Which credit card would you choose if you could only pick one from each major bank? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares their top picks and explains why each card works best for their individual travel habits, home airports, and spending priorities. While there isn’t a single right answer for everyone, their discussion […]

The Southwest® Companion Pass® is among the best deals in the points and miles world.  Either my husband or I have had the Southwest® Companion Pass® off and on for the last seven years. When you earn the pass, you get to fly someone with you for free (minus taxes and fees starting at $5.60) […]

Are you feeling overwhelmed about planning your first international trip? From excitement about exploring a new destination to concerns about currency exchanges, language barriers, and navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, there’s a lot to consider. But whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned domestic traveler, the good news is that with a little preparation, international […]

Do you struggle to find hotel rooms in Europe that can accommodate your entire family? Many European hotels limit occupancy to just two guests per room, leaving families either piecing together multiple bookings or endlessly searching for those rare properties that actually sleep four or more. And because of strict occupancy rules, you can’t just […]

Have I told you how much I love Chase Ultimate Rewards®? Well, if I haven’t, let me tell you. I love them soooooo soooo much! Sometimes almost more than dollars. 😆 I kid, but I do really love them! But before I get into why I love them, let’s talk about what they are and […]

Are Chase Ultimate Rewards® still the best points for travel? The Travel Mom Squad certainly thinks so. These points offer unmatched flexibility and value, making them a cornerstone of any serious travel rewards strategy. With recent changes to Chase’s offerings, this episode is your guide to the essential updates in 2025. In this episode, the […]

Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora might seem like a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but what if you could experience it more than once? The crystal-clear lagoons and breathtaking Polynesian sunsets are even sweeter when you know how to make this dream destination a reality without breaking the bank. Points and miles turn this exclusive getaway into a […]

No one loves the annual fees of credit cards, but what if they could save you hundreds on travel? Free-night certificates are one of the most valuable perks you can earn from hotel credit cards, and with the right strategy, they can easily pay for themselves year after year. While many travelers cancel their cards […]

Are you team carry-on only? Dragging multiple suitcases through cobblestone streets in Europe while trying to catch a train is the moment many travelers realize they’ve packed too much. The struggle of navigating airports with excessive luggage, waiting at baggage claim, and worrying about lost bags can turn what should be an exciting journey into […]

The Southwest Airlines® credit cards are some of my very favorites! I have gotten so much value out of the points I have earned on them. My favorite was probably taking my whole family to Maui. What makes these cards even better is that by opening a personal and business card, you can earn the […]

When choosing where to spend your hard-earned hotel points, the options can feel overwhelming. Each major hotel chain promises value, but the reality often falls short when you discover that dream property costs triple what you expected in points. This week, the Travel Mom Squad takes a dive deep into why one hotel program stands […]

 Planning a bucket-list trip to Iceland and Ireland might seem out of reach for a family of five, but what if you could score flights and hotels using mostly points and miles? Jess recently returned from this exact adventure, navigating the tricky world of Iceland flight bookings and European hotel room occupancy limits with […]

The card_name and the card_name are two of the most popular cards for people who use credit card points and miles. Both of these cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®, which we love!  These points are great because they are so flexible. You can use them at Chase Travel℠ (similar to Expedia) and book just about […]

The narrative around points and miles often assumes that travelers need a partner to maximize the value—someone to share redemptions with, refer cards to, and split the earning responsibilities. This perception often leaves solo travelers wondering if they’re at a disadvantage in the points game. The reality, however, is far more encouraging for those traveling […]

Getting a discounted stay at a luxury Maui resort sounds too good to be true, especially when the catch involves sitting through a timeshare presentation. After receiving a letter from Marriott Vacation Club offering five nights at a Westin property for $1,999 instead of the usual $5,000, Alex decided to see if the savings were […]

It is no surprise that we love Chase Ultimate Rewards®! We are always trying to earn more of them to book great Hyatt stays. A favorite credit card that allows us to earn Ultimate Rewards® is the Chase Freedom Flex℠. We love the Freedom Flex because of the quarterly spending bonus in rotating categories. Maximizing […]

Here is our review of the card_name, the card we recommend over and over to beginners just starting out with credit card points and miles. It is also a card that we’ll always have in our wallets. We recommend that this be one of the first cards people apply for because of the Chase 5/24 […]

2024 was another year full of earning and redeeming points and miles for nearly free travel! This year we took more family trips than we have ever before. It was a great year full of making great memories! Here’s Alex’s 2024 points and miles recap!   Alex’s 2023 Points and Miles Recap January 2024 started […]

Waiting in lines is such a pain when traveling with a family (and let’s be honest, even when traveling alone). But if you take advantage of some of your credit card benefits, you can significantly reduce the time you spend in lines at the airport. Many popular credit cards offer statement credits for Global Entry […]

It’s no secret that all of us at TMS are huge fans of Greece, so of course, a trip to the capital city of Athens is a must at least once in your life! It’s made even better when you can visit Athens on points and miles. That being said, you don’t need too much […]

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply. The Capital One Venture Rewards credit cards have become very popular for award travel. They are great cards […]