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    Beach villas with turquoise water

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    We recently asked, “What keeps you from traveling with points and miles?” The majority of people mentioned time. I’m here to tell you—don’t let time stand in the way of traveling with points and miles! How many times have you wished you started something (that ended up being great for you) sooner? I get it. […]

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    Do you see us travel on business class seats and think you need to be doing that to be successful? Do you see people traveling to the Maldives and think you should plan that trip instead of going to Hawaii? Have you seen our all-inclusive trips at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun and think you must […]

    Airplane on runway

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    While traveling is exciting and fun, it can have its fair share of uncertainties. Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, life can sometimes throw unexpected changes your way. And in these times, it’s important to have an understanding of the airline change and cancellation policies.  This Ultimate Guide […]

    Hilton Conrad Bora Bora pool

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    Hilton offers the best hotel annual free night certificate. Surprised? We talk about Hyatt so much, and Hilton is low on our radar (except when it comes to their free night certificates). You can use them at almost ANY Hilton. As long as you can find standard award night availability (sometimes difficult), you can use […]

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    I just realized that I am not using all of my credit card benefits 😩 —and I’m supposed to be a pro at this.  There are some credit card benefits you might be missing out on, too. There are so many credit card benefits – here are the ones I use routinely: Annual night certificates […]

    Brown hotel that says Intercontinental on sign

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    We enjoy our elite status through different hotels, particularly our Hyatt Globalist status. But did you know that there is an elite status you can buy instead of earning it? If you have ever stayed at an Intercontinental Hotel, IHG’s luxury brand, you know they are very luxurious. Think marble, elegant furniture, and chandeliers; you […]

    Airport lounge with red flowers in vase

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    On our return flight from Singapore, we flew business class which allowed us to check out Singapore’s KrisFlyer Business Class Lounge at Changi Airport. It is their flagship lounge, and it is massive! There are so many places to sit and work. I was very impressed. Considering how much I enjoy the airline, the fact […]

    United Airplane

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    Big news for those who fly United Airlines—United now allows miles pooling! This is especially beneficial if you are traveling with someone with elite status who can book a better seat. For instance, I am Platinum Elite on United. My daughters and I are planning a trip this summer to Portugal. There is a very […]

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    Virgin Red is Virgin’s group-wide rewards club while Flying Club is Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer club. While they’re technically two separate programs, you can link your accounts and share points between both. American Express, Chase, and Citi all transfer to Virgin Atlantic. Capital One transfers to Virgin Red, but by linking your accounts, you can […]

    Older woman and man with young man holding child at beach

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    On a recent podcast, we all talked about our strategies for 2024 and that we all planned to earn a million points or more again. I also mentioned two other things: 1. I have over 4 million credit card points and miles, and 2. One bank doesn’t like me now (not approving me for their […]

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    I thought it would be fun to hear from some of our readers, particularly our Award Travel Academy Students, about their points and miles journey. I asked them to tell us about their first redemptions and their journey from beginner to booking that first trip with credit card points and miles.   Olivia’s Story with […]

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    Once again, I’ve booked an airplane award redemption without a real trip planned. The option of flying Etihad Apartments for 65K miles (booked on Air Canada’s site) was too good to pass up. Amazingly, many people jumped on this offer in 2023, and many had their trips canceled as Air Canada and Etihad had some […]

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    Interested in points and miles but find it a bit overwhelming? You’re not alone. With so many cards and rules to consider, it can feel like a daunting task. But don’t worry, we’re here to help simplify it all for you! Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on YouTube   In this episode, […]

    Screenshot podcast cover

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    Today, we are diving into our 2024 travel plans and card strategies for maximum adventure. Points/mile can turn your dream vacation into an unforgettable family trip for nearly free! Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on YouTube   As 2024 unfolds, we are buzzing with excitement, sharing our insights on top card picks. […]

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    2023 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 2023 Points/Miles Recap! Alex’s 2023 Points/Miles Recap February The first trip in my 2023 Points/Miles […]

    woman sitting in airport lounge

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    I am so happy that I fly out of Denver International Airport. There are three AMAZING airport lounges now! As a self-proclaimed airport lounge geek, this girl couldn’t be happier. The question I have for today has to be, “Is Denver the new airport lounge king?” I think it could be – here are the […]

    Aerial view of ocean and beach

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    I know many of you wonder how we travel so often and acquire so many credit card points and miles. First of all, this is our job, so we definitely are more intense about points and miles than you need to be. We also prioritize a LOT of travel so that we can show you […]

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    Booking domestic United flights through Turkish Airlines can save you a ton of points. It’s also been a painful process recently because it has required either calling Turkish Airlines or emailing a ticket office. Well, up until now that is! You can now book Star Alliance award flights via the Turkish Airlines website. Here’s how […]

    Screenshot of podcast

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    In this episode, Pam shares how she and her sister went on a whirlwind trip to NYC, London, Dublin, and Florence. She also shares some travel mishaps and why they had to cancel the last leg of their trip. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on YouTube   Hey there, Travelers! Welcome back […]

    Hyatt Cap Cana Ziva

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    We talk about having Hyatt Globalist status so much that many of you may think you HAVE to get it. Absolutely not! We will be the first to say that it may not be worth the effort for many people. While we love it and always plan to have it, this (and everything we talk […]

    People sitting in busy airport

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    Positioning flights are a huge part of our award redemption strategy. When you can’t find a flight from your home airport (or to your final destination), positioning flights can help make trips happen. They are not without risk, though—what happens when your positioning flight is delayed (or canceled)? I have taken numerous positioning flights without […]

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    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.