[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!

Travel Freely App - How we keep track of all our cards! 

And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 

Contrary to popular belief, opening multiple credit cards doesn't automatically tank your credit score. I'm living proof – with eight new cards in just six months and an "excellent" credit score of 808 to show for it.

The credit card journey has been quite the ride. Growing up with warnings about the dangers of plastic and experiencing credit card debt twice in my younger years made me initially hesitant. Fast forward to today, and I've completely transformed my relationship with credit cards, using them strategically to fund incredible family adventures through points and miles.

My husband and I break down the eight cards I've opened since January – spanning Chase, American Express, and Citi – and reveal how diversifying across different banks has been crucial to approval success. We share the surprising factors affecting credit scores (like why my husband's 763 score gets fewer approvals than my 808) and how credit history length significantly outweighs the impact of new accounts.

The most pressing challenge we're facing? Meeting a massive $20,000 minimum spend requirement on the Amex Business Platinum. We discuss our strategy, including prepaying bills, planned expenses, and the somewhat controversial world of buying groups. And no, despite my husband's suggestions, we won't be purchasing jet skis to meet the requirement!

These strategic credit card moves have yielded nearly 700,000 points across various programs, funding upcoming adventures to Thailand, Japan, Yosemite, and European Christmas markets. We also tackle the counterintuitive decision to sometimes pay cash for flights rather than using points when the value proposition doesn't make sense.

Want to learn how to leverage points and miles for your own family travel? Join my waitlist for personalized one-on-one consulting sessions where I'll help you maximize your redemptions and plan your dream trips.

**Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you use them. I only recommend products I truly use and love.**

We dive into the complex world of changing and canceling award travel, sharing real experiences and practical strategies to help save your trip when plans change.

• Domestic carriers like American, Alaska, and Southwest generally don't charge fees for award ticket changes
• International airlines like Air France/Flying Blue, British Airways, and Singapore typically charge significant change fees
• A personal saga of spending three hours changing Air France flights reveals important distinctions between calling the airline versus the loyalty program
• Waiting for airline schedule changes can sometimes qualify you for fee-free changes or cancellations
• Premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X offer valuable trip protection benefits
• An annual travel insurance policy (like Allianz) can provide additional protection for under $500 for a family of five
• Booking one-way flights provides more flexibility and potentially lower change fees when plans shift
• When evaluating change fees, consider whether the improved experience justifies the cost
• Clearing cookies when searching for award availability can sometimes reveal better options

If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It helps more people find the podcast and helps us grow to provide more fun content. Thank you!

CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)

Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5 

Discover our first episode in the Summer in Phoenix staycation series where we visit the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs to determine if it's worth your points or dollars for a family getaway.

• Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs is nestled in the mountains about 20 minutes north of Phoenix airport
• Property features five pools plus "The Falls" water feature with a water slide that kids love
• Resort is showing its age despite renovations, with rooms that feel dated and slightly musty
• Service levels align more with a three-star property than the four-star rating it claims
• Food and beverage options are adequate but expensive, with drinks running $20+ each
• Points value ranges from reasonable (40,000 points in summer) to poor (up to 117,000 in spring)
• Property works well for families on a budget, especially those using Hilton points during low season
• Location requires a car as there are no walkable restaurants or attractions nearby

Don't forget to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with its limited-time 100,000 point sign-up bonus - only three days left when this episode airs! Check our show notes for our referral link.

RideSafer Vest

CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)

Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5 

Positioning flights are a strategic tool for families who want to access better award flight availability and save money when traveling. These flights take you from your home airport to another airport where you'll begin your main journey, opening up more travel opportunities.

• Alaska Airlines offers the best value, with flights as low as 4,500 miles per person for short haul domestic routes
• Book positioning flights at least 11 months in advance for best availability and lowest prices
• Always fly in the day before your long-haul flight when traveling with a family to avoid missing connections
• Use hotel credit card free night certificates for airport hotels to minimize costs
• Consider the total travel time and flight patterns - sometimes a positioning flight creates a more comfortable journey
• Watch weather forecasts carefully for both your home city and positioning city
• For families, positioning to airports with direct international flights often means better flight times and fewer overnight flights
• Budget airlines can be good options if you factor in baggage costs and use shopping portals for extra savings
• Always try to arrive at and depart from the same airport when possible
• The Ride Safer Travel Vest is a great alternative to car seats when navigating transportation at your positioning city

If you've gotten any value from our podcast, please leave us a rating or review wherever you listen. That helps more people find our podcast and my goal is growing the podcast.

CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)

We spent 24 hours in Chicago before flying to Paris using points and miles, staying at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile and exploring the city with our three kids. This strategic positioning flight saved us points while giving us an exciting mini-vacation in Chicago with deep dish pizza, the Bean, and activities like the Ice Cream Museum.

• Booked Chicago to Paris for 85,000 Flying Blue points for all five family members
• Used Southwest credits and gift cards for the positioning flight from Phoenix
• Stayed at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile using a free night certificate
• Received a room upgrade thanks to IHG Platinum Elite status
• Kids enjoyed the hotel's indoor pool movie night with popcorn and lemonade
• Visited Chicago highlights: Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza, the Bean, and Starbucks Reserve
• Ice Cream Museum was expensive but memorable for the children
• Ed Debevic's restaurant with intentionally rude servers was entertaining
• Positioning flights can be cost-effective when traveling as a family
• Using hotel night certificates makes layovers more comfortable and fun

If you get any value from this podcast, please take two seconds to leave us a rating or review wherever you listen. Come say hi on Instagram @travelpartyof5

CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)

Premium economy offers a valuable middle ground between business class and economy, giving families significantly more comfort without the high price tag of business class tickets.

• Premium economy on Air France features better seat recline and footrests
• Cabin arrangement is typically 2-4-2 with approximately 40-48 seats
• Passengers receive amenity kits with essentials like earplugs, socks, and toiletries
• Kids get special activity boxes with puzzles and games
• Access to one business class lavatory with premium skincare products
• Flight attendants offer additional snacks and treats throughout the flight
• Self-service refreshment station available for drinks and snacks
• Booked five tickets using 150,000 Amex points transferred to Virgin Atlantic (with bonus)
• Total taxes and fees were approximately $1,700 ($350 per person)
• For a family of five, booking requires strategic seat selection
• Particularly worthwhile for flights over seven hours
• Award availability is typically better than business class
• Excellent option for daytime flights when everyone is awake

If you get value from our podcast and want to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with its limited-time 100,000 point bonus offer, please consider using our referral link (above).

CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED 100K SIGNUP BONUS!!! (THANK YOU FOR USING OUR LINK!!!)

$40 off Away Luggage (we have the "Bigger Carry On" in 4 different colors!)

Duane's shoe bag

Raya's Carryon backpack (affiliate link)

Duane's Men's Crossbody (affiliate link)

Raya's crossbody bag (affiliate link)

Raya's toiletry bag (affiliate link)

Raya's mini backpack (Nordace mini)

Our family of five conquered Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid over two weeks, and we're sharing all our hard-won wisdom for making European family travel successful and enjoyable.

• Pack in carry-on only bags for a family of five by planning to do laundry during your trip
• Manage jet lag with children by keeping them awake upon arrival and using melatonin the first few nights
• Use eSIMs instead of international phone plans for more reliable and affordable data coverage
• Bring the RideSafer travel vest for young children instead of bulky car seats
• Plan only one major activity per day and leave plenty of unscheduled time
• Include at least one completely free day in each city to allow for rest and spontaneous adventures
• Set clear expectations with children about overnight flights and sleeping arrangements
• Take advantage of hotel laundry facilities to pack lighter
• Always use official taxi stands at airports and ignore unlicensed drivers

If you've enjoyed our podcast, we would greatly appreciate if you could leave a review on iTunes. It would make our day to see our podcast recommended alongside other popular travel podcasts!

The activities we did in Madrid (Food Tour and Flamenco show!): vi.me/1T9xd

If you're planning a trip to Europe using points and miles or have questions about traveling as a family of five, follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyofFive where we share highlights and tips from our adventures.

In this episode:

We travel to Madrid as part of our two-week European adventure, staying at the Hyatt Centric Gran Via using points, free night certificates, and suite upgrades for our family of five.

• Taking the train from Barcelona to Madrid is simple and stress-free compared to flying
• The Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid offers excellent location, service, and a memorable breakfast experience
• Experiencing a flamenco show provides cultural entertainment even children can appreciate
• The Royal Palace of Madrid showcases incredible opulence with special access to the royal kitchens
• Madrid's tapas culture is perfect for families, allowing everyone to try small portions of different foods
• Adjusting plans for rainy weather led to unexpected discoveries like the Museum of Illusions
• Retiro Park offers a beautiful outdoor space for kids to play when weather permits
• Following recommendations from "Somebody Feed Phil" led to authentic food experiences
• Using Hyatt Globalist status maximizes value with free breakfast and potential room upgrades

The tour we did (churros and chocolate) and the tour we almost did (dragon tour!): vi.me/bWWul

Barcelona captivated us with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine while we strategically used Hyatt points and upgrade awards to minimize travel costs. We navigated rainy weather by pivoting our plans, discovering indoor treasures and developing a daily rhythm that balanced sightseeing with leisurely meals at the hotel's exceptional club lounge.

• Used points for Grand Hyatt Barcelona, strategically applying suite upgrade and club access awards
• Experienced an enormous junior suite with a bathroom "as big as our entire Paris hotel room"
• Enjoyed the hotel's exceptional breakfast buffet featuring churros, chocolate, and Nutella on tap
• Visited Barcelona Aquarium and Time Out Market food hall during unexpected rainy weather
• Explored Mercado de la Boqueria for an impromptu family food tour sampling local specialties
• Took a family-friendly walking tour through the Gothic Quarter with churros and chocolate
• Marveled at Park Güell's whimsical "gingerbread houses" while kids chased pigeons
• Toured the breathtaking Sagrada Familia with its stunning colored stained glass windows
• Savored daily churros con chocolate, seafood paella, and exceptional pastries
• Missed beach visits and Tibidabo amusement park due to weather but already planning our return

If you found this podcast helpful, please leave a review on Apple or Spotify! Reviews help our show reach more people, and we truly appreciate your feedback.

Paris Macaron Class: vi.me/mTi2C

Bespoke Family Tours of Paris with Zoe at The Petit Guide (we did the Montmartre tour)

Photo shoot: Flytographer! If you've never used them before, use my link to get $25 off your first photo shoot! 

In this episode, we're sharing how we took our family of 5 to Paris using travel points, showing how we explored Paris while staying at the Hyatt Regency Paris E'toile with Eiffel Tower views. We break down exactly how we managed hotel accommodations, transportation, dining and activities for three kids in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

• Using 85,000 airline points to fly all five family members to Paris
• Navigating European hotel room limitations with connecting rooms for families
• Taking advantage of Club Lounge access at Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
• Using the Paris Metro system with kids – surprisingly easy with navigation apps
• Participating in kid-friendly activities like The Petite Guide tour of Montmartre
• Taking a macaroon-making class where kids got hands-on experience
• Visiting the Louvre Museum and seeing Napoleon's apartments
• Enjoying the Tuileries Gardens with playground, trampolines and carousel
• Finding family-friendly dining at Le Relais de L'Entrecôte and Brasserie de Louvre
• Experiencing unexpected kindness from strangers on the Metro

If you enjoyed hearing about our Paris adventures, please share this episode with a friend who might be planning their own family trip!