New Zealand has been high on so many of your travel wish lists—and for good reason! In this episode, Pam shares details from her recent two-week adventure on the North Island of New Zealand, including how she booked business-class flights, multiple free hotel nights, and even covered rental cars and excursions—all using points and miles (and one fortuitous mistake fare). From kayaking Cathedral Cove to digging out hot tubs at Hot Water Beach, it’s a trip full of unforgettable experiences and major travel inspiration.

Finding Flights to New Zealand: A Challenge (and a Win!)

Getting to New Zealand in business class is no easy feat, but Pam pulled it off. After struggling to find availability, she scored two one-way business-class award tickets from Dallas to Auckland. The return flight was a mistake fare in United Polaris for just $1,000 cash (normally $3,800+). 

Points-Powered Luxury: Park Hyatt Auckland & More

Pam raved about the Park Hyatt Auckland, calling it one of her favorite Park Hyatts ever. For just 25,000 Hyatt points per night, she enjoyed stunning views of the harbor, incredible Globalist breakfast, and unbeatable service. She also used Capital One Venture X credits to cover stays at boutique resorts.

The Itinerary: Coastal Drives, Kayaks, and Tiny Houses

• Bay of Islands: Booked via Capital One credits, with a scenic boat tour to Hole in the Rock
• Cathedral Cove: Kayaking through crystal-clear waters to one of New Zealand’s most famous spots
• Hot Water Beach: Digging hot tubs in naturally heated sand
• Rotorua & Lake Taupo: Rafting a 21-foot waterfall, visiting Maori villages, and relaxing in Hilton luxury
• Bonus Stay: A tiny house Airbnb—Pam’s dream come true!

The Total Cost Breakdown

Using a mix of points, miles, Capital One credits, and cash, Pam calculated her total out-of-pocket costs at around $3,000—a fraction of the $28,000+ retail value for flights and hotels. With ten nights of free hotel stays, complimentary breakfasts, and first-class flight experiences, it was an unforgettable journey made possible by smart planning and strategic redemptions.

 

Links:

• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free - https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation
• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why Pam did New Zealand: Take 2
• 03:00 – Booking flights with AA miles and a United mistake fare
• 08:30 – Pam’s advice for finding flights to New Zealand
• 13:00 – Park Hyatt Auckland + Waiheke Island day trip
• 18:00 – Bay of Islands and boutique hotel stay
• 21:00 – Tiny house stay and Cathedral Cove
• 26:00 – Rafting a waterfall and Maori village experience
• 31:00 – Hilton Lake Taupo and relaxing
• 35:00 – Flying United Polaris home + final night at Grand Hyatt DFW
• 38:00 – Cost recap and final thoughts on why Pam can’t wait to return

Thinking about a trip to New Zealand? This episode will show you it’s totally possible with points and miles—and that even Grandma can conquer a 21-foot waterfall! 🛶🌿✈️

 

Not sure how to maximize your points? In this episode, we break down the top three ways to use each of the four major flexible points currencies—our favorite points currency (IYKYK), American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, and Citi ThankYou® Points—so you can book travel smarter.

Our favorite points: Best for Hyatt & Flights

It's easy to see why our favorite kind of points are just that! They're a gold mine for Hyatt stays, which offer the best value per point. Transfers to United Airlines can be great for international flights, and Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) often has solid award deals to Europe.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Hyatt transfers – Best hotel value in points & miles
2. United Airlines – Easy redemptions for family travel
3. Flying Blue transfers – Discounted flights to Europe

Capital One Venture Miles: Airline Sweet Spots & Simple Redemptions

Capital One has grown into a top travel program. Air Canada Aeroplan and Turkish Airlines have some nice redemtpion sweet spots, and using Venture Miles to get a statement credit (often referred to as a "purchase eraser") for travel purchases gives you incredible flexibility.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Air Canada Aeroplan – Great for international flights
2. Turkish Airlines – Cheap flights to Hawaii & Europe
3. Purchase Eraser – Easiest way to redeem miles

American Express Membership Rewards®: Best for Bonuses & Luxury Travel

Amex regularly offers transfer bonuses, making points stretch further. British Airways is great for booking American Airlines flights, Flying Blue offers discounted business-class redemptions, and Hilton transfers shine for aspirational stays.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. British Airways for AA/Iberia flights – Cheap awards to Europe
2. Flying Blue transfers – Business-class deals to Paris
3. Hilton transfers – High-end redemptions like Conrad Bora Bora

Citi ThankYou® Points: Hidden Gems & Future AA Transfers

Citi’s best partners include Turkish Airlines, Choice Hotels, and Avianca LifeMiles. American Airlines transfers coming in 2026 make Citi even more exciting!

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Turkish Airlines – Best deal for United flights to Hawaii
2. Choice Hotels – 1:2 transfers for premium stays
3. Avianca LifeMiles – Cheap business-class tickets

Final Thoughts: Which Points Currency Is Best?

Each program has its strengths! One dominates for Hyatt, American Express is best for transfer bonuses, Capital One shines with easy redemptions, and Citi has exciting future potential. Not sure where to start? Hit play now for all the details and our best strategies!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet: Transfer Partner & Airline Alliance Master List - https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/transfer-partners

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why flexible points are so valuable
• 02:00 – Our favorite points: Best ways to redeem for hotels & flights
• 06:45 – Capital One: Airline sweet spots & easy redemptions
• 12:30 – American Express: Transfer bonuses & luxury redemptions
• 20:00 – Citi: Hidden gems & the future of AA transfers
• 26:00 – Final thoughts & which program fits your travel goals

Ready to make the most of your points? Listen to the full episode now and start booking smarter! 🚀✈️

 

What’s better than throwing a Harry Potter-themed birthday party? How about taking your child on a real Harry Potter adventure across Scotland and London! That’s exactly what Megan did for her daughter’s 10th birthday—making the magic come alive with points and miles. In this episode, Megan explains how she made this trip happen for her family of five—and how using points made it more affordable than a trip to Universal Studios!

Flying to Scotland on Points

Megan and her family started their journey with flights on KLM Flying Blue, taking advantage of the 25% discount for kids under 12. Because they were able to book five economy tickets for just 85,000 points plus taxes/fees, they were able to splurge some on an upgrade to premium economy at check-in. Add in Priority Pass lounge access during their layover (thanks, credit card benefits!) and the whole experience got even better.

Exploring Scotland: The Highlands & Harry Potter Locations

After landing in Edinburgh, Megan and her family hit the road to explore Scotland’s most famous sights—including key Harry Potter filming locations at Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Shiel.

From Scotland to London: Train Travel & Harry Potter Studio Tour

After road-tripping through Scotland, the family took the train from Edinburgh to London, booking first-class seats for extra space and lounge access. 

London's Harry Potter Activities! Megan’s family visited:

• King’s Cross Station (Platform 9 ¾) – A must for any fan.
• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour – The ultimate experience, where her daughter got to open the doors to the Hogwarts Great Hall because it was her birthday! They spent over five hours exploring movie sets, props, and magical effects.

London on Points: Hyatt Regency Blackfriars & The Cursed Child Play

For accommodations, used Hyatt points and the Hyatt Family Plan Rate, getting four nights at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars for: ✅ 77,000 points for one room ✅ $700 total for the second room

The hotel's location meant Megan's family got free wristbands allowing access to the prime areas for watching New Year's Eve fireworks over Big Ben and the London Eye!

To top off their trip, they saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—a six-hour theater experience that still had the kids completely engaged. Find out what blew Megan away and why going to the play in London is worth traveling for. 

Links For This Episode: 

Pam’s Hotel Upgrade Template: Hotel Upgrade Form: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/hotel-upgrade

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Meet Megan and hear about how this trip came together
• 02:00 – Booking flights on KLM 
• 06:15 – Harry Potter sites in Scotland
• 12:30 – Train to London
• 17:00 – Platform 9 ¾ & the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour
• 25:45 – Staying at Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars
• 33:00 – Seeing The Cursed Child play
• 40:00 – Final thoughts and Megan’s tips

If you’ve ever wanted to take your family on a magical, unforgettable trip, this episode is for you! 

We all love talking about luxurious, over-the-top award redemptions—think first-class flights, overwater villas, and five-star resorts. But let’s be real—some of the best uses of points and miles are not Instagram-worthy. In this episode, we break down the difference between sexy and unsexy redemptions, why both are important, and how they each play a role in maximizing your points strategy.

What Makes a Redemption “Sexy”? Pam kicks things off with her signature philosophy: “A sexy redemption is a Pam redemption.” For her, that means business-class flights on international routes and stays at luxury hotels. But she also reminds us that sexy is subjective—a Southwest flight to Hawaii can absolutely be a dream-worthy redemption for a family! Jess adds that she aspires to make every redemption as “Pam-level” as possible, but admits that her first year of points and miles was entirely unsexy.

Unsexy Redemptions: The Unsung Heroes of Travel Not every redemption is flashy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. Alex shares how some of her best redemptions have been for things like:

• Flying last-minute for a wedding, funeral, or family emergency
• Booking budget-friendly Hyatt Place stays for soccer tournaments
• Using airport hotels for positioning flights to avoid travel disruptions
• Staying in hotels during home renovations or natural disasters
• While they may not be glamorous, these redemptions save real money and make everyday travel easier. As Pam puts it, “If you can cover an ‘unsexy’ expense with points and it costs you nothing, that’s actually pretty sexy.”

Our Favorite Sexy and Unsexy Redemptions Each of us shares a mix of redemptions that stand out:

• Jess: Emirates first class with an onboard shower and champagne (sexy!) vs. Hyatt stays during a Houston freeze and power outage (unsexy but a lifesaver).
• Alex: A Maldives overwater villa + Qatar Qsuite flights (sexy!) vs. a last-minute flight to care for her sister after surgery (not glamorous, but necessary).
• Pam: Business class Singapore Airlines flights to Thailand + Ritz-Carlton stays (sexy!) vs. booking a flight to London during COVID for a hospitalized grandchild (priceless).

Why Every Redemption Has Value At the end of the day, points and miles are a tool for travel freedom—whether that means luxury vacations, practical family trips, or unexpected emergencies. As Jess reminds us, “No redemption is a bad redemption if it saves you money and makes your life easier.”

Whether you’re dreaming of first-class flights or just want to avoid paying cash for a last-minute family trip, this episode will help you make the most of your points—sexy or not! 

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Jess’s Emirates first class reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtPGqi2gKvI/?igsh=dzZrOXp2NnA1djhw

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – What is a “sexy” vs. “unsexy” award redemption?
• 01:40 – Pam’s philosophy: Why luxury redemptions are her go-to
• 07:00 – Alex’s take: Why family travel means balancing both
• 15:30 – Unsexy redemptions: Why they’re just as valuable
• 22:45 – Our best (and worst) redemption stories
• 30:00 – Why no redemption is a bad redemption

If you've been eyeing an American Express card but aren’t sure which one to get, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we break down two great personal cards—the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express—and two great business cards—the American Express® Business Gold Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.  These powerhouse cards are key for earning American Express Membership Rewards®. We share our personal experiences with these cards, favorite card benefits, and what we’d recommend for anyone looking to maximize their points-and-miles strategy.

First, the Personal Card Breakdown

The American Express® Gold Card: The Food Lover’s Dream Card Pam kicks things off by sharing why the American Express® Gold Card has been a staple in her wallet for years and how the benefits this card offers are amazing for foodies. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Travel Perks Galore The Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t just a credit card; it’s a travel lifestyle. If you're a frequent traveler, this card's benefits can come in clutch. 

Up Next: Two Great Business Cards

American Express® Business Gold Card: Small-Business Winner This card is perfect if you want flexible spending-category bonuses and great perks for small businesses (including office-supply stores). 

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Even More Travel Perks A great go-to card for cell-phone insurance coverage & statement credits, plus travel benefits like lounge access a new Hilton credit. 

Credits & Perks:  Jess breaks down the key differences between all the perks and credits, and whether they might make sense for you. As Alex puts it, "Don't let the credits stress you out. If using them feels like work, the card might not be worth it for you."

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Cards The Travel Mom Squad shares some expert tips to get the most value: elevated offers, reminders for monthly credits, and how to earn referral points.

Links:

• Credit Card Benefits Cheat Sheet: https://travelmomsquad.kit.com/benefits-cheat-sheet

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

• Cards mentioned in the episode
  • The American Express® Gold Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-gold
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: https://travelmomsquad.com/refer/american-express-platinum-card/
  • American Express® Business Gold Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-business-gold
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: http://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-business-platinum

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why we love American Express Membership Rewards® for travel
• 01:00 – The personal cards
• 02:30 – Restaurant benefits, quirks, and ice-cream cakes galore
• 10:15 – Travel benefits: lounge access, travel perks
• 17:00 – The key differences explained
• 21:30 – The business-card breakdown
• 24:30 – All about business welcome offers
• 33:00 – How to inquire about retention offers
• 38:30 – Our final verdict: which cards we keep and why

If you want to earn more American Express Membership Rewards®, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to hear all the details, plus some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about how we use our points for everyday treats and family travel.

 

Dreaming of taking your family to Europe without draining your wallet? In this episode, we sit down with our team member and resident Europe travel expert, Traci Siegel, to share her tried-and-true tips for flying a family overseas using points and miles. These strategies will help make your dream a reality!

Family Travel 101: The Big Differences Flying solo or as a couple is one thing—booking flights for a family of four, five, or more is a whole different game. Traci shares the biggest challenges families face, like securing multiple award seats, navigating school calendars, and choosing flights that work with kids' needs. Traci’s advice? Plan ahead, prioritize nonstop routes when possible, and always consider how the experience will feel with little ones in tow.

The Best Programs for Family Flights to Europe Traci breaks down her top picks for family-friendly travel to Europe:

• Flying Blue (KLM/Air France): The ultimate program for family flights thanks to its 25% discount for kids aged 2-11.
• Aeroplan (Air Canada): Great availability and useful for connecting flights.
• Virgin Atlantic: Often overlooked, but perfect for flights to London—especially since they now allow household pooling of points.
• British Airways: A solid option, especially with their recent improvements in saver availability.
• Alaska Mileage Plan: Can be great for business-class flights to Ireland on Aer Lingus.

Timing Is Everything: When to Book for the Best Deals The key to scoring great flights? Timing. As Traci says, “Planning ahead is a superpower when you’re traveling with kids.” If you’re eyeing flights for next year’s spring break, start looking during this year’s break! She also recommends tools like Seats.aero to set alerts for award availability. 

Business Class with Kids: Is It Worth It? Many parents wonder if business class is worth the points for family travel. Traci breaks down the pros and cons, and drops a tip about how to try a smooth last-minute switch from economy to business class.

Europe with kids doesn't have to be a bucket-list dream. It's something you can do every year, and you can use these strategies to plan your next trip today!

 

Links:

• Links For This Episode: https://pointstalk.supercast.com
• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Meet Traci and hear about her family's frequent trips to Europe
• 03:00 – The biggest differences when booking award flights for families
• 06:15 – Top airline programs for family-friendly travel
• 10:30 – The importance of timing and when to start searching
• 15:20 – How to fly business class with kids without breaking the points bank
• 22:45 – Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• 28:00 – Tips for booking from smaller airports
• 35:00 – Final takeaways and encouragement to start planning today

If you've ever dreamed of taking your family to Europe, this episode gives you the roadmap to make it happen with points and miles. Tune in now to get all the details, plus Traci’s expert insights and funny family travel stories!

 

If you’ve been looking for a go-to points and miles program for international travel, let us introduce you to Flying Blue, the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM. In this episode, we’re diving into why this program has become one of our absolute favorites.

Why We Love Flying Blue

Pam kicks things off by breaking down the basics, including which airlines use Flying Blue and how you can easily transfer points to that program. 

Sweet Spots & Family Perks

One of the biggest reasons we love Flying Blue? Their incredible award pricing. Even after their recent devaluation, it’s still one of the best options for booking flights to Europe. Megan highlights how Flying Blue offers discounted kids’ fares, and Alex shares how she used these discounted fares to book amazing flights for her whole family of six to Amsterdam.

Promo Awards & Transfer Bonuses = Big Savings

Another reason we keep coming back to Flying Blue is their monthly Promo Rewards. These discounted routes—often between major U.S. and European cities—can significantly lower the miles needed for economy flights. And stacking Promo Awards with transfer bonuses from credit card programs is where the real magic happens. 

Best Ways to Book Flights

Megan shares her top strategies for getting the best deals with Flying Blue and Alex also highlights one of Flying Blue’s coolest perks: free stopovers in Amsterdam or Paris! 

Flights We’ve Booked Using Flying Blue

The Travel Mom Squad has taken full advantage of this program. Here are just a few flights we’ve booked recently:

• SLC to Amsterdam (nonstop!) for 105,000 miles total for a family of six
• Boston to London on Virgin Atlantic Upper Class for 29,000 Flying Blue miles
• JFK to Nairobi in Air France business class for 95,000 miles
• LAX to Tahiti in Air France premium economy for 50,000 miles per ticket
• Morocco trip: From the US to Morocco and back for 100,000 miles in business class 

Final Thoughts: Is Flying Blue Right for You?

If you’re not already using Flying Blue, this is your sign to start exploring its potential! Tune in now to learn all the details, and let us know—where would you use Flying Blue miles to go next?

 

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

• Link to Transfer Bonus Post: Transfer Bonuses and Sales on Points & Miles February 2025 - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/transfer-bonuses-and-sales-on-points-miles-january-2025

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Intro: Why Flying Blue is one of our favorite loyalty programs
• 01:15 – What is Flying Blue? A quick breakdown of the program
• 03:00 – Transferable points: Why Flying Blue is easy to earn
• 06:15 – Why families love Flying Blue (discounted kids’ fares & family pooling)
• 10:20 – Monthly Promo Awards & stacking with transfer bonuses
• 15:45 – Best ways to book: Finding deals on the Flying Blue calendar
• 20:30 – Free stopovers in Amsterdam & Paris
• 25:00 – Flights we’ve booked using Flying Blue miles
• 35:00 – Final thoughts: Why Flying Blue is still a great program despite devaluation

For Valentine’s Day, we’re taking a trip down memory lane! In this episode, we’re sharing all the details about our honeymoons—how we booked them before we knew about points and miles, what we spent back then, and what we'd do today now that we’re points-savvy. Spoiler alert: our original honeymoons were not nearly as luxurious (or strategic!) as what we could plan today.

Pam’s “Not-So-Luxurious” Road Trip Honeymoon

Pam kicks things off by sharing her 1974 honeymoon—let’s just say, points and miles were not a thing, and neither was luxury travel. If she could redo it today, Pam would plan a dreamy trip to Greece, flying Emirates business class, stopping in NYC on the way, and relaxing at stunning hotels in Santorini and Crete—all on points.

Alex’s Two-Part Honeymoon: Park City & Mexico 

Since Alex’s husband played college football, their wedding date was dictated by the sports schedule, leaving them with a tight honeymoon window.  Flights and accommodations came from family gifts. Today, she would book an easy, stress-free honeymoon at the Andaz Maui using points and a travel credit for a rental car—keeping the travel cost to just $22!

Jess’s First Trip to Europe: Budget Paris & London

Jess technically did use miles for her honeymoon—but in the least efficient way possible. Jess's economy flights to Europe came from years of earning miles on a single airline card. Looking back, she would book Emirates first class to Italy, stay at the Grand Hotel Victoria in Lake Como, and enjoy luxury Hyatt stays in Florence—all for far less out of pocket than she originally spent!

Why We’d Do Things Differently Today

Weddings are expensive, but newlyweds can use their wedding expenses to earn credit card welcome offers. That means luxurious hotels, business-class flights, and less out of pocket than budget honeymoons!  And the best part is taking “honeymoon-level” trips every single year—because why limit luxury travel to just one trip?

If you're planning a honeymoon or dreaming about a do-over, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and start planning your dream trip for less!  

 

Links:

How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free: How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free -https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation

 

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Walking down memory lane: How we booked our honeymoons pre-points & miles
• 01:40 – Pam’s honeymoon: A road trip, Disneyland on Christmas, and a car breakdown
• 07:00 – What Pam would do differently today: A dream Greece trip on points
• 13:00 – Alex’s honeymoon: A football schedule, Park City, and a timeshare in Cabo
• 17:00 – How Alex would redo her honeymoon for $22 with points
• 22:00 – Jess’s honeymoon: Economy flights to Europe and a budget hotel in Paris
• 26:30 – Jess’s dream honeymoon today: Emirates first class and Italian luxury hotels
• 31:00 – The best honeymoon strategy: Use wedding expenses to earn free travel
• 33:00 – Why every year can feel like a honeymoon with points and miles

Transfer bonuses are one of the best ways to stretch your points further, and in this episode we’re breaking down everything you need to know about them. From understanding how they work to sharing the bonuses we’ve taken advantage of, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize your rewards and travel more for less.

What Are Transfer Bonuses? Pam explains that what transfer bonuses are and how big a difference they can make in your redemptions.  For example, a recent American Express bonus to Virgin Atlantic offered a 40% increase, turning 100,000 Membership Rewards into 140,000 Virgin Atlantic miles. 

When to Use Them While transfer bonuses can be tempting, Alex emphasizes the importance of having a plan. Speculative transfers (moving points without a specific booking in mind) can leave you stuck with miles you don’t need if your plans change. The takeaway? If you’re new to points, only use transfer bonuses when you know you’ll use the miles.

Stacking Bonuses for Maximum Value Jess shares how stacking transfer bonuses with existing airline or hotel promotions can unlock even more value. And Alex highlights Flying Blue’s monthly promo awards and child discount, which allow you to save even more by pairing discounted flights with transfer bonuses.

Hotel Transfer Bonuses Jess dives into the hotel side of transfer bonuses, highlighting the best options and the ones that might not be a good deal.

Our Favorite Transfer Bonus Wins Each of us shares a recent win:

• Pam: Transferred 100,000 Amex points to Virgin Atlantic with a 40% bonus, booking a round-trip business class flight to London for just 58,000 miles and $600 in fees.
• Alex: Used a 20% transfer bonus to Flying Blue to book business class flights to Morocco with her mom and sisters for just 55,000 points each way.
• Jess: Took advantage of a Capital One transfer bonus to Virgin Red, then Virgin Atlantic, to book a KLM flight for nearly 50% fewer points.

Transfer bonuses are an incredible way to maximize your points and miles, but timing and planning are everything. Whether you’re saving for a luxury business-class flight or looking to reduce the cost of a family vacation, these promotions can make a big difference. Check out our blog for monthly updates on the latest transfer bonuses, and start planning your next big adventure!

 

Links:

• Subscribe to Points Talk Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

• Transfer Bonuses and Sales on Points & Miles January 2025 - Travel Mom Squad

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: What are transfer bonuses?
• 01:15 – Pam explains how transfer bonuses work
• 10:30 – When to use (and not use) transfer bonuses
• 15:00 – Stacking bonuses for flights and hotels
• 21:30 – Jess’s Hilton strategy and hotel transfer tips
• 27:55 – Favorite transfer bonus wins from Pam, Alex, and Jess
• 35:00 – Final thoughts on maximizing transfer bonuses

The holidays are magical no matter where you celebrate, but spending them in Hawaii? That’s next-level. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares how we used points and miles to pull off unforgettable trips to Maui and Kauai over the Christmas and New Year holidays. We’re giving you all the behind-the-scenes details so you can start planning your own Hawaiian holiday adventure. 

Maui with Alex’s Crew Alex starts by sharing how she surprised her family with a Christmas gift they’ll never forget: six nights at the Hyatt Regency Maui. Planning a year ahead made all the difference, allowing her to lock in the best rates using 210,000 Hyatt points for two king rooms. Alex breaks down why booking early is crucial during peak season and how transferring points to Hyatt made this dream trip possible. 

Pam’s Anniversary Upgrade Quest Pam recounts her experience booking alongside Alex and attempting to score a suite upgrade using Hyatt’s upgrade award. While she didn’t get the full upgrade she hoped for, Pam shares the hilarious story of how a mix-up led to Alex receiving flowers meant for Pam’s 50th wedding anniversary. 

Kauai Adventures with Jess Over on Kauai, Jess’s family enjoyed six nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, covering two rooms with a whopping 420,000 Hyatt points. Jess explains how she maximized her points strategy by leveraging Hyatt’s Guest of Honor program and sharing tips for making family stays more enjoyable. 

Flights and Rental Cars: Navigating the Holidays Booking flights to Hawaii during peak season can be daunting, but we share how Pam's experience was flying United and how Jess and Alex got creative with Southwest companion passes, gift cards, and points to keep costs down. Jess also shares her game-changing experience renting a car with Pineapple Express on Kauai—a rental-car service that lets you skip the lines and even includes beach gear!

Hawaiian Holiday Takeaways The best part of these trips? Spending time with family and meeting some of you, our listeners, who were also in Hawaii thanks to points and miles. Whether it’s taking the grandparents along, planning a holiday surprise for your kids, or just soaking up the aloha spirit, this episode is packed with inspiration for your next adventure.

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Links For This Episode: 

• How to Take Your Family to Hawaii for Nearly Free: Family Guide to Hawaii on Points & Miles -https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/products/hawaii-family-guide 
• Shaka Guide: Kauai Tours | Audio Tour Guide - https://www.shakaguide.com/tours/kauai 
• Reservations for Kalalau trail: Reservations - Go Hāʻena - https://gohaena.com/
• Pineapple Express car rental: https://pineappleexpresskauaicarrentals.com

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Intro: How we each spent the holidays in Hawaii
• 01:30 – Alex’s Maui trip: Booking the Hyatt Regency and family surprises
• 07:00 – Pam’s story: Anniversary upgrades and club lounge tips
• 15:20 – Jess’s Kauai trip: Guest of Honor perks and family fun
• 23:30 – Flights: Southwest companion passes and creative savings
• 31:45 – Rental cars: Tips for Maui and Kauai
• 41:00 – Reflections: Meeting listeners and making memories