Shows
Travel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelWho Gets Which Card? How we Manage 2-Player Mode!Doubling your accounts is the most underrated way to earn more points fast, especially for families who want to travel without doubling their spending. • Credit card points and miles hobbyists can double their rewards by using a "two-player mode" strategy with a spouse or partner• Each person has their own credit score and ability to open cards, allowing couples to earn twice the signup bonuses• When deciding which partner applies for which cards, consider credit scores, 5/24 status, and who can best maximize the benefits• For beginners, alternating card applications every 45 days gives each person 90 days betw...2025-07-2140 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelThe Seabird Resort: Using Hyatt Points for a Dreamy, Luxe Family Beach StayWe share our recent stay at the Seabird Resort in Oceanside, California, highlighting our incredible suite upgrade experience and why this beachfront property remains our family favorite. The Grand Ocean corner suite with panoramic views completely transformed our experience, offering ample space and unbeatable ocean vistas.• Booking details: 87,000 Hyatt points for a 3-night stay (29,000 points per night) during July 4th weekend• Successfully applying a suite upgrade award for the Grand Ocean Suite with two-sided balcony and panoramic views• Globalist breakfast benefits covering both adults and children, with all charges ultimately waived at checkout• Pool and beac...2025-07-1441 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelGrand Hyatt Indian Wells: A Family-Friendly Resort in the Palm Springs AreaThe Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort offers a family-friendly getaway with luxurious accommodations and impressive water features including a lazy river and water slides. We share our experience staying in a penthouse suite and how we maximized our travel points to make this vacation more affordable.• Recently renovated property rebranded from Hyatt Regency to Grand Hyatt• Located 30 minutes from downtown Palm Springs in a quieter resort area• Upgraded to 875-square-foot penthouse suite with king bed, separate living area, and balcony• Multiple pool areas including family pool, splash pad, water slides, and a popular lazy river2025-07-0733 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelLake Tahoe on Points as a Family of 5 + a Full Review of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe!Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5Lake Tahoe is easily the most beautiful lake I've ever seen, and I grew up in the Finger Lakes of NY state so I feel like that's a bold statement. The snow capped mountains provided a stunning...2025-06-3039 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelBONUS: Chase Sapphire Reserve + Reserve Business: What You Need to Know About the New $795 Annual Fee CardsFrequent Miler ArticleChase has refreshed the Sapphire Reserve and launched a brand-new Sapphire Reserve for Business card, both with a hefty $795 annual fee and elevated welcome offers. The changes reflect Chase's push into the ultra-premium card space with enhanced credits and benefits, though the value proposition varies depending on your spending habits and travel patterns.• Both cards offer $300 annual travel credits that automatically apply to eligible purchases• Personal card offers 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points plus $500 Chase Travel credit after $5,000 spend• Business card offers 200,000 points after $30,000 spend in six months• $500 in annual credits for "the...2025-06-2422 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelYosemite National Park with kids + Our Stay at Rush Creek Lodge!Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5The towering sequoias of Mariposa Grove, the refreshing mist from Bridal Veil Falls, and the unexpected joy of watching our typically reserved 11-year-old exclaim "This is amazing!" – our family adventure to Yosemite National Park delivered all this an...2025-06-2348 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelBeyond Devaluations - The Honest Truth About Points & Miles in 2025 (A Rant?)[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!Link to my entire trip planning checklist for FREE! And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 Despite recent devaluations from major programs like Hilton, Capital One, and others, points and miles are still a viable way to travel the world with your family if you're willing to adapt your strategy and mindset.• Frustrating changes like Hilton's increased award costs and Capital One's lounge access restrictions are disappointing but not game-ending• The points and miles game requires a mindse...2025-06-1621 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelScared to Pay for a Credit Card? How We're Managing $5,500 (!!) in Annual Fees[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!Travel Freely App - How we keep track of all our cards! Card Pointers App And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 The intimidating numbers associated with credit card annual fees often mask the real value these cards provide through their benefits and credits when used strategically.• Breaking down how we manage $5,500 in credit card annual fees annually• Understanding the value proposition: first-year annual fees are always offset by welcome bonuses • Using Travel Freely app to tra...2025-06-0936 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelArizona Grand Resort & Spa...and Water Park?! (Summer Staycation Series Part 2!)[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 In this episode we take you through our recent stay at the Arizona Grand Hotel in Phoenix, exploring their impressive water park and sharing our experience as a family of five.• All-suite hotel with space for families of all sizes• Water park features three thrilling water slides, wave pool, and lazy river• Numerous lifeguards stationed throughout the water park• Food options include poolside service, breakfast restaurant, and Starbucks• Multiple smaller poo...2025-06-0237 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelThe Reality of Opening 8 Credit Cards in 6 Months[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!Travel Freely App - How we keep track of all our cards! And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 Contrary to popular belief, opening multiple credit cards doesn't automatically tank your credit score. I'm living proof – with eight new cards in just six months and an "excellent" credit score of 808 to show for it.The credit card journey has been quite the ride. Growing up with warnings about the dangers of plastic and experiencing credit card debt twice in m...2025-05-2643 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelCancelling or Changing Award Travel in 2025We dive into the complex world of changing and canceling award travel, sharing real experiences and practical strategies to help save your trip when plans change.• Domestic carriers like American, Alaska, and Southwest generally don't charge fees for award ticket changes• International airlines like Air France/Flying Blue, British Airways, and Singapore typically charge significant change fees• A personal saga of spending three hours changing Air France flights reveals important distinctions between calling the airline versus the loyalty program• Waiting for airline schedule changes can sometimes qualify you for fee-free changes or cancellations• Premium cr...2025-05-1931 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelPhoenix Staycation: Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs (Summer Staycation Series Pt 1!)CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5 Discover our first episode in the Summer in Phoenix staycation series where we visit the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs to determine if it's worth your points or dollars for a family getaway.• Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs is nestled in the mountains about 20 minutes north of Phoenix airport• Property features five pools plus "The Falls" water feature with a water slide that kids love• Resort is showing its age despite renovations, with rooms that feel dated and slightl...2025-05-1226 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelPositioning Flights for Families – What You Need to Know!RideSafer VestCHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5 Positioning flights are a strategic tool for families who want to access better award flight availability and save money when traveling. These flights take you from your home airport to another airport where you'll begin your main journey, opening up more travel opportunities.• Alaska Airlines offers the best value, with flights as low as 4,500 miles per person for short haul domestic routes• Book positioning flights at least 11 months in advance for best availability and l...2025-05-0532 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family Travel1 Day in Chicago (On Points!)CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)We spent 24 hours in Chicago before flying to Paris using points and miles, staying at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile and exploring the city with our three kids. This strategic positioning flight saved us points while giving us an exciting mini-vacation in Chicago with deep dish pizza, the Bean, and activities like the Ice Cream Museum.• Booked Chicago to Paris for 85,000 Flying Blue points for all five family members• Used Southwest credits and gift cards for the positioning flight from Phoenix• Stayed at the Interc...2025-04-2822 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelDon't Sleep on Premium Economy!CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)Premium economy offers a valuable middle ground between business class and economy, giving families significantly more comfort without the high price tag of business class tickets.• Premium economy on Air France features better seat recline and footrests• Cabin arrangement is typically 2-4-2 with approximately 40-48 seats• Passengers receive amenity kits with essentials like earplugs, socks, and toiletries• Kids get special activity boxes with puzzles and games• Access to one business class lavatory with premium skincare products• Flight attendants offer additional s...2025-04-2114 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelLessons Learned from 2 Weeks in Europe with Kids!CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED 100K SIGNUP BONUS!!! (THANK YOU FOR USING OUR LINK!!!)$40 off Away Luggage (we have the "Bigger Carry On" in 4 different colors!)Duane's shoe bagRaya's Carryon backpack (affiliate link)Duane's Men's Crossbody (affiliate link)Raya's crossbody bag (affiliate link)Raya's toiletry bag (affiliate link)Raya's mini backpack (Nordace mini)Our family of five conquered Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid over two weeks, and we're sharing all our hard-won wisdom for making European family travel successful and enjoyable.• Pack in ca...2025-04-1443 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelMadrid on Points and Miles, as a Family of 5!The activities we did in Madrid (Food Tour and Flamenco show!): vi.me/1T9xdIf you're planning a trip to Europe using points and miles or have questions about traveling as a family of five, follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyofFive where we share highlights and tips from our adventures.In this episode:We travel to Madrid as part of our two-week European adventure, staying at the Hyatt Centric Gran Via using points, free night certificates, and suite upgrades for our family of five.• Taking the train from Barcelona to Madrid is...2025-04-0744 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelBarcelona with Kids, Using Points and Miles!The tour we did (churros and chocolate) and the tour we almost did (dragon tour!): vi.me/bWWulBarcelona captivated us with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine while we strategically used Hyatt points and upgrade awards to minimize travel costs. We navigated rainy weather by pivoting our plans, discovering indoor treasures and developing a daily rhythm that balanced sightseeing with leisurely meals at the hotel's exceptional club lounge.• Used points for Grand Hyatt Barcelona, strategically applying suite upgrade and club access awards• Experienced an enormous junior suite with a bathroom "as big...2025-03-3146 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelParis on Points as a Family of 5!Paris Macaron Class: vi.me/mTi2CBespoke Family Tours of Paris with Zoe at The Petit Guide (we did the Montmartre tour)Photo shoot: Flytographer! If you've never used them before, use my link to get $25 off your first photo shoot! In this episode, we're sharing how we took our family of 5 to Paris using travel points, showing how we explored Paris while staying at the Hyatt Regency Paris E'toile with Eiffel Tower views. We break down exactly how we managed hotel accommodations, transportation, dining and activities for three kids in one o...2025-03-2444 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelHow We Booked 2 Weeks in Europe on Points as a Family of 5!We break down exactly how we booked our entire family of five for a two-week European adventure across Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid using points and miles. This trip demonstrates how strategic credit card usage, elite status benefits, and advance planning can transform an expensive dream vacation into an affordable reality.• Booked 5 economy seats on Air France for 85,000 Flying Blue miles with 25% discount for kids under 11• Leveraged Hyatt Globalist status to secure club access and connecting rooms at multiple properties• Used suite upgrade awards to enhance accommodation experience for the family• Booked high-speed train from Barcelon...2025-03-1723 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelWhat's With all the Credit Card Denials?!?!?!We explore strategies for handling credit card denials and share insights on navigating bank-specific rules to improve approval odds while discussing recent Hyatt award chart devaluations affecting popular properties worldwide.• Cancellation strategies for point bookings when plans change, including leveraging elite status for fee waivers• Comprehensive overview of Hyatt's 2024 award chart changes affecting 118 properties moving to higher categories and 30 moving lower• Notable category increases for popular properties including Grand Hyatt Kauai, Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, and multiple Japan hotels• Personal experience with recent credit card denials for Capital One Spark despite strategic application approaches• Ba...2025-03-1033 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelTrip Planning for Families: My Entire Process, Start to Finish!Link to my entire trip planning checklist for FREE! Planning a family trip can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Our discussion revolves around creating a structured timeline to help you earn points and maximize your travel experience. - Sharing a detailed planning timeline starting 18 months prior - Discussing how to choose travel destinations based on flight availability - Understanding the role of credit cards in earning travel points - Planning accommodations based on points options in each destination - Preparing travel logistics, packing, and activity planning - Final i...2025-03-0539 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelAirline Alliances: Book Smarter, Not HarderAirline alliances are essential to maximizing your points and facilitating family travel. By understanding and utilizing these partnerships, families can find better availability, save points, and streamline their travel experiences.• Explanation of airline alliances • Importance of booking through the correct airline system • Discussion of major airline alliances • Real-world examples of leveraging airline partnerships • Tips for sweet spot locations and maximizing miles • Insights on transfer bonuses from banks • Recommendation of award search engines • Key strategies for family travel planning If this episode was helpful, make sure to subscribe and follow us on Instagram a...2025-02-2430 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelGrand Hyatt Scottsdale - The BEST Scottsdale Family ResortThis episode celebrates a memorable surprise anniversary staycation at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, showcasing the couple's enriching experiences with their family. Insights into hotel amenities, dining options, and spa highlights deliver practical tips for families considering this luxury getaway.• Surprise staycation for anniversary • Overview of the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale renovations • Benefits of securing club access • Dining experiences and reviews of hotel restaurants • Highlights of the spa and wellness treatments • Tips for families planning a visit to the hotel2025-02-1734 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelLast Minute Spring Break Ideas in the US (with Points Availability!)With spring break approaching, today’s episode focuses on last-minute travel destinations within the U.S. that can be booked using points. We share insights on family-friendly locations, tips for booking on points, and emphasize the importance of using travel rewards before they lose value. • Discussing the growing trend of last-minute spring break travel • Highlighting family-friendly destinations like Panama City Beach and Clearwater • Exploring Washington, D.C. as a free and fun travel option • Recommendations for enjoyable stays in San Diego and Hawaii • Advising on how to effectively search and book last-minute trips • Emphasizing...2025-02-1025 min