As 2024 comes to a close, the Travel Mom Squad is reflecting on an incredible year of points and miles. In this special episode, we’re breaking down the credit cards we opened and closed, the strategies we used to rack up points, and the unforgettable trips we took along the way. If you’re curious how points and miles can transform your travel, this episode is a must-listen!

The Cards That Made 2024 Happen
Jess, Alex, and Pam each opened (and closed) a variety of cards to maximize their points strategies. From Chase Ink cards to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, the team shares how they targeted cards with elevated welcome offers and leveraged creative strategies to earn millions of points.

Lessons Learned From Closing and Downgrading Cards
A major part of managing a points portfolio is knowing when to say goodbye. The team discusses their approach to closing and downgrading cards, emphasizing the importance of timing to avoid red flags.

A Year of Incredible Travel
From Bora Bora to the Italian Dolomites, 2024 was packed with bucket-list trips. Jess’s travel highlights included following Taylor Swift across the globe, visiting Tokyo, Scotland, and Santorini. Alex took her family on a trip to Amsterdam and London, and Pam reflected on her most cherished moments, from flying Etihad Apartments to enjoying three-generational family getaways. The best part? Nearly all of these adventures were made possible by points and miles.

The Emotional Impact of Points and Miles
Pam ends the episode on a heartfelt note, sharing how compiling her 2024 recap brought her to tears of gratitude. “This is something I never would have been able to do without credit card points and miles,” she says. The team agrees: this hobby is about so much more than just saving money. It’s about creating memories and opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

Looking Ahead to 2025
The Travel Mom Squad is already planning for another year of unforgettable travel, and this episode is full of inspiration for how you can start planning your own points-powered adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the lessons and stories shared here will motivate you to dream bigger and travel smarter.

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

• How I Got Approved for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus
• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Reflecting on an amazing year of points and miles
• 01:15 – Cards opened in 2024 and how they shaped our strategies
• 15:00 – Closing and downgrading cards: Tips and lessons learned
• 25:00 – Highlights from Jess, Alex, and Pam’s 2024 trips
• 35:00 – The emotional impact of creating memories with points and miles
• 38:00 – What’s ahead for 2025 - what’s coming up next on the show!

Ever wonder what kind of points and miles traveler you are? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the different types of travelers and how your personal travel style can shape your points strategy. From planners to luxury travelers to earn-and-burn enthusiasts, we break down the styles that work best for different lifestyles and goals—and share what type of travelers we are, too!

Alex: The Planner and Strategist
Alex kicks things off by sharing how her style has evolved. As a planner, Alex focuses on specific trips she wants to take and chooses credit cards to make those trips happen. She balances planning with flexibility, chasing transferable points and limited-time offers that align with her travel goals. Her advice? Always keep the 5/24 rule in mind and prioritize cards that fit your long-term plans.

Pam: The Type-A Luxury Traveler
Pam describes herself as a “no-chill, Type-A overachiever” who loves the finer things in life. With over 5 million points and miles, Pam can book anything at a moment’s notice. Her strategy focuses on luxury—think first-class flights and five-star hotels. For those in a similar stage of life, Pam emphasizes making points work for you while enjoying the rewards of your hard-earned travel perks.

Jess: The Earn-and-Burn Expert
Jess takes a completely different approach: earning points quickly and redeeming them just as fast. “By the end of this year, I’ll have redeemed over a million Hyatt points,” she says. Jess avoids stockpiling points, knowing they devalue over time. Her philosophy? Use them while they’re at their peak value to create unforgettable family memories.

Other Traveler Types and Strategies

• The Domestic Traveler: Focused on U.S. destinations, this traveler maximizes Chase Ultimate Rewards and co-branded hotel cards for family road trips or visiting relatives.
• The Road Tripper: Ideal for families who avoid flying, this strategy uses hotel cards like Hyatt or Marriott to save on stays during sports tournaments or weekend getaways.
• The Disney Fanatic: For those who visit Disneyland or Disney World annually, Capital One cards help erase ticket purchases and make magical trips more affordable.

Your Travel Style, Your Strategy
There’s no “right” way to approach points and miles. The best strategy is the one that fits your lifestyle and goals. As Pam puts it, “You do you!”

Ready to Find Your Traveler Type?
Tune in to the full episode to hear more about each style and figure out which one resonates with you. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you refine your strategy and make the most of your points.

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: How your travel style shapes your points strategy
• 01:15 – Alex: The planner and how she prioritizes flexibility
• 10:08 – Pam: The luxury traveler with 5 million points
• 15:23 – Jess: The earn-and-burn approach to points
• 21:30 – Domestic travelers, road trippers, and other styles
• 27:55 – Takeaways: Why any strategy can work for your goals

You’ve heard us share our travel stories and tips, but today we’re introducing you to three incredible women who help make Travel Mom Squad possible. Megan, Traci, and Claire aren’t just our teammates—they’re passionate travelers and moms with their own inspiring journeys in the world of points and miles. In this episode, we dive into how they got started, their favorite travel wins, and what keeps them motivated to help families travel better. Hit play to hear their stories!

Megan: From Student to Digital Manager
Megan is the glue that holds our team together, managing everything from card consultations to staying on top of the best credit card offers. A longtime points and miles enthusiast, Megan took her first points-funded trip to China in 2014, booking round-trip flights and two weeks of hotels for free! Fast forward to today, and she’s orchestrating epic family adventures, including a two-week trip to Hawaii and Australia. Her advice? Don’t be afraid to expand your plans. As Megan says, “We were already halfway to Australia, so why not go all the way?”

Traci: The Fact-Checking Pro
Traci’s role is all about keeping our blog and content accurate and compliant, but her travel experience is just as impressive. She’s been in the points and miles game for over a decade and even introduced Jess to this world! Traci shared highlights from her family’s DIY around-the-world trip, pieced together with points and miles. From art tours in Milan to a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay, Traci’s travel philosophy is all about maximizing memories while balancing practicality. And yes, she admits economy ankles are real—but so is the joy of exploring new destinations!

Claire: Building Memories with Birthday Trips
As our Facebook community manager, Claire is a familiar face to anyone in our group. But did you know she started her points journey by buying Travel Mom Squad’s course for herself? Since then, Claire has turned family birthdays into opportunities for travel. Her next adventure? Taking her oldest to London and Paris for senior photos—a dream trip made possible with points.

The Takeaway: Your Team, Your Inspiration
What makes Travel Mom Squad special isn’t just the places we’ve been—it’s the team behind the scenes, working to help you unlock the magic of points and miles.

Whether you’re new to points or a seasoned pro, this episode will inspire you to dream big, plan smart, and keep making memories with your family. Tune in now to hear their stories and start thinking about your next adventure!

Links:

• Join Our FREE Webinar, Learn How To Travel Nearly Free! https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 01:15 – Megan’s role at TMS and how she got started with points and miles
• 07:00 – Megan’s most memorable family trip and how points made it possible
• 15:30 – Traci’s background in points and miles and her favorite travel style
• 22:45 – Traci’s incredible DIY around-the-world trip with her family
• 33:00 – Claire’s introduction: How she discovered TMS and her role as the Facebook community manager
• 41:00 – Claire’s approach to birthday trips and favorite points-based travel moments

Tired of long lines at immigration or security when traveling? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad revisits a favorite topic—Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®—but with a twist. While we’ve covered these programs before, there are important updates you need to know to make family travel even smoother. Whether you’re flying internationally or just looking to breeze through airport security, these tips are a game-changer.

New Updates You Can’t Miss
Since our last discussion on this topic, a major update now allows kids under 18 to get Global Entry for free if their parent or guardian is enrolled. Jess highlights how this policy change can save families hundreds of dollars—especially for large families like Alex’s. And if you’ve ever been frustrated by long wait times for Global Entry interviews, Alex shares how her family took advantage of the new interview-on-arrival option, skipping the months-long backlog to get everyone approved quickly. Jess also mentions that some airports, like San Francisco, are testing departure-day interviews, which could make the process even easier.

How to Get It for Free Using Credit Cards
Alex dives into the details of credit cards that reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® application fees. Popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture, and Amex Platinum cards make it easy to offset the costs. One pro tip: You can use the benefit on someone else’s application by paying with your card, so you can help friends and family members enroll too. Between these credits and the new kids-under-18 policy, Global Entry has never been more accessible.

Backup Options for Occasional Travelers
If you’re not ready to commit to Global Entry, Pam suggests Mobile Passport as an alternative. This app offers a shorter immigration line without the application process or fees. While it’s not as fast as Global Entry, it’s a great backup for infrequent international travelers.

The Key to Stress-Free Family Travel
Between Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, and Mobile Passport, there’s no reason to deal with long lines at the airport. As Jess says, “Travel days are stressful enough—why not make them as easy as possible?”

If you’ve been putting off enrolling in these programs, this episode is your sign to get started. Tune in now to hear all the details and updates that will make your next family trip a breeze!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Links For This Episode:

• Mobile Passport Blog Post: https://travelmomsquad.com/no-global-entry-try-mobile-passport/
• Mobile Passport App: ‎Mobile Passport Control

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Revisiting Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® with important updates
• 07:00 – TSA PreCheck® benefits and why it’s worth it
• 10:30 – The best credit cards for free enrollment
• 15:00 – How the new kids-under-18 policy can save families money
• 20:00 – Alex’s tips for interview-on-arrival success
• 28:00 – Mobile Passport: A simple alternative for occasional travelers
• 30:00 – Final thoughts and why it’s time to enroll

Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less.

Chase Freedom Flex: A Keeper in Every Wallet
Alex kicks off the episode with her top pick, the Chase Freedom Flex. This no-annual-fee card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points and offers 5% back on rotating categories like PayPal and grocery stores. With a 20,000-point welcome offer after spending just $500, this card can easily cover a one-way flight to Europe. Alex highlights how pairing this with a Chase Sapphire card allows you to transfer points to travel partners, unlocking even more value.

Chase Ink Business Cards: Pam’s Love Language
Pam shares her favorite no-annual-fee business cards, the Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited. These powerhouse cards earn Ultimate Rewards points on categories like office supply stores and internet or offer a flat 1.5% back on every purchase. With a whopping 75,000-point welcome offer (after spending $6,000), these cards are a cornerstone of her strategy for racking up points.

Maximizing American Express Options
Jess introduces the Amex Blue Business Plus card, a no-annual-fee option that earns 2X Membership Rewards points on every purchase up to $50,000 annually. She also mentions the Hilton Honors card, which comes with no annual fee and Hilton Silver status, unlocking perks like the fifth night free on award stays. For anyone looking to maintain Hilton points without paying a fee, this is a fantastic option.

Waived Annual Fees: United and American Airlines Cards
The team also highlights cards like the United Explorer and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, which waive their annual fees the first year. These cards offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and extra award availability for flights.

No-Fee Travel Wins
From Alex’s PayPal points strategies to Jess’s tips on tracking targeted offers, this episode proves that no-annual-fee cards can still pack a punch. Whether you’re just starting with points and miles or looking to add another card to your wallet, these recommendations are the perfect way to travel smarter without extra costs.

Links For This Episode:

• Chase Freedom Flex℠: https://travelmomsquad.com/cff

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: http://travelmomsquad.com/cfu

• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/cic

• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/ciu

• United℠ Explorer Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/uecp

• United℠ Business Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/ubc

• How to Qualify for a Business Card

Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: Why No-Annual-Fee Cards Matter
• 01:37 – Chase Freedom Flex: Rotating Categories and Welcome Offers
• 06:00 – Pam’s Favorite: Chase Ink Business Cards
• 16:00 – American Express Options for Hilton and Membership Rewards
• 23:00 – United Explorer and AAdvantage Platinum Select Benefits
• 30:00 – Wrapping Up: Maximize Value Without Annual Fees

Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it’s absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this episode, Alex shares how she made an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam and London with her husband and four boys, all while keeping costs incredibly low. From flights to accommodations and even transportation, she breaks down every detail of her family adventure.

Flying to Europe on a Budget
The trip began with a flight deal Alex couldn’t pass up: just 105,000 Flying Blue miles for her entire family of six to fly to Amsterdam from Salt Lake City. Alex’s clever use of Flying Blue’s 25% discount for kids under 12 made the trip even more affordable, with taxes and fees coming to just $68 per person. Her tip? Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from American Express or Chase to Flying Blue for even bigger savings!

Exploring Amsterdam Like a Local
Staying at the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Alex used points to secure connecting rooms for her family, complete with Globalist perks like complimentary breakfast and club access. From the Anne Frank House to a canal boat ride and even creating custom chocolate bars at Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore, the trip balanced iconic attractions with kid-friendly fun. Her advice? Don’t overpack the itinerary—kids need downtime, even in a city as vibrant as Amsterdam.

A Short Hop to London
For the next leg of the trip, Alex used her Venture X travel credit to book a quick flight to London. Staying at her sister’s house added a personal touch to their time in the UK. From exploring neighborhood Tesco stores to an Arsenal football match, Alex’s kids got an authentic look at British life while bonding with their cousins.

Travel Tips for Big Families
Alex highlights the importance of preparation, from booking Anne Frank House tickets six weeks in advance to managing public transportation with the GVB app. Nervous about navigating new cities? It’s all part of the learning experience, and the confidence you and your kids gain is worth every moment.

Memories That Last a Lifetime
Whether it was riding a red bus through London or savoring Yorkshire pudding made by her brother-in-law, Alex’s trip was filled with priceless moments. And thanks to points and miles, this dream trip was not only affordable but also inspiring for her entire family. As Alex puts it, “Travel gives you confidence, and that’s something I saw in my kids every step of the way.”

If you’ve ever thought traveling internationally with kids wasn’t possible, this episode will change your mind. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video on YouTube for all the details and tips from Alex’s incredible trip!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Links For This Episode:

• Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/amsra-hyatt-regency-amsterdam
• Anne Frank House: https://www.annefrank.org/en
• Harry Potter Studios: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 03:00 – Finding affordable flights with Flying Blue
• 12:00 – Amsterdam highlights: Hotels, canals, and chocolate
• 22:00 – Tips for managing public transportation with kids abroad
• 27:00 – London adventures: Football matches, Harry Potter, and more
• 38:00 – Lessons learned and memories made

If you’ve ever wondered whether Hilton Honors deserves a spot in your points and miles strategy, this episode is for you! We’re diving into everything you need to know about Hilton’s award program, from earning points and using free night certificates to snagging unforgettable stays like Bora Bora and Santorini—all without breaking the bank.

Why Hilton Honors is Worth a Look
We kick off the episode with Jess sharing her journey from being a Hyatt loyalist to appreciating the value Hilton brings to the table. With perks like generous free night certificates and partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), Hilton is making waves. Alex and Pam echo these sentiments, recounting how they’ve used Hilton points to book some seriously bucket-list-worthy properties.

Earning Hilton Points Made Easy
One of the best parts of the Hilton Honors program? Their credit card lineup! Alex breaks down the personal and business options, from the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors card to the premium Aspire card with Diamond status. Whether you’re a casual traveler or all-in on Hilton, these cards make earning points a breeze. Jess also highlights a pro tip: timing your card applications to snag bonus offers with free night certificates.

Maximizing Hilton Free Night Awards
Hilton’s free night certificates are a game-changer, and we’re all in agreement—they’re the best in the business. Jess shares how she used one to stay at the Canaves Epitome in Santorini, a property where rooms go for $2,000 a night. Pam and Alex talk about combining points and free nights for five-night stays to take advantage of Hilton’s “fifth night free” benefit, a must for maximizing your points at luxury destinations.

Our Favorite Hilton Stays (and What’s Next)
From Bora Bora to Cabo, we each share our most memorable Hilton stays and what makes them so special. Pam recalls her time at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, where every room had a private plunge pool and daily guacamole delivery. Alex dreams of a future visit to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. And Jess has some incredible city stays lined up for next year, including the Conrad Tokyo and Canopy Reykjavik.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Hilton Trip?
This episode is packed with tips for making the most of Hilton points, including using tools like MaxMyPoint for award availability and taking advantage of Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonuses. If you’re not already a Hilton fan, this deep dive might just convert you. Tune in now and start dreaming of your next unforgettable stay—on points!

Links For This Episode:

• The American Express Hilton Credit Cards

• Hilton points explorer: https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/points-explorer/
  

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 01:37 – Our Backgrounds with Hilton and First Impressions
• 06:30 – Earning Hilton Points with Credit Cards
• 12:50 – Maximizing Free Night Awards
• 18:20 – The Fifth Night Free Benefit and How to Use It
• 28:15 – Our Favorite Hilton Stays So Far
• 36:45 – Dream Hilton Destinations for the Future

In this episode, Pam takes us on a journey through Italy, sharing how she and her sister made the most of credit card points to explore some of the country’s most iconic spots. From the excitement of snagging business class seats on Turkish Airlines to their adventures in Rome, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a few surprises.

Flying in Style with Turkish Airlines
Pam kicks things off by describing how she and her sister flew business class round-trip for just 90,000 miles each! Although they traveled on Turkish Airlines’ older plane configuration, Pam found the seats spacious and comfortable. With quality food, incredible service, and even tea lights during dinner, Turkish Airlines left a lasting impression.

Exploring Chicago’s Park Hyatt
Before heading overseas, Pam and her sister spent a day in Chicago, staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt. With a stunning view of the city, a Viator tour, and some quality time on the Navy Pier, their Chicago stay set the tone for a relaxing trip.

Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria
Lake Como is Pam’s favorite Italian destination, and staying at the Grand Hotel Victoria felt like a dream come true. Despite a minor hiccup with their limo service, she describes the hotel’s new beach club and the serene beauty of Lake Como’s small towns. A day trip to Varenna made this part of the trip unforgettable.

Wandering Through Cinque Terre
Pam and her sister finally made it to Cinque Terre, a place they’d planned to visit on a past trip. Staying at Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso, they explored the charming coastal villages by train, enjoyed the local gelato, and took in the stunning coastal views. Pam notes that, while crowded during the day, Cinque Terre transforms into a peaceful, magical place once the cruise crowds leave.

Wrapping Up in Milan
The sisters ended their Italian adventure with a stay at the Sheraton Malpensa before flying back. Pam shares a final tip for using points on international trips, especially when navigating multiple cities and modes of transportation. For Pam, Italy is a place she’ll never tire of, and her love for the country and its culture shines through in every story.

If you’re dreaming of an Italian getaway or curious about how to make the most of points and miles, this episode is a must-listen! Hit play now to hear the full story!

Links For This Episode:

• Park Hyatt Chicago: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/park-hyatt-chicago/chiph
• Grand Hotel Victoria: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bgyhvlx-grand-hotel-victoria-concept-and-spa-lago-di-como/
• Hotel Pasquale: https://www.hotelpasquale.it/en/index.php
• Sheraton Malpensa Airport: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/milmp-sheraton-milan-malpensa-airport-hotel-and-conference-centre/overview
• Itailarail: https://www.italiarail.com
  
  

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Pam’s Love for Italy and Setting the Scene
• 01:37 – Scoring Business Class Seats on Turkish Airlines
• 06:00 – Exploring Chicago and Staying at the Park Hyatt
• 15:26 – Arriving at Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria
• 24:17 – Wandering Through Cinque Terre
• 35:30 – Wrapping Up the Trip in Milan and Travel Tips