In this episode of Revolutionizing Your Journey, host DeAndre Coke sits down with Kara Allen, a BoldlyGo team member and passionate traveler who is also a points-and-miles enthusiast, to discuss the art of planning family travel using rewards. Kara shares her journey into the world of travel hacking and details her unforgettable family safari in Africa. The conversation dives into the logistics of planning for a family of five, balancing flight redemptions, and creating a photography-centered itinerary across multiple destinations. Kara opens up about traveling with children, including managing medical needs while abroad, and offers practical insights on overcoming fears that often hold families back from exploring the world. The episode concludes with valuable lessons learned, cherished moments, and practical advice for families looking to make travel more accessible and rewarding.

Key Highlights:

• Kara’s travel story: She has years of experience mastering points and miles to travel smarter.
• Family dynamics: Traveling with a family of five requires extra planning, coordination, and flexibility.
• Safari planning: Organizing a safari trip demands detailed attention to routes, timing, and experiences.
• Photography focus: Kara’s trip was designed around capturing wildlife moments through a camera lens.
• Health Preparedness: Traveling with children who have medical conditions is entirely possible with proactive planning.
• Creative itineraries: Smart use of points made multiple international stops achievable and affordable.
• Value of rewards: Strategic redemptions drastically reduced overall travel costs.
• Memorable experiences: From layovers in Paris to African sunsets, the trip delivered lasting memories.
• Family travel inspiration: The episode highlights that the rewards of family travel far outweigh the challenges.

Resources:

• Kara’s Blog Post: Our Guide to Staying at Antares Bush Camp and Umgede Hide (South Africa Safari Experience)
• Book a Free 30 minute points & miles consultation
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Interested in Financial Planning?

• Truicity Wealth Management

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: 
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn: 

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world 
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Connect with Kara Allen: 

• Instagram: Kara Allen Photography
• Website: karaallenphotography.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast!

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast