Family traditions don't have to cost a fortune when you know how to leverage travel rewards. On our latest adventure, we whisked our soon-to-be nine-year-old son to Dallas for his birthday weekend, fulfilling his dream of attending an NFL game while creating unforgettable memories.

The trip centered around three core experiences: mouthwatering brisket at Terry Black's BBQ, heart-pounding roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas, and the electric atmosphere of a Cowboys-Giants overtime thriller at AT&T Stadium. We navigated the challenges of downtown Dallas's unexpected 3AM street racing scene (yes, really!) and conquered the post-game transportation chaos that had us abandoning our Uber and walking to the stadium.

With strategic planning, we transformed what could have been an expensive weekend into an affordable getaway. Our American Airlines flights were largely covered by a Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit, while our luxurious Corner Suite at the Thompson Dallas was completely booked with Hyatt points. Even our airport experiences were elevated with lounge access at both Phoenix and DFW.

This Dallas getaway represents something deeper than just another vacation – it's part of our family tradition of celebrating each child's ninth birthday with a domestic destination of their choice, followed by an international adventure at eighteen. These milestone trips create lasting bonds and teach our children about the world beyond their everyday experiences.

Whether you're planning your own family traditions or simply looking to maximize value on your next trip, we hope our experiences provide both inspiration and practical tips. The joy on our son's face as he cheered alongside Cowboys fans (while proudly wearing his Dolphins jersey) made every point and mile we've ever earned completely worthwhile.