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

Hey there! It's your favorite Travel Mom Squad, Pam, Jess, and Alex, coming to you with another episode! Today, we're going to talk about one of our favorite topics...can you guess what it is? Points and Miles of course! One of our biggest FAQs is - what's the difference between points and miles? We will give you the run down and explain why we prefer flexible points and how to find your fastest path to Traveling On Points to your way dream vacations. To kick things off let's start with the basics. What's the difference between points and miles? Honestly, it doesn't really matter. They're basically the same thing. Points are usually used by banks and hotels, while airlines use miles. But we often use them interchangeably because they both mean free travel! Flexible points: These are our absolute favorite because they're so, well, flexible! With flexible points, you can transfer them to various airline and hotel partners, which means you have so many more options when it comes to booking your travel. Our favorite flexible points come from the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You can transfer those points to partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest, which gives you so much more selection when it comes to booking your flights and hotels. On the other hand, fixed point cards, like co-branded cards, are more limiting. If you have a Southwest card, you can only redeem those points for Southwest flights. If you have a Hyatt card, you can only use your points to book Hyatt hotel stays. This can be frustrating if you don't have a lot of options when it comes to redeeming your points. That's why we prefer flexible points because they give us so much more freedom. We also recommend that you focus on collecting flexible points and miles, especially if you don't know what your travel plans are. They give you so much more flexibility and you can transfer them to different partners depending on your needs. However, there are times when fixed-value point cards can come in handy. If you know you're going to book a flight on United, for example, it might make sense to open a United card so you can save your flexible points for something else. Overall, we hope this episode helps you understand the difference between points and miles, as well as shows how to find the best deals for your goals. Remember, the key to traveling on points is being flexible and taking advantage of the best deals and offers that come your way…and of course, have fun! Happy Traveling! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Master Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What's inside today's episode 0:39 Why points and miles are not created equally 2:25 The difference between fixed and flexible cards 6:40 Why it's easier to get Hyatt points with Chase 11:30 The reason why flex points may take you further 14:45 How Jess finds the best deals online 20:43 Alex's Delta tips and tricks 24:00 How to get the most out of Hilton points 27:49 The card Pam never plans on signing up for

Dust off your mouse ears and get ready for a Family Trip to Disney! Hey, it's Alex and Jess here, your favorite part of the Travel Mom Squad! (Just kidding, Pam! We miss you! Pam is our traveling the world, so it's just us two today.) In this show we're going to share some tips on how you can turn your dream trip to Disneyland into reality without breaking the bank. We'll be covering how to save on flights, hotels, and park tickets, all with the help of points and miles. Plus, our own tips and tricks we have picked up after a few Disney trips! So, let's dive right in! First things first, let's talk about flights. We both prefer to fly Southwest, and our favorite airport to fly into is John Wayne, which is around 20-30 minutes away from Disneyland. It's smaller and easier to navigate than LAX. (Which is a nightmare we try to avoid at all costs) Another good option if you can't find direct flights to John Wayne is Long Beach, another smaller airport that's easy to navigate. One of the biggest differences between Disney World and Disneyland is that Disneyland has a ton of hotel options within walking distance, making it much easier to redeem points and miles. It's also a great place to use your free night certificates from co-branded hotel credit cards like Hyatt, Marriott, or IHG. We both had great experiences using our free night certificates at the Hyatt Place, which is perfect for families, as it can accommodate more than four people. It also offers a complimentary breakfast and is just a short walk from Disneyland. Other hotel options we've tried and loved include the Courtyard by Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn, both of which are also within walking distance of the park. As for park tickets, it's not always easy to find discounts, but it's definitely possible. In this show we share our #1 website which often has discounted park tickets! Additionally, keep an eye out for promotions from Disneyland and credit card rewards programs, as they may offer discounted or even free tickets from time to time. Disneyland is a fantastic destination for a family vacation, and with the help of points and miles, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. We hope our tips help you save money on your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Don't forget to share your own tips and experiences in the comments below. Until next time, happy travels! If you wanna learn more about how to travel nearly free with your family, register for our free masterclass via the link below! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links for This Episode: TMS Get Away Today Affiliate Link Episode Minute By Minute: 1:17 Unpopular Opinion: We like Disneyland over Disney World 4:12 Our tips for options for flying to Disneyland 7:12 The best hotel options for Dinseyland 8:45 Alex's favorite part about staying Hyatt Dinsey 14:38 Deals that still blow our minds 24:17 The best ways to go about getting your park tickets 26:14 Tips on how to earn Disney points quick 30:00 Budgeting tips for your next Disney trip

Hey there, it's Alex and Pam, the Travel Mom Squad! Today, we're going to share a little secret with you - how to score free hotel stays. Yes, you heard us right, FREE! We're talking about hotel free night certificates, and boy, do we have some stories to tell. First off, let's talk about what they are and how you can get them. These are certificates that can be redeemed for a free night's stay at a hotel. You can earn them in a few different ways, like signing up for a hotel-branded credit card or staying a certain number of nights with a hotel. But how do you actually make it happen? Hit play to hear our secrets! We're going to spill the beans on two of our favorite hotel chains that offer free night certificates - IHG and Hyatt. With IHG, you can snag a free night certificate every year by having either their personal or business credit card. The best part? There's no limit on the amount of points you can use to top off your certificate. So, you can stay in some pretty swanky places without breaking the bank. Just ask Pam, who recently used hers to stay at a super cool 50s-inspired hotel in Sydney, Australia! As for Hyatt, they offer a category one to four free night every year on your card anniversary. But that's not all, you can earn additional certificates by playing "Hyatt Bingo" and staying at different brands or by spending $15,000 on the personal card in a year. Plus, once you hit 30 nights or accumulate 30 qualifying elite nights in a year, you'll get another free night certificate. Talk about stacking up those free stays! We've used our free night certificates in all sorts of ways, from watching fireworks on New Year's Eve in Amsterdam to snagging a quick overnight at an airport hotel. The possibilities are endless. So, if you're a savvy traveler looking to stretch your budget, hotel free night certificates are definitely worth exploring. Trust us, your wallet will thank you! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Guide to Marriott Credit Cards: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/marriott Episode Minute By Minute: 1:02 What free night certificates are and how to use them! 3:25 Pam shares why IHG cards will always remain in her wallet 6:49 Why Jess doesn't have the IHG card anymore 8:42 Hyatt free certificates, you can even play Bingo 12:06 Some of the fun ways the girls have used their certificates 21:35 Marriott free certificates and all the B words 23:23 There is also a Ritz Carlton card 33:52 Last but not least we do have 1 Hilton card 36:30 An amazing stay Alex is really looking forward to

Hey there, fellow travelers! Alex, Pam, and Jess here, also known as the Travel Mom Squad! :) Today, we want to talk to you about our favorite points and the many cards we have that help us earn even more of these points. If you follow us on Instagram @travelmomsquad or read our blog, then you already know that our go-to points are Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Not only do they offer fantastic travel partners to transfer your points to, but there are two best-ever offers on two of our favorite Chase cards that are ending soon. So this is an urgent episode! If you are on the fence about points and miles, this is your chance! It's never been easier to earn points. Let's dive a little bit deeper into these offers on the Chase Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Cash. Not only have the welcome offers increased, but the minimum spend has decreased, which is a rare occurrence. So, if you're looking to maximize your travel rewards, now is the time to take advantage of these offers. The eleveated offers on these cards is ending March 21, 2023 at 9 am ET. Again, we love Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Firstly, they are easy to earn. There are so many cards that earn these points, which makes it easy to accumulate them quickly. Secondly, you can combine your Chase Ultimate Rewards points with anyone else who lives in your household and has a card that earns these points. This makes it convenient for families to pool their points together and book trips. Plus, Chase is the only bank that transfers to Hyatt, which is a hotel brand that we are obsessed with! Being able to transfer points from Chase to Hyatt makes them extremely valuable for us. If you have listened to our recent episodes, you know that we have stayed in some once-in-a-lifetime hotels and resorts thanks to Hyatt! Hit play to learn more! We hope this has been helpful and has inspired you to take advantage of these fantastic rewards. Happy travels! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 0:48 Card offer that are ending soon 1:28 Did you catch this inside joke? 3:01 Why earning Chase points are so easy to earn 6:44 How to open a business a card even if you don't have a business 8:30 The downside of cashback cards 11:33 Easy ways to get 5% cashback 16:11 A quick recap of these great cards! 18:17 How to easily combine points 23:38 Alex's #1 tip for everyone listening 26:29 Why you can earn points quickly with Hyatt 27:49 Our favorite ways to earn Chase points 35:12 How to get more of our tips to unlocking Ultimate Points

Dreaming of a tropical getaway filled with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows? Look no further than French Polynesia's Bora Bora. And the best part? You can make this dream a reality with the power of points and miles. Pam had Bora Bora at the top of her travel bucket list, her dream was to stay at the Conrad Bora Bora, a luxurious hotel known for its exceptional reputation. To make this dream a reality, Pam started collecting Hilton points by getting American Express Hilton cards. Alex shared Pam's dream of staying at the Conrad Bora Bora or the Conrad Maldives. Both the Conrad Bora Bora and the Conrad Maldives are highly sought-after properties, considered bucket list destinations for luxury travelers. At the Travel Mom Squad, we're always on the lookout for ways to make our travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank. That's why we're thrilled to share our recent trip to Bora Bora, where we used our hard-earned points and miles to experience this idyllic destination in style. From the moment we arrived at the airport, we were transported to a world of beauty. The crystal-clear waters and lush greenery were enough to take our breath away, but the adventures and spa experiences we had is really what made the trip so incredible. Whether we were sipping on pina coladas or enjoying a meal, we felt like we were truly living the dream. It's no secret that these top hotels are not cheap, either in cash or in points. However, with a little bit of traveling points know-how, Alex and Pam were able to make their dream trip a reality using their hard-earned points and miles! So if you're dreaming of a trip to Bora Bora or any other luxury destination, don't let the cost hold you back! With the help of points and miles, you too can experience this idyllic destination on a budget. Bon voyage! More Of What's Inside: Why Bora Bora is a bucket list location for many When you see a deal BOOK IT! Our tips for buying points Activities that can come with your Hilton stay What airlines fly into Tahiti Additional charges and what to look out for Why the Airport is so easy to navigate in Bora Bora How many people could fit in an average room The weather in Bora Bora we experienced Why you will never get bored in Bora Bora And much more! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Bookable Hotels with Points Near Bora Bora Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What's inside today's content 0:53 Why Pam wanted to go to Bora Bora 7:00 Easy tips for finding additional promo codes 9:18 When Alex and Pam went to Bora Bora together 11:40 A look into our flights to Bora Bora 16:09 Our official review on the hotel breakfast 18:08 Pam's favorite pastries and restaurants from the trip 20:51 The best activities in Bora Bora (Spa, Yoga, Biking and more) 25:22 Tips on flights and our advice on finding the best deal 31:55 How to find even more great places to stay in Bora Bora

Are you one of those people who think that traveing on points is only for individuals or couples, and not for big families? Think again! While it may seem challenging at first, there are plenty of ways to rack up points for families of all sizes! Between all the Travel Mom Sqaud, there are a lot of kids and grandkids that we travel with. Over the years we have picked up some of the best tips in the travel industry and know how to take amazing getaways even on a budget. One important strategy is to take advantage of family rates and deals. Many airlines and hotels offer discounts for families, such as reduced rates for children or free stays for kids under a certain age. Make sure to research these options and compare them to regular rates to see if you can save some extra money. Hit play to hear even more tips and tricks! Another helpful tip is to be flexible with your travel plans. As a big family, you may not be able to stick to a rigid schedule or plan, but this can actually work to your advantage. Being open to different travel dates and destinations can help you find better deals and more opportunities to use your points and miles. And of course, doing your research is still key. Look for loyalty programs and credit card reward programs that cater to families and offer family-friendly perks. Keep track of your points and miles, and don't be afraid to get creative with your travel plans. If you don't know where to start, check out the links below! We have made researching a breeze. So, don't let the misconception that traveling on points is impossible for big families discourage you. With a little bit of effort and strategy, you can make award travel work for your family and create amazing memories without breaking the bank. More Of What's Inside: Tips for booking flights for large groups A look into trips we have taken with our family How and why Pam takes each of her 21 grandkids on a trip What you need to know about timeshares Why traveling abroad could be cheaper than you think The #1 travel tip that Alex recommends for all families How to make your points go even further A common misconception about Traveling On Points And much more! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 0:57 Cutting the cost versus totally free 2:50 There is no "right way" to do this 6:11 Why welcome offers are KEY for big families 8:28 Travel tips for six people to Europe 12:54 Why Alex will always have a Companion flights 16:03 How to get 25% off your kid's Air France tickets 18:16 When Pam bought a timeshare in Hawaii 22:44 How to get 50% off Hyatt rooms with the Family Rate 26:53 Our favorite hotels for families and why 32:38 Tips for finding AirBnB's you can use points for 37:57 Our tips for a timeshare presentation and how to navigate them

We know that travel days can be super stressful, but it doesn't have to be! We've found some awesome credit card perks that make the experience so much better. From lounges where you can rest and grab a bite to eat, to pre-check that allows you to skip the long lines, these tricks will help you breeze through the airport like a pro. In this episode, each of us will share our favorite travel day tips that will take the overwhelm out of your next trip. The best part? You probably have already had access to these upgrades thanks to the Credit Cards sitting in your wallet! So many travelers are walking around with perks that come with cards they already have but just don't know it. Be sure to listen to the end to hear how to find what cards come with perks along with our list of cards we are currently using to unlock easy traveling and airport perks. Hit play to hear more or keep reading for a sneak peek! Airport Lounges: If you're tired of fighting for a spot in the crowded terminal, airport lounges are a game changer. With our Priority Pass memberships, we get access to lounges all around the world, with free drinks, snacks, and even meals. Plus, some lounges even have showers and spa services, so you can arrive at your destination feeling fresh and relaxed. TSA Pre-Check: This one seems obvious, but it can't be overstated what a game changer this is. We can't even count the number of times that TSA pre-check has saved us from missing a flight. With our credit cards, we get free pre-check as a benefit, which means we can skip the long lines and keep our shoes and jackets on. It's seriously a game changer. Global Entry: For those of us who love to travel internationally, Global Entry is a must-have. With this program, we can bypass the long customs lines when we come back to the US, and get to our destinations faster. Plus, it includes TSA pre-check, so you get the best of both worlds. And that's just scratching the surface! Hit play to hear the full list of our travel day tips. Overall, these credit card perks have made our travel days so much easier and more enjoyable. If you're a frequent traveler, we definitely recommend looking into getting a card that offers these benefits. Trust us, it's worth it! More Of What's Inside: FAQ about Global Entry and what you need to know The best tips for germaphobes at the airport Our guide to making airport experience more enjoyable and less stressful Important details about wait times for appointments How to get through every line before your friends Food quality and the best lounges to visit Why pre-check is a must when traveling with Jess How to get your kids TSA precheck for free The story behind Alex's top viewed Instagram Story Why Pam gets the airport 2-hours early And much more! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: How to Get Airport Lounge Access Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What's inside today's episode 1:10 Our favorite travel day tips for easy travel 3:25 A funny story about TSA pre-check 5:30 An easy way to get a TSA pre-check appointment 7:46 Cards that come with TSA precheck for FREE 9:51 The difference between Clear and TSA pre-check 13:00 How Clear helped Alex make an important flight 15:49 Pam's guide to Airport lounges 19:42 The Airport lounges with the best food 29:29 The rundown on Global Entry 35:00 Why Pam loves traveling

Do you dream of a tropical getaway filled with sunshine, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and delicious food? Then you're in luck because we're sharing our favorite three resorts in Mexico where you can use your points to make your dreams a reality. ​​Mexico is often thought of as a popular destination for adults, but it is also a great place for family vacations. Despite what you may have heard, Mexico is a safe and friendly country with plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins to swimming with dolphins, there is something for everyone in Mexico. And hey, if you do want a little more adult time on your trip, don't worry there is plenty of Tequila to go around! :) Recently Alex and Pam stayed at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun the whole family! This all-inclusive resort is a true paradise located on the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounded by beautiful property and turquoise waters. Alex only paid $550 out of pocket for the whole trip! Trust us, you won't regret this stay. Next on our list is The Cape in Cabo. If you want to take a "girl's trip" or have a more upscale experience, Jess says this is the place to be! This modern luxury resort is located in the heart of Cabo and offers stunning views of the famous El Arco rock formation. (Even the standard rooms have this epic view!) With its sleek design and top-notch amenities, The Cape is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And the best part? You can use your points to book a stay here and experience all the luxury for yourself! And last but not least, our third pick is a resort that is the epitome of relaxation. Hit play to find out what it is! During our conversation, we will also cover our favorite experiences, the best places to eat, the cheapest shuttle options during your stay and more! By the end, you'll have almost everything you need to experience all the fun this country offers! We truly believe that Mexico is one of the best places for Traveling On Points! With its gorgeous beaches, beautiful pools, and delicious cuisine, you'll never want to leave. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today! Find more links and resources to help on your Traveling On Points journey below. More Of What's Inside: Never worry about saying "no" when it's all-inclusive A look at the best buffets in Mexico Why everyone from 7-70 loves the Hyatt Why these stays are great for kids and family Tips for keeping the minibar stocked Why you need to know the Seaweed situation around the year Waking up to the smell of churros How many points and money we spent on each trip How to get "fast-tracked" to Hyatt Globalist status And much more! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Earn Hyatt Globalist Status Without Staying 60 Nights: https://travelmomsquad.com/earn-hyatt-globalist-status-without-staying-60-nights/ Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 What's inside today's episode 0:40 Your guide to the best Mexico stays 1:05 Why Alex knew Mexico would be a great family trip 3:24 The exact steps you need to take for booking for max value 5:54 Our favorite place to eat in Mexico 8:39 The food trucks and activities around Alex's favorite stay 10:39 Why Pam loved the daily shows 12:57 One traveling tip for everyone with a sweet tooth needs to know 15:24 The Hyatt "globalist" benefits and perks 18:14 Unique sites to see in Mexico 21:48 Some of our favorite restaurants on the beach 23:38 Jess's trip to Cabo and why it was amazing 30:26 The best places to go if you want to swim in the ocean

If you want to enjoy the life of nearly free travel, but are overwhelmed by the idea of keeping track of credit cards, then this episode is for you! And hey, even if you already have a spreadsheet and a card routine, this conversation can still take your points/miles earning to the next level! Welcome back to Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad! In this episode, we're talking to a professional credit card organization and points and miles extraordinaire, Zac Hood, the founder of Travel Freely. We're all familiar with the struggle of keeping track of multiple credit cards, their rewards, expiration dates and security. That's why we were so excited to chat with Zac about his solution to the problem - Travel Freely. If you've listened to past episodes, you already know that this app is one of our #1 tips for all points and miles enthusiast in 2023, by the end of the show, you'll understand why! Travel Freely combines a user-friendly interface with top-notch security features, making it the perfect tool for managing your credit cards. With Travel Freely, you can store all your credit card information in one place, set reminders for annual fees, track rewards, and even see what cards are available to you with the biggest travel earning potential. The best part? It's 100% free and you don't have to give them any sensitive information! Plus, the app's reminders when annual fees are coming up can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Hit play to hear How Zac got the idea for the app, and his great insights on credit card organization and the benefits of using Travel Freely. Give it a try and simplify your credit card management today! Check out the links below or download now: >>Travel Freely | Free Travel App More Of What's Inside: How Zac fell in love with traveling on points When Zac got the idea for Travel Freely Zac's first trip to France and his proposal story Alex and Jess' top reasons they recommend the app The downsides of online using a spreadsheet to keep track How this app helps beginners and pros alike One feature that can help you find the best deals in the game And much more! Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Download the Travel Freely App: Travel Freely | Free Travel App Episode Minute By Minute: 0:59 Get to know Zac! 3:55 From Dave Ramsey to credit card points and miles 6:52 Why Zac developed Travel Freely 9:39 Why Zac keeps the app 100% free 12:16 Our favorite feature on Travel Freely 16:28 How this app can save you hours in research 19:16 Why Alex now never misses her annual fees

Greece is a destination that should be on everyone's bucket list. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, it's a country that has something for everyone. All three of us have had the privilege of visiting Greece and we're here to tell you that if it's not on your list yet, it's time to add it. But maybe you're thinking, "can you still experience the best of Greece without breaking the bank?" The answer is yes, and in today's episode, we're sharing Jess's incredible story of how she went on a luxury vacation to Greece that normally would cost $10,000+ and paid less than $500 out of pocket. So, how did Jess do it? That kind of story is only something award travel can explain! By taking advantage of credit card rewards and loyalty programs, Jess was able to redeem points for flights, accommodations, and hotels. A trip to Greece is something Jess and her childhood best friend had been dreaming about since they were in college. After looking into a trip in their early 20s, they knew they wouldn't be able to afford it on a student's income. It was a dream that sat on the shelf for years until Jess and her friend decided to make it happen by combining their efforts and racking up points together! By the end of this episode, you'll see how fast your dream trip can happen with a little teamwork. Jess started by referring her friend a card with a high sign-up bonus and rewards program that allowed her to redeem (and even transfer points) for travel. Once she had her credit card, they started earning points through her everyday spending. She paid for everything from groceries to gas with her credit card to hit the minimum spend limit to unlock the most amount of points. This allowed them to fly business class flights, stay in $2K nightly hotel rooms, eat for free during their stay and so much more, all thanks to points! Jess's experience in Greece is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a luxury vacation. By taking advantage of credit card rewards and loyalty programs, and teaming up with your travel buddy, you can experience the best of what the world has to offer for a fraction of the cost. So, add Greece to the top of your list and start planning your dream vacation today! To start your points and miles journey or to connect with us, check out the links below! More Of What's Inside: Why we all love Greece Learn from Jess's story and plan your luxury vacation for less Why Jess and her friend have been dreaming about this trip for years How a "travel buddy" can be cheaper than traveling with a spouse Jess went on a luxury vacation to Greece valued at $10,000 and paid less than $500 Why Jess booked her hotel rooms 13 and 10 months in advance Want to transfer points to a friend or family member? Hyatt is it! Jess recommends for a truly luxurious stay in Greece Why Jess thought there was a greenscreen outside her window A look inside one of the fanciest flights you can take And much more! Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 0:05 How Jess went to Greece for only $500 0:47 When Jess first started dreaming about Greece 2:00 How Jess helped her "Award Travel Light" friend 4:38 The best time of year to travel to Greece 5:55 How Jess unlocked so many Hotel points for this trip 10:42 Jess' favorite Hotel of all time 15:29 How to rack up the points to to fly business class 19:30 Why Turkey's Airlines is so fancy 22:33 Mind-blowing experiences are still possible