Welcome back to another episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, where today's travel tale is all about adaptability and adventure! One of the most anticipated trips of the year was Pam's African safari in the majestic Maasai Mara, complete with luxurious stays and game drives—all meticulously planned using points. Pam was ready to celebrate her birthday surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya, but nature had other plans…hit play to hear the full story, or keep reading! Just ...
Jun 04, 2024•40 min
Ever wonder how you could wander through the romantic streets of Paris, explore the ancient ruins of Rome, or cruise the canals of Amsterdam without the steep price of airfare hanging over your head? Well, buckle up, because today's episode is all about making those European dreams a reality for pennies on the dollar! Join us, the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess—as we delve into our treasure trove of tips for using points and miles to jet off to Europe. In today's chat, Jess spills the bean...
May 28, 2024•44 min
Ever wonder how some people manage to jet off on amazing vacations without breaking the bank? Today, we're spilling the secrets on how to start traveling almost free by harnessing the power of credit card points and miles. Whether you're a points newbie or just need a refresher, this episode is your passport to becoming a savvy traveler in 2024. Hey, it's us, the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess! Grab a cup of coffee, and let's break down the basics of earning and redeeming points. It's way ...
May 21, 2024•41 min
Ever wonder how a busy mom of two transformed from a points and miles novice to a traveling on points pro, jet-setting in first class and organizing family vacations for practically pennies on the dollar? Well, buckle up, because today's episode is all about Stephanie's jaw-dropping journey through our Award Travel Academy. Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we dive into Stephanie's adventure into the world of points and miles. From her first tentative steps earning slow-burn points on a single cr...
May 14, 2024•44 min
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 Prefe...
May 07, 2024•22 min
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 seven-year-...
Apr 30, 2024•55 min
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 Glo...
Apr 23, 2024•56 min
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 into Pam...
Apr 16, 2024•31 min
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 share th...
Apr 09, 2024•46 min
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 over 1...
Apr 02, 2024•52 min
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 favorite...
Mar 26, 2024•35 min
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 (Pam...
Mar 19, 2024•41 min
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 than just com...
Mar 12, 2024•37 min
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 a st...
Mar 05, 2024•55 min
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 bluep...
Feb 27, 2024•32 min
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 strategi...
Feb 20, 2024•45 min
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 stop...
Feb 13, 2024•28 min
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 Regency H...
Feb 06, 2024•42 min
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 your cred...
Jan 30, 2024•34 min
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. Fast ...
Jan 23, 2024•39 min
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 applications, cr...
Jan 16, 2024•40 min
Interested in traveling on points and miles 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 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, understanding the points needed for...
Jan 09, 2024•39 min
Today, we are diving into our 2024 travel plans and card strategies for maximum adventure. Traveling on points and miles 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; points and miles can help get you there. Our travel plans for 2024 are as diverse as they are exciting....
Jan 02, 2024•47 min
Today, we're recapping the incredible adventures 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 traveling on points. 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 highlights with you! So, let's talk about the cr...
Dec 26, 2023•40 min
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 points and miles 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 comfort of a secluded haven. Tr...
Dec 19, 2023•55 min
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 points and miles 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 can transform a regular hotel...
Dec 12, 2023•57 min
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 traveling on points and miles. 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 coveted business c...
Dec 05, 2023•38 min
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 delightful as the destination. From...
Nov 28, 2023•44 min
Have you ever thought about exploring the great state of Texas with your family, but weren't sure where to start or how to make the most of your points and miles? In this episode, we take you on a journey through some of Texas' best family-friendly hotels and resorts, and it's an adventure you won't want to miss. Imagine relaxing in the rustic charm of Hyatt Lost Pines near Austin. This place is more than just a hotel – it's a family adventure waiting to happen. Think lazy rivers, water slides, ...
Nov 21, 2023•44 min
Ever wondered what cards the Travel Mom Squad would pick if they were diving into traveling on points and miles today? In our latest episode, we unveil the strategies and cards we would go for if we were newcomers in this game of savvy travel. Alex kicks off by sharing her initial strategy involving the Southwest Companion Pass, while Pam reflects on her allegiance to United and Marriott. Jess, a bit more cautious, initially opted for the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom. Now, we each have a fresh to...
Nov 14, 2023•37 min
