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.

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're diving into how you can use Southwest and Hyatt points for nearly free vacations. These are the most accessible programs and what we call “the sweet spots” to get the best start in the world of points and miles! Treat this episode as your go-to guide to the world of points and miles without being overwhelmed.

Simple Starts: Why Southwest and Hyatt?

Southwest and Hyatt are favorites for their ease of earning and redeeming points, making them perfect for beginners. Alex and Jess highlight how these programs fit seamlessly into family travel plans thanks to their straightforward points systems and valuable perks. With Southwest's generous baggage policy and flexible booking options, and Hyatt's wide range of properties and elite benefits, accumulating and using points is simpler than ever.

Efficient Travel Planning

Alex and Jess share how to maximize points through everyday spending and strategic credit card use, discussing how to navigate sales and special offers to stretch your points further. Whether you’re eyeing a beach resort or a city hotel, learn how to leverage points for memorable trips without overspending.

Ready to Jet Set?

Hit play now to start turning your travel dreams into reality with Southwest and Hyatt points. Alex and Jess offer practical advice and share personal stories that will inspire you to plan your next adventure efficiently.

Links:

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

Links For This Episode:

• Ultimate Guide to Hyatt: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt
• Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/southwestguide
• Alila Ventana Big Sur Review: https://travelmomsquad.com/alila-ventana-big-sur-review/
• Staying at the Miraval Austin on Points: https://travelmomsquad.com/staying-at-the-miraval-austin-on-points

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 - Unpacking the perks of Southwest and Hyatt points.
• 1:30 - The essentials of earning and using Southwest and Hyatt points effectively.
• 4:00 - Discussion on the flexibility and user-friendliness of booking with Southwest and Hyatt, including their generous cancellation policies.
• 7:00 - Deep dive into Alex's favorite travel sweet spot: Hawaii. She explains how she leverages Southwest for flights and Hyatt for stays to create perfect family vacations.
• 12:00 - Jess shares her top picks and experiences using Hyatt and Southwest for travel to Costa Rica, emphasizing the value and ease of direct flights and luxurious stays.
• 17:00 - The duo discusses the broader implications of using points for travel, including how to adjust strategies during peak travel times.
• 22:00 - Tips on monitoring point costs and rebooking to optimize point use.
• 27:00 - Alex and Jess chat about their wish list destinations for future trips using Hyatt and Southwest points.
• 35:00 - Closing thoughts: Encouraging listeners to start simple with Southwest and Hyatt, and how to access their comprehensive free guides linked in the show notes.

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.

Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the fantastic possibilities of points and miles! Recently, one of our favorite cards introduced a welcome offer of 120,000 points! We thought it'd be fun and incredibly useful to share how we each would plan a trip using those points. Whether you're looking to learn about maximizing point value or just dreaming up your next vacation, this episode is packed with insights and real-life travel plans.

Maximizing Chase Points for Dream Vacations

Join us as we explore diverse travel dreams that can be realized with 120,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. From the romantic streets of Paris to the enchanting world of Disneyland, learn how each of us would use these points for a memorable adventure, including detailed breakdowns of flights, accommodations, and more.

Planning Your Next Adventure with Points

Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality without the hefty price tag? Hit play to discover how you can leverage 120,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for almost any travel goal. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a family getaway, this episode will guide you through the nuances of award travel with real examples and actionable advice.

Expert Tips on Travel Planning with Points

Gain expert insights on booking award flights, choosing the right hotels, and maximizing your points. Discover our strategies for stretching 120,000 points to cover comprehensive travel experiences, ensuring you get the most value from every point spent.

Hit play now to learn how you can turn 120,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® into your next vacation reality!

Links:

• Find the Best Card Offer For You and Your Trip! Click Here: https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 - Kickoff: Introduction and why we're focusing on 120,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 1:00 - Alex shares how she'd use the points for a trip to Paris, including flights and accommodations.
• 3:00 - Detailed look at Alex’s booking strategy for Paris, maximizing point value for travel.
• 5:00 - Pam's plan to revisit the Seabird Resort in Oceanside, California, using her points.
• 7:00 - Jess outlines a family trip to Scottsdale, including flights and hotel bookings with points.
• 10:00 - Tips on how to use Chase points effectively for different types of travel.
• 15:00 - Exploring the transfer value of Chase points vs. booking through Chase Travel℠
• 25:00 - Closing thoughts: Encouraging listeners to use their points creatively for upcoming trips.

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.