January 14, 2025
Podcast 111. Looking Ahead to 2025—Our Cards, Trips, and Goals!
Jess
It’s never too early to plan for your next adventure! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad team looks ahead to 2025, sharing the trips we’ve already booked, the credit cards we’re eyeing, and our goals for the year. From Bora Bora to Spain, and everything in between, we’re setting the stage for another year of nearly free travel—powered by points and miles!
The Cards We’re Excited About for 2025
Jess kicks things off with a breakdown of the credit cards she’s targeting, starting with the Capital One Spark Cash Plus and a high-value 80,000-mile Alaska Airlines personal card offer. Pam and Alex are also planning to go for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, while Alex shares how she’s strategizing with Citi AAdvantage business cards to maximize welcome offers. The key takeaway? Timing matters when it comes to opening new cards and meeting bonus requirements.
Trips We’ve Already Booked
Between the three of us, we’ve got a packed itinerary for 2025!
Highlights include:
- Jess: Birthday celebrations in San Miguel de Allende, spring break in Japan, and summer escapes to Iceland and Ireland.
- Alex: A Costa Rica adventure with her family, a Maui getaway, and a bucket-list trip to Bora Bora with her husband.
- Pam: A whirlwind journey through India, Nepal, and Bhutan, along with visits to Spain, Maui, and Bora Bora.
We talk about how planning trips far in advance ensures award availability and allows us to secure premium travel experiences.
Points and Miles Strategies for the Year Ahead
One thing is clear: flexibility is crucial for success in the points and miles world. Alex shares how she’s keeping her plans open for potential limited-time offers, while Jess talks about balancing her earn-and-burn strategy to maximize the value of her points. Pam reflects on how having a solid points balance gives her the freedom to take spontaneous trips or splurge on luxury experiences.
Make 2025 Your Best Travel Year Yet!
If you’re ready to make 2025 the year of nearly free travel, tune in to this episode for inspiration and actionable tips. We also share a free masterclass on how to get your next vacation for nearly free, so be sure to check the show notes for the link. Let’s make this your best travel year yet!
Links:
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Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
- How I Got Approved for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:30 – Introduction: Looking ahead to 2025
- 01:00 – The credit cards we’re eyeing for 2025
- 11:00 – Our travel plans: Highlights from our booked trips
- 28:00 – Points strategies and staying flexible
- 31:00 – Points and miles goals for the year ahead
- 33:00 – How to make 2025 your best travel year yet
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Jess, any details you can share about booking five in business class using AA miles on Japan Airlines? I’m taking my husband and youngest son to Japan in October and have the world‘s longest flight book via Singapore, but looking for for returns for us on JAL using AA miles. Even with a lot of positioning, the most I’m finding is two seats. Considering buying Three economy, flights and hoping that more award space is released later. Would love your thoughts.
Oops-I meant 4 in Business