Laura sent us her reader success story to the Big Apple: NYC! It is also one of our favorite places to use credit card points and miles! We also have a lot of NYC content on our website if you get inspired by Laura’s trip. Here is her story:   Earning and Using Points/Miles I […]

Have you ever checked into a hotel and immediately knew it wasn’t the hotel for you? I recently had this happen on a stay at the Zoëtry Mallorca. I was on a girls’ getaway with my daughter, Lindsey, and the theme of our trip was supposed to be luxury. Our stay at the Nobis Palma […]

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a luxury eco-resort in the Arenal Volcano region of Costa Rica. It is famous for its natural hot springs, lush rainforest setting, and world-class spa. Recently, we stayed there for three nights after completing a four-night stay at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort.   This hotel is part of the […]

In this episode, Jess, Pam, and Alex break down their recent spring break trips to Costa Rica—highlighting three unforgettable resorts, two different travel styles, and one shared love for how easy (and affordable!) this country is to explore with points and miles.  Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Watch on YouTube   Flights on […]

A multi-generational trip to Costa Rica on points offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for families with different ages, interests, and activity levels. And using points means there’s more in the travel budget for amazing activities! We recently returned from a trip there with Alex’s family. Two parents, two grandparents, and four […]

Natalie sent in this reader success story to Singapore and Australia. Here is her story: Flights For our big trip in August 2024, my boyfriend and I had long set our sights on visiting Singapore. We are big horse racing fans, and Singapore had announced that their famous Turf Club would cease operations in October […]

One of my very first credit card points and miles redemptions was to Thailand. I have wanted to return there for years and I finally made it happen! I’ve recapped our trip, but this post specifically is a review of the Conrad Koh Samui, the first hotel we stayed at on our trip. The Conrad […]

We’re continuing my recent Thailand trip today with a review of the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui. We came here after a stay at the Conrad Koh Samui that we didn’t want to leave. How does the Ritz-Carlton compare? Nestled on 58 acres of a former coconut plantation, The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui offers a luxurious retreat overlooking […]

Thailand was one of the very first destinations I booked a trip to with credit card points when I first embarked on this whirlwind journey of nearly free travel. I fell in love with everything about the “Land of Smiles” and had been dreaming of a return visit for years. This year, that dream became […]

In this episode, Pam shares her full itinerary from her recent return to Thailand—a dream trip she’s been wanting to repeat since her very first adventure on points and miles years ago. From business-class flights on Singapore Airlines, to luxury stays at the Conrad, Ritz-Carlton, and Banyan Tree—and of course, daily massages for $12—Pam takes […]

Sigh. I have started another Park Hyatt love affair. Here is my Park Hyatt Bangkok review—for an all-too-short stay of just one night that I would love to repeat. Park Hyatt Bangkok is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district, next to the upscale Central Embassy Mall. It is […]

Here is a truly glamorous example of a credit card points-and-miles redemption: a reader success story to the Maldives and Dubai! Rachel’s redemption is certainly aspirational.   Rachel’s Story on Earning Credit Card Points and Miles My husband and I just returned from a two-week dream trip to the Maldives and Dubai. This was my […]

Big changes are coming to Southwest Airlines® this year, and we know you’ll want the scoop on how it’s going to impact your next family adventure. No more “bags fly free” is one change that almost feels sacrilegious, but there are other changes coming to Southwest Airlines®, too! 🥲    Baggage Policy is Changing Southwest’s […]

This week’s episode is a little different—and a lot of fun. Jess, Pam, and Alex are joined by Traci for a special game of Would You Rather!? – Points Talk Edition. Traci challenges the squad with a lineup of delightfully diabolical travel questions designed to reveal where they really stand when it comes to their […]

If you’ve ever looked at a $1,200 plane ticket and thought, “Yeah . . . maybe next year,” welcome to the club. Travel isn’t cheap, but having a stockpile of credit card points and miles  can change that completely. It’s not just about saving money (though, let’s be honest, that part is pretty incredible). It’s […]

From the moment we pulled up to the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, I knew we were in for something special. It is tucked away on a quiet stretch of beach about 45 minutes from the Punta Cana airport. We were warmly greeted with cool towels, a yummy drink, and the vibe? Pure relaxation. If you’re […]

I love Air France and KLM for getting to Europe on points and miles! One reason is the Flying Blue Promo Rewards that come out on the first day of every month. Check out my post detailing the four reasons I love Air France. These are such good deals, so I will update this post […]

Megan sends in her reader success story about a trip to NYC with two IHG status perks. Here’s her story: InterContinental Ambassador Status Last year, I bought the InterContinental Ambassador status after learning about it from this blog post. I enjoyed the perks on a trip to New York City and will likely renew it. […]

Many readers want to know more about airline transfer bonuses because these can really help your miles go further. A transfer bonus is when you transfer points from a flexible currency like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, or Citi ThankYou® Points to a travel partner, and you receive a […]

If you’ve been considering a new credit card, May is bringing the heat with some of the best welcome offers we’ve seen in a while. Whether you want to earn free hotel stays or rack up airline miles, these elevated offers are worth a closer look. Some deals are only available briefly, so now is […]

In this episode, Jess takes us step-by-step through her family’s spring break trip to Japan—a points and miles masterpiece that cost just $200 total out of pocket for four round-trip flights and multiple hotel stays. From first class flights to washer/dryers in hotel rooms, this trip had it all. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, […]