Ever wondered what cards the Travel Mom Squad would pick if they were diving into traveling on points and miles today? In our latest episode, we unveil the strategies and cards we would go for if we were newcomers in this game of savvy travel.  Alex kicks off by sharing her initial strategy involving the Southwest Companion Pass, while Pam reflects on her allegiance to United and Marriott. Jess, a bit more cautious, initially opted for the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom. Now, we each have a fresh top-five list influenced by the current credit landscape and the game-changing Chase 5/24 rule, emphasizing the importance of choosing wisely to maximize travel rewards. Although there are some similarities in our choices, each of our selections cater to how we travel. Taking a close look at each card's benefits, how to strategically earn points, and the extra perks they offer, we aim to give you all the details you need to make smart choices about which cards work best to fit your preferences. With the evolving nature of credit card benefits, our strategies have to be adaptable to make the most of the offers on the table. This episode is packed with insights into the strategic choices that shape an award traveler's journey. So, whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this will serve as a guide to help you through the dynamic world of accumulating and using points for travel. Are you ready to start your travel journey? We invite you to hit play and join the conversation as we explore the methods we'd use if we were beginning today. Listening in could be your first step towards mastering the art of traveling for less with the most rewarding credit cards in your wallet!   Links:   Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey:    Award Travel Academy: Award Travel Academy I  https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=THMWEB150    Our Website:    https://travelmomsquad.com    Connect With Us:  Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad Facebook group: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad      Episode Minute By Minute:   00:00 Today’s episode on how we would start if we were starting over!   02:00 Jess gives a quick recap of the Chase 5/24 rule    03:00 Alex talks about the first cards that she opened    06:30 Pam shares how she started and what cards she opened first    08:49 Jess talks about the first cards that she opened when she started   10:29 Alex lists the 5 cards she would open if she were to start today   17:29 Alex shares what her pacing would be with these cards knowing what she knows now    20:06 Pam talks about her travel journey and how she opened her first cards    23:46 Pam shares the 5 cards she would open   28:45 Jess talks about the 5 cards that she would open is she was starting today    35:35 Some final thoughts and how you can get started today!    

50. New Rules, New Game: Strategies We'd Use If We Were Just Starting

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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Ever wonder how you could wander through the romantic streets of Paris, explore the ancient ruins of Rome, or cruise the canals of Amsterdam without the steep price of airfare hanging over your head? Well, buckle up, because today's episode is all about making those European dreams a reality for pennies on the dollar! Join us, the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess—as we delve into our treasure trove of tips for using points and miles to jet off to Europe. In today’s chat, Jess spills the beans on how she's hopping across the pond multiple times this year (hint: it's all about those points!), and Pam shares her seasoned strategies for snagging those luxurious long-haul flights to visit her daughter in London. We’re peeling back the curtain on the mystical world of traveling on points, showing you that with a bit of savvy planning and the right credit cards, those chic European getaways can be more attainable than you think. From leveraging airline alliances to maximizing credit card rewards, we're not just talking about scoring a seat on a plane; we're upgrading you to a lifestyle where globe-trotting to Europe becomes as routine as a road trip to the next state. We'll guide you through the best cards for travel points, how to snag that elusive business class upgrade without breaking the bank, and why sometimes, the best travel strategy involves a simple train ride through stunning landscapes. So, whether you're plotting your first escape to Europe or you're a seasoned flyer looking to stretch your miles even further, this episode is your first-class ticket to smarter travel. Ready to soar into the skies without the hefty price tag? Hit play to join our journey and maybe even discover how to make Europe your second home, one point at a time!   Links For This Episode:    Transfer Partner & Airline Alliance Master List: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet  Our Favorite Search Engines To Book Award Travel:  https://travelmomsquad.com/our-favorite-search-engines-to-book-award-travel/     Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad:  stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute:  1:49 Starting Points - Pam shares why Europe is a top destination and tips on using points for flights. 3:09 Cheap Carriers & Trains - Pam explains how to travel cheaply within Europe once you arrive. 4:12 Typical Costs - Pam outlines what to expect in terms of points for economy and business class. 6:22 Favorite Airlines - Pam and Alex discuss their preferred airlines and strategies for booking. 9:54 Booking Tips - Alex offers advice for beginners on booking with United and other carriers. 14:12 Air France Benefits - Alex highlights the perks of booking with Air France, especially for families. 20:30 Real Booking Examples - Alex shares recent bookings and Jess talks about flying Singapore Airlines. 24:11 Avianca LifeMiles - Pam discusses using Avianca for flying Star Alliance to Europe. 27:00 Chase Travel Portal - Alex suggests using the Chase portal for booking when rates are low. 32:00 Upgrading Tickets - Alex and Jess talk about upgrading flights and when it’s worth it. 

78.  European Getaways: How to Fly for Less Using Points and Miles

Ever wonder how some people manage to jet off on amazing vacations without breaking the bank? Today, we're spilling the secrets on how to start traveling almost free by harnessing the power of credit card points and miles. Whether you're a points newbie or just need a refresher, this episode is your passport to becoming a savvy traveler in 2024. Hey, it's us, the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess! Grab a cup of coffee, and let's break down the basics of earning and redeeming points. It's way simpler than you think, and no, you definitely don't need to be rich or spend a fortune to start racking up those miles. Here's what we're unpacking today:  The Real Scoop on Credit Card Bonuses: Learn how welcome offers work and why you don’t have to spend extra to benefit. Choosing the Right Cards: We dive into why not all cards are created equal and how you can pick the best ones to start stacking up free flights and hotel stays. Smart Spending: Tips on using your card like a debit card to avoid debt while earning points on every dollar you spend. Annual Fees Demystified: Think of annual fees as an investment that pays off in free travel. We'll explain how the benefits far outweigh the costs.  We'll also share personal stories and simple strategies to get the most out of your cards without altering your lifestyle. Plus, we'll cover some common myths and mistakes to avoid, ensuring your credit score stays intact and your travel dreams soar. Ready to turn your everyday spending into your next vacation? Let’s demystify the points game together. Hit play to dive into the world of points and miles and discover how easy it is to travel for nearly free. Share this episode with friends and family who dream of exploring the world without emptying their wallets!   Links: Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey:  How to Get Your Next Vacation For Nearly Free:  https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/ Award Travel Academy: https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=TMSWEB150 Current Best Credit Card Offers:  https://travelfreely.com/travelmomsquad/     Our Website:   https://travelmomsquad.com     Connect With Us:  Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad Facebook group: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad    Episode Minute By Minute:  0:00 Intro: Alex introduces the basics of credit card points and miles. 1:11 Clearing Misconceptions: Jess discusses the reality of earning points without excessive spending. 2:46 Credit Card Bonuses: Pam explains how sign-up bonuses work and how to meet spending requirements wisely. 6:24 Long-term Strategy: Jess touches on the sustainability of credit card point strategies over the years. 9:10 Annual Fees Explained: Jess dives into why paying annual fees can be worth it with the right cards. 11:15 Cost-Benefit Analysis: Jess and Pam discuss how the benefits often outweigh the costs of annual fees. 14:18 Card Management After One Year: Pam explains options for managing your credit cards after the annual fee posts. 18:32 Pace Yourself: Jess emphasizes the importance of pacing in the credit card points game to avoid red flags with banks. 20:12 Credit Score Concerns: Alex addresses concerns about the impact of opening new credit cards on credit scores. 25:00 Types of Credit Cards: Jess explains the difference between co-branded cards and flexible point cards. 27:40 Two-Player Mode: Pam discusses how partnering up can maximize point earnings. 29:56 The Chase 5/24 Rule: Alex explains one of the most important rules in the credit card points game. 

77. New to Points and Miles? Start Here! Your Beginner's Guide to Points & Miles in 2024

Ever wonder how a busy mom of two transformed from a points and miles novice to a traveling on points pro, jet-setting in first class and organizing family vacations for practically pennies on the dollar? Well, buckle up, because today's episode is all about Stephanie's jaw-dropping journey through our Award Travel Academy. Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we dive into Stephanie's adventure into the world of points and miles. From her first tentative steps earning slow-burn points on a single credit card to mastering the art of maximizing sign-up bonuses and leveraging different loyalty programs for incredible getaways, Stephanie's story is nothing short of inspiring. Learn how she pulled off a luxurious couple's retreat and a family trip for 12, all while juggling the demands of young kids and a full-time job. It's a tale of patience, savvy planning, and the thrilling highs of scoring that "almost free" travel. Stephanie shares her favorite redemption stories, including a dreamy escape to Aruba using a mix of Delta and British Airways points, and a sophisticated system of combining points for a lavish family stay in a ski-in ski-out condo in Colorado. Whether you're a points newbie or a seasoned traveler, Stephanie's insights and our tips will help you see that luxury travel isn't just for the rich and famous—it's accessible to anyone who's ready to learn the ropes of the points game. So, are you ready to see how you too can travel the world for less? Press play to dive into Stephanie's story and discover how you can start crafting your own travel tales. And remember, if Stephanie and us can do it, so can you! Join us inside the Award Travel Academy and let us help guide you on your journey. Your next adventure awaits, and it’s closer than you think! (Links below!)    Links for this Episode:   Award Travel Academy:   https://sso.teachable.com/secure/1220720/checkout/4130861/thmata?coupon_code=MAY200   ATA Next Level:   https://sso.teachable.com/secure/1220720/checkout/4762583/atanextlevel?coupon_code=MAY200 BOGO Free Bundle!:   https://sso.teachable.com/secure/1220720/checkout/4762603/award-travel-academy-next-level-bundle?coupon_code=TMSBOGO24    Our Website:   https://travelmomsquad.com     Connect With Us:  Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad    Episode Minute By Minute:  0:00 Meet Stephanie: Learn how she transformed her family’s travel using points. 1:42 Discovering Points: Stephanie shares her early experiences with earning and using points.  5:38 Joining the Academy: Find out why Stephanie joined Award Travel Academy and its impact. 13:07 Aruba Trip: Details on Stephanie’s strategic use of points for a trip to Aruba. 22:07 Colorado Family Trip: Stephanie plans a family ski trip to Colorado entirely on points. 31:24 Future Travels: Insights into Stephanie’s future travel plans and dream destinations. 34:37 Q&A;: Stephanie answers questions about her travel strategies 42:37 Wrap-Up: Key takeaways from Stephanie’s journey and an invite to join Award Travel Academy. 

76. Travel Like a Pro: Stephanie’s Journey from Points Beginner to Award Travel Guru

Ever wonder whether the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve is the right card for you? Well, today we're diving deep into both to help you figure out which card might fit your wallet better. Hey, we're the Travel Mom Squad (Pam, Jess, and Alex), and in today’s chat, we're breaking down everything you need to know about these two popular cards from Chase. From the nitty-gritty of their benefits to the best ways to utilize their perks, we've got you covered. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is our go-to recommendation for those new to the points game. With a lower annual fee and solid rewards, it’s a powerhouse for anyone starting out.  On the flip side, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is like the Preferred’s big sibling, with a heftier fee but a ton of premium perks. Think $300 travel credit that you can use for just about anything travel-related, from taxis to flights, which makes its higher fee more palatable.  Both cards have their merits, and the best one for you depends heavily on how much you travel and what kinds of benefits you value most. If you're a frequent traveler who loves splurging on travel and dining, the Reserve might be up your alley. But if you're just dipping your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Preferred might be a better fit. So, are you ready to pick a card that aligns with your travel aspirations and spending habits? Join us as we delve into the details, share our personal experiences, and maybe, just maybe, help you decide which card will earn a spot in your wallet. Remember, the right card for you is the one that matches your travel style and budget. Hit play to get the full scoop and kickstart your journey with the right Chase card for you!   Links For This Episode:   Chase Sapphire Preferred: Travel Mom Squad | Card Offer  Chase Sapphire Reserve: Travel Mom Squad | Card Offer   Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey:  How to Get Your Next Vacation For Nearly Free:  https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/ Award Travel Academy: https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=TMSWEB150 Current Best Credit Card Offers:  https://travelfreely.com/travelmomsquad/    Our Website:   https://travelmomsquad.com     Connect With Us:  Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad Facebook group: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad    Episode Minute By Minute:  1:24: Overview of both cards' benefits and the importance of choosing one. 2:16: Deep dive into the Sapphire Preferred's perks, including the $50 hotel credit and its real-world application. 3:09: Sapphire Reserve’s high-end benefits explained, including the $300 easy-to-use travel credit. 5:18: Key differences between Sapphire Preferred and Reserve, focusing on points value and earnings on travel. 6:42: Priority Pass benefits with the Reserve and upcoming changes affecting restaurant credits. 8:01: How to reapply for Sapphire cards, including wait times and strategies for downgrading or upgrading. 13:12: Recap of current card offers and how they influence the decision on which card to apply for. 16:46: Discussion and personal preferences on choosing between the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve based on individual travel and spending habits. 20:04: Final thoughts on selecting the right Chase Sapphire card.   

75. Chase Sapphire Smackdown: Preferred vs Reserve – Which Card Wins Your Wallet?

Ever wonder how to tackle a family trip to Korea and Japan without breaking the bank? Buckle up because today's episode is a real treat! Our very own Digital Business Manager, Megan, joins us to share her savvy strategies for a dream family vacation on a budget. Imagine flying your family halfway across the world and navigating foreign cities, all made significantly more affordable through the magic of points and miles. Megan and her husband, parents to three adorable kids (including seven-year-old twins!), took the plunge and orchestrated a memorable adventure to Korea and Japan. From finding flights from small airports with surprising connections to making strategic decisions about where to splurge and save, Megan’s approach is a masterclass in points and miles. Starting in Seoul and journeying through Japan, Megan’s story is filled with fun, food, and family. Her tips on using points for different aspects of the trip will inspire you to consider how you can leverage your travel rewards for unforgettable family experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of neon-lit nights in Tokyo or serene mornings in Seoul, this episode will show you that such a grand adventure is within reach. Ready to learn how you can give your family the world without emptying your wallet? Hit play and join us for a journey through Korea and Japan with Megan’s travel savvy insights. Remember, this is just the sneak peek, so listen to the full episode for all the gems Megan has to offer!   Links: Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey:  How to Get Your Next Vacation For Nearly Free:  https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/ Award Travel Academy: https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=TMSWEB150 Current Best Credit Card Offers:  https://travelfreely.com/travelmomsquad/    Our Website:   https://travelmomsquad.com     Connect With Us:  Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad    Links For This Episode:   Grand Hyatt Seoul:  https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/south-korea/grand-hyatt-seoul/selrs Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West: https://tidd.ly/4dbzgqj (affiliate link) Hyatt Place Kyoto: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/hyatt-place-kyoto/kyozk Hyatt Regency Tokyo:  https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/hyatt-regency-tokyo/tyoty Hilton Tokyo Bay: https://tidd.ly/49Hw02G (affiliate link) Hyatt Regency DFW:  https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/dfwap-hyatt-regency-dfw-international-airport    Episode Minute By Minute:  2:30 Details on booking Delta flights through Air France from Rochester, NY to Seoul 4:16 Arrival in Seoul and first impressions; navigating from the airport 5:52 Staying in Seoul at the Grand Hyatt: How Megan managed hotel bookings on points and the unexpected benefits they enjoyed. 7:34 Moving from Korea to Japan, including flight details and using points for a short regional hop. 8:48 Experiencing Osaka and Universal Studios Japan, discussing both the logistics and the highlights of their visit. 10:27 Kyoto adventures: Staying at Hyatt Place and how Megan made the most of hotel points and category changes. 12:15 Cultural experiences and navigating with kids in Kyoto, including a day trip to Nara. 14:03 Final leg in Tokyo: Navigating the city, enjoying local attractions, and managing accommodations at the Hyatt Regency. 16:22 Discussing the unique offerings at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, including how they used park tickets and what set DisneySea apart. 18:40 Wrapping up the trip: Megan’s reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and how the trip impacted their family. 20:15 Final thoughts and takeaways on using points for large family travel and a teaser for what’s next for Megan and her family!   

50. New Rules, New Game: Strategies We'd Use If We Were Just Starting

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