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