Episodes
Ever wonder whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve is the right card for you? Well, today we're diving deep into both to help you figure out which card might fit your wallet better. Hey, we're the Travel Mom Squad (Pam, Jess, and Alex), and in today’s chat, we're breaking down everything you need to know about these two popular cards from Chase. From the nitty-gritty of their benefits to the best ways to utilize their perks, we've got you covered. The Chase Sapphire...
Published 05/07/24
Ever wonder how to tackle a family trip to Korea and Japan without breaking the bank? Buckle up because today's episode is a real treat! Our very own Digital Business Manager, Megan, joins us to share her savvy strategies for a dream family vacation on a budget. Imagine flying your family halfway across the world and navigating foreign cities, all made significantly more affordable through the magic of points and miles. Megan and her husband, parents to three adorable kids (including...
Published 04/30/24
Ever wondered what it's like to jet off to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur on a whim? Well, strap in because that's exactly what we did, and we're spilling all the details on how we turned points into a spectacular adventure. Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we recount our journey from scoring an insane deal on premium economy tickets to exploring the vibrant streets and stunning views of two of Asia's most dynamic cities. Thanks to a lucky find by Alex, we grabbed tickets on a Singapore Airlines...
Published 04/23/24
Ever wondered how a tropical vacation to Roatán might feel, but worried about the cost? Or maybe you’re wondering where Roatán even is! Well, buckle up and grab a piña colada because Pam just returned from an unforgettable adventure to Roatán, and she’s here to spill all the details on how she did it on points and miles. This will be the next tropical vacation on your dream list list!  Hey, it’s us, the Travel Mom Squad—Pam, Jess, and Alex—and in today’s episode, we’re taking a deep dive...
Published 04/16/24
In this episode, we're whisking you away on a global adventure from the vibrant streets of Austin, Texas, to the magical world of Disneyland, and across the pond to the historic landscapes of Scotland. Join us, the Travel Mom Squad (Pam, Jess, and Alex), as we dish out the details of our latest journeys, all fueled by the power of points and miles. Austin, Texas - iHeart Podcast Awards First up, Pam and Alex hit Austin for the iHeart Podcast Awards. Nominated for Best Travel Podcast, we...
Published 04/09/24
Ever daydreamed about jetting off on an around-the-world honeymoon? Or perhaps the mere thought of planning such an important adventure feels daunting? Fear not, because in today's episode, we sit down with the extraordinary Devan Sullivan, aka one-half of Point Sisters. She's back from a seven-week honeymoon that circled the globe, and the best part? It was almost entirely funded by points and miles. Devan shares the low-down on how she strategically planned her wedding expenses to amass...
Published 04/02/24
In this latest episode, we're taking a deep dive into the often overlooked yet incredibly rewarding world of co-branded airline and hotel credit cards. Imagine jet-setting in business class to the Maldives or unwinding at a luxury resort in Bora Bora—yes, we've done that, and much, much more, all thanks to these specialty cards. We, the Travel Mom Squad (Pam, Jess, and Alex), are here to share the ins and outs of co-branded cards, from the perks that make them invaluable to our personal...
Published 03/26/24
In today's episode, we're diving deep into the exclusive world of airport lounges, those serene havens tucked away from the hustle and bustle of crowded terminals. Imagine slipping into a luxurious lounge, where complimentary gourmet meals, cozy seating, and even showers after a long flight become your pre-boarding ritual. Well, Pam, our resident lounge aficionado, insists on arriving hours early just to bask in these tranquil spaces—and honestly, who can blame her? We, the Travel Mom Squad...
Published 03/19/24
Welcome to another exciting episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, where today, we're diving into the world of luxury flights. We're sharing our most unforgettable first and business class flights. Join us—Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we turn left upon boarding, stepping into the realm of spacious lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and exceptional service, all made possible through the savvy use of points and miles.   Why Luxury Flights?   Flying first and business class offers more...
Published 03/12/24
Picture this: rooms with sweeping ocean views, sandy beaches at your doorstep, and impeccable service from a team that seems to know what you want before you even ask. Now, imagine enjoying all this luxury at a rate of zero dollars per night. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, we made it happen at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, and we're ready to spill all the details.  In our latest adventure, each of us checked into this slice of paradise, leveraging our points and miles for...
Published 03/05/24
In this episode,  we're taking you on a tropical adventure to Costa Rica, a destination that many dream about but assume is out of reach budget-wise (especially for a family vacation). But guess what? Our special guest, Rob Dulgarian, also known as “Travel Points Rob”, along with his family of seven, managed to explore the lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beaches of Costa Rica without the financial stress, all thanks to the magic of points and miles. Our journey today is a...
Published 02/27/24
Ever wonder how a journey to Japan, packed with adventure and luxury, can be almost free? Well, buckle up, because Jess's recent trip to the Land of the Rising Sun is nothing short of a travel masterpiece. Imagine scoring business class flights worth over $20,000 for a mere $1,000 in taxes and fees, and luxuriating in nine nights at opulent Hyatt hotels for less than $300. Sounds like a dream, right? But it's exactly what Jess did, and she's spilling all the secrets. With a whirlwind of...
Published 02/20/24
Today, Pam—the queen of booking phenomenal business and first-class flights—shares her recent escapade to Abu Dhabi! Have you ever planned a trip around a flight you want to take? It's not that unusual for us at the Travel Mom Squad. Pam’s trip was planned around her desire to fly Etihad Apartments first class. This trip was made possible by credit card points and miles, and she's here to tell you all about it. Abu Dhabi wasn't initially on Pam's radar; her previous brief visit was merely a...
Published 02/13/24
Welcome back travelers! Today, we’re giving you a glimpse into how we choose those fabulous, family-friendly hotels and resorts for our travels. It's all about blending fun, comfort, and adventure for the entire family. Join us, as we share some insights and our top picks that have made our family vacations truly special. Our journey in identifying the ideal family vacation spots is driven by a mission to find destinations that cater to both adults and children. For instance, the Hyatt...
Published 02/06/24
Q&A With TMS! Today, we’re getting personal and interactive by answering your questions. We've gathered a fantastic collection of questions from our Instagram stories, and we got to answer as many of them as we could in this episode!  Here is just a sneak peek at some of the tips and tricks we cover:  We tackle common dilemmas such as being an authorized user on a credit card and still wanting to snag the welcome offer.  We also address the post-welcome offer phase—what do you do with...
Published 01/30/24
Today, we're peeling back the curtain on the Travel Mom Squad – sharing the story of our humble beginnings, the engine that keeps our mission running, and some golden insights for those of you dreaming of starting your own venture. Travel Mom Squad sprouted its roots back in December 2018, with Alex at the helm. Spotting a gap in the award travel community, particularly a lack of family-oriented resources and female perspectives, she set out to create a platform that addressed these voids....
Published 01/23/24
Feeling a bit baffled by the twists and turns of credit card applications and rewards? You're definitely not alone in this journey! With a myriad of cards, rules, and unexpected hurdles, the path to becoming a savvy traveler can seem daunting. But fear not, we're here to guide you through the maze with ease! In today's episode, we look into the common challenges and mysteries that many of us face when traveling on points and miles. We're breaking down the complexities of pending...
Published 01/16/24
Hey there, travel hackers! Interested in travel hacking but find it a bit overwhelming? You're not alone. With so many cards and rules to consider, it can feel like a daunting task. But don't worry, we're here to help simplify it all for you! In this episode, we're tackling the most common travel hacking pain points, making the journey into this exciting world more accessible and less intimidating. We demystify the complexities of booking with points. Whether it's the best time to book,...
Published 01/09/24
Today, we are diving into our 2024 travel plans and card strategies for maximum adventure. Travel hacking can turn your dream vacation into an unforgettable family trip for nearly free! As 2024 unfolds, we are buzzing with excitement, sharing our insights on top card picks. Each card, carefully chosen, mirrors our unique travel aspirations! It doesn’t matter what your goals are; travel hacking can help get you there. Our travel plans for 2024 are as diverse as they are exciting. From the...
Published 01/02/24
Hey there, travel hackers! Today, we're recapping the incredible adventures and travel hacks of 2023, showing you just how limitless your travel possibilities can be with some clever strategies! 2023 has been a year of remarkable journeys and outstanding savings, all thanks to the art of travel hacking. As we scroll through our camera roles, we can’t believe everywhere we have been! It’s been a rollercoaster of accumulating and redeeming points and miles, and we can't wait to share the...
Published 12/26/23
Hello, fellow travel hackers! In this podcast episode, Alex and Pam are setting our sights on the stunning Maldives—a dream destination that might seem out of reach but is surprisingly attainable with savvy travel hacking techniques! The Maldives, with its peaceful islands and crystal-clear waters, is the perfect example of a tropical paradise. Each resort offers an exclusive retreat into luxury and serenity. Imagine snorkeling in vibrant reefs and basking in the endless sunshine, all in the...
Published 12/19/23
Hey there, travel hackers! In today’s episode, we're diving headfirst into World of Hyatt's Globalist status. It's no secret that we have a bit of a love affair with Hyatt's loyalty program, and in this episode, we're spilling all the details on why this particular status holds a special place in our travel-hacking hearts. What exactly is Hyatt Globalist status, and why are we so enamored with it? Simply put, it's the pinnacle of Hyatt's loyalty program, offering a plethora of benefits that...
Published 12/12/23
Hey there, Travel Hackers! This week, we're diving into the captivating world of Istanbul, where every turn is a discovery and every moment an adventure. Jess and Pam have been there, explored its wonders, and are thrilled to show you how to experience this magical city using the clever art of travel hacking. Picture this: You're cruising high above, nestled in business class, sipping a welcome drink, en route to an unforgettable Istanbul escapade. Jess has got the scoop on snagging those...
Published 12/05/23
Hello, fellow Travel Hackers! Today, we’re talking about London - a city where every street corner tells a story. It’s a city we've explored and fallen in love with time and again, and we're excited to share how you can do the same, smartly using points and miles! Imagine this: You’re soaring over the Atlantic, cozied up in business class, toasting to the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Pam has the lowdown on snagging business class tickets with airline miles, making your journey as...
Published 11/28/23