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31. California Dreamin': The Ultimate Guide To Making Your SoCal Adventure A Reality Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

Hello, fellow travelers! We're the Travel Mom Squad—Pam, Jess, and Alex. In this episode, we're taking you on a virtual journey to sunny Southern California, and the best part? We're showing you how to do it all on points and miles!

We all love visiting Southern California. It's a quick flight for Pam from Denver and Alex from Salt Lake City, and even for Jess from Houston, it's not too bad. The weather is always perfect, and it's a hit with our families.

In this episode, we're covering all our favorite ways to get to Southern California, the best places to stay, and so much more.

We've flown into various airports depending on our destination within SoCal, including San Diego, John Wayne, and Long Beach. And we've found some really good redemptions. For example, Alex's recent trip to Huntington Beach cost just 48,000 miles round trip for four tickets. That's less than one signup bonus for a Southwest card!

When it comes to accommodations, we have a few favorites.

But that's not all! We also discuss tips for making the most of your points and miles, and so much more. So come along with us as we take you to Southern California today, all on points and miles, of course!

Hit play to hear the full conversation! A trip to Southern California is sure to be a memorable one for the entire family. There is so much to do and see all for pennies on the dollar! Make sure you register for our Free Masterclass "How to Start Traveling for Nearly Free." Links below!

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

Links For This Episode:

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 Favorite ways to travel and stay in Southern California
1:21 Alex gives her preferred flights when traveling to Southern California
2:58 Why smaller airports can make for easier travel and better redemptions
3:54 Why Southwest prices and redemptions are best for large family travel
4:15 Pam always flies United and saves miles and points for business class seats
5:13 Jess prefers Southwest for her family, utilizing the companion pass
6:02 Favorite places to stay in San Diego
6:21 Jess gives a glowing family review of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego
9:57 Pam loves the Andaz San Diego for a more bougie, classy feel
11:56 Jess mentions the most luxurious and expensive option, the Park Hyatt Aviara
16:30 Pam offers the Coronado Marriott as another family friendly alternative
18:04 Alex shares her experience staying at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort
20:06 The Grand Pacific is walking distance from Legoland and condos for families
21:35 Places to stay in Huntington Beach
25:28 Jess and Alex give their review of the Hyatt Globalist breakfast
28:47 Alex shares her experience at the Seabird
29:08 The Seabird has more of a boutique feel that overlooks the ocean
31:51 The Hyatt Regency and The Seabird are both great ocean-side options for families
37:04 A look into the Travel Mom Squad next planned trip to Southern California

30. The Hyatt Hype: Our Favorite Hotel Chain To Earn Points Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

If you're a regular listener of the Travel Mom Squad podcast, you know that we're all about sharing tips and tricks to make the most out of our global adventures. This week, we're giving you a deep dive into one of our all-time favorite hotel chains—Hyatt!

On this episode, we - Pam, Alex, and Jess - opened up about our journey to becoming Hyatt superfans, despite having previously dabbled with a variety of hotel rewards programs. We let you in on why Hyatt has us singing its praises, revealing the alluring benefits of the Hyatt program.

Interestingly, we didn't always have this love for Hyatt. Our transition from hotel free-agents to Hyatt die-hards was gradual, evolving from a combination of disappointment with other hotel rewards programs and the enticing advantages offered by Hyatt.

The game-changer? The real value of Hyatt started to shine when other hotel rewards programs began to slowly devalue their points. Amidst the 2020 pandemic, Hyatt cleverly made it much simpler to achieve their coveted Globalist status, igniting a spark of interest among travelers. Pam summed it up perfectly: once you taste the perks of being a Globalist, you simply can't go back.

In addition to the irresistible Globalist status, we talked about the ease of earning Hyatt points, particularly compared to other hotel brands. With Hyatt's beneficial partnership with Chase, we can effortlessly accumulate points through Hyatt Personal and Business Cards, as well as Chase's Ultimate Rewards cards like the Sapphire Preferred, Reserve, Freedom Flex, Freedom Unlimited, and Ink Cards.

We also reminisce about our favorite Hyatt stays to date, leaving you daydreaming about fantastic locations and luxurious hotel experiences. We won't spoil the surprises, but let's just say these stories might just inspire your next vacation destination.

Whether you're already a fan or just Hyatt-curious, this episode offers insights that can turn your travel dreams into affordable realities. So tune in, take notes, and who knows, you might find yourself joining Team Hyatt by the end! Until the next episode, keep exploring and happy traveling!

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

Links For This Episode:

Ultimate Guide to Hyatt: Ultimate Guide to Hyatt

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 Show introduction
1:04 Why we weren't always obsessed with Hyatt
4:38 What makes it so easy to earn rewards points with Hyatt
10:00 Hyatt, still offering an award chart!
13:03 The path to free flights: Our tips when bundling with Hyatt
19:04 Once you go Globalist, you never go back!
28:34 Some of our favorite Hyatt stays to date and how to book yours
37:25 The Hyatt Hotels bucket list: Where we are heading next and why!

29. A Scottish Adventure: How We Traveled On Points To Scotland Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to the show! Today, Pam and Jess are excited to share their incredible adventures in Scotland. Scotland holds a special place in our hearts, and we can't wait to share the scoop with you!

Let's start with Pam's journey. It was a nail-biter as she narrowly caught her flight to Edinburgh after dealing with a delayed positioning flight from Denver to Newark. But the icing on the cake? She scored Air France business class seats for just 58K Amex points, thanks to a fantastic transfer bonus. Talk about getting luxury for less!

Now, let's dive into Jess's success. On their first Scottish adventure, her family of 6 used a whopping 360,000 United miles, flying from Houston to Chicago and finally landing in the enchanting city of Edinburgh. On their second trip, they took advantage of the Singapore fifth freedom flight, scoring direct flights from Houston to Manchester for just 25,000 miles per person each way. A fantastic deal for a family of six!

Despite our different stories, Scotland captured our hearts with its stunning beauty and left us with treasured memories. And the best part? We accomplished it all without breaking the bank, thanks to our award travel skills.

If you're itching to hear more about our Scottish escapades and learn insider tips on traveling on points, hit that play button and tune into the full episode.

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

Links For This Episode:

Booking an Airbnb with Points and Miles

Scotland on Points and Miles

Happy Tours day trip to Isle of Skye

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 Ready to go to Scotland? Here is how!
1:58 How we got to Scotland from Denver: Tips you need to know
7:41 A look inside Jess's two times in Scotland with the family. (And why they are ready to go back!)
13:53 Pam's top picks and stays in Scotland
16:28 The best activities in Scotland for all ages
30:26 What Jess did and what she loved about her first stay in Scotland
33:17 How Jess upgraded her stay in Scotland the second time around

28. Flight or Hotel First? Our Ultimate Guide to Booking Trips Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

Maybe you've played the points game, your points and miles are at the ready, and now the daunting task of booking and planning your trip is up next. Overwhelmed? Don't be. Today, we're sharing a quick guide on how we make the most of points and miles when planning our trips!

Alex shares that she always puts her accommodation first when planning a Hawaiian escape. With a multitude of flights available, securing a hotel takes precedence. However, when she plans for a European journey, it's all about the luxurious comfort of a business class seat before anything else. For equally appealing destinations and flights, such as the Maldives, she often finds herself doing a bit of back-and-forth to get everything perfectly synced.

Our seasoned traveler, Pam, is all about prioritizing comfort. For her, securing a premium flight often takes priority, sometimes even before settling on the destination. An extraordinary flight can become a memorable experience in itself, and that's exactly what Pam seeks.

On the flip side, Jess leans towards booking hotels first. With easier cancellation policies and point redemptions, she sees less risk in this approach. This strategy becomes especially beneficial when flying with airlines like Southwest, which only releases their flight schedules five to six months in advance.

A valuable tip from Alex for those planning domestic flights: start with Google Flights. Once you have a few suitable options shortlisted, check the airlines' websites for point requirements. If you find yourself short on points, our cheat sheet is there to help you identify potential point transfer options.

Ready to unlock more travel tips like these? To learn more from our personal experiences and more in-depth discussion on these tips, hit play now! Your nearly-free vacations await!

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

Links For This Episode:

Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet:

https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet
Straight to the Points Premium Alerts

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 Our Ultimate Guide to Booking Trips
0:58 Our FAQ: Do you book your hotel or your flight first?
8:19 Tips for searching for domestic reward flights
11:16 How to find the best awards for international flights
22:18 Booking your hotel: Do's and Don't's from the pros
27:19 Planning activities for your trip: Tips for the lazy traveler and planners alike
34:28 How Pam plans her activities now vs when she was younger

27. First-Class Travel, Economy Budget: How We Journeyed to Italy & Switzerland for Nearly FREE! Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever dreamed of jetting off to Italy or Switzerland on a luxury trip but thought it was out of your budget? Well, think again. We're the Travel Mom Squad, and we're here to let you in on our travel secrets! In this episode, we discuss our recent trips to Italy and Switzerland and share the smart tricks we used to travel in style while saving a fortune.

First up, Jess spilled the beans about her trip to Italy. She shared a fantastic tip about Fifth Freedom flights, where airlines operate between two foreign countries. In her case, it was an Emirates flight from JFK to Milan. Bet you didn't know you could use your points like that, did you?

But, the cherry on top was the opulent experience aboard Emirates first class. We're talking top-class service, comfy seats, and exceptional food and drink. She even mentioned an onboard lounge serving espresso martinis mid-flight—now that's flying in style!

Switching gears, Alex and Pam shared their own adventure to Switzerland, which had its own unique itinerary. Opting for a direct flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam on KLM, they cleverly timed their journey to avoid the worst of jet lag. They managed to enjoy dinner, watch a movie, sleep, and wake up for breakfast on the plane before reaching Amsterdam. Talk about efficient planning!

Sounds interesting? We've only scratched the surface here. There are more tips and juicy stories on the full show, so hit play to get the complete lowdown. Trust us, you'll be planning your own luxury trip on a budget in no time. Stay tuned for more insider tips and tricks, a deep dive into the power of points and miles, and plenty of travel inspiration!

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 How to make even your biggest travel goals happen
1:19 How we flew to Italy for nearly free!
12:55 Amsterdam to Switzerland - What you need to know before you go
14:48 The flight home on Emirates and the shower in the sky (Pam's favorite!)
26:54 All about The Grand Hotel Victoria, Lake Como - is it worth it?
30:24 Our honest review on The Hotel Aquarius in Venice
34:02 A look into our time in Florence and The Palazzo Vecchietti
37:10 Our best tips and where to stay in Switzerland

26. Beyond Points and Miles: Uncovering Hidden Credit Card Perks May 30, 2023

Show notes

Today we let you in on some of the hidden benefits of credit cards that have saved our day more than once! The points and miles are great, but the added perks? They're the unsung heroes of some of our travel stories!

We begin with primary car rental insurance, a godsend for any traveler. Jess explains why she prioritizes this feature over anything else, even meeting a minimum spend.

You'll also hear Pam express how much simpler and stress-free her travels have become.

Then there's delayed, lost, or damaged baggage coverage. Alex and Pam share their personal experiences. During a trip to Greece, Pam's luggage was delayed for three days.

In another incident, Alex's stroller was damaged during a Southwest flight. Since she'd paid the taxes and fees with her Chase Sapphire Preferred, she was able to claim reimbursement for the damaged stroller.

If you are still reading, you can probably tell that credit cards have some massive perks beyond just the points and miles. We can't imagine how these stories would have ended up without the hidden benefits of these cards. (Check out the links below to learn more!)

Ready to unlock more travel tips like these? Hit play and discover how these credit card benefits can be your secret weapon for hassle-free travels. Your nearly-free vacations await!

Links:

Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey:

Award Travel Academy: Award Travel Academy I https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=THMWEB150

Our Website:

https://travelmomsquad.com

Connect With Us:

Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad
Facebook group: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad

Links For This Episode:

Credit Cards with Cell Phone Protection

Credit Cards with Travel Protection

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 There are so many more ways to earn and level up your travels!
1:14 Protection #1: Car Rental Insurance - this can save you so much hassle
5:40 Protection #2 Lost, Delayed or Damaged Baggage - How Pam got reimbursed for lost luggage
15:04 Protection #3 Cell Phone Insurance - The trick all entrepreneurs need to know
22:49 Protection #4 Delayed or Canceled Flights - How to get your money back and on a new flight fast!

25. Perks, Planes, and Paradise: Travel To The Caribbean On Points! May 23, 2023

Show notes

Hello fellow explorers! We're the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess, and we're excited to take you along on our recent Caribbean adventures!

Starting with Aruba, Pam recounts how she masterfully use Marriott free night certificates. It was a trek from the US west coast, but United miles and a clever flight booking made it possible.

She first stayed at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino—and, wow, what a place! Despite some reservations about the 'casino' aspect, she fell in love with the resort's atmosphere.

Then she 'hotel hopped' over to the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba. The highlight? Flamingo Beach, with its unique blend of snorkeling and lounging alongside pink flamingos!

Next stop, Grand Cayman. Alex's tale of her stay at the Kimpton Seafire is fascinating. Thanks to a sign-up bonus, she extended her stay from two nights to four—all by purchasing 35k points during a 100% bonus period. The breathtaking Seven Mile Beach and top-notch service added a cherry on top of her luxury stay.

Finally, Jess recaps her stay at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts. Caribbean luxury at its finest!

We're not just sharing our experiences but also showing you how to travel your way using reward points, securing affordable flights, and nabbing the best deals. Remember, rewards and points can fluctuate, so keep an eye on that 30-day calendar!

So, are you ready to travel on points all the way to the Caribbean like we did? Hit play now to hear our full adventure and start planning your own! For more travel tips like this, be sure to check out the links below. Happy travels! ✈️

Links:

Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey:

Award Travel Academy: Award Travel Academy I https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=THMWEB150

Our Website:

https://travelmomsquad.com

Connect With Us:

Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad
Facebook group: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:45 How to travel to the Caribbean for nearly free and getting to Aruba
5:29 Our top places to stay in Aruba
10:23 Alex's top tips for getting to Grand Cayman
13:50 A glimpse inside Kimpton Seafire in Grand Cayman
19:14 Jess's #1 pick for where to stay in the Caribbean
21:28 Why we have a glowing review of the Park Hyatt St. Kitts
25:28 Insights and wisdom from Pam we can all learn from
26:51 Our current roadmap for future Caribbean trips

24. Your Questions Answered: AMA with the Travel Mom Squad May 16, 2023

Show notes

In our latest podcast episode, your favorite trio of the Travel Mom Squad—Pam, Jess, and Alex— give you an exclusive peek into our jet-setting lives. As many of you know, we've spent years perfecting the art of award travel, and we're thrilled to share our insider secrets with our beloved community.

For this episode, we did something a little different: we turned to our Instagram followers (@travelmomsquad) to guide the conversation. Yes, every single question we tackle in this episode came straight from you, our loyal listeners!

One question that sparked a lively discussion was about our strategy with credit cards—do we keep them open even after hitting the minimum spend? Let's just say, if you've been closing your cards after hitting the minimum spend, you might want to reconsider.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg! We answered a wide range of questions...tune in now to hear them all!

If you're not already following us on Instagram, we encourage you to do so. We love to engage with our listeners and the IG platform provides a wonderful space for us to do just that. Join our IG family, submit your questions, and you might just hear them answered in our next episode.

So, what are you waiting for? Hit play to hear the full episode now and join us on this exhilarating ride. We can't wait to share our adventures with you!

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 Show introduction
1:09 Question one: Do you keep your cards open?
3:46 American Express "Pop Up Jail"
7:33 Question two: After Hyatt, Hilton or Marriott?
9:26 Question three: How often do you open new cards?
9:58 Question four: What are the most common mistakes beginners make?
13:42 Question five: How do you split business responsibilities?
22:10 Question six: What is a realistic time frame for taking your first nearly free vacation?
23:55 Question seven: Do you ever take trips that are strictly vacation?
30:01 Question eight: Best business credit card offer currently available?
30:50 Question nine: How do I get under 5/24 while still earning signup bonuses? Is getting business cards the only way?
33:00 Question ten: How long does it take a signup bonus to hit your account?
34:12 Question eleven: Do you get nervous that award travel will get over inflated in the future?
35:40 Question twelve: Which cards have you opened so far this year?

23. The Hawaiian Hyatt Showdown: Grand Hyatt Kauai vs. Hyatt Regency Maui May 09, 2023

Show notes

Today, we (Alex, Pam, and Jess) shared our experiences and compared two fantastic Hyatt properties in Hawaii - the Grand Hyatt Kauai and the Hyatt Regency Maui. Let's dive into our adventure and see which resort came out on top!

First, let's talk about the booking process. We booked our stays using Hyatt points, which we mostly earned through Chase Ultimate Rewards cards. We highlighted the incredible value of using points for these luxury resorts, as award stays at Hyatt properties don't incur any resort fees or taxes. Can you imagine staying at a luxurious hotel for $0? Yep, that's right - zero dollars!

Now let's dive into our experiences at the resorts. Jess shared her thoughts on the Grand Hyatt Kauai, describing it as beautiful but enormous. You'll definitely get your steps in, as she mentioned clocking in over 15,000 steps just by staying on the property. The Grand Hyatt Kauai is spread out horizontally, while the Hyatt Regency Maui is built vertically. While we felt the rooms at the Grand Hyatt Kauai needed some updating, the hotel is in the process of renovating and upgrading all of their rooms.

As for the Hyatt Regency Maui, Alex and Pam both had upgraded rooms with a king bed, a queen bed, and a sofa bed. We found the rooms spacious and perfect for a family. The layout of the resort is more compact compared to the Grand Hyatt Kauai, but still offers a beautiful experience.

In terms of amenities, all three of us have Globalist status, which granted us access to club lounges, free valet parking, upgraded rooms, and complimentary breakfasts. We were amazed by the value we received during our stays.

So, who won the battle of the Hawaiian Hyatts? The verdict is still out, as each resort offers unique experiences and layouts. Both the Grand Hyatt Kauai and the Hyatt Regency Maui provide luxurious accommodations and amenities, making them excellent choices for your next Hawaiian vacation.

If you're interested in learning more about earning Hyatt points and maximizing your travel experiences, don't forget to check out our show notes for our ultimate guide to Ultimate Rewards and our guide to Hyatt points.

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

Links For This Episode:

Ultimate Guide to Ultimate Rewards: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimateguide

Guide to More Hyatt Points: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 Let's talk about our favorite Hawaiian stays!
1:27 Grand Hyatt Kauai vs Hyatt Regency Maui - how we booked them
4:27 The hotel itself - Grand Hyatt Kauai
10:39 The hotel itself - Hyatt Regency Maui
18:55 Location and beaches - Grand Hyatt Kauai
26:22 Location and beaches - Hyatt Regency Maui
30:35 Pools and grounds - Grand Hyatt Kauai
33:56 Pools and grounds - Hyatt Regency Maui
37:53 Clubs at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
44:19 Clubs at Hyatt Regency Maui
47:05 Flavored water and restaurants available
52:39 Which is truly better?

22. Travel Disney Cruises: Jess's Insider Tips for Maximum Points and Savings! May 02, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad podcast! Today Jess spills the beans on some incredible tips and tricks for saving money and making the most of points on Disney cruises. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive in!

Disney Cruise Tips & Tricks: Jess's Top Picks:

Book Early & Save Big

Jess reminds us that early birds get the worm! By booking your Disney cruise 12-18 months in advance, you can snag some amazing deals and avoid last-minute price hikes. Plus, you'll get the best cabin selection and dining options. So, plan ahead and save big!

Rack Up Those Points:

Using a travel rewards credit card is a fantastic way to earn points on your Disney cruise bookings. Jess suggests looking into cards that offer sign-up bonuses and rewards for everyday spending. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges!

Redeem Points Strategically:

Once you've accumulated enough points, Jess advises redeeming them in the most cost-effective way. This might include using points for airfare, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, or even Disney cruise excursions. Make your points go the distance! 🌐

Hit play to hear Jess's full list of money-saving tips for Disney cruises! We hope these insights help you plan your magical Disney cruise while keeping your wallet happy. Until next time, happy cruising!

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

Links For This Episode:

Ultimate Disney Cruise Credit Card Strategy

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:00 Why Disney Cruises aren't as expensive as you think!
0:42 Why you may enjoy a Disney Cruise even if you don't love Disney
3:13 Jess's tips for saving money where you can
8:51 Logistics: How Jess booked everything
17:23 How Jess saved on the most expensive cruise at the most expensive time
23:07 How the Chase Ink Premier card can help you save big
29:46 If you ever stop at Atlantis…
36:56 Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards! Why this could be the best way to spend.
40:33 What's included in the Disney cruise
47:35 Real Talk: Is it worth it?
50:05 Real Talk: Which is better, cruise or the park?

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