Are you feeling overwhelmed about planning your first international trip? From excitement about exploring a new destination to concerns about currency exchanges, language barriers, and navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, there’s a lot to consider. But whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned domestic traveler, the good news is that with a little preparation, international travel can be far less intimidating than it seems.

 

In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad breaks down the essential tips and strategies for anyone planning their first trip abroad. They discuss why certain destinations are perfect for easing into international travel and how to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. With insights from each of their personal travel experiences, the Squad highlights the most important factors to consider when planning your first international adventure.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/144

 

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

Do you struggle to find hotel rooms in Europe that can accommodate your entire family? Many European hotels limit occupancy to just two guests per room, leaving families either piecing together multiple bookings or endlessly searching for those rare properties that actually sleep four or more. And because of strict occupancy rules, you can’t just show up with extra kids and hope for the best — some hotels will turn you away at check-in.

 

Today, Traci joins Alex and Jess to share her extensive research and personal experience booking family-friendly hotels across Europe using points. She’s uncovered unicorn properties that fit four people without hassle, smart strategies for booking two rooms with points, and surprising ways travel portals can actually be useful for families. Whether you're traveling with toddlers who need to stay close or teens who’d prefer their own space, these strategies will help you navigate the unique challenges of European hotel bookings while still getting great value from your points.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/143

 

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

Are Chase Ultimate Rewards® still the best points for travel? The Travel Mom Squad certainly thinks so. These points offer unmatched flexibility and value, making them a cornerstone of any serious travel rewards strategy. With recent changes to Chase’s offerings, this episode is your guide to the essential updates in 2025.

 

In this episode, the Squad dives into why Chase Ultimate Rewards® remain their top choice and breaks down all the cards that earn them. From the revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve® to the no-annual-fee Freedom cards, they explain how each card fits into a comprehensive strategy to maximize points. Whether you’re planning a luxury hotel stay or flights for your whole family, they’ll share the strategies that turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/142

 

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

Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora might seem like a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but what if you could experience it more than once? The crystal-clear lagoons and breathtaking Polynesian sunsets are even sweeter when you know how to make this dream destination a reality without breaking the bank. Points and miles turn this exclusive getaway into a repeatable experience, without the steep price tag.

 

This week, Alex, Pam, and Jess share their second trips to the Conrad Bora Bora. From positioning flights to the West Coast to navigating French Polynesia's inter-island connections, they’re diving deep into the strategies that made these trips possible. You'll hear about the airlines with the best award options, how to maximize your time on the island with red-eye flights, and the real costs to expect once you arrive. Plus, they share their thoughts on whether Bora Bora or the Maldives offers the best overwater villa experience.

 

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/141

 

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

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.

 

TMS's favorirte eye mask (under "Travel Products"): https://www.amazon.com/shop/travelmomsquad

 

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