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

Welcome back! Do you have some American Express Membership Rewards points and aren't quite sure how to use them? Or have you heard about the program but aren't sure how it works? If so, this episode is for you. Keep listening as we cover all things American Express Membership Rewards. If you are a loyal listener, you know we've previously taken a deep dive into the realms of Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Venture Miles. But today, we're turning our attention to another significant player—American Express Membership Rewards! First thing you need to understand is AMEX's lineup. With a plethora of cards under its umbrella—from personal cards like the Gold, Green, and Platinum to business ones—knowing which card to snag can be a bit tricky. Our top picks? The personal Gold, personal Platinum, and the business Platinum. These cards not only earn you some major points but also come with perks that make the annual fees worthwhile. This isn't even scratching the surface of how many points and miles you can rack up in the AMEX world. And as with all travel tricks, knowledge is key! Want to delve further into the American Express narrative? Tap that play button! Learning how to navigate the AMEX landscape could be the next thing you need to unlock your dream trip or vacation! As always, if you need more help with award travel and where to start, follow the links below to connect with us! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: American Express Membership Rewards Explained: https://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-membership-rewards-explained/ Using Airline Incidental Credits: https://travelmomsquad.com/using-airline-incidental-credits/ Transfer partner cheat sheet: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet Alex's Rakuten link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALEXPA114?eeid=28187 Pam's Rakuten link: https://www.rakuten.com/r/PAMIOR?eeid=28187 Jess's Rakuten link: http://www.rakuten.com/r/PWRJES?eeid=28187 Episode Minute By Minute: 00:44 Getting into the different AMEX cards and how they stack up to competitors 04:43 The pros and cons of the AMEX Gold card 06:13 Here is the breakdown of the AMEX Platinum card 11:34 Jess talks about confusing new rules in regards to opening multiple AMEX cards 16:24 Pam breaks down the public offers for the AMEX cards 18:01 Alex talks about AMEX pop-up jail, what it means, and how to avoid it 24:30 Jess talks about AMEX card offers 28:31 Using retail offers with shopping portals to save even more money 31:07 The pros of using a shopping portal like Rakuten 32:29 Here's the breakdown on combining points and points expirations 34:42 Here are some of our favorite ways to use AMEX points 41:34 Hotel options for AMEX rewards, but they are limited

Today, we're diving into our adventures at Secrets Resorts. While Alex and Jess basked in the sun at Impression Moxché by Secrets in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Pam had her own journey at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica. So, if you're yearning for the inside scoop on Secrets Resorts, you're in the right place! Let's kick things off by talking about what Secrets Resorts really are. Last year, Hyatt decided to amp up its resort game by acquiring a slew of all-inclusive resorts, and guess who's now donning the Hyatt crown? Yup, Secrets. Falling under the grand "World of Hyatt" program, Secrets is a dream for adults looking to escape and relax in luxury. It's exclusive, all-inclusive, and purely for adults. And with prime locations in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and even Spain, the allure is hard to resist. The deal gets even sweeter when you consider the benefits of using Hyatt points at Secrets. Now, let's delve into our personal experiences! Pam details her stay at Secrets Papagayo (the good and the bad)! Then Alex and Jess dive into their stay at Impression Moxché. Nestled right next to the regular Secrets Moxché, it's a tad bit pricier, but they think it's worth every point! Bringing it all together, while both Secrets Resorts bring their own flavor to the table, there's no denying that the quality, cost, and experience can vary. But hey, at the end of the day, a free trip to an exotic locale is still a win in our books! If our experiences have got you itching to rack up those Hyatt points and set off on your own Secrets adventure, don't forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Hyatt, linked below. To unpack more about our stay at Secrets Resorts, hit that play button! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Ultimate Guide to Hyatt: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/costa-rica/papagayo-costa-rica/sepcr Secrets Moxché: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/moxche-playa-del-carmen/sepdc Impression Moxché by Secrets: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/impression-moxche-by-secrets/secim Episode Minute By Minute: 00:40 Today's episode is all about our recent trips to two different Secrets all-inclusive resorts! 01:09 What are Secrets Resorts? 02:54 Pam talks about her stay at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica 06:22 Pam lists her pros for the Secrets Papagayo 07:48 Pam dives into the things that she didn't like about Secrets Papagayo 10:20 Alex talks about the overall experience that people get with all-inclusive resorts 13:15 Pam gives a pro tip to anyone who is booking an all-inclusive vacation! 15:49 Pam gives her overall opinion of her stay at the Secrets Papagayo 17:43 Alex and Jess share their experience at Impression Moxché and Secrets Moxché 19:43 Hear all about the luxurious Impression Moxché! 25:02 A breakdown of all the accommodations of the two resorts 29:02 Jess and Alex highlight the spa and massages treatments 31:11 The breakdown of the amazing food options! 34:22 Jess talks about the pools, one of the biggest highlights! 37:33 Jess and Alex give their overall review of the two resorts 40:00 Here is how you can start earning points towards your all-inclusive, dream vacation!

Welcome back! It's just Alex and Jess here today. Pam is enjoying her trip to Costa Rica. Considering today's all about the Southwest Companion Pass, her timing is impeccable – Pam's not the biggest fan of Southwest. Now, imagine the thrill of having a companion fly alongside you for nearly free (just the taxes and fees) for up to two years. That's the magic of the Southwest Companion Pass. If you've yet to experience this, it's one of the best deals in the award travel world. But how do you get this coveted pass? You could fly a hundred one-way trips in a year, but who's got the time? The more practical route involves amassing 135,000 Southwest points within a year. Luckily, Southwest offers a variety of credit cards, and the points earned from the credit card welcome offers count towards the points needed for the Companion Pass. Timing is crucial. Think about beginning this journey towards the end of the year. Why? Because by the time you hit your minimum spend, a new year beckons. This strategy ensures you make the most of the pass for nearly two full years. And hey, if you're strategizing with a partner, there's a way both of you can earn the Companion Pass simultaneously. It's all about the game plan! Are you ready to discover how to unlock one of the greatest travel tips out there? Hit play to discover the ins and outs of Southwest's Companion Pass. Happy travels! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Ultimate Guide to Southwest: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/southwestguide Episode Minute By Minute: 01:19 What is the Southwest companion pass and why is it such a good deal? 02:16 Alex breaks down how to get the companion pass with Southwest cards 06:31 Alex gives her recommendation on what cards to open to earn the companion pass 07:40 Jess gives another option on what cards to open to earn the companion pass 08:59 You can't afford to miss this very important step! 11:01 Jess shares her journey to getting the companion pass 13:40 Tips on when to start the process and how to stay organized 14:42 How you and your player two can earn the companion pass at the same time! 25:15 Alex gives the steps for naming your companion 27:21 Jess talks about adding a companion with flexibility and ease 32:04 Alex talks about changing flights and how the companion pass impacts that 35:33 Jess breaks down ways to earn points towards a companion pass 38:43 Here are two things that will not earn you points towards a companion pass 39:52 Hit the Ultimate Guide to Southwest link for more information and be sure to use our affiliate links if you are interested in applying today!

Welcome back to another round of juicy travel tales and tips. This episode is a sure treat as it revolves around Pam's recent travel escapade to NYC and Dublin, unfolding how her clever use of points and miles smoothed out a trip that didn't go exactly as planned. Let's dive in, shall we? Pam describes her and her sister Julie's fun-filled trip starting from the bustling streets of New York City. They spent three luxurious nights, hotel hopping between the stylish Andaz Fifth Avenue and the chic Thompson Central Park. Her adventure didn't stop in NYC. Pam and her sister jet-setted to Dublin, a destination that had been on her radar for a while. Despite the gloomy weather, they were captivated by the beauty of the architecture and landscape that Ireland had to offer. From there, the trip takes a drastic turn in Florence when upon arrival, they are notified that their luggage was never loaded onto the plane! Pam and Julie push through the chaos and still get to experience the beautiful sites and attractions that Florence has to offer! This episode is packed with handy tips and insights, especially for those willing to make the most out of their points. Pam's experience stands as a testament to how a flexible approach, combined with a solid knowledge of using points and miles, can turn any trip into a delightful adventure, even when things don't go as planned. Ready for the full scoop on the journey, and eager to learn all the clever tips Pam utilized during her travels? Dive into the complete episode to catch all the fun details, the ups and downs, and the laughter that followed Pam and her sister throughout their adventure. Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Link to Credit Cards with Travel Protection: https://travelmomsquad.com/credit-cards-with-travel-protection/ Ultimate Guide to Earning and Redeeming Hyatt Points: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt Episode Minute By Minute: 01:13 Pam talks about where she went on this trip and how she got there 03:08 Booking an 88K redemption through ANA 05:34 Pam talks about her stay in NYC and attractions in the area 09:40 Pam highlights the Thompson Central Park hotel and why she recommends it 13:42 Pam goes from Newark to London on the fabulous Polaris business class 18:15 Pam breaks down their stay in London and all the sites and attractions 19:19 From London to Dublin, Pam shares her experience and the gloomy weather 22:47 Pam talks about hotels in Dublin and the decision not to hotel hop 26:22 Pam talks about her "fiasco" in Florence 32:01 Pam highlights their small luxury hotel in Florence 37:02 Pam's journey of finding her lost luggage 44:02 Summing up Pam's amazing trip, even with the fiasco in Florence!

In this episode, we cover positioning flights—what they are, why they're important, and how we use them to our advantage. Positioning flights can be a smart way to maximize travel rewards and ensure we get to our desired destinations efficiently. At its core, a positioning flight is a short, separate flight that helps travelers reach a major hub airport (often times with better deals). The beauty is, you don't necessarily need to stick to the same airline. Alex stresses that timing is crucial when it comes to positioning flights. Since they're usually on different airlines and aren't connected itineraries, missing a flight could spell trouble. Another perk of positioning flights is the flexibility it affords when using points and miles. In the face of delays or system outages, being able to switch airlines quickly using your rewards points can be a lifesaver. Alex tackles the topic of traveling with a family and its challenges, especially when it comes to positioning flights. For many, arriving a day early and staying at a hotel near the airport can alleviate the stress of long airport waits, especially with kids. So, fellow travelers, positioning flights might be an extra step, but they're often worth the effort for the savings and options they unlock. Curious about more insider tips and strategies? Hit play to hear the full conversation and immerse yourself in the world of traveling on points! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 01:00 What is a positioning flight? 03:50 How positioning flights can effectively be used to get better deals 07:58 Alex gives us her best positioning flight tips 14:48 How to tackle positioning flights with kids 18:15 Pack less luggage and avoid checking a bag to make travel easier 22:27 Pam shares about her idea of "reverse positioning" 27:41 Best tips on where to position your flights to! 30:18 Pam gives a cautionary tale of a positioning flight gone wrong 34:58 If you enjoyed this episode, remember to check out our course Award Travel Academy!

We have an exciting podcast for you today as Jess shares her bucket-list experience in Australia! From negotiating for a room with the perfect view to taking the scenic coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, Jess packed her 10-day trip with unforgettable experiences. First, Jess shares how she scored flights to Sydney that would have cost $24,000 for only $800 out of pocket. Then she shares where she stayed in Sydney for three nights for FREE! From a kayaking trip in the Sydney Harbour, to a sumptuous breakfast overlooking the opera house, it's clear that Sydney was bursting with unique experiences. And though it was winter, the Australian weather proved to be pleasantly mild. And as if Sydney wasn't enough, Jess also took a quick hop over to Melbourne. She shares how she used British Airways Avios to pay for the flights there, plus how Hyatt points came in clutch once again for her 5 nights in Melbourne. Melbourne offers the perfect balance of city experiences, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. Whether it's through points, miles, or just splurging a little, the experiences you get are truly priceless. I'm with Alex on this—if I wasn't already dreaming of a trip down under, I am now! But to get the full scoop, including more on Jess's Australian tales, you're going to want to tune in for yourself. So what are you waiting for? Hit play to hear the full conversation! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Park Hyatt Sydney: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-sydney/sydph?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_sydph Grand Hyatt Melbourne: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/grand-hyatt-melbourne/melbo?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_melbo Park Hyatt Melbourne: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-melbourne/melph?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_melph Sydney by Kayak: https://sydneybykayak.com.au/tours/sunrise-kayak-and-coffee/ Great Ocean Road tour: https://www.theprivatetourguide.com/great-ocean-road-private-tour Yarra Valley tour: https://www.theprivatetourguide.com/private-yarra-valley-wine-tour Phillip Island/Moonlit Sanctuary tour: https://gowest.com.au/our-tours/phillip-island-penguin-parade-small-group-eco-tour/ Episode Minute By Minute: 01:10 Jess shares all about her flights and how she booked them 04:09 Pam highlights how important it is to stockpile points for last-minute bookings 06:35 Jess shares her experience with her stepdaughter on Qantas Airlines 11:21 Here are more airline options for travel to Australia! 12:55 Jess talks about her first stay in Sydney at the Park Hyatt 27:29 From kayaking in the harbour, to touring the famous Opera House, Sydney is a dream! 29:16 Jess dives into the second half of their trip, from Sydney to Melbourne 31:28 Jess's review of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne 32:18 Jess's experience at the Park Hyatt at Melbourne 37:57 Jess breaks down her favorite things to do while in Australia 43:30 Hear about the fun experiences you can have in Melbourne 45:26 Jess gives her Sydney versus Melbourne take

Welcome back! In our today's episode we uncover the hidden gems within airline alliances! Ever wondered about flying Q Suite for fewer miles than you'd expect? Or how about discovering those hidden airline sweet spots that seem elusive? We've got you covered. We dive deep into the world of airline alliances. These power-packed groups allow travelers like us (and you!) to book flights using miles from one airline but fly on another. To put it in perspective, imagine using Virgin Atlantic miles to book a Delta flight and snagging a bargain in the process. And yes, flying Q Suite on Qatar Airways with American Airlines miles is entirely possible—we've done it! And for those of you keen on understanding the potential of less-talked-about loyalty programs, Pam dove deep into her experiences with Avianca Life Miles. Want to catch all the details and tips we shared? Press play on the episode and embark on a journey of points and miles mastery with us! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Award Travel Academy Next Level: https://travelmomsquad.com/ata-next-level Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet Episode Minute By Minute: 00:48 Jess breaks down how airline alliances work, check the cheat sheet in the show notes! 02:49 Working with a partner airline can save a lot of miles, but it's not always an option 04:27 Alex shares her favorite airline alliance sweet spots 06:59 Alex and Pam share their experience with Qatar airlines, flying in Qsuite 11:51 Pam talks about the sweet spots that she's taken advantage of with Avianca Life miles 15:11 Jess shares her favorite sweet spot with Star Alliance 18:29 Alex talks about booking Delta flights through Virgin Atlantic 21:00 Pam gives another tip when it comes to booking flights to Hawaii 25:10 Jess shares her plan to get home from Japan with American Airlines miles 26:12 Breaking down sweet spots that don't involve airline alliances 28:01 Jess talks about Turkish Airlines, known for an amazing experience 32:54 Make sure to check out the Award Travel Academy Next Level course!

Hey fellow travelers! It's Alex, Jess, and Pam, excited to share our best Washington, D.C. tips, ensuring your Capital visit is unforgettable! In this episode, we dive deep on everything you need to know when it comes to traveling to D.C. on points a miles. :) Hit play to dive in or keep reading for a sneak peek! Logistics can truly set the tone for your trip. Take Alex's recent experience as an example. On her last trip, she flew into Dulles. It was fine, but the more seasoned travelers among us know that Reagan is closer and more convenient. Details like this can truly uplift your entire adventure! But a trip isn't just about the airport, right? Just as important is where you choose to stay at night. Washington DC offers a plethora of hotel options. The city's hotel scene mirrors New York's in many ways. No matter the type of points or rewards you've accumulated, you're sure to find a suitable accommodation. Be it Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, or IHG – every major brand has a presence there. This diversity and ease of point redemption make DC a favored destination for many. As for the city itself, where do we even begin? There's a world to discover, from the iconic National Mall to those Smithsonian gems. Jess, despite her countless visits, still stumbles upon new treasures every time. If you want a real history lesson, DC doesn't disappoint. Whether you're standing in awe at the Lincoln Memorial or booking your tickets for the poignant Holocaust Memorial, the city offers a blend of experiences that is unparalleled. As for navigating the city, trust Alex's word and hop on the D.C. metro to bypass the notorious traffic. And if you're touring with kids, Pam's list of family activities—from interactive museums to bike rides—has got you covered. So, hit play, and journey with us as we unpack Washington, D.C. one travel trick at a time. Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Ultimate Guide To Hyatt: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt Episode Minute By Minute: 00:49 Intro to today's episode, all about flights, hotels and activities in Washington DC 01:28 The top recommendation to fly into Washington DC is Regan 02:41 Washington DC has a variety of hotels to choose from for your trip 03:53 Alex and Pam share their experience at the Grand Hyatt, Washington DC 04:19 Alex and Pam cashed in free night certificates and the location was perfect 05:59 Jess shares her family's experience at the bougie Park Hyatt 06:26 Jess talks about the Hyatt family plan rate, a great option for large groups 08:09 The Park Hyatt is always known for great breakfast and room service 11:51 Pam shares her love for the unique and quirky Kimpton Hotel Monaco 16:06 All hotel Monaco's are built on historic sites, so each hotel is very unique 17:35 Alex talks about another great option; the Washington Marriott at Metro Center 18:51 Alex mentions that the Marriott is under renovation in 2023 19:58 Jess shares how to earn points and get free night certificates for these hotels 21:25 Jess was surprised at how many great activities for families were free 23:20 Alex talks about all of the historical things you can experience in DC 28:18 Smithsonian Museums are all along the National Mall and easy to walk to 29:02 Jess and her family loved the Spy Museum, but it is not free 31:42 Jess shares how her and her husband became members of the Supreme Court Bar 32:59 Pam's talks about her desire to do the tour of the White House 35:27 Overall, there are so many fun things to do in Washington DC and it's hard to do them all in one visit!

Hey there, it's the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Jess, and Pam! Everyone has different preferences when it comes to travel. Some prefer the efficiency and speed of flights, while others enjoy the adventure and unpredictability of a road trip. Today is all about leveraging the art of award travel for road trips! Jess's recent journey is a perfect example. She and her family decided to drive from Houston to Chicago. More impressive is how Jess made the most of her points. She used them to stay at unique places like the Caption Hotel in Memphis, and didn't stop there. In Chicago, she managed to stay at the upscale Thompson, right in the heart of the city, again using her points. Chicago itself is a delight. Apart from its many attractions, what stands out is how easy it is to get around. The city's efficient public transportation means that even those who drive into the city (like Jess) can park their cars and move around without them. However, traveling, especially by road, comes with its set of challenges. For those with kids, keeping them entertained and comfortable is crucial. Alex offers some practical tips in this area. Hit play to learn about how your next roadtrip can be affordable and memorable! Whether you're up in the air or on the road, the adventure awaits. Happy traveling! :) Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: How I Earned Two Free Nights by Paying My Taxes: https://travelmomsquad.com/how-i-earned-2-free-hyatt-nights-by-paying-my-taxes/ Caption Memphis Thompson Chicago Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown Spot The State Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What's inside today's episode! 02:38 Jess shares about her latest trip to Chicago! 05:22 Jess dishes on the Caption Hotel in Memphis 07:49 Jess stayed in downtown Chicago for the first four nights 09:08 Jess shares how to consolidate earned free night stays into one reservation 11:15 Jess breaks down how her and her husband earned free nights with Hyatt 14:15 Hyatt Place downtown is another great option for larger families 17:41 Jess and Alex breakdown all the great options for Hyatts in Chicago 22:22 Jess shares some family friendly things to do while in Chicago 28:12 Public parking is expensive downtown so utilize public transportation 30:59 Alex shares some road trip tips for large families with kids 32:36 Jess shares an app called Spot The State 34:47 Using points and miles on a family road trip can save you hundreds of dollars!

Discover the power of Capital One Venture Miles and how they can revolutionize your travels. Learn about the different cards that earn Venture miles and how to improve your approval odds. Explore the benefits of the Venture X card, including airport lounge access and primary rental car coverage. Unveil sweet spots for redeeming Capital One miles and find out how they can make your travel dreams come true. Plus, discover an affordable way to travel to Hawaii and maximize the benefits of Capital One Venture Miles for travel expenses. Don't wait, hit play now and join the fellow travel hacking moms on this enchanting journey!