THE blog

search the blog:

read more

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 […]

Longtail boats in water near rocks

read more

Thailand is a dream destination, offering everything from the vibrant energy of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket and the lush jungles of Chiang Rai. But what if you could elevate your experience even further? Imagine staying in some of Thailand’s most luxurious hotels, all without stretching your budget. We’re sharing our ten best […]

read more

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 […]

read more

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 […]

blue water with colorful long tail boats on beach

read more

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 […]

read more

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 […]

read more

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 […]

Seaplane

read more

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 […]

Southwest Airlines plane

read more

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 […]

santorini greece

read more

Let’s be real—luxury travel isn’t just about five-star service and plush robes. It’s about stepping into a world that feels tailor-made for you, where every moment is crafted to perfection. You can now unlock some of the most incredible stays worldwide with your Hilton points, thanks to their partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the […]

read more

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 […]

Beach in Hawaii

read more

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 […]

read more

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 […]

Large tower on bank of river

read more

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 […]

read more

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. […]

Palm trees on sand near blue water

read more

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 […]

read more

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 […]

read more

Aloha is Calling: How to Choose the Perfect Hawaiian Island for Your Dream Getaway Hawaii is the ultimate bucket-list destination—a paradise of sun-drenched beaches, lush rainforests, and breathtaking volcanoes. But with so many stunning islands to choose from, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. Should you soak up the vibrant energy of Oahu, explore […]

read more

I fell in love with Japan the first time I visited, and it’s still my favorite country after this most recent visit. Ted, Ella, Molly, and I spent spring break in Tokyo and Kyoto, and we had the best time!  Here’s my review of Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya, where we spent four nights. It will […]

read more

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, […]

Hotel looking over water across from Sydney Opera House

read more

Whatever part of the world you’re traveling to, Hyatt has an aspirational hotel that can be as memorable as your destination. While these stays could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if paid in cash, you can book them with our favorite points—Hyatt points! While they will cost more points than your average hotel, with […]

Wondering which credit card you should get? 

FREE consultation

Click the button below to get a free credit card consultation.

sign me up!

We got ya! 

Do you want to fast-track your points and miles education?

Get Award Travel Academy and learn everything you need to know to travel for nearly free!

Check it Out

Get Our Courses

Advertiser Disclosure: Travel Mom Squad has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Travel Mom Squad and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact how or where products appear on this site. Travel Mom Squad has not reviewed all available credit card offers on this site.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.