We break down exactly how we booked our entire family of five for a two-week European adventure across Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid using points and miles. This trip demonstrates how strategic credit card usage, elite status benefits, and advance planning can transform an expensive dream vacation into an affordable reality.

• Booked 5 economy seats on Air France for 85,000 Flying Blue miles with 25% discount for kids under 11
• Leveraged Hyatt Globalist status to secure club access and connecting rooms at multiple properties
• Used suite upgrade awards to enhance accommodation experience for the family
• Booked high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid using the Omio app 
• Secured premium economy return flights through Virgin Atlantic using 150,000 transferred Amex points
• Communicated with hotels 6-8 weeks in advance to confirm connecting rooms and family accommodations
• Used free night certificates and airline credits to minimize out-of-pocket expenses
• Total cost under $2,000 for round-trip flights to Europe for a family of five

If you have questions about planning your own family trip using points and miles, find me on Instagram and say hello! I'm happy to answer them.

We explore strategies for handling credit card denials and share insights on navigating bank-specific rules to improve approval odds while discussing recent Hyatt award chart devaluations affecting popular properties worldwide.

• Cancellation strategies for point bookings when plans change, including leveraging elite status for fee waivers
• Comprehensive overview of Hyatt's 2024 award chart changes affecting 118 properties moving to higher categories and 30 moving lower
• Notable category increases for popular properties including Grand Hyatt Kauai, Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, and multiple Japan hotels
• Personal experience with recent credit card denials for Capital One Spark despite strategic application approaches
• Bank-specific approval strategies including closing older Chase Ink cards before applying for new ones
• Using an EIN instead of SSN for business card applications to improve approval odds
• Understanding American Express "pop-up jail" and potential workarounds
• Application timing rules for major banks: Capital One (one card every six months), Citi (one card every eight days), and Barclays spending requirements

Remember that credit card denials aren't personal—they're algorithmic decisions based on specific data points. Take a deep breath and be patient if you experience rejections, as this is a marathon rather than a sprint.

Link to my entire trip planning checklist for FREE! 

Planning a family trip can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Our discussion revolves around creating a structured timeline to help you earn points and maximize your travel experience. 

- Sharing a detailed planning timeline starting 18 months prior 
- Discussing how to choose travel destinations based on flight availability 
- Understanding the role of credit cards in earning travel points 
- Planning accommodations based on points options in each destination 
- Preparing travel logistics, packing, and activity planning 
- Final insights on stress-free family trip planning 

Thank you for tuning in! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out on Instagram and let me know what you think!

Airline alliances are essential to maximizing your points and facilitating family travel. By understanding and utilizing these partnerships, families can find better availability, save points, and streamline their travel experiences.

• Explanation of airline alliances 
• Importance of booking through the correct airline system 
• Discussion of major airline alliances 
• Real-world examples of leveraging airline partnerships 
• Tips for sweet spot locations and maximizing miles 
• Insights on transfer bonuses from banks 
• Recommendation of award search engines 
• Key strategies for family travel planning 

If this episode was helpful, make sure to subscribe and follow us on Instagram at TravelPartyof5 for lots more points and miles tips for your family of five or more.

This episode celebrates a memorable surprise anniversary staycation at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, showcasing the couple's enriching experiences with their family. Insights into hotel amenities, dining options, and spa highlights deliver practical tips for families considering this luxury getaway.

• Surprise staycation for anniversary 
• Overview of the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale renovations 
• Benefits of securing club access 
• Dining experiences and reviews of hotel restaurants 
• Highlights of the spa and wellness treatments 
• Tips for families planning a visit to the hotel

With spring break approaching, today’s episode focuses on last-minute travel destinations within the U.S. that can be booked using points. We share insights on family-friendly locations, tips for booking on points, and emphasize the importance of using travel rewards before they lose value. 

• Discussing the growing trend of last-minute spring break travel 
• Highlighting family-friendly destinations like Panama City Beach and Clearwater 
• Exploring Washington, D.C. as a free and fun travel option 
• Recommendations for enjoyable stays in San Diego and Hawaii 
• Advising on how to effectively search and book last-minute trips 
• Emphasizing the value of utilizing points for travel experiences 
• Encouraging families to set out on spontaneous trips and make lasting memories

Family adventures often come with an unseen layer of stress and anxiety, especially for parents. Through candid discussions about personal experiences, Raya and Duane explore the realities of family travel, mental health, and managing anxiety, reinforcing the message that feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of the journey. 

• Tackling the stress of family travel and managing expectations 
• Sharing personal anecdotes about stressful travel experiences 
• Discussing the impact of mental health on travel dynamics 
• Encouraging positive reframing of travel experiences 
• Highlighting the importance of community support and shared stories

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

Alternate title - Points for Poutine! :) In this episode Raya is sharing about a work trip to Montreal, highlighting the charm of the city and detailing how to effectively use travel points for hotel bookings. 

• Reflections on the Montreal experience in January 
• Insights into opening new credit cards for travel rewards 
• Experience at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth during a workers' strike 
• Exploring Old Montreal and its unique winter charm 
• Understanding the Accor loyalty program and point transfers 
• Tips for navigating customs and travel delays effectively

This episode shares our travel plans for 2025, including family trips to Europe, new puppy challenges, and credit card strategies for maximizing travel. We discuss life updates, budgeting tips, and our adventures in making travel a family affair. 

• Life update: introducing our new puppy, Maui 
• Upcoming trip to Christmas markets in Europe, exploring Paris, Strasbourg, and Cologne 
• Planning spring break travels in Paris and Spain 
• Summer plans for Oceanside and adjustments due to Hyatt renovations 
• Strategy for credit card usage to accumulate travel points 
• Exploring new travel apps for budgeting and trip planning 
• Goals for the podcast: reaching more families with travel inspiration

2024 was filled with memorable travel experiences, from top hotels and flights to unforgettable vacations. The episode focuses on sharing the best moments, while highlighting family-friendly options and personal favorites that made the year special.

• Best couple's hotel at the Kempton Seafire in Grand Cayman 
• Top family hotel was the Park Hyatt Aviara 
• Most memorable flight on Air France from Paris to Phoenix 
• Overall favorite vacation revealed to be the trip to Grand Cayman 
• Reflecting on childhood memories in Japan 
• Excitement for upcoming trips planned in 2025