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Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

• By: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Credit Card Points
• 5.0 out of 5 stars 5.0 (5 ratings)

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78. European Getaways: How to Fly for Less Using Points and Miles

Ever wonder how you could wander through the romantic streets of Paris, explore the ancient ruins of Rome, or cruise the canals of Amsterdam without the steep price of airfare hanging over your head? Well, buckle up, because today's episode is all about making those European dreams a reality for pennies on the dollar! Join us, the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess—as we delve into our treasure trove of tips for using points and miles to jet off to Europe.

In today’s chat, Jess spills the beans on how she's hopping across the pond multiple times this year (hint: it's all about those points!), and Pam shares her seasoned strategies for snagging those luxurious long-haul flights to visit her daughter in London. We’re peeling back the curtain on the mystical world of traveling on points, showing you that with a bit of savvy planning and the right credit cards, those chic European getaways can be more attainable than you think.

From leveraging airline alliances to maximizing credit card rewards, we're not just talking about scoring a seat on a plane; we're upgrading you to a lifestyle where globe-trotting to Europe becomes as routine as a road trip to the next state. We'll guide you through the best cards for travel points, how to snag that elusive business class upgrade without breaking the bank, and why sometimes, the best travel strategy involves a simple train ride through stunning landscapes.

So, whether you're plotting your first escape to Europe or you're a seasoned flyer looking to stretch your miles even further, this episode is your first-class ticket to smarter travel. Ready to soar into the skies without the hefty price tag? Hit play to join our journey and maybe even discover how to make Europe your second home, one point at a time!

Links For This Episode:

Transfer Partner & Airline Alliance Master List: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet

• Our Favorite Search Engines To Book Award Travel: https://travelmomsquad.com/our-favorite-search-engines-to-book-award-travel/

Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 1:49 Starting Points - Pam shares why Europe is a top destination and tips on using points for flights.
• 3:09 Cheap Carriers & Trains - Pam explains how to travel cheaply within Europe once you arrive.
• 4:12 Typical Costs - Pam outlines what to expect in terms of points for economy and business class.
• 6:22 Favorite Airlines - Pam and Alex discuss their preferred airlines and strategies for booking.
• 9:54 Booking Tips - Alex offers advice for beginners on booking with United and other carriers.
• 14:12 Air France Benefits - Alex highlights the perks of booking with Air France, especially for families.
• 20:30 Real Booking Examples - Alex shares recent bookings and Jess talks about flying Singapore Airlines.
• 24:11 Avianca LifeMiles - Pam discusses using Avianca for flying Star Alliance to Europe.
• 27:00 Chase Travel Portal - Alex suggests using the Chase portal for booking when rates are low.
• 32:00 Upgrading Tickets - Alex and Jess talk about upgrading flights and when it’s worth it.

77. New to Points and Miles? Start Here! Your Beginner's Guide to Points & Miles in 2024

Ever wonder how some people manage to jet off on amazing vacations without breaking the bank? Today, we're spilling the secrets on how to start traveling almost free by harnessing the power of credit card points and miles. Whether you're a points newbie or just need a refresher, this episode is your passport to becoming a savvy traveler in 2024.

Hey, it's us, the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess! Grab a cup of coffee, and let's break down the basics of earning and redeeming points. It's way simpler than you think, and no, you definitely don't need to be rich or spend a fortune to start racking up those miles.

Here's what we're unpacking today:

• The Real Scoop on Credit Card Bonuses: Learn how welcome offers work and why you don’t have to spend extra to benefit.
• Choosing the Right Cards: We dive into why not all cards are created equal and how you can pick the best ones to start stacking up free flights and hotel stays.
• Smart Spending: Tips on using your card like a debit card to avoid debt while earning points on every dollar you spend.
• Annual Fees Demystified: Think of annual fees as an investment that pays off in free travel. We'll explain how the benefits far outweigh the costs.

We'll also share personal stories and simple strategies to get the most out of your cards without altering your lifestyle. Plus, we'll cover some common myths and mistakes to avoid, ensuring your credit score stays intact and your travel dreams soar.

Ready to turn your everyday spending into your next vacation? Let’s demystify the points game together. Hit play to dive into the world of points and miles and discover how easy it is to travel for nearly free. Share this episode with friends and family who dream of exploring the world without emptying their wallets!

Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey:

• How to Get Your Next Vacation For Nearly Free: https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/
• Award Travel Academy: https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=TMSWEB150
• Current Best Credit Card Offers: https://travelfreely.com/travelmomsquad/

Our Website:

https://travelmomsquad.com

Connect With Us:

• Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad
• Facebook group: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad
• 0:00 Intro: Alex introduces the basics of credit card points and miles.
• 1:11 Clearing Misconceptions: Jess discusses the reality of earning points without excessive spending.
• 2:46 Credit Card Bonuses: Pam explains how sign-up bonuses work and how to meet spending requirements wisely.
• 6:24 Long-term Strategy: Jess touches on the sustainability of credit card point strategies over the years.
• 9:10 Annual Fees Explained: Jess dives into why paying annual fees can be worth it with the right cards.
• 11:15 Cost-Benefit Analysis: Jess and Pam discuss how the benefits often outweigh the costs of annual fees.
• 14:18 Card Management After One Year: Pam explains options for managing your credit cards after the annual fee posts.
• 18:32 Pace Yourself: Jess emphasizes the importance of pacing in the credit card points game to avoid red flags with banks.
• 20:12 Credit Score Concerns: Alex addresses concerns about the impact of opening new credit cards on credit scores.
• 25:00 Types of Credit Cards: Jess explains the difference between co-branded cards and flexible point cards.
• 27:40 Two-Player Mode: Pam discusses how partnering up can maximize point earnings.
• 29:56 The Chase 5/24 Rule: Alex explains one of the most important rules in the credit card points game.

76. Travel Like a Pro: Stephanie’s Journey from Points Beginner to Award Travel Guru

Ever wonder how a busy mom of two transformed from a points and miles novice to a traveling on points pro, jet-setting in first class and organizing family vacations for practically pennies on the dollar? Well, buckle up, because today's episode is all about Stephanie's jaw-dropping journey through our Award Travel Academy.

Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we dive into Stephanie's adventure into the world of points and miles. From her first tentative steps earning slow-burn points on a single credit card to mastering the art of maximizing sign-up bonuses and leveraging different loyalty programs for incredible getaways, Stephanie's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Learn how she pulled off a luxurious couple's retreat and a family trip for 12, all while juggling the demands of young kids and a full-time job. It's a tale of patience, savvy planning, and the thrilling highs of scoring that "almost free" travel.

Stephanie shares her favorite redemption stories, including a dreamy escape to Aruba using a mix of Delta and British Airways points, and a sophisticated system of combining points for a lavish family stay in a ski-in ski-out condo in Colorado.

Whether you're a points newbie or a seasoned traveler, Stephanie's insights and our tips will help you see that luxury travel isn't just for the rich and famous—it's accessible to anyone who's ready to learn the ropes of the points game.

So, are you ready to see how you too can travel the world for less? Press play to dive into Stephanie's story and discover how you can start crafting your own travel tales. And remember, if Stephanie and us can do it, so can you! Join us inside the Award Travel Academy and let us help guide you on your journey. Your next adventure awaits, and it’s closer than you think! (Links below!)

Links for this Episode:

Award Travel Academy: https://sso.teachable.com/secure/1220720/checkout/4130861/thmata?coupon_code=MAY200

• ATA Next Level: https://sso.teachable.com/secure/1220720/checkout/4762583/atanextlevel?coupon_code=MAY200
• BOGO Free Bundle!: https://sso.teachable.com/secure/1220720/checkout/4762603/award-travel-academy-next-level-bundle?coupon_code=TMSBOGO24
• Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad
• 0:00 Meet Stephanie: Learn how she transformed her family’s travel using points.
• 1:42 Discovering Points: Stephanie shares her early experiences with earning and using points.
• 5:38 Joining the Academy: Find out why Stephanie joined Award Travel Academy and its impact.
• 13:07 Aruba Trip: Details on Stephanie’s strategic use of points for a trip to Aruba.
• 22:07 Colorado Family Trip: Stephanie plans a family ski trip to Colorado entirely on points.
• 31:24 Future Travels: Insights into Stephanie’s future travel plans and dream destinations.
• 34:37 Q&A: Stephanie answers questions about her travel strategies
• 42:37 Wrap-Up: Key takeaways from Stephanie’s journey and an invite to join Award Travel Academy.

What listeners say about Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

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I love the travel hacking mom show!

You guys are so wonderful and give such good advice from begginer to advanced hackers. I can’t wait for more shows and to learn and grow more!

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• MarciG_InAZ

AMAZING TRAVEL HACKING TIPS!

These moms do an incredible job of explaining the highlights of travel hacking. They provide specific examples of which cards to use and how to maximize point redemptions. Each topic is chunked into manageable, easy to digest episodes. I am several years into my travel hacking journey but am just getting ready to take the plunge into card churning and stepping up my organization of cards, benefits and redemptions using some of the tips I've learned from these moms. I backpacked around the globe in my 20's and now I cannot WAIT to do it again in luxury. Thank you for this incredible podcast. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone interested in getting into the game!

My new favorite podcast!

I've binged every episode over the last few weeks and loved them all! Alex, Pam, and Jess give you the confidence to start traveling for nearly free. I highly recommend it!

• Chanta McLymont

Great tips!

I really liked how thoroughly that they went through the different travel hacking tips and that they personalize tips with life adventures

Favorite travel hacking podcast!

I listen to 5 travel hacking podcasts, and this is by far my favorite! Even my 9 and 10 year old daughters want to listen to it when we are in the car! I love how they dive deep into tips and tricks in a very specific yet understandable way.

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Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the Process

These days, there are a million and one ways to make budget travel a reality. From embracing the sharing economy to working overseas or volunteering abroad to hunting down cheap flights , traveling has never been easier or more affordable. Even with the pandemic-related price increases, travel is still relatively cheap and there are lots of deals out there to be found.

But the most incredible way to lower your costs even further? Points and miles .

It’s something I’ve been doing for years, which has enabled me to earn more free flights and free hotel stays than I can count. And if you’re not doing it, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table and paying way more for travel than you should be!

What are points and miles?

Collecting points and miles involves signing up for travel credit cards and collecting credit card points, hotel points, and/or airline miles you can cash in for free flights, flight upgrades, hotel stays, transportation, and much, much more.

While there are a ton of advanced tips and tricks to out there (and we go over a lot of them in my guide on the subject), many people don’t even know where to start. The process seems daunting because of all the programs and credit cards out there. Which card do you get? How do you know you’re maximizing your points? And just how do you redeem them for rewards?

It’s a lot to wrap your head around.

But it’s a lot easier than it seems. By just tweaking how you pay for groceries, gas, and dining out, you’ll be able to start earning points and miles toward free travel today .

In this points and miles 101 guide, I’ll explain the basics, so you can stop leaving money on the table and start making your travel dreams a reality.

Here is how you get started:

Step 1: Figure out your goal(s)

The first thing you want to do when it comes to points and miles is to figure out your goal(s). What are you looking to achieve?

Are you saving for a big family trip? Do you just want the odd free economy flight or hotel here and there? Or are you more interested in a huge first-class upgrade? Or are you an avid flyer who wants perks, like lounge access and free upgrades?

There’s no wrong answer, so spend some time pondering this. If you just go into points and miles without direction, you’re going to get lost.

You’ll need to do this because it will help you pick the cards and spending strategies that will get you closer to your goal(s). There are hundreds of travel credit cards to choose from, and they all have their own pros and cons.

For example, if you’re a loyal flier with American Airlines, the best cards to start off with would be those that are AA branded. That way, you can jump-start your point balance as well as get the perks that those cards come with (free checked bags, priority boarding, etc.).

If you’re looking to go to Europe on a United partner, you’ll want to apply for the cards that get you United or Star Alliance points.

Always like staying at a specific hotel chain? Get that particular brand’s card.

If you just want points to spend wherever you choose, get a Chase, Citi, Capital One, or American Express® Card, because you can use their points with a variety of travel companies.

Once you decide your goal(s), you can figure out the cards and programs that will get you there.

Step 2: Get a travel credit card

Once you know your goals to and what perks are important to you, you can start to browse for a credit card.

Note: Collecting points and miles is impossible without a credit card. You just cannot get enough points otherwise. Here’s everything you need to know about credit cards and why they aren’t as evil as society makes them out to be.

While many introductory cards are free, the best travel credit cards usually have an annual fee. You want to make sure you’re always getting more value out of the card than the annual fee. This isn’t hard to do if you’re a traveler, especially if you start with a low fee card. You can also often get the fee waived in subsequent years if you call and threaten to cancel the card. I do that often to avoid the fee.

Some things to remember before you apply for a card:

• There is no perfect card — each has its pros and cons based on your goals. Don’t listen to blogs touting some card as “the best.”
• Aim to get a card with a low annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (so you can use it abroad without paying extra).
• Make sure the welcome bonus is attainable (more on that below).

Remember that you need to pay off your monthly balances to make it worthwhile, so only apply for a card if you’re able to pay off your expenses each month.

Here’s what the ideal card should have:

• A huge welcome bonus – The best travel cards all offer a sizable introductory bonus. It will be these welcome points that jump-start your account and get you closer to a free flight or hotel stay. Typical travel credit card welcome bonuses range between 40,000 to 60,000 points, though sometimes they can be as high as 100,000. That’s why cards are so great: you get an instant balance of tens of thousands of points for very little work.
• A low spending minimum – Unfortunately, in order to get the great welcome bonuses these cards offer, there is usually a required spending minimum in the first few months. I typically sign up for cards with a minimum spending requirement of $3,000 USD in a three- to six-month period. While there are ways to temporarily boost your spending, it’s best to get the bonus using normal day-to-day spending. Only apply for a card or cards that you can meet the minimum spend(s) on to qualify for the welcome bonus(es). (More on minimum spending requirements in the next step.)
• An added category spending bonus – Most credit cards offer one point for every dollar spent. However, good credit cards will give you extra points when you shop at specific retailers, use their online portals, or, if it is a branded credit card, shop with a particular brand. This will help you earn points much more quickly.
• Special travel perks – All of these travel credit cards offer great perks. Many will give you a special elite loyalty status or other perks. Collecting points and miles is not just about just getting points and miles, it’s about what else comes with the card that makes your life easier!
• No foreign transaction fees – Credit cards are great to use overseas because you get the best possible exchange rate from them. But if you are paying a fee every time you use the card, then it’s less good. Nowadays there are so many cards offering no foreign transaction fees that you should never, ever, ever have to get one with a foreign transaction fee.

Step 3: Earn the welcome bonus

As mentioned, the most important part about signing up for a new credit card is to make sure you earn the welcome bonus. Most cards offer this bonus if you spend a set amount within the first few months of receiving a card (usually the first three months). These offers can be huge, often equal to the cost of a round-trip flight.

Obviously, it would be silly to pass up the chance at a free flight, so make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement for the welcome bonus before you pick a card. If you can’t meet the spending requirement, there’s no point in signing up just yet.

That might mean waiting until your next big purchase (e.g., waiting until you need a new computer, a new couch, etc.) or waiting until a big holiday like Christmas or a loved one’s birthday, so you can earn more points than your normal spending.

If even that isn’t going to do the trick, you’ll need to get creative.

For example, when you go out for dinner, pay for the bill on your credit card and have everyone pay you back. That way, the cost will go toward your minimum spending requirement. Additionally, if any friends or family are planning big purchases, ask them if you can put them on your card so you can get the points. That’s another easy way to meet the minimum spend without having to shop til you drop.

Step 4: Maximize your category spending

Most travel credit cards offer category bonuses. That means that instead of getting just 1 point per every dollar spent, you might get 2 or 3 or even 10 when you shop in particular categories. Restaurants, supermarkets, and gas are three of the most common ones, but there are lots more too.

To maximize your points, always use the right card for each purchase.

If you just have one card to start, just put everything on that card to maximize your points. Once you start branching out and have a few cards, just keep track of the main category bonuses so you don’t miss out by using the wrong card. Earning double, triple, or even 10x the points can drastically speed up your earnings, so don’t skip out on the category bonuses!

Step 5: Redeem your points and miles

It’s time to cash those points in and make your travel dreams a reality! Depending on your spending and financial situation, maybe you’ve been able to save up enough in just a few months. Maybe it’s taken you a couple years. Either way, it’s time to reap the rewards! (If you want to learn more on how to do that, get this guide I wrote .)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Now that we’ve laid out the steps, I wanted to answer some common questions I get about collecting points and miles.

Can non-Americans collect points and miles? Yep! While the US definitely has the best travel cards, many other countries have similar cards too, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe.

Start by checking with your local airline to see if it has a branded credit card. You can also check in with your bank and ask what cards are available. Every country is different, so you’ll need to ask around to get the ball rolling.

Here are some posts to help you get started:

• How to Collect Points & Miles in Canada
• How to Collect Points & Miles in Australia & New Zealand
• How to Collect Points & Miles in the UK

Do I need to pay off my bill every month if I want to do this? Yes. Credit cards charge huge interest fees, which will eat up whatever small benefit you get from the points.

Can you collect miles even if you have bad credit? Yep! You’ll likely need to start slow, with a card that doesn’t have amazing perks. However, over time, you can build your credit up as long as you’re paying off your bill every month. If you have bad credit, start with a prepaid or secured credit card to build back your credit.

Does opening a new card hurt my credit rating? Opening or closing a lot of credit cards at once can hurt your credit. However, applying for a few credit cards over a period of time won’t ruin your score. Sure, it will slightly dip every time there is an inquiry, whether for a credit card or home loan or car loan — that’s how the system is set up. But so long as you space out your applications and pay off your bills each month, you won’t find any long-term damage to your credit. I have dozens of cards and apply for and cancel them regularly, and my credit score is excellent.

Collecting points and miles can be intimidating, but it’s really just the art of being smart with your spending on the right one or two credit cards. You don’t really need to do more than that. While you can also dive much deeper in the game (some people really go down the rabbit hole on this!), it’s not all that necessary.

Don’t leave money on the table. Get a card, earn the welcome offer, maximize your points — and then do it all over again! Eventually — with no unnecessary spending — you’ll reach your goal and get to enjoy some awesome travel perks!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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18 Travel Hacks You Probably Haven't Heard Before, Straight From People Who Swear By Them

"I once racked up over 20,000 Capital One travel points in a very, very unconventional way..."

BuzzFeed Staff

If you love to travel or travel often, you've probably picked up some tips and tricks to make jet setting more seamless, enjoyable, and cheaper. So redditor u/tomsawyertravels asked, "What's your best obscure travel hack ?" Here's what people said (and I can't wait to try some of these out on my next adventure).

1. "southwest airlines starts drink service at rows 1, 8, 15, and 22. if you have a choice of row 9 or 15, go to 15. you get your drink first and have a better chance at getting more than one.".

— u/enfranci

2. "Always carry a sarong with you when traveling. It’s basically an all-in-one lightweight tool. You can use it as clothes, a raincoat, a rope, a bandage, a beach towel/picnic rug, a bag, or a blanket."

— u/PurplePiglett

3. "Use the bathrooms by the baggage claim. They’re always clean and empty."

— u/holy_cal

4. "I always try to have an extended layover (like 10 hours or more) to visit the layover city. This way, I've visited Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore without going on a specific trip to those destinations. It takes some fiddling to book those flights (airlines present you with the 'most convenient' flight), but it's worth it."

— u/frugalacademic

5. "A lot of flights are not allowing carry-ons these days with a basic ticket purchase (JetBlue 🤨), so I've been using my fishing vest I got from Japan to carry all of my clothes I can't fit into my personal items. Styled right, it looks super cool with my outfit, AND I can fit eight shirts, five pairs of socks, and an entire laptop (storage on the back) in it—and snacks and water. When traveling to places where it's inconvenient to bring my fishing vest, I'll bring my jacket with deep pockets and my Costco dad cargo pants. I can fit 2-3 shirts per pocket. And before anyone complains about the extra weight I'm bringing into the plane, I can promise you my extra clothes and snacks weigh less than 5 pounds."

— u/tomsawyertravels

6. "Most flights won't give you a refund on basic tickets. Upgrade them to a higher class ticket then cancel for a full refund. I've done this with United and JetBlue, but I can't speak for other airlines."

— u/Ace-O-Matic

7. If you must cancel a hotel less than 24 hours in advance, call and tell them you need to bump the reservation back a week. Then call the next day and cancel it penalty-free."

— u/Blu3fin

8. "We once racked up over 20,000 Capital One points in a very unconventional way. We were in Paris and rented Velib bikes to get around the city. The catch was that every time we'd rent a bike, a hold was put on our credit card in case of damage to the bike. I believe the hold was close to $400 for each bike, and it took a couple of days for the hold to be lifted. For some reason, the hold would go through as a purchase on our card, and with the travel multiplier, we were getting about 1,600 points every time we rented a bike. The best part was that the bike rental was free if you rented it for less than 30 minutes. So we'd just rent two bikes, ride to the next station in less than 30 minutes, drop them off, and rent two more bikes. We did this an absurd amount of times and got rewarded handsomely."

— u/robcampos4

9. "Consider using an eSim card. You can shop online for the best deal on a temporary sim before starting your trip. I paid 30 CAD for a 1-month, 12 gig, unlimited, and everything else plan; it's good for all of Europe. I installed the eSim before heading to the airport. As soon as the plane landed, I could fire up my eSim without the hassle of finding a physical SIM card. Was in my Uber 10 minutes after leaving customs, it was great. Not all phones support it, but for those that do, they are extremely convenient and cheap."

— u/pentox70

10. "If flying between the US and Canada, ALWAYS look at buying separate one-way tickets in each direction. More often than not, you'll save $100+ due to their strange exchange rate and tax calculations. It doesn't work on every single route but is always worth a check, and I've been amazed how often it's been much cheaper."

— u/Dorkus_Mallorkus

11. "I get rid of old clothes on my travels, which helps me empty my carry-on for more souvenirs. I bring old shirts, pants, sweaters, underwear, and socks for travel to get rid of them as I go. I hate checking in luggage and I will have plenty of extra room to bring things back."

— u/fitDEEZbruh

12. "I use hotel room hangers to clip the curtains together to black out the room."

— u/rand0m_g1rl

13. "If you’re flying internationally into the US and are a US citizen, do the mobile passport option if the airport has it. It’s an app and takes 30 seconds to do. It’s just as fast as global entry. I’ve passed 100s of people waiting at passport control."

— u/Inpleinsite

14. "If you're not sure of the neighborhood you're booking your hotel or rental stay in, go to Google Street View and 'walk around' in the neighborhood. You can see if it looks pleasant, has nearby cafes or local grocery stores, etc"

— u/ThaneOfCawdorrr

15. "I always create a Google map list and save items to populate my map. It makes it easy to plan out your days and see what sites/restaurants/attractions you are near in a new city."

— u/macedaace

16. "Requesting a special meal (for example, vegetarian) on an international flight will ensure you get served first."

— u/soniclaura

17. "I always bring baby shampoo and an entire unopened box of ziploc bags. The baby shampoo is great for washing yourself (obviously) but is also perfect for washing things like lightweight shirts, underwear, and socks in the sink."

18. "One of my favorite obscure travel hacks is to use Google Maps offline. Before my trip, I download the maps of the areas I'll visit. This way, I can navigate, find attractions, and even search for restaurants without an internet connection. It's beneficial in places with spotty Wi-Fi or when I want to save on data usage. Plus, it relieves stress and helps me feel more confident exploring new places."

— u/Known-Astronomer8660

What's your favorite travel hack that most people haven't heard before? Tell us in the comments or submit it in this anonymous form.

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Carlsbad, California on Points and Miles

I love Southern California. My family always traveled there when I was younger, so I have wonderful memories of the beaches, amusement parks, and great weather. When Alex invited my husband and I to join them on their Spring Break vacation to Southern California, we were all in. Carlsbad, California, on points and miles, was […]

Kuala Lumpur on Points & Miles

When we planned our trip to Singapore, we decided to country-hop to Kuala Lumpur on points & miles, too. Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital city and is known for its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, bustling street markets, and delicious street food. We had heard great things about it – what were our thoughts?   Flights […]

Beginner’s Reader Success Story to Cabo

Grace is a points and miles beginner, but she was still able to book an amazing vacation to Cabo. We love that you can quickly learn the game and have success with credit card points and miles! Only two cards opened, and she was in Cabo for her babymoon! Here is her story: This is […]

Ultimate Reader Success Story to Japan

One of our readers, Christy, just sent this reader success story to Japan to us – talk about an ultimate redemption and trip! Here’s her story: My husband and I just returned from a nearly 3-week trip to visit our son living in Japan, visiting the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, and Iwaki. This […]

Hyatt Hotel Hopping in Abu Dhabi

I just returned from my most recent trip planned around an award redemption, Etihad Apartments, first class for only 65K Air Canada miles. While there, my daughter, Lindsey, and I did a little Hyatt hotel-hopping in Abu Dhabi. First, I had NO intention of returning to Abu Dhabi again, but the opportunity to try out […]

Midwest National Parks Road Trip

Two summers ago, our family of five embarked on a huge Midwest national parks road trip. We started off in New York state in our minivan with three kids. We drove through 15 states and visited six National Parks—for a grand total of about 4,500 miles. Twelve of our 15 hotel nights were on points […]

Reader Success Story to Denver

Our next reader success story to Denver is from an Award Travel Academy student who states that a trip on credit card points and miles helped get her Player 2 onboard. She has been following us for a few years and shared her trip to Denver and future plans with us!   Booking a Trip […]

Reader Success Story to Aruba

I started following Jess over at Made Possible By Points right after I returned from an amazing trip to Kauai, Hawaii. My husband and I had the time of our lives at the Grand Hyatt, and Jess was sharing a reel about how she scored a trip to Hawaii using points from a welcome offer. […]

Reader Success Story to Dubai

Sandra sent us her reader success story to Dubai – and it was a doozy! She packed it with fun activities to celebrate her 40th birthday. This is how she did it!   Sandra’s Reader Success Story to Dubai I just got back from eight days in Dubai to celebrate my 40th birthday, and I […]

Friday Family Vacation to Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona is known for its beautiful weather, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. This makes it a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. Scottsdale offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, art and culture, and relaxation options, making it an ideal destination for a family […]

Getting to Europe on Points and Miles

I traveled to Greece and Italy this summer, two destinations that are on a lot of people’s bucket lists. So many people want to go to Europe so let’s go over some of the best ways to get to Europe on points and miles.   United Airlines One of the ways I fly to Europe […]

The Ultimate London Itinerary

One of my favorite cities in the world is charming London! The history, the parks, the museums, and the Royal Family—what’s not to love? My daughter, Lindsey, and her family have lived in London for about 14 years, so I usually go over at least twice a year.  London is by far my most visited […]

Family Friday Vacation to Park City, Utah

One of my favorite places to visit is Park City in Utah. Park City, Utah, is a beautiful mountain town known for its world-class ski resorts, including Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort.  In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Park City offers a variety of other activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and […]

Family Friday Vacation: Reader Success Story to Huntington Beach

Karen sent us her reader success story to Huntington Beach and stayed at one of our favorite hotels. There is nothing like a points and miles trip to create family memories! Here is how she did it: My best redemption so far has been to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.  My son had a basketball […]

Points and Miles to Costa Rica

If you want the pura vida experience, head to Costa Rica. Sunshine, water, great food, and the nicest people – what’s not to love? Even better, using points and miles to Costa Rica for an amazing vacation is easy to do. I just got back from a trip to Costa Rica with one of my […]

A Tale of Two Hyatt All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

This blog post is a tale of two Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. One for couples and one for families. But first, did I meet my favorite Mexico resort (perhaps my favorite resort EVER)??   Hyatt All-Inclusives in Mexico Let’s first get you up to speed. Alex and her family asked my husband, me, and […]

Friday Family Vacation to Punta Cana

Our Friday family vacation to Punta Cana is a reader success story from Jess, who began her points and miles journey following our Jess! She took her adorable family of six to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on points and miles. Here is her story:   Spring Break 2023 Family Vacation to Punta Cana […]

Reader Success Story to Spain Using Points/Miles

Our latest reader success story to Spain using points/miles comes from Meghan. Here it is in her words: Our son is in a dual language program with Spanish.  We are trying to travel, at least once a year, to a Spanish-speaking country to help him build his real-life skills (especially since Mom & Dad aren’t […]

Montreal Christmas Market Weekend Getaway

December in Montreal is a time when the city dons its holiday best, and the streets come alive with the spirit of the holiday season. Last December, our family had a magical (and freezing!) weekend adventure in Montreal. We visited a number of Christmas markets throughout the city and enjoyed many of the kid-friendly activities […]

Impression Moxché by Secrets — A Luxury Stay on Points

Jess and I recently returned from an incredible stay on points at Impression Moxché by Secrets. We spent three nights and lived a life of luxury with beautiful accommodations (including an ocean-view room complete with a soaking tub on the balcony 🤯), all the food and drinks we could ever want, rooftop pools, and a […]

Reader Success Story to Kona on Points/Miles

Our latest reader success story comes from Stacy. She and her husband had a fun-filled vacation to Kona. Here is her reader success story to Kona in her own words.     My husband and I recently traveled to Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii using points and miles. Let me share how we […]

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Mom's Hack To Sort Kids' Outfits While On Vacation Praised: 'Brilliant'

G oing on vacation with kids isn't easy. Trying to remember all their clothes, toys and other bits and pieces is hard, so preparation is key. Thankfully, one mom has posted a helpful organizational trick to keep things simple.

Read more: How to Choose a Travel Credit Card

A TikTok user who posts household tips and tricks under the username Clean And Tidy With Carly shared a video on TikTok showing how she packs her kids' clothes and other items for a trip.

First, she rolls every outfit into one bundle, so each day's outfit is separated and easy to access. Then, she packs each bundle into a shoe organizer.

Once you're at your destination, she advises just hanging the shoe organizer on the back of the door. This way, you can grab what you need in the mornings and dress your kids quickly and easily, without having to root through your suitcase. Then, you can get on with whatever holiday activities you have planned.

Carly wrote in the caption underneath the video: "This is going to be so much easier unpacking this on holiday and just hanging it over the door at the other end! Boom unpacked!"

The handy tip has been liked more than 8,000 times.

Commenters have praised the mom for her organizational skills. One wrote: "I do this at home so hubby can put matching clothes on my girls when I am at work."

Another said: "This is a flipping brilliant hack! Not even just for kids."

Some said it's helpful for larger families too. One commenter wrote: "I have four and the amount of stuff I forgot last year on our holiday... This is a great idea, thanks."

If you find traveling with a baby or young child stressful, you're not alone. Trying to remember everything they need—from clothes and diapers to bottles, toys and bedding—can be difficult.

Some of the top travel hacks parents suggest include booking flights as close to nap time as possible, using lightweight and foldable strollers, and making sure you have the essential items in a backpack or a large purse. Finally, try to relax—you can't remember everything and if you do forget something, you can probably grab it at the airport or in a local store.

Newsweek has reached out to Carly for comment.

If you have a parenting dilemma, let us know via [email protected]. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured in Newsweek .

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31. California Dreamin’: The Ultimate Guide To Making Your SoCal Adventure A Reality Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

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Hello, fellow travelers! We're the Travel Mom Squad—Pam, Jess, and Alex. In this episode, we're taking you on a virtual journey to sunny Southern California, and the best part? We're showing you how to do it all on points and miles! We all love visiting Southern California. It's a quick flight for Pam from Denver and Alex from Salt Lake City, and even for Jess from Houston, it's not too bad. The weather is always perfect, and it's a hit with our families. In this episode, we're covering all our favorite ways to get to Southern California, the best places to stay, and so much more.  We've flown into various airports depending on our destination within SoCal, including San Diego, John Wayne, and Long Beach. And we've found some really good redemptions. For example, Alex's recent trip to Huntington Beach cost just 48,000 miles round trip for four tickets. That's less than one signup bonus for a Southwest card! When it comes to accommodations, we have a few favorites.  But that's not all! We also discuss tips for making the most of your points and miles, and so much more. So come along with us as we take you to Southern California today, all on points and miles, of course! Hit play to hear the full conversation! A trip to Southern California is sure to be a memorable one for the entire family. There is so much to do and see all for pennies on the dollar! Make sure you register for our Free Masterclass “How to Start Traveling for Nearly Free.”  Links below!   Links:   Free Gifts and Resources To Start Your Points and Miles Journey: Award Travel Academy: Award Travel Academy I https://travelmomsquad.teachable.com/p/thmata?coupon_code=THMWEB150 Our Website: https://travelmomsquad.com Connect With Us: Newsletter signup: https://travelmomsquad.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelmomsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmomsquad Facebook group: Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Points | Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelmomsquad   Links For This Episode:  Manchester Grand San Diego Andaz San Diego Park Hyatt Aviara Coronado Island Marriott Grand Pacific Palisades Resort Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach The Seabird   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 Favorite ways to travel and stay in Southern California  1:21 Alex gives her preferred flights when traveling to Southern California 2:58 Why smaller airports can make for easier travel and better redemptions 3:54 Why Southwest prices and redemptions are best for large family travel 4:15 Pam always flies United and saves miles and points for business class seats 5:13 Jess prefers Southwest for her family, utilizing the companion pass 6:02 Favorite places to stay in San Diego 6:21 Jess gives a glowing family review of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego  9:57 Pam loves the Andaz San Diego for a more bougie, classy feel 11:56 Jess mentions the most luxurious and expensive option, the Park Hyatt Aviara 16:30 Pam offers the Coronado Marriott as another family friendly alternative  18:04 Alex shares her experience staying at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort 20:06 The Grand Pacific is walking distance from Legoland and condos for families  21:35 Places to stay in Huntington Beach 25:28 Jess and Alex give their review of the Hyatt Globalist breakfast 28:47 Alex shares her experience at the Seabird  29:08 The Seabird has more of a boutique feel that overlooks the ocean 31:51 The Hyatt Regency and The Seabird are both great ocean-side options for families  37:04 A look into the Travel Mom Squad next planned trip to Southern California  

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