Episodes
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...
Published 11/19/24
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...
Published 11/12/24
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...
Published 11/05/24
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...
Published 10/29/24
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...
Published 10/22/24
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...
Published 10/15/24
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...
Published 10/08/24
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...
Published 10/01/24
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...
Published 09/24/24
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...
Published 09/17/24
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...
Published 09/10/24
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...
Published 09/03/24
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...
Published 08/27/24
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...
Published 08/20/24
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...
Published 08/13/24
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...
Published 08/06/24
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...
Published 07/30/24
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...
Published 07/23/24
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...
Published 07/16/24
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...
Published 07/09/24
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...
Published 07/02/24
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...
Published 06/25/24
Ever wonder how some travelers seem to live the dream, jetting off to amazing destinations without breaking the bank? Well, buckle up because today, we're diving deep into the world of points and miles and how they've transformed our travel lives. From the simple joys of taking a family vacation without financial stress, to the luxurious experiences of business class flights and top-tier hotels, we're sharing it all. In this episode, we explore what a 'Rich Points Life' means to each of us....
Published 06/18/24
Ever dreamt of staying in luxury hotels from Paris to the beaches of Hawaii without breaking the bank? Well, buckle up, because today we’re diving into some of our all-time favorite hotels we’ve booked using points. From budget-friendly options that deliver luxury experiences to family-friendly resorts and bucket-list worthy stays, we’ve got you covered. Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we share the ins and outs of our favorite stays booked on points. Imagine snagging a room with...
Published 06/11/24