Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points

Latest Episodes:

91. 29 Family Members, One Amazing Florida Vacation: How We All Saved Big with Points and Miles Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

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:

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.

90. Epic Trips You Can Plan with JUST 120K Ultimate Rewards® Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

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.

89. Young and Free: How Young Adults Can Fly Nearly Free with Points and Miles Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

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.

88. Adventures in Greece and Beyond: Alex & Pam's European Escapades Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

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:

Ones I would like to stay at:

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.

87. Points & Miles Mistakes: Learn from Our Goofs Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

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.

86. All About Inks: Unlocking the Power of Chase Ink Credit Cards For Traveling! Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

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! :)

85. Travel Smart: Last Trip Booked and How We Did It on Points! Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

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

84. What's New in 2024: Essential Updates in Points and Miles You Need to Know Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

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.

83. Bucket List Trips with Points & Miles – Mapping Our Dream Trips! Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

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

82. Travel Nearly Free Forever: How to Earn Points and Miles For Years to Come Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

Curious about keeping your travel rewards game strong over the long haul? Today, we're diving deep into the world of travel rewards, sharing our top strategies for earning points and miles that keep on giving. We're Pam, Alex, and Jess, and we're here to uncover the methods that keep our points balances healthy year after year.

Join us as we share our favorite approach: credit card welcome offers. It's the gold mine for anyone in the points game, providing the biggest returns with the least effort. Imagine turning everyday spending into free flights and luxury hotel stays—yes, it's entirely possible with the right signup bonuses!

But it doesn't stop there. We know not everyone wants to juggle multiple cards. So, we're also breaking down how you can maximize points through daily spending without signing up for new cards every month. From shopping portals like Rakuten to maximizing category bonuses on existing cards, we've got the insider tips that make every dollar count.

And for those who think they might run out of cards to open, we have some reassurance: with new cards hitting the market and old favorites making comebacks, there's always a way to refresh your wallet with lucrative opportunities.

Ready to boost your travel rewards strategy and keep those points coming for years? Hit play to dive into this treasure trove of tips and tricks with us, the Travel Mom Squad. Your next dream vacation could be just a few points away!

Links For This Episode: