Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Credit Card Points
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Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

Are you tired of not being able to travel because it's just so expensive? Do finances keep you from your dream destinations and making memories with your family? In this podcast, we show you how you can fulfill that dream of traveling without spending more money. We've earned millions of credit card points to travel all over the world and take our families on amazing vacations. Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, and Disneyland are all possible for nearly free with credit card points and miles. By using credit cards strategically for your everyday expenses, you too can travel for nearly free! We can't wait to help you get that first, nearly-free vacation! Tired of not traveling due to the expense? We can teach you how to travel for pennies on the dollar by using credit card points and miles!

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    107. Meet the Team Behind Travel Mom Squad: Megan, Traci, and Claire!

    You’ve heard us share our travel stories and tips, but today we’re introducing you to three incredible women who help make Travel Mom Squad possible. Megan, Traci, and Claire aren’t just our teammates—they’re passionate travelers and moms with their own inspiring journeys in the world of points and miles. In this episode, we dive into how they got started, their favorite travel wins, and what keeps them motivated to help families travel better. Hit play to hear their stories! Megan: From Student to Digital Manager Megan is the glue that holds our team together, managing everything from card consultations to staying on top of the best credit card offers. A longtime points and miles enthusiast, Megan took her first points-funded trip to China in 2014, booking round-trip flights and two weeks of hotels for free! Fast forward to today, and she’s orchestrating epic family adventures, including a two-week trip to Hawaii and Australia. Her advice? Don’t be afraid to expand your plans. As Megan says, “We were already halfway to Australia, so why not go all the way?” Traci: The Fact-Checking Pro Traci’s role is all about keeping our blog and content accurate and compliant, but her travel experience is just as impressive. She’s been in the points and miles game for over a decade and even introduced Jess to this world! Traci shared highlights from her family’s DIY around-the-world trip, pieced together with points and miles. From art tours in Milan to a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay, Traci’s travel philosophy is all about maximizing memories while balancing practicality. And yes, she admits economy ankles are real—but so is the joy of exploring new destinations! Claire: Building Memories with Birthday Trips As our Facebook community manager, Claire is a familiar face to anyone in our group. But did you know she started her points journey by buying Travel Mom Squad’s course for herself? Since then, Claire has turned family birthdays into opportunities for travel. Her next adventure? Taking her oldest to London and Paris for senior photos—a dream trip made possible with points. The Takeaway: Your Team, Your Inspiration What makes Travel Mom Squad special isn’t just the places we’ve been—it’s the team behind the scenes, working to help you unlock the magic of points and miles.  Whether you’re new to points or a seasoned pro, this episode will inspire you to dream big, plan smart, and keep making memories with your family. Tune in now to hear their stories and start thinking about your next adventure!   Links: Join Our FREE Webinar, Learn How To Travel Nearly Free!  https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:15 – Megan’s role at TMS and how she got started with points and miles 07:00 – Megan’s most memorable family trip and how points made it possible 15:30 – Traci’s background in points and miles and her favorite travel style 22:45 – Traci’s incredible DIY around-the-world trip with her family 33:00 – Claire’s introduction: How she discovered TMS and her role as the Facebook community manager 41:00 – Claire’s approach to birthday trips and favorite points-based travel moments

    57 min

  2. DEC 10

    106. How to Get Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® for Your Family

    Tired of long lines at immigration or security when traveling? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad revisits a favorite topic—Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®—but with a twist. While we’ve covered these programs before, there are important updates you need to know to make family travel even smoother. Whether you’re flying internationally or just looking to breeze through airport security, these tips are a game-changer. New Updates You Can’t Miss Since our last discussion on this topic, a major update now allows kids under 18 to get Global Entry for free if their parent or guardian is enrolled. Jess highlights how this policy change can save families hundreds of dollars—especially for large families like Alex’s. And if you’ve ever been frustrated by long wait times for Global Entry interviews, Alex shares how her family took advantage of the new interview-on-arrival option, skipping the months-long backlog to get everyone approved quickly. Jess also mentions that some airports, like San Francisco, are testing departure-day interviews, which could make the process even easier. How to Get It for Free Using Credit Cards Alex dives into the details of credit cards that reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® application fees. Popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture, and Amex Platinum cards make it easy to offset the costs. One pro tip: You can use the benefit on someone else’s application by paying with your card, so you can help friends and family members enroll too. Between these credits and the new kids-under-18 policy, Global Entry has never been more accessible. Backup Options for Occasional Travelers If you’re not ready to commit to Global Entry, Pam suggests Mobile Passport as an alternative. This app offers a shorter immigration line without the application process or fees. While it’s not as fast as Global Entry, it’s a great backup for infrequent international travelers.  The Key to Stress-Free Family Travel Between Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, and Mobile Passport, there’s no reason to deal with long lines at the airport. As Jess says, “Travel days are stressful enough—why not make them as easy as possible?” If you’ve been putting off enrolling in these programs, this episode is your sign to get started. Tune in now to hear all the details and updates that will make your next family trip a breeze!   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Mobile Passport Blog Post: https://travelmomsquad.com/no-global-entry-try-mobile-passport/ Mobile Passport App: ‎Mobile Passport Control   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Revisiting Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® with important updates 07:00 – TSA PreCheck® benefits and why it’s worth it 10:30 – The best credit cards for free enrollment 15:00 – How the new kids-under-18 policy can save families money 20:00 – Alex’s tips for interview-on-arrival success 28:00 – Mobile Passport: A simple alternative for occasional travelers 30:00 – Final thoughts and why it’s time to enroll

    32 min

  3. DEC 3

    105. The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Points and Miles

    Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less. Chase Freedom Flex: A Keeper in Every Wallet Alex kicks off the episode with her top pick, the Chase Freedom Flex. This no-annual-fee card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points and offers 5% back on rotating categories like PayPal and grocery stores. With a 20,000-point welcome offer after spending just $500, this card can easily cover a one-way flight to Europe. Alex highlights how pairing this with a Chase Sapphire card allows you to transfer points to travel partners, unlocking even more value. Chase Ink Business Cards: Pam’s Love Language Pam shares her favorite no-annual-fee business cards, the Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited. These powerhouse cards earn Ultimate Rewards points on categories like office supply stores and internet or offer a flat 1.5% back on every purchase. With a whopping 75,000-point welcome offer (after spending $6,000), these cards are a cornerstone of her strategy for racking up points. Maximizing American Express Options Jess introduces the Amex Blue Business Plus card, a no-annual-fee option that earns 2X Membership Rewards points on every purchase up to $50,000 annually. She also mentions the Hilton Honors card, which comes with no annual fee and Hilton Silver status, unlocking perks like the fifth night free on award stays. For anyone looking to maintain Hilton points without paying a fee, this is a fantastic option. Waived Annual Fees: United and American Airlines Cards The team also highlights cards like the United Explorer and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, which waive their annual fees the first year. These cards offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and extra award availability for flights. No-Fee Travel Wins From Alex’s PayPal points strategies to Jess’s tips on tracking targeted offers, this episode proves that no-annual-fee cards can still pack a punch. Whether you’re just starting with points and miles or looking to add another card to your wallet, these recommendations are the perfect way to travel smarter without extra costs.     Links For This Episode:  Chase Freedom Flex℠: https://travelmomsquad.com/cff Chase Freedom Unlimited®: http://travelmomsquad.com/cfu Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/cic Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/ciu United℠ Explorer Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/uecp United℠ Business Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/ubc How to Qualify for a Business Card   Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Introduction: Why No-Annual-Fee Cards Matter 01:37 – Chase Freedom Flex: Rotating Categories and Welcome Offers 06:00 – Pam’s Favorite: Chase Ink Business Cards 16:00 – American Express Options for Hilton and Membership Rewards 23:00 – United Explorer and AAdvantage Platinum Select Benefits 30:00 – Wrapping Up: Maximize Value Without Annual Fees

    32 min

  4. NOV 26

    104. How Alex Took Her Family of 6 to Europe: Amsterdam and London on Points and Miles

    Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it’s absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this episode, Alex shares how she made an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam and London with her husband and four boys, all while keeping costs incredibly low. From flights to accommodations and even transportation, she breaks down every detail of her family adventure. Flying to Europe on a Budget The trip began with a flight deal Alex couldn’t pass up: just 105,000 Flying Blue miles for her entire family of six to fly to Amsterdam from Salt Lake City. Alex’s clever use of Flying Blue’s 25% discount for kids under 12 made the trip even more affordable, with taxes and fees coming to just $68 per person. Her tip? Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from American Express or Chase to Flying Blue for even bigger savings! Exploring Amsterdam Like a Local Staying at the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Alex used points to secure connecting rooms for her family, complete with Globalist perks like complimentary breakfast and club access. From the Anne Frank House to a canal boat ride and even creating custom chocolate bars at Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore, the trip balanced iconic attractions with kid-friendly fun. Her advice? Don’t overpack the itinerary—kids need downtime, even in a city as vibrant as Amsterdam. A Short Hop to London For the next leg of the trip, Alex used her Venture X travel credit to book a quick flight to London. Staying at her sister’s house added a personal touch to their time in the UK. From exploring neighborhood Tesco stores to an Arsenal football match, Alex’s kids got an authentic look at British life while bonding with their cousins. Travel Tips for Big Families Alex highlights the importance of preparation, from booking Anne Frank House tickets six weeks in advance to managing public transportation with the GVB app. Nervous about navigating new cities? It’s all part of the learning experience, and the confidence you and your kids gain is worth every moment. Memories That Last a Lifetime Whether it was riding a red bus through London or savoring Yorkshire pudding made by her brother-in-law, Alex’s trip was filled with priceless moments. And thanks to points and miles, this dream trip was not only affordable but also inspiring for her entire family. As Alex puts it, “Travel gives you confidence, and that’s something I saw in my kids every step of the way.” If you’ve ever thought traveling internationally with kids wasn’t possible, this episode will change your mind. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video on YouTube for all the details and tips from Alex’s incredible trip!   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode:  Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/amsra-hyatt-regency-amsterdam Anne Frank House: https://www.annefrank.org/en Harry Potter Studios: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk   Episode Minute By Minute: 03:00 – Finding affordable flights with Flying Blue 12:00 – Amsterdam highlights: Hotels, canals, and chocolate 22:00 – Tips for managing public transportation with kids abroad  27:00 – London adventures: Football matches, Harry Potter, and more 38:00 – Lessons learned and memories made

    43 min

  5. NOV 19

    103. All Things Hilton Honors Program: Our Tips For Points, Perks, and Dreamy Stays

    If you’ve ever wondered whether Hilton Honors deserves a spot in your points and miles strategy, this episode is for you! We’re diving into everything you need to know about Hilton’s award program, from earning points and using free night certificates to snagging unforgettable stays like Bora Bora and Santorini—all without breaking the bank. Why Hilton Honors is Worth a Look We kick off the episode with Jess sharing her journey from being a Hyatt loyalist to appreciating the value Hilton brings to the table. With perks like generous free night certificates and partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), Hilton is making waves. Alex and Pam echo these sentiments, recounting how they’ve used Hilton points to book some seriously bucket-list-worthy properties. Earning Hilton Points Made Easy One of the best parts of the Hilton Honors program? Their credit card lineup! Alex breaks down the personal and business options, from the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors card to the premium Aspire card with Diamond status. Whether you’re a casual traveler or all-in on Hilton, these cards make earning points a breeze. Jess also highlights a pro tip: timing your card applications to snag bonus offers with free night certificates. Maximizing Hilton Free Night Awards Hilton’s free night certificates are a game-changer, and we’re all in agreement—they’re the best in the business. Jess shares how she used one to stay at the Canaves Epitome in Santorini, a property where rooms go for $2,000 a night. Pam and Alex talk about combining points and free nights for five-night stays to take advantage of Hilton’s “fifth night free” benefit, a must for maximizing your points at luxury destinations. Our Favorite Hilton Stays (and What’s Next) From Bora Bora to Cabo, we each share our most memorable Hilton stays and what makes them so special. Pam recalls her time at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, where every room had a private plunge pool and daily guacamole delivery. Alex dreams of a future visit to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. And Jess has some incredible city stays lined up for next year, including the Conrad Tokyo and Canopy Reykjavik. Ready to Plan Your Dream Hilton Trip? This episode is packed with tips for making the most of Hilton points, including using tools like MaxMyPoint for award availability and taking advantage of Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonuses. If you’re not already a Hilton fan, this deep dive might just convert you. Tune in now and start dreaming of your next unforgettable stay—on points!   Links For This Episode: The American Express Hilton Credit Cards Hilton points explorer: https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/points-explorer/ Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 01:37 – Our Backgrounds with Hilton and First Impressions 06:30 – Earning Hilton Points with Credit Cards 12:50 – Maximizing Free Night Awards 18:20 – The Fifth Night Free Benefit and How to Use It 28:15 – Our Favorite Hilton Stays So Far 36:45 – Dream Hilton Destinations for the Future

    39 min

  6. NOV 12

    102. A Points-Fueled Italian Adventure with Pam and Her Sister

    In this episode, Pam takes us on a journey through Italy, sharing how she and her sister made the most of credit card points to explore some of the country’s most iconic spots. From the excitement of snagging business class seats on Turkish Airlines to their adventures in Rome, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a few surprises. Flying in Style with Turkish Airlines Pam kicks things off by describing how she and her sister flew business class round-trip for just 90,000 miles each! Although they traveled on Turkish Airlines’ older plane configuration, Pam found the seats spacious and comfortable. With quality food, incredible service, and even tea lights during dinner, Turkish Airlines left a lasting impression. Exploring Chicago’s Park Hyatt Before heading overseas, Pam and her sister spent a day in Chicago, staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt. With a stunning view of the city, a Viator tour, and some quality time on the Navy Pier, their Chicago stay set the tone for a relaxing trip. Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como is Pam’s favorite Italian destination, and staying at the Grand Hotel Victoria felt like a dream come true. Despite a minor hiccup with their limo service, she describes the hotel’s new beach club and the serene beauty of Lake Como’s small towns. A day trip to Varenna made this part of the trip unforgettable. Wandering Through Cinque Terre Pam and her sister finally made it to Cinque Terre, a place they’d planned to visit on a past trip. Staying at Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso, they explored the charming coastal villages by train, enjoyed the local gelato, and took in the stunning coastal views. Pam notes that, while crowded during the day, Cinque Terre transforms into a peaceful, magical place once the cruise crowds leave. Wrapping Up in Milan The sisters ended their Italian adventure with a stay at the Sheraton Malpensa before flying back. Pam shares a final tip for using points on international trips, especially when navigating multiple cities and modes of transportation. For Pam, Italy is a place she’ll never tire of, and her love for the country and its culture shines through in every story. If you’re dreaming of an Italian getaway or curious about how to make the most of points and miles, this episode is a must-listen! Hit play now to hear the full story!    Links For This Episode:  Park Hyatt Chicago: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/park-hyatt-chicago/chiph Grand Hotel Victoria: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bgyhvlx-grand-hotel-victoria-concept-and-spa-lago-di-como/ Hotel Pasquale: https://www.hotelpasquale.it/en/index.php Sheraton Malpensa Airport: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/milmp-sheraton-milan-malpensa-airport-hotel-and-conference-centre/overview Itailarail: https://www.italiarail.com Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Pam’s Love for Italy and Setting the Scene 01:37 – Scoring Business Class Seats on Turkish Airlines 06:00 – Exploring Chicago and Staying at the Park Hyatt 15:26 – Arriving at Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria 24:17 – Wandering Through Cinque Terre 35:30 – Wrapping Up the Trip in Milan and Travel Tips

    41 min

  7. NOV 5

    101. Top Points and Miles Resources Every Traveler Needs

    Feeling overwhelmed by the world of points and miles? We get it! In our 101st episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, we’re sharing our must-have tools, apps, and strategies to make it all so much simpler. This one is packed with practical tips for tracking credit card points, finding award flights, and booking those dream hotels—without the headache. The Ultimate Points Tracker We kick things off by discussing our top app pick, Travel Freely. This app has been our go-to for keeping track of credit cards since 2019. And the best part? It’s completely free and doesn’t ask for sensitive information. If you’re new to points and miles or just want to stay organized, you need to check this out. Award Flight Search Engines Made Easy Award flights can be tricky, but we have a few favorite tools that save us hours. PointsYeah and Seats.Aero top our list for finding last-minute deals and exploring award availability across multiple airlines. Pam also shares how she uses flexible search tools to compare options, ensuring she gets the best route and price every time. Booking the Best Hotels on Points We couldn’t talk travel resources without diving into hotel award search engines. Jess highlights MaxMyPoint and Rooms.Aero for finding those hard-to-book rooms, like luxury stays at the Conrad Bora Bora. With these tools, you’ll know exactly when availability opens up so you can snag those dream hotel rooms before they’re gone. Flexibility is Key One of our favorite tips? Using flexible date calendars to find the lowest points for flights and hotel stays. These tools can make a huge difference in stretching your points further—perfect if you have a bit of wiggle room in your travel dates! Stay Out of Debt: The Auto-Pay Essential Finally, we talk about the importance of setting up auto-pay on every new credit card. It’s a simple step, but it ensures you never miss a payment or pay interest, keeping your travel truly free. Trust us—this tip alone can save you so much stress (and money)! If you’re ready to take your points game to the next level, this episode is for you. Tune in now on your favorite platform, and don’t forget to check out the links we’ve added to the show notes below. Happy traveling!   Links: Travel Freely: https://my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=hmyt PointsYeah: https://www.pointsyeah.com Point me: https://www.point.me/?pid=51 Point me for AMEX: https://amex.point.me/ Seats aero: https://seats.aero/r/imlvxfn3 Open Hotel Alert: https://openhotelalert.com/ Max My Point: https://maxmypoint.com/ref?code=nt4vx Rooms Aero: https://rooms.aero/ Flight Connections: https://www.flightconnections.com/premium?via=alex-payne Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute-By-Minute: 00:30 – Introduction: Why Resources Matter 01:37 – Top App Pick: Travel Freely 12:53 – Best Award Flight Search Engines 28:14 – Our Go-To Hotel Award Search Engines 35:31 – How Flexible Date Calendars Save Points 42:56 – Auto-Pay: The Key to Staying Debt-Free

    45 min

  8. OCT 29

    100. Celebrating 100 Episodes! Your Top Questions Answered by Travel Mom Squad

    We can’t believe it—Travel Mom Squad has hit 100 episodes! For this milestone, we wanted to do something extra special, so we put a question box on Instagram and let you take the lead on what we’d cover. From travel pet peeves to our all-time favorite destinations, we’re answering it all with our first-ever video podcast. Yes, you read that right! Now, you can join us on YouTube and see all our expressions as we talk about the good, the bad, and the hilarious moments of family travel. In this episode, we get personal with questions like, What’s your biggest “ick” when flying? You’ll hear all about Jess’s headphone policy, Alex’s boarding gate crowding frustrations, and Pam’s polite plea for more airplane etiquette. We laughed so hard sharing our biggest annoyances, but the truth is, these little quirks come up every trip. If you’ve traveled with kids, partners, or even just your own carry-on, you’ll be nodding along! Ever wondered if travel creators like us ever truly unplug? Or maybe you’re curious about how we balance making memories with capturing content. We’re spilling the secrets! It’s true: even when we’re “off,” we’re probably snapping a few photos or jotting down tips, but we also cherish those quiet moments with our families. There’s always a balance, and in this episode, we talk about how each of us keeps travel feeling like an adventure. Of course, a Travel Mom Squad Q&A wouldn’t be complete without diving into our points and miles obsession. We each reveal how many Hyatt points we’ve redeemed in 2024—Jess’s total might blow your mind! We share why Hyatt is our go-to and the incredible places points have taken us this year, from Japan to Costa Rica. But we also get real about the redemptions that weren’t so dreamy. Think Venice in the rain and unexpected Kuala Lumpur heatwaves. Lastly, we’re opening up about the business side of Travel Mom Squad. From affiliate links to digital courses, we explain how we keep the show running and offer advice for anyone hoping to turn their passion into a career. Whether you’re a travel fanatic or just love hearing behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is packed with everything that makes family travel so inspiring—and sometimes unpredictable! Join us for laughs, insights, and a few surprises as we celebrate 100 episodes. Listen to the full episode now on your favorite platform or head over to YouTube to watch the video and celebrate with us! Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Q&A and Reflection on 100 Episodes 02:00 – Travel “Icks” and Pet Peeves 10:00 – Do We Ever “Unplug” on Vacation? How we travel and work 16:50 – 2024 Points Redemptions and How We Use Hyatt 35:30 – Most Disappointing Points Redemptions and Why 48:00 – Top Travel Moments We Want to Relive Over and Over  51:00 – A Look Into The Business Side Of TMS and Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

    57 min
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About

Are you tired of not being able to travel because it's just so expensive? Do finances keep you from your dream destinations and making memories with your family? In this podcast, we show you how you can fulfill that dream of traveling without spending more money. We've earned millions of credit card points to travel all over the world and take our families on amazing vacations. Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, and Disneyland are all possible for nearly free with credit card points and miles. By using credit cards strategically for your everyday expenses, you too can travel for nearly free! We can't wait to help you get that first, nearly-free vacation! Tired of not traveling due to the expense? We can teach you how to travel for pennies on the dollar by using credit card points and miles!

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