Next year we've got three big trips on the docket - Thailand, Scotland/ London, and Switzerland/Italy. By mixing cash fares, smart point redemptions, and repositioning, we share the exact math behind paying cash to Asia, and two goals to keep travel calmer and on budget.

• booking strategy for a family of five using points, cash, and portals
• why one‑cent redemptions lost to Amex travel offers and 5x earning
• routing choices to access lounges and smoother layovers
• Thailand plan with Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok as bases
• London and Edinburgh logistics for seven travelers
• chasing return award space after routes vanish
• Aeroplan business class to Zurich and Boston repositioning
• hotel approaches in Zurich, Lake Como, and Italy
• domestic add‑ons to Oceanside and Disneyland with Hyatt certs
• budget tracking on trips to curb overspend
• ADHD medication updates improving family travel dynamics

I think I’m like very close to a thousand followers on Instagram. So if maybe you don’t already follow, go over and give us a follow @travelpartyof5

Links to Activate Instacart credits:

United Cards: https://www.instacart.com/p/chase-united?unauth-refresh=1

Chase Ink Cards: https://www.instacart.com/p/chase-ink?unauth-refresh=1

Chase co-branded cards (Marriott, Hyatt, etc): https://www.instacart.com/p/chase-cobrands?unauth-refresh=1

What if the credits you ignore every month could stock a food bank, surprise a caregiver with lunch, or stretch a teacher gift from thoughtful to unforgettable? We walk through the exact playbook we use to turn small, forgotten perks into big, tangible help—no coupon spreadsheets, no all‑day errands.

We start with quick wins you can do tonight: send a hot meal using Uber, DoorDash, or Grubhub credits to a friend, a grandparent across the country, or a new parent who needs a break. Then we level up with the Amex Gold Dunkin credit, turning it into donut drops for local schools, fire stations, or hospital staff. For holiday gifting, we show how certain Chase cards’ DoorDash pickup credits can buy third‑party gift cards through the Flower & Gift Boutique, often turning $10 of credit into $15 or $25 of spending power. Pair that with Chase Freedom rotating categories and you can fund Angel Tree or sponsored family gifts while maximizing rewards.

If you plan to donate cash, don’t miss airline partnerships that return miles for every dollar—Southwest Rapid Rewards and American Airlines often run strong promos—so your generosity fuels future trips too. We also highlight creative uses for credits like the Amex Platinum’s Saks benefit and the Business Platinum’s Dell credit to supply shelters and student programs with essentials. And yes, that old suitcase can do real good at a foster care agency.

Our deepest dive is a step‑by‑step guide to using Chase co‑branded Instacart credits and Instacart Plus to buy exactly what local food banks request via Community Carts. We cover card activation links, stacking free Plus months, choosing a food bank, and a simple checkout routine that waives fees and adds a small tip. With a handful of cards, we donated over $120 of groceries with about $20 out of pocket—set it up once and repeat it monthly in under 15 minutes.

If this helps, share it with a friend who hoards points, subscribe for more practical travel and points tactics, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Tell us: which give‑back hack will you try first?

1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - Book here!

What if your weekly groceries, Friday night dinners, and holiday shopping could fuel your next big family trip? We break down a four-bucket system that took us past two million points this year without gimmicks: strategic sign-up bonuses, smart category spending, thoughtful referrals, and powerful stacking tools that turn ordinary purchases into extraordinary travel.

We walk through the exact card moves we made, including timing the AA business “double dip,” choosing public offers over weaker referral paths when the math wins, and sequencing business cards to protect 5/24. Then we shift into everyday multipliers that quietly stack value: Amex Gold for 4x at dining and groceries, Strata Elite for 6x on weekend dining windows, and Freedom Flex quarterly caps. Gift cards become a multiplier key, from the DoorDash gift card store coding as dining to sub-$200 in-store buys that track on Rakuten during 12x promos.

The stacking chapter is where balances jump. We share how we earned 200k+ through Rakuten alone, the new Rakuten-to-Bilt 1:1 window, and how to layer card-linked offers from Chase and Amex for double-dip savings. We also cover underused levers that don’t require new accounts: Amex checking bonuses, retention asks after the annual fee posts, strategic downgrades to set up upgrade offers later, and targeted employee card offers on Amex business products that award points for manageable spend across multiple cards.

Looking ahead, we’re eyeing Bilt cards for mortgage earn, a rumored Chase-Hyatt premium card that pairs well with Globalist, and spring Hilton Surpass promos with free night certificates. For advanced players, we touch on Aspire–Surpass upgrade/downgrade sequencing to generate multiple uncapped Hilton free nights. For beginners, we keep it simple: anchor one great sign-up bonus, route your top categories into 3x–6x earners, and try one clean portal stack on a purchase you were already making.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend who wants to travel more for less, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more families learn how to turn everyday spend into real-world adventures.

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.

Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5

These are all the experiences we booked in Japan using Viator:

Our Fave Japan Experiences

This episode wraps up our Japan series with a practical Q&A:  From eSIM setup and Suica hacks to Shinkansen tradeoffs and Japanese toilets, we share what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d do differently next time.

• choosing eSIMs over pocket Wi‑Fi for simple, low‑cost data
• adding Suica to Apple Wallet and getting physical child IC cards
• booking Shinkansen on short notice and budgeting for higher fares
• reserving luggage space vs overhead racks for carry‑ons
• live navigation with Google or Apple Maps and using Google Translate
• Borderless vs Planets and why early time slots matter
• views of Shibuya Crossing without paying tower fees
• packing light with airline weight limits and carry‑on tips
• paying with cards, IC cards at vending, and minimal cash needs
• eating etiquette, where to sit, and the lack of public bins
• clean, ubiquitous bidet toilets and what to expect
• no‑tipping norms and rare cases we tipped
• long flights with kids: downloads, snacks, and clear expectations
• future wishlist: Fuji, Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kyoto’s new TeamLab

Send me a DM on Instagram @travelpartyof5 if you have further questions! 

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.

Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5

These are all the experiences we booked in Japan using Viator:

Our Fave Japan Experiences

We close out Tokyo with five days in Shibuya, sharing the hotel that worked for a family of five, the food tour that converted our kids into sashimi fans, and a sumo dinner that was fun and very touristy. Duane takes us back to the bases where he grew up, and we end with our honest take on TeamLab Planets and Singapore Airlines long-haul economy.

• Hyatt House Shibuya location, room types, and Globalist perks
• Kitchenette value, laundry realities, and breakfast quality
• Train choices between Shinagawa and Tokyo Station
• Shinjuku food tour highlights and kid-friendly bites
• TeamLab Planets vs Borderless, ticket timing tips
• Sumo dinner format, audience matches, and tourist factor
• Harajuku wins with latte art, misses with mini pig cafe
• Yoyogi Park reset and unplanned wandering
• Returning to Sagamihara and Zama, memory-lane moments
• Singapore Airlines economy vs JAL economy, points costs

Please leave us a rating or review wherever you listen
Any questions, send me a message on Instagram @travelpartyof5! 

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.

Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5

These are all the experiences we booked in Japan using Viator:

Our Fave Japan Experiences

In this episode we are sharing our five days spent in Kyoto with kids. From bullet train tactics and early-bird sightseeing to Osaka, Hiroshima reflection, and the messy truth of Nara’s deer, we map what worked and what we’d change.

• Buying Shinkansen tickets on Klook and SmartEX options
• Luggage, seating, ekiben and Mount Fuji side tips
• Hyatt Place Kyoto value, connecting rooms, breakfast strategy
• Nishiki Market 
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 
• Ninja class highlights 
• Osaka day trip, Dotonbori food, karaoke 
• Hiroshima day trip, Miyajima torii, Peace Museum
• Orizuru Tower 
• Nara - the deer town 

Some experience links may be affiliate links which means we make a small commission if you choose to book through those links. Thank you for supporting our free content by using these links <3

Things we referenced in this episode:

Adventuring With Annie - How to Skip the Lines at Tokyo Disney in 2025 

In this episode we share how we tackled two Tokyo Disney parks as a family of five using points, paid and free fast passes, and strategic timing. From cheap-ish tickets and popcorn hunts to a Frozen ride breakdown with a fast refund, we lay out what worked and what we’d change.

• using a Hyatt cert and points to stay near the parks
• shuttle loop logistics and why early entry matters
• buying discounted tickets on Klook and linking the app
• mixing paid and free priority passes to skip lines
• Disneyland ride highlights and Japanese audio notes
• food costs, popcorn flavors, and quick bites
• DisneySea scale, Fantasy Springs, and two‑day advice
• locker strategy for luggage on checkout day
• Ariel’s underground playground for kids and heat relief
• Uber costs, speed, and car seat choices
• the Frozen ride breakdown, refunds, and staff efficiency
• tools we used and what we’d do differently next time

Give us a follow @travelpartyof5 for more behind the scenes videos/content! 

Our podcast episode we referenced: Booking a Trip to Japan on Points as a Family of 5

The Photographer we used: https://fleurandhoney.com/

You can absolutely book her direct using the link above. We booked through Flytographer, so if you want to do that instead (or look at other options), this is our Flytographer referral link: https://flytog.co/RAYASAN-AGUSTIN 

As always, we appreciate you using our links to help support the podcast! 

The ramen restaurant, Ginza Ramen Soryu: https://share.google/aUSl6tXJnb1XeZzSb

In this episode we cover:

• Alaska miles for positioning flight to SFO
• Grand Hyatt SFO convenience and club access
• JAL economy booked with AA miles, kids’ meal tip
• Haneda immigration QR flow and family line
• Private transfer vs public transit on arrival
• Hyatt Centric Ginza suite upgrade saga resolved
• 7‑Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart meal strategies
• Shinjuku family photos, fast edits, direct booking
• Conveyor belt sushi trade‑offs for kids’ fun
• TeamLab Borderless highlights and tea add‑on caution
• Ramen near Ginza worth a return trip
• Language tools: Google Translate and key phrases
• Metro basics with Google Maps and Suica cards
• Stairs, timing, and accessibility notes
• Disney parks preview and where to find links

Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5 to see the hotel tours and Tokyo highlights; DM us your questions for quick replies

Ready for an unfiltered look at family travel? Join Raya and Duane as they pull back the curtain on their travel strategies, answering your burning questions about navigating the world with three kids in tow.

Ever wondered how to prepare toddlers for their first flight? Our hosts share their trial-by-fire experiences, from eight-month-old lap infants to red-eye flights with layovers. Their practical advice on entertainment, snacks, and managing expectations comes from years of real-world testing with their own children. The unanimous verdict? Pack more snacks than you think you'll need and don't be afraid to bend your screen time rules when 30,000 feet in the air.

Accommodating a family of five presents unique challenges in a hotel industry designed for parties of four. Raya explains how their pursuit of Hyatt Globalist status was driven by the need for space through suite upgrades, while also exploring alternatives like family plan rates and home exchanges. The conversation takes an honest turn when discussing points valuation – sometimes getting accommodations "free" matters more than optimal redemption value when you're managing the substantial costs of feeding and entertaining multiple children abroad.

The episode dives deep into credit card strategy, with Raya sharing details about their impressive points portfolio (including 600,000 Amex points!) and recent approval experiences. Their candid admission that they "never feel like they have enough points" will resonate with anyone who's caught the travel hacking bug.

Whether you're planning your first family trip or looking to optimize your travel strategy, this ask-me-anything episode delivers practical insights from parents who've learned to navigate the complexities of family travel without sacrificing adventure. Tune in before their next journey – they're off to Japan tomorrow and promise to return with a wealth of new experiences to share!

Family traditions don't have to cost a fortune when you know how to leverage travel rewards. On our latest adventure, we whisked our soon-to-be nine-year-old son to Dallas for his birthday weekend, fulfilling his dream of attending an NFL game while creating unforgettable memories.

The trip centered around three core experiences: mouthwatering brisket at Terry Black's BBQ, heart-pounding roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas, and the electric atmosphere of a Cowboys-Giants overtime thriller at AT&T Stadium. We navigated the challenges of downtown Dallas's unexpected 3AM street racing scene (yes, really!) and conquered the post-game transportation chaos that had us abandoning our Uber and walking to the stadium.

With strategic planning, we transformed what could have been an expensive weekend into an affordable getaway. Our American Airlines flights were largely covered by a Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit, while our luxurious Corner Suite at the Thompson Dallas was completely booked with Hyatt points. Even our airport experiences were elevated with lounge access at both Phoenix and DFW.

This Dallas getaway represents something deeper than just another vacation – it's part of our family tradition of celebrating each child's ninth birthday with a domestic destination of their choice, followed by an international adventure at eighteen. These milestone trips create lasting bonds and teach our children about the world beyond their everyday experiences.

Whether you're planning your own family traditions or simply looking to maximize value on your next trip, we hope our experiences provide both inspiration and practical tips. The joy on our son's face as he cheered alongside Cowboys fans (while proudly wearing his Dolphins jersey) made every point and mile we've ever earned completely worthwhile.