Shows
Travel 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 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelDiscussing the Anxiety of Traveling (No Highlight Reel here!)Family adventures often come with an unseen layer of stress and anxiety, especially for parents. Through candid discussions about personal experiences, Raya and Duane explore the realities of family travel, mental health, and managing anxiety, reinforcing the message that feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of the journey. • Tackling the stress of family travel and managing expectations • Sharing personal anecdotes about stressful travel experiences • Discussing the impact of mental health on travel dynamics • Encouraging positive reframing of travel experiences • Highlighting the importance of community support and shared stories2025-02-0334 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelMontreal in...January?!?!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 @TravelPartyof5Alternate title - Points for Poutine! :) In this episode Raya is sharing about a work trip to Montreal, highlighting the charm of the city and detailing how to effectively use travel points for hotel bookings. • Reflections on the Montreal experience in Jan...2025-01-2730 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelWhat's Coming in 2025 - Credit Card Strategies, Trips, & Life Updates!This episode shares our travel plans for 2025, including family trips to Europe, new puppy challenges, and credit card strategies for maximizing travel. We discuss life updates, budgeting tips, and our adventures in making travel a family affair. • Life update: introducing our new puppy, Maui • Upcoming trip to Christmas markets in Europe, exploring Paris, Strasbourg, and Cologne • Planning spring break travels in Paris and Spain • Summer plans for Oceanside and adjustments due to Hyatt renovations • Strategy for credit card usage to accumulate travel points • Exploring new travel apps for budgeting and trip planning • Goals for the...2025-01-2026 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelThe Best of 2024: Our Annual Travel Highlights!2024 was filled with memorable travel experiences, from top hotels and flights to unforgettable vacations. The episode focuses on sharing the best moments, while highlighting family-friendly options and personal favorites that made the year special.• Best couple's hotel at the Kempton Seafire in Grand Cayman • Top family hotel was the Park Hyatt Aviara • Most memorable flight on Air France from Paris to Phoenix • Overall favorite vacation revealed to be the trip to Grand Cayman • Reflecting on childhood memories in Japan • Excitement for upcoming trips planned in 20252025-01-1319 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelVisit Arizona: The Polar Express & Bearizona in Williams, AZThanks 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 @TravelPartyof52024-12-2319 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family Travel2024 Recap: 15 Credit Cards & 1.4 Million Points (Without Wrecking Our Credit Score!)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 @TravelPartyof5Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we refer to in this episode. And if you've already got one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you'll want to apply for these business cards, linked here. 2024-12-1625 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelHyatt Globalist Status: Do you need it?!?! (And how/why we got it!)In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how we earned Hyatt Globalist status without staying 60 nights in a hotel. Hyatt Globalist is the top-tier status that comes with incredible perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts, and waived resort fees. We’ll walk you through the steps we took, including how we used credit card spend, milestone rewards, and strategic stays to make it happen.We’ll also talk about why Hyatt Globalist status has been a game-changer for our family and how it can save you thousands of dollars if it fits your travel plans...2024-12-0921 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelAndaz San Diego: Our first Globalist Stay!In this episode, we’re diving into our recent stay at the Andaz San Diego. If you’ve been eyeing this Hyatt property or planning a trip to San Diego, we’ve got you covered.We’ll tell you everything about our experience at the Andaz San Diego, from the upgraded suite we got with our Globalist status to the rooftop pool and prime location in the Gaslamp Quarter. While this is a great spot for couples or adults, we’ll share why we wouldn’t bring our kids here and what makes it such a fu...2024-12-0226 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelChicago Athletic Association: A Hotel Review (And how we Manage Work Travel)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 Suite I stayed in (Founder's Suite)In this episode of Travel Party of Five, hosts Raya and Duane dive into a review of the historic Chicago Athletic Association...2024-11-1819 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelBooking a Trip to Japan on Points as a Family of 5Thanks 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 @TravelPartyof5If you’re planning family travel to Japan, this episode is a must-listen! Join hosts Raya and Duane from Travel Party of Five as they break down the details of booking a family trip to Japan for fi...2024-11-1128 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelVisit Arizona: Ride With Us on the Verde Canyon Railroad!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 @TravelPartyof5All aboard for a journey through Arizona's hidden gem, the Verde Canyon! In this episode, join hosts Raya and Duane as they take you on a journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. As part of their "Visit...2024-11-0415 minTravel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family TravelHyatt Regency Tamaya & the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!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 @TravelPartyof5In this episode of the Travel Party of Five podcast, hosts Raya and Duane share all the details of their recent weekend getaway to New Mexico. They take you through their stay at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya...2024-10-2839 min