Travel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family Travel

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.

Traveling with neurodivergent children requires specific strategies, but it's entirely possible and rewarding when you understand how to support their unique needs.

• Mindset shift is crucial - see behaviors as brain differences, not deliberate disruptions
• Prepare thoroughly by discussing travel plans and showing destination videos beforehand
• Create personalized toolkits with noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and familiar snacks
• Allow movement breaks in airports before long flights regardless of others' opinions
• Consider using the sunflower lanyard program which signals invisible disabilities to airport staff
• Implement calm-down techniques like tracing letters on your child's back during meltdowns
• Be cautious with melatonin use as it can increase tantrums in some children
• Travel builds confidence by bringing history to life and nurturing specific interests
• Give neurodivergent children input into activities to increase their engagement

Remember that you're never going to see these people again, so focus on your child's needs rather than worrying about strangers' judgments.

1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - Book here!

This is the link from DOC that mentions the 85K in flight Alaska offer - at the time of publishing this the link would not load for me but I'm leaving it here in case it gets fixed. 

If it's still broken, here is the regular link for the 80K offer for the new Alaska Ascent card plus the other 2 Alaska cards mentioned in this episode. 

Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5

The credit card market has 2 new exciting-ish options with Citi's premium Strata Elite and Alaska's revamped lineup including their first-ever premium card.

• Citi Strata Elite ($595 annual fee) offers 80,000 points, transferable to American Airlines, plus $300 hotel credit and $200 "splurge credit"
• Alaska's new Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa ($395 fee) gives 100,000 points and a 25,000-point companion discount
• Alaska's two lower-tier cards (Summit and Business) offer 80-85k points with $95 annual fees
• Bank of America's approval rules require under 3 or 7 new accounts in 12 months depending on banking relationship
• Alaska miles excel for "positioning flights" at just 4,500 points per person to reach major international airports
• Alaska's new program allows fee-free points transfers between family members
• West Coast families may find more value in Alaska cards while those near AA hubs might prefer the Citi option. My overall pick would be the new Alaska card and the Alaska rewards program in general!

1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - Book Here! Discounted price expires Sunday September 7th at 11:59pm MST. 

Southwest Airlines currently offers elevated bonuses on personal credit cards, making it easier than ever to earn the valuable Companion Pass that allows a designated person to fly with you nearly free.

• 100,000 point offers available on all three Southwest personal cards until September 17
• Southwest Companion Pass lets your designated companion fly with you for only taxes and fees ($5.60 per one-way domestic flight)
• When earned strategically, the pass can be valid for almost 24 months
• Families can save thousands by having two parents each earn a pass
• Two methods to earn: one-card strategy or traditional two-card method
• Timing is critical - all qualifying points must post in the same calendar year
• Southwest points are tied to cash prices, so more points are always better
• Companion Pass doesn't work on Southwest's international partner flights
• Card benefits vary: Priority card ($229 annual fee) allows seat selection at booking
• All cards now include first checked bag free

The elevated 100,000 point offers on Southwest personal cards expire September 17, so act quickly if you want to position yourself for a Companion Pass in early 2026.

We dive into the unspoken rules of travel etiquette, covering everything from airport behavior to hotel tipping protocols so you can confidently navigate luxury travel experiences with your family.

• Addressing common airport and plane etiquette questions like overhead bin usage, seat reclining, and shoe removal
• Breaking down the hotel tipping guide - who to tip, when, and how much
• Explaining the bellman process and how much tip is typically appropriate for handling luggage
• Discussing proper buffet etiquette and the importance of always using a clean plate
• Sharing strategies for teaching children appropriate hotel behavior
• Highlighting the importance of researching cultural norms before international travel
• Revealing which etiquette rules we sometimes break ourselves (yes, we save pool chairs!)

Follow us on Instagram @TravelParty5 and please share this episode with someone who might need these tips! If you've enjoyed our podcast, we'd be so grateful if you'd leave a rating or review.

Book your 1:1 Strategy Session Here!

Points and miles transform dream destinations from distant fantasies into achievable adventures, opening up the world while presenting the delightful challenge of deciding where to go next.

• Our kids' bucket list items reflect their personalities - our 5-year-old wants Asia and Africa because of a song
• Our 8-year-old dreams of Miami and Philadelphia to watch his favorite football teams 
• Our 11-year-old hopes to see jaguars in Brazil and return to New York City
• We're already checking off bucket list destinations this year with Europe, Japan, and Christmas markets
• Thailand, Scotland/London, and Italy are our planned bucket list trips for 2025
• The "Die With Zero" philosophy influences our travel planning - prioritizing experiences at the right life stage
• International bucket list includes African safari, Scandinavian summer, Norwegian fjords, French countryside, Peru, and more
• Luxury hotel stays like JW Marriott Masai Mara and Park Hyatt Vienna make our accommodation bucket list
• Premium cabin flights on Emirates, Turkish, Japan Airlines and Qatar's Q Suites round out our travel dreams

Don't be afraid to dream big with your travel bucket list - it should be inspiring and remind you what's possible. Points and miles can make those dreams feel closer to reality.

What destinations are calling your name? We'd love to hear about your family's travel bucket list! Follow along on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 as we continue checking dream destinations off our list and sharing the journey with you.