No one loves the annual fees of credit cards, but what if they could save you hundreds on travel? Free-night certificates are one of the most valuable perks you can earn from hotel credit cards, and with the right strategy, they can easily pay for themselves year after year. While many travelers cancel their cards after claiming the welcome bonus, the savvy few know that some cards deliver ongoing value, thanks to these certificates.

 

In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad breaks down how hotel free-night certificates from Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG can transform your travel planning. We share specific redemption examples, reveal which cards we keep just for these certificates, and explore how to maximize their value—whether you're booking a luxury stay or using them for family trips. By understanding the unique ways each brand offers and limits these certificates, you can get far more than you paid in annual fees.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/140

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

 

Dragging multiple suitcases through cobblestone streets in Europe while trying to catch a train is the moment many travelers realize they've packed too much. The struggle of navigating airports with excessive luggage, waiting at baggage claim, and worrying about lost bags can turn what should be an exciting journey into a stressful ordeal. 

 

The Squad has mastered the art of traveling with just a carry-on, even on trips lasting two weeks or more. In this episode, they share their tested strategies for making carry-on travel work, including their favorite luggage choices, packing techniques, and the mindset shift required to leave the overpacking habits behind. You'll discover how to handle everything from liquids and toiletries to choosing versatile clothing, plus tips for surviving jet lag and navigating new visa requirements like the UK's ETA system.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/139

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

When choosing where to spend your hard-earned hotel points, the options can feel overwhelming. Each major hotel chain promises value, but the reality often falls short when you discover that dream property costs triple what you expected in points. This week, the Travel Mom Squad takes a dive deep into why one hotel program stands head and shoulders above the rest.

 

Through specific strategies for earning points, maximizing elite benefits, and leveraging unique program features, you'll discover how to unlock luxury hotel stays without breaking the bank. Whether you're booking a $1,000-per-night property in Maui or securing a hotel room during a big sports event, you'll learn exactly how this amazing hotel chain's program structure creates consistent value that other dynamic pricing models can't match.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/138

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Planning a bucket-list trip to Iceland and Ireland might seem out of reach for a family of five, but what if you could score flights and hotels using mostly points and miles? Jess recently returned from this exact adventure, navigating the tricky world of Iceland flight bookings and European hotel room occupancy limits with strategic planning and some insider knowledge.

 

Jess takes us through her 10-day journey, breaking down exactly how she used points and miles for flights from Chicago to Reykjavik with a stopover, then onward to Dublin. She shares the specific redemption strategies for Hilton points at the Canopy Reykjavik and how she creatively solved the challenge of fitting five people into European hotels that typically accommodate only two per room. From working with local trip planners to maximize their limited time in each country to discovering hidden gems like private cliff tours in Ireland, this episode provides the roadmap for making it all happen without breaking the bank.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/137

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

In this episode, Jess and Alex are joined by Kelsi Sullivan, one half of PointSisters on Instagram, who has mastered the art of solo travel using points and miles. Kelsi brings a unique perspective shaped by her international upbringing and her discovery of the financial independence community. Her journey from casual miles collector to strategic points optimizer shows how solo travelers can thrive in the points and miles world.

 

Throughout the conversation, Jess, Alex, and Kelsi explore how solo travelers can approach earning and redeeming points while traveling alone, safety considerations for solo female travelers, and specific strategies for maximizing value without a traditional "player two." Kelsi shares concrete examples from her adventures in Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, and beyond, revealing how she stretches her points across multiple international trips each year.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/136

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Getting a discounted stay at a luxury Maui resort sounds too good to be true, especially when the catch involves sitting through a timeshare presentation. After receiving a letter from Marriott Vacation Club offering a discounted five-night stay at a Westin property, Alex decided to see if the savings were worth the 90-minute sales pitch. 

 

In addition to hearing the pros and cons of attending a timeshare presentation, this episode gives you an inside look at popular Maui resorts such as Andaz Maui, the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, and Hyatt Regency Maui. Hear the Travel Mom Squad's differing recommendations for visiting Maui based on your travel needs, and whether or not they recommend sitting through a timeshare presentation for the discounted stay.

 

You can find links to the hotels, tours, and other resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/135

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Major shifts in lounge access, baggage fees, and loyalty programs are reshaping the landscape of travel rewards in 2025. With summer travel quickly approaching, the Travel Mom Squad is here to break down what these changes mean for solo and family travelers planning their vacations.

 

In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the most significant changes announced so far this year. You will learn which credit cards are still worth keeping despite the changes, how to make the most of the new restrictions, and the strategic moves travelers should make before key deadlines arrive. The Travel Mom Squad shares their personal decisions on which cards they’re keeping, canceling, or adding to their wallets, along with insider tips on navigating the evolving world of airline loyalty programs.

 

You can find links to the hotels, tours, and other resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/134

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Planning a trip to Spain on points and miles? It’s all about the strategy—especially when you're juggling travel for multiple people! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into their recent Spanish adventure, navigating last-minute flight changes and uncovering the best of Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca—all while maximizing points and miles.

 

From wandering through historic neighborhoods to cooking authentic paella, the trio experienced Spain like never before. They stayed in amazing spots like the chic Thompson Madrid and the luxe Nobu Palma in Mallorca, proving that with a little flexibility and a lot of points, you can turn any trip into an unforgettable adventure.

 

You'll Discover:

• How to leverage last-minute award availability when original flight plans change.
• Why the Thompson Madrid offers exceptional value for Hyatt points in a prime location.
• How to navigate transportation options between Spanish cities efficiently.
• Where to find authentic cultural experiences, like a Paella Club cooking class.
• The distinct differences between Madrid and Barcelona.
• Why you NEED to add Mallorca to your Spanish itinerary.

 

You can find links to the hotels, tours, and other resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/133

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

Taking your family with young kids to Greece and Croatia might seem daunting, but with strategic use of points and miles, it can become an unforgettable adventure.

 

Travel Mom Squad's Director of Operations, Megan, shares how she planned an ambitious spring break trip that included iconic destinations like Santorini's blue domes and Croatia's stunning national parks. From finding family-friendly Airbnbs in prime locations to navigating border crossings and rental cars, Megan demonstrates that international family travel doesn't have to break the bank. Tune in to hear about her practical approach to family travel and learn how to turn your dream destination into family-friendly adventure too!

 

You'll Discover:

• Why booking vacation rentals can be more cost-effective than hotels for families of five.
• How to navigate border crossings between Croatia and Bosnia with minimal stress.
• Which Greek and Croatian destinations work best with children.
• Tips for driving and parking in Croatian cities with a rental car.
• How to plan an efficient multi-city European itinerary during a short school break.

 

You can find links to everything Megan mentioned in this episode plus the transcript and more here: travelmomsquad.com/132

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad

If you love points and miles, you know there’s no shortage of opinions on how to get the most out of credit card rewards and travel programs. In this fun and honest chat, Alex, Jess, and Pam share their unique takes on some hot topics in the points world.

 

They dive into everything from which credit cards score you the best lounge access, to whether chasing certain welcome bonuses is really worth it, and how to smartly position for flights. As you'll hear, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best points strategy is the one that suits your unique priorities!

 

You'll discover: 

• How to choose the best credit card for airport lounge access based on your travel style.
• Why the Hyatt credit card's second-tier bonus might (or might not) make sense for you.
• The strategic importance of considering 5/24 status when choosing which cards to pursue.
• How to evaluate hotel loyalty programs beyond Hyatt for aspirational stays.
• Understanding different approaches to positioning flights based on personal circumstances.

 

You can find the full show notes, resources, transcript, and more from this episode here: travelmomsquad.com/best-lounge-access-hotel-loyalty-programs

 

Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

 

The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

 

Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad