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 […]

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 […]

Hidden Gems: Underrated European Hotels Bookable With Points Europe is full of luxury hotels—places that are tucked into the hidden neighborhoods of historic cities, seaside escapes that feel like secret sanctuaries, and boutique retreats that ooze charm.  But the best is when you’re able to identify one of these gems and it’s also bookable with […]

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 […]

If you’ve been considering a new credit card, September is looking great! 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 an excellent opportunity to take advantage of these generous welcome offers. Here’s a […]

Natalie shares her reader success story to Budapest with us today. Alex, Jess, and I have a trip planned to Budapest this spring, so we were excited to hear about hers! Here’s her story:   My trip to Budapest was a classic example of how points and miles enable you to adjust plans when life […]

When Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merged, we knew they would have to merge the two loyalty programs.  The Atmos™ Rewards Program is the new program that Alaska and Hawaiian will share. Alaska’s loyalty program has already transitioned to Atmos™ Rewards, and Hawaiian’s will fully transition this fall. The new premium card for this loyalty […]

I just returned from London, and I have to tell you all about the best airport lounge and the strangest airplane seating arrangement. My husband and I flew from Denver to Boston on United (no, that wasn’t the strange seating).    The Best Airport Lounge I have been bragging ad nauseam about the Delta Sky […]

Is a trip to Scotland in your future? If it’s not, you should certainly add it to your list! From the dramatic Highland landscapes to charming villages and historic cities, Scotland is full of unforgettable places to explore, and finding the right place to stay can make your trip even more magical. If you’re dreaming […]

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 […]

Whether you want to relax on a stunning beach or have an unforgettable adventure in nature and watch the adorable monkeys, Costa Rica has something for you. Read on to learn how this gorgeous country’s “pura vida” vibes can be yours, whatever your points budget. Bougie, budget, or basic—we got ya!   Bougie Flight: JetBlue Mint  […]

Kate sent us her Reader Success Story: Family Western Adventure for a family of 6! We think you will love this adventure! Where Did We Go: Jackson Hole, Jenny Lake & Yellowstone Who Went: My family of 6 including me, my husband and 4 daughters (ages 14, 10, 8 & 7) Flight Info: 6 economy […]

Let’s face it—many of the best reward credit cards come with an annual fee.  While many cards hover around a manageable $95 annual fee, there’s a whole other class of “high-roller” cards with fees ranging up to $795 a year. So, the real question is: are they worth it? My answer: a resounding YES—especially in […]

Family vacations are the best, but they can get pricey fast, especially with kids in tow. This is when you can use those hard-earned points and miles to book incredible stays at some of Mexico’s top all-inclusive resorts, making that dream trip way more affordable. Plus, Mexico is super accessible from most parts of the […]

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 […]

From Swedish saunas to gorgeous gardens, Scandinavia has something for everyone. Now, this notoriously expensive part of the world might sometimes seem like it’s out of financial reach—but if Denmark, Sweden, or Norway is on your travel wish list, your points and miles can help make this memorable trip a reality! Here is some Scandinavian […]

One of our wonderful readers, Jesse, sent in this success story about her amazing trip to Secrets Cap Cana, in the Dominican Republic.     Our return trip to Secrets Cap Cana was one of the most meaningful points and miles redemptions we’ve made since I started this hobby in March 2023. My husband and I […]

I may never use points and miles for the Maldives again! I’ve been there twice and loved it both times but it is a long, long flight. I just completed my second trip to Bora Bora and am thinking, “Why go to the Maldives, when I can go to Bora Bora?” In fact, I wanted […]

I recently returned from another trip to French Polynesia. The main purpose was to return to the Hilton Conrad Bora Bora Nui and take my sister with me. I also wanted to try another hotel on the trip and decided to stay at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa. Here’s what I thought about […]

TMS takes on Bora Bora again! Alex, Jess, and I all had return visits to the Conrad Bora Bora Nui at different times this summer. What were our thoughts the second time? What stood out, and do we have plans to return a third time? Here are the questions we each answered about our trips: […]