

Maximizing Hilton Free Night Awards
Hilton’s free night certificates are a game-changer, and we’re all in agreement—they’re the best in the business. Jess shares how she used one to stay at the Canaves Epitome in Santorini, a property where rooms go for $2,000 a night. Pam and Alex talk about combining points and free nights for five-night stays to take advantage of Hilton’s “fifth night free” benefit, a must for maximizing your points at luxury destinations.

Our Favorite Hilton Stays (and What’s Next)
From Bora Bora to Cabo, we each share our most memorable Hilton stays and what makes them so special. Pam recalls her time at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, where every room had a private plunge pool and daily guacamole delivery. Alex dreams of a future visit to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. And Jess has some incredible city stays lined up for next year, including the Conrad Tokyo and Canopy Reykjavik.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Hilton Trip?
This episode is packed with tips for making the most of Hilton points, including using tools like MaxMyPoint for award availability and taking advantage of Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonuses. If you’re not already a Hilton fan, this deep dive might just convert you. Tune in now and start dreaming of your next unforgettable stay—on points!

Links For This Episode:

• The American Express Hilton Credit Cards

• Hilton points explorer: https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/points-explorer/
  

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 01:37 – Our Backgrounds with Hilton and First Impressions
• 06:30 – Earning Hilton Points with Credit Cards
• 12:50 – Maximizing Free Night Awards
• 18:20 – The Fifth Night Free Benefit and How to Use It
• 28:15 – Our Favorite Hilton Stays So Far
• 36:45 – Dream Hilton Destinations for the Future

In this episode, Pam takes us on a journey through Italy, sharing how she and her sister made the most of credit card points to explore some of the country’s most iconic spots. From the excitement of snagging business class seats on Turkish Airlines to their adventures in Rome, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a few surprises.

Flying in Style with Turkish Airlines
Pam kicks things off by describing how she and her sister flew business class round-trip for just 90,000 miles each! Although they traveled on Turkish Airlines’ older plane configuration, Pam found the seats spacious and comfortable. With quality food, incredible service, and even tea lights during dinner, Turkish Airlines left a lasting impression.

Exploring Chicago’s Park Hyatt
Before heading overseas, Pam and her sister spent a day in Chicago, staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt. With a stunning view of the city, a Viator tour, and some quality time on the Navy Pier, their Chicago stay set the tone for a relaxing trip.

Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria
Lake Como is Pam’s favorite Italian destination, and staying at the Grand Hotel Victoria felt like a dream come true. Despite a minor hiccup with their limo service, she describes the hotel’s new beach club and the serene beauty of Lake Como’s small towns. A day trip to Varenna made this part of the trip unforgettable.

Wandering Through Cinque Terre
Pam and her sister finally made it to Cinque Terre, a place they’d planned to visit on a past trip. Staying at Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso, they explored the charming coastal villages by train, enjoyed the local gelato, and took in the stunning coastal views. Pam notes that, while crowded during the day, Cinque Terre transforms into a peaceful, magical place once the cruise crowds leave.

Wrapping Up in Milan
The sisters ended their Italian adventure with a stay at the Sheraton Malpensa before flying back. Pam shares a final tip for using points on international trips, especially when navigating multiple cities and modes of transportation. For Pam, Italy is a place she’ll never tire of, and her love for the country and its culture shines through in every story.

If you’re dreaming of an Italian getaway or curious about how to make the most of points and miles, this episode is a must-listen! Hit play now to hear the full story!

Links For This Episode:

• Park Hyatt Chicago: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/park-hyatt-chicago/chiph
• Grand Hotel Victoria: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bgyhvlx-grand-hotel-victoria-concept-and-spa-lago-di-como/
• Hotel Pasquale: https://www.hotelpasquale.it/en/index.php
• Sheraton Malpensa Airport: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/milmp-sheraton-milan-malpensa-airport-hotel-and-conference-centre/overview
• Itailarail: https://www.italiarail.com
  
  

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Pam’s Love for Italy and Setting the Scene
• 01:37 – Scoring Business Class Seats on Turkish Airlines
• 06:00 – Exploring Chicago and Staying at the Park Hyatt
• 15:26 – Arriving at Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria
• 24:17 – Wandering Through Cinque Terre
• 35:30 – Wrapping Up the Trip in Milan and Travel Tips

Feeling overwhelmed by the world of points and miles? We get it! In our 101st episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, we’re sharing our must-have tools, apps, and strategies to make it all so much simpler. This one is packed with practical tips for tracking credit card points, finding award flights, and booking those dream hotels—without the headache.

The Ultimate Points Tracker
We kick things off by discussing our top app pick, Travel Freely. This app has been our go-to for keeping track of credit cards since 2019. And the best part? It’s completely free and doesn’t ask for sensitive information. If you’re new to points and miles or just want to stay organized, you need to check this out.

Award Flight Search Engines Made Easy
Award flights can be tricky, but we have a few favorite tools that save us hours. PointsYeah and Seats.Aero top our list for finding last-minute deals and exploring award availability across multiple airlines. Pam also shares how she uses flexible search tools to compare options, ensuring she gets the best route and price every time.

Booking the Best Hotels on Points
We couldn’t talk travel resources without diving into hotel award search engines. Jess highlights MaxMyPoint and Rooms.Aero for finding those hard-to-book rooms, like luxury stays at the Conrad Bora Bora. With these tools, you’ll know exactly when availability opens up so you can snag those dream hotel rooms before they’re gone.

Flexibility is Key
One of our favorite tips? Using flexible date calendars to find the lowest points for flights and hotel stays. These tools can make a huge difference in stretching your points further—perfect if you have a bit of wiggle room in your travel dates!

Stay Out of Debt: The Auto-Pay Essential
Finally, we talk about the importance of setting up auto-pay on every new credit card. It’s a simple step, but it ensures you never miss a payment or pay interest, keeping your travel truly free. Trust us—this tip alone can save you so much stress (and money)!

If you’re ready to take your points game to the next level, this episode is for you. Tune in now on your favorite platform, and don’t forget to check out the links we’ve added to the show notes below. Happy traveling!

Links:

• Travel Freely: https://my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=hmyt
• PointsYeah: https://www.pointsyeah.com
• Point me: https://www.point.me/?pid=51
• Point me for AMEX: https://amex.point.me/
• Seats aero: https://seats.aero/r/imlvxfn3
• Open Hotel Alert: https://openhotelalert.com/
• Max My Point: https://maxmypoint.com/ref?code=nt4vx
• Rooms Aero: https://rooms.aero/
• Flight Connections: https://www.flightconnections.com/premium?via=alex-payne

Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: Why Resources Matter
• 01:37 – Top App Pick: Travel Freely
• 12:53 – Best Award Flight Search Engines
• 28:14 – Our Go-To Hotel Award Search Engines
• 35:31 – How Flexible Date Calendars Save Points
• 42:56 – Auto-Pay: The Key to Staying Debt-Free

We can’t believe it—Travel Mom Squad has hit 100 episodes! For this milestone, we wanted to do something extra special, so we put a question box on Instagram and let you take the lead on what we’d cover. From travel pet peeves to our all-time favorite destinations, we’re answering it all with our first-ever video podcast. Yes, you read that right! Now, you can join us on YouTube and see all our expressions as we talk about the good, the bad, and the hilarious moments of family travel.

In this episode, we get personal with questions like, What’s your biggest “ick” when flying? You’ll hear all about Jess’s headphone policy, Alex’s boarding gate crowding frustrations, and Pam’s polite plea for more airplane etiquette. We laughed so hard sharing our biggest annoyances, but the truth is, these little quirks come up every trip. If you’ve traveled with kids, partners, or even just your own carry-on, you’ll be nodding along!

Ever wondered if travel creators like us ever truly unplug? Or maybe you’re curious about how we balance making memories with capturing content. We’re spilling the secrets! It’s true: even when we’re “off,” we’re probably snapping a few photos or jotting down tips, but we also cherish those quiet moments with our families. There’s always a balance, and in this episode, we talk about how each of us keeps travel feeling like an adventure.

Of course, a Travel Mom Squad Q&A wouldn’t be complete without diving into our points and miles obsession. We each reveal how many Hyatt points we’ve redeemed in 2024—Jess’s total might blow your mind! We share why Hyatt is our go-to and the incredible places points have taken us this year, from Japan to Costa Rica. But we also get real about the redemptions that weren’t so dreamy. Think Venice in the rain and unexpected Kuala Lumpur heatwaves.

Lastly, we’re opening up about the business side of Travel Mom Squad. From affiliate links to digital courses, we explain how we keep the show running and offer advice for anyone hoping to turn their passion into a career. Whether you’re a travel fanatic or just love hearing behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is packed with everything that makes family travel so inspiring—and sometimes unpredictable!

Join us for laughs, insights, and a few surprises as we celebrate 100 episodes. Listen to the full episode now on your favorite platform or head over to YouTube to watch the video and celebrate with us!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Q&A and Reflection on 100 Episodes
• 02:00 – Travel “Icks” and Pet Peeves
• 10:00 – Do We Ever “Unplug” on Vacation? How we travel and work
• 16:50 – 2024 Points Redemptions and How We Use Hyatt
• 35:30 – Most Disappointing Points Redemptions and Why
• 48:00 – Top Travel Moments We Want to Relive Over and Over
• 51:00 – A Look Into The Business Side Of TMS and Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

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.