Transfer bonuses are one of the best ways to stretch your points further, and in this episode we’re breaking down everything you need to know about them. From understanding how they work to sharing the bonuses we’ve taken advantage of, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize your rewards and travel more for less.

What Are Transfer Bonuses? Pam explains that what transfer bonuses are and how big a difference they can make in your redemptions.  For example, a recent American Express bonus to Virgin Atlantic offered a 40% increase, turning 100,000 Membership Rewards into 140,000 Virgin Atlantic miles. 

When to Use Them While transfer bonuses can be tempting, Alex emphasizes the importance of having a plan. Speculative transfers (moving points without a specific booking in mind) can leave you stuck with miles you don’t need if your plans change. The takeaway? If you’re new to points, only use transfer bonuses when you know you’ll use the miles.

Stacking Bonuses for Maximum Value Jess shares how stacking transfer bonuses with existing airline or hotel promotions can unlock even more value. And Alex highlights Flying Blue’s monthly promo awards and child discount, which allow you to save even more by pairing discounted flights with transfer bonuses.

Hotel Transfer Bonuses Jess dives into the hotel side of transfer bonuses, highlighting the best options and the ones that might not be a good deal.

Our Favorite Transfer Bonus Wins Each of us shares a recent win:

• Pam: Transferred 100,000 Amex points to Virgin Atlantic with a 40% bonus, booking a round-trip business class flight to London for just 58,000 miles and $600 in fees.
• Alex: Used a 20% transfer bonus to Flying Blue to book business class flights to Morocco with her mom and sisters for just 55,000 points each way.
• Jess: Took advantage of a Capital One transfer bonus to Virgin Red, then Virgin Atlantic, to book a KLM flight for nearly 50% fewer points.

Transfer bonuses are an incredible way to maximize your points and miles, but timing and planning are everything. Whether you’re saving for a luxury business-class flight or looking to reduce the cost of a family vacation, these promotions can make a big difference. Check out our blog for monthly updates on the latest transfer bonuses, and start planning your next big adventure!

Links:

• Subscribe to Points Talk Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/

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

• Transfer Bonuses and Sales on Points & Miles January 2025 - Travel Mom Squad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: What are transfer bonuses?
• 01:15 – Pam explains how transfer bonuses work
• 10:30 – When to use (and not use) transfer bonuses
• 15:00 – Stacking bonuses for flights and hotels
• 21:30 – Jess’s Hilton strategy and hotel transfer tips
• 27:55 – Favorite transfer bonus wins from Pam, Alex, and Jess
• 35:00 – Final thoughts on maximizing transfer bonuses

The holidays are magical no matter where you celebrate, but spending them in Hawaii? That’s next-level. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares how we used points and miles to pull off unforgettable trips to Maui and Kauai over the Christmas and New Year holidays. We’re giving you all the behind-the-scenes details so you can start planning your own Hawaiian holiday adventure. 

Maui with Alex’s Crew Alex starts by sharing how she surprised her family with a Christmas gift they’ll never forget: six nights at the Hyatt Regency Maui. Planning a year ahead made all the difference, allowing her to lock in the best rates using 210,000 Hyatt points for two king rooms. Alex breaks down why booking early is crucial during peak season and how transferring points to Hyatt made this dream trip possible. 

Pam’s Anniversary Upgrade Quest Pam recounts her experience booking alongside Alex and attempting to score a suite upgrade using Hyatt’s upgrade award. While she didn’t get the full upgrade she hoped for, Pam shares the hilarious story of how a mix-up led to Alex receiving flowers meant for Pam’s 50th wedding anniversary. 

Kauai Adventures with Jess Over on Kauai, Jess’s family enjoyed six nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, covering two rooms with a whopping 420,000 Hyatt points. Jess explains how she maximized her points strategy by leveraging Hyatt’s Guest of Honor program and sharing tips for making family stays more enjoyable. 

Flights and Rental Cars: Navigating the Holidays Booking flights to Hawaii during peak season can be daunting, but we share how Pam's experience was flying United and how Jess and Alex got creative with Southwest companion passes, gift cards, and points to keep costs down. Jess also shares her game-changing experience renting a car with Pineapple Express on Kauai—a rental-car service that lets you skip the lines and even includes beach gear!

Hawaiian Holiday Takeaways The best part of these trips? Spending time with family and meeting some of you, our listeners, who were also in Hawaii thanks to points and miles. Whether it’s taking the grandparents along, planning a holiday surprise for your kids, or just soaking up the aloha spirit, this episode is packed with inspiration for your next adventure.

Links:

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

Links For This Episode: 

• How to Take Your Family to Hawaii for Nearly Free: Family Guide to Hawaii on Points & Miles -https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/products/hawaii-family-guide 
• Shaka Guide: Kauai Tours | Audio Tour Guide - https://www.shakaguide.com/tours/kauai 
• Reservations for Kalalau trail: Reservations - Go Hāʻena - https://gohaena.com/
• Pineapple Express car rental: https://pineappleexpresskauaicarrentals.com

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Intro: How we each spent the holidays in Hawaii
• 01:30 – Alex’s Maui trip: Booking the Hyatt Regency and family surprises
• 07:00 – Pam’s story: Anniversary upgrades and club lounge tips
• 15:20 – Jess’s Kauai trip: Guest of Honor perks and family fun
• 23:30 – Flights: Southwest companion passes and creative savings
• 31:45 – Rental cars: Tips for Maui and Kauai
• 41:00 – Reflections: Meeting listeners and making memories

Feeling overwhelmed by points and miles? You’re not alone! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Devon Gimbel of Point Me to First Class to discuss the psychology of learning points and miles—and why you’re probably doing better than you think. Whether you’re new to the game or feeling stuck, Devon shares her expertise and encouragement to keep going.

Devon’s Journey: From Skeptic to Expert Devon begins by sharing her personal journey into points and miles. Growing up in a single-parent household, travel was often limited to road trips and camping.  And Devon didn’t dive in immediately—she was skeptical of credit cards and their potential for debt. Slowly but surely, she learned how to responsibly leverage points and miles, and her first intentional redemption? Flying Lufthansa First Class to Paris!

The Four Phases of Learning Points and Miles Devon introduces the “four phases of learning” and how they apply to mastering points and miles:

1. Ignorance is Bliss: At the start, you don’t know what you don’t know, and every little win feels huge.
2. The Valley of Despair: Confidence takes a hit as you realize how much more there is to learn, but this phase is key to growth.
3. Conscious Competence: Skills and knowledge improve, though it still requires effort to apply them.
4. Unconscious Competence: With time and practice, navigating points and miles becomes second nature.

The takeaway? Feeling frustrated doesn’t mean you’re failing—it’s a natural part of the learning curve!

Mistakes Are Part of the Process Devon, Alex, and Jess share their own cringe-worthy redemption stories to remind listeners that no one starts as an expert. From redeeming points for DVDs on Amazon to cashing in for economy flights when premium options were available, everyone has made choices they’d change now. But as Devon points out, mistakes are how you learn—and each one gets you closer to becoming a points pro.

Practical Tips for Staying Motivated Devon also offers practical advice for listeners feeling stuck. Her key tips:

• Focus on progress, not perfection.
• Use tools like Travel Freely and Seats.Aero to streamline the process.
• Set realistic goals based on your travel priorities.

And most importantly, don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Whether you’re road-tripping with kids or planning a dream solo trip, success looks different for everyone.

Keep Going—You’re Doing Better Than You Think If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tune in for a dose of encouragement and actionable steps to move forward. Devon’s insights will leave you inspired to keep learning, keep trying, and keep traveling.

Links:

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

• Where You Can Find Devon:
  • Website: https://pointmetofirstclass.com
  • Podcast: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/podcast  
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointmeto_firstclass

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Meet Devon and learn about her inspiring travel journey
• 07:00 – Breaking down the four phases of learning points and miles
• 16:00 – Personal stories: Mistakes, lessons, and growth
• 30:00 – Tools and strategies to simplify the learning process
• 42:00 – Final thoughts: Why you’re better at points than you think

It’s never too early to plan for your next adventure! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad team looks ahead to 2025, sharing the trips we’ve already booked, the credit cards we’re eyeing, and our goals for the year. From Bora Bora to Spain, and everything in between, we’re setting the stage for another year of nearly free travel—powered by points and miles!

The Cards We’re Excited About for 2025 Jess kicks things off with a breakdown of the credit cards she’s targeting, starting with the Capital One Spark Cash Plus and a high-value 80,000-mile Alaska Airlines personal card offer. Pam and Alex are also planning to go for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, while Alex shares how she’s strategizing with Citi AAdvantage business cards to maximize welcome offers. The key takeaway? Timing matters when it comes to opening new cards and meeting bonus requirements.

Trips We’ve Already Booked Between the three of us, we’ve got a packed itinerary for 2025!

Highlights include:

• Jess: Birthday celebrations in San Miguel de Allende, spring break in Japan, and summer escapes to Iceland and Ireland.
• Alex: A Costa Rica adventure with her family, a Maui getaway, and a bucket-list trip to Bora Bora with her husband.
• Pam: A whirlwind journey through India, Nepal, and Bhutan, along with visits to Spain, Maui, and Bora Bora.

We talk about how planning trips far in advance ensures award availability and allows us to secure premium travel experiences.

Points and Miles Strategies for the Year Ahead One thing is clear: flexibility is crucial for success in the points and miles world. Alex shares how she’s keeping her plans open for potential limited-time offers, while Jess talks about balancing her earn-and-burn strategy to maximize the value of her points. Pam reflects on how having a solid points balance gives her the freedom to take spontaneous trips or splurge on luxury experiences.

Make 2025 Your Best Travel Year Yet! If you’re ready to make 2025 the year of nearly free travel, tune in to this episode for inspiration and actionable tips. We also share a free masterclass on how to get your next vacation for nearly free, so be sure to check the show notes for the link. Let’s make this your best travel year yet!

Links:

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

• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free: https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation

• How I Got Approved for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus: https://travelmomsquad.com/how-i-got-approved-for-the-capital-one-spark-cash-plus/

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: Looking ahead to 2025
• 01:00 – The credit cards we’re eyeing for 2025
• 11:00 – Our travel plans: Highlights from our booked trips
• 28:00 – Points strategies and staying flexible
• 31:00 – Points and miles goals for the year ahead
• 33:00 – How to make 2025 your best travel year yet

2024 was a year to remember! In this episode, we’re sharing our best of 2024 awards, from unforgettable hotel stays and flights to top credit card offers that helped us turn big dreams into reality. If you’ve ever wondered what points and miles can do, this episode will inspire you to dive in and start planning your own adventures.

Pam’s Picks: Bougie Moments at the Grand Hotel Victoria and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Pam shares her top hotel stays of the year, starting with a stay in Lake Como. This “lifestyle of the rich and famous” property left Pam feeling like royalty, even as she joked about rocking athleisure among designer outfits. Her other favorite? The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, where she enjoyed incredible January weather and a suite upgrade that made her feel like she was living in a dream.

Alex’s Favorite Stay: Greece with a Twist Alex highlights her stay at Canaves Oia Suites in Santorini. The breathtaking views, private infinity pool, and authentic cave house design made it a “pinch me” experience. This trip reminded Alex why points and miles are so worth it—making unforgettable luxury accessible.

Jess’s Overwater Villa Moment in Bora Bora Jess couldn’t top her Conrad Bora Bora stay this year, calling it a “pinch me” experience. From the overwater villa to stargazing on her private deck, Jess shared how she turned a $15,000 dream trip into a reality with Hilton points. Her takeaway? These moments are priceless, and points make them possible.

Top Flights of the Year Pam’s favorite flight was on the luxurious Etihad Apartments, booked with Air Canada miles for just 65,000 points. Her first-class experience, complete with caviar service and a private suite, was a highlight of the year. Alex shared a special memory of flying business class on Singapore Airlines, while Jess raved about Turkish Airlines’ new A350 suite, complete with the best corn soup she’s ever had.

The Best Credit Card Offers of 2024 The team also reviewed their favorite credit card offers of the year. Pam scored big with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Alex loved the Chase Ink Business Preferred’s 120,000-point bonus, and Jess highlighted the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, which earned her 260,000 miles.

Looking Ahead to 2025 As the episode wraps up, the team reflects on the incredible opportunities points and miles offered in 2024 and teases what’s to come in 2025. Whether you’re just getting started or already a pro, there are plenty of offers and strategies to help you plan your best year of travel yet.

Want to Learn More? If you’re ready to start making memories like these, check out our free webinar, How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free. The link is in the show notes—don’t miss it!

Links:

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 02:00 – Favorite hotel stays: Pam, Alex, and Jess share their picks
• 10:00 – Best flights: From Etihad Apartments to Turkish Airlines suites
• 22:00 – Top destinations: Portugal, Japan, and more
• 30:00 – Best credit card offers and strategies for 2024
• 39:30 – Looking ahead: What we’re excited about in 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, the Travel Mom Squad is reflecting on an incredible year of points and miles. In this special episode, we’re breaking down the credit cards we opened and closed, the strategies we used to rack up points, and the unforgettable trips we took along the way. If you’re curious how points and miles can transform your travel, this episode is a must-listen!

The Cards That Made 2024 Happen Jess, Alex, and Pam each opened (and closed) a variety of cards to maximize their points strategies. From Chase Ink cards to the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, the team shares how they targeted cards with elevated welcome offers and leveraged creative strategies to earn millions of points.

Lessons Learned From Closing and Downgrading Cards A major part of managing a points portfolio is knowing when to say goodbye. The team discusses their approach to closing and downgrading cards, emphasizing the importance of timing to avoid red flags.

A Year of Incredible Travel From Bora Bora to the Italian Dolomites, 2024 was packed with bucket-list trips. Jess’s travel highlights included following Taylor Swift across the globe, visiting Tokyo, Scotland, and Santorini. Alex took her family on a trip to Amsterdam and London, and Pam reflected on her most cherished moments, from flying Etihad Apartments to enjoying three-generational family getaways. The best part? Nearly all of these adventures were made possible by points and miles.

The Emotional Impact of Points and Miles Pam ends the episode on a heartfelt note, sharing how compiling her 2024 recap brought her to tears of gratitude. “This is something I never would have been able to do without credit card points and miles,” she says. The team agrees: this hobby is about so much more than just saving money. It’s about creating memories and opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

Looking Ahead to 2025 The Travel Mom Squad is already planning for another year of unforgettable travel, and this episode is full of inspiration for how you can start planning your own points-powered adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the lessons and stories shared here will motivate you to dream bigger and travel smarter.

Links:

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

• How I Got Approved for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus
• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Reflecting on an amazing year of points and miles
• 01:15 – Cards opened in 2024 and how they shaped our strategies
• 15:00 – Closing and downgrading cards: Tips and lessons learned
• 25:00 – Highlights from Jess, Alex, and Pam’s 2024 trips
• 35:00 – The emotional impact of creating memories with points and miles
• 38:00 – What’s ahead for 2025 - what’s coming up next on the show!

Ever wonder what kind of points and miles traveler you are? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the different types of travelers and how your personal travel style can shape your points strategy. From planners to luxury travelers to earn-and-burn enthusiasts, we break down the styles that work best for different lifestyles and goals—and share what type of travelers we are, too! 

Alex: The Planner and Strategist Alex kicks things off by sharing how her style has evolved. As a planner, Alex focuses on specific trips she wants to take and chooses credit cards to make those trips happen. She balances planning with flexibility, chasing transferable points and limited-time offers that align with her travel goals. Her advice? Always keep the 5/24 rule in mind and prioritize cards that fit your long-term plans.

Pam: The Type-A Luxury Traveler Pam describes herself as a “no-chill, Type-A overachiever” who loves the finer things in life. With over 5 million points and miles, Pam can book anything at a moment’s notice. Her strategy focuses on luxury—think first-class flights and five-star hotels. For those in a similar stage of life, Pam emphasizes making points work for you while enjoying the rewards of your hard-earned travel perks.

Jess: The Earn-and-Burn Expert Jess takes a completely different approach: earning points quickly and redeeming them just as fast. “By the end of this year, I’ll have redeemed over a million Hyatt points,” she says. Jess avoids stockpiling points, knowing they devalue over time. Her philosophy? Use them while they’re at their peak value to create unforgettable family memories. 

Other Traveler Types and Strategies

• The Domestic Traveler: Focused on U.S. destinations, this traveler maximizes Chase Ultimate Rewards and co-branded hotel cards for family road trips or visiting relatives.
• The Road Tripper: Ideal for families who avoid flying, this strategy uses hotel cards like Hyatt or Marriott to save on stays during sports tournaments or weekend getaways.
• The Disney Fanatic: For those who visit Disneyland or Disney World annually, Capital One cards help erase ticket purchases and make magical trips more affordable.

Your Travel Style, Your Strategy There’s no “right” way to approach points and miles. The best strategy is the one that fits your lifestyle and goals. As Pam puts it, “You do you!”

Ready to Find Your Traveler Type? Tune in to the full episode to hear more about each style and figure out which one resonates with you. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you refine your strategy and make the most of your points.

Links:

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: How your travel style shapes your points strategy
• 01:15 – Alex: The planner and how she prioritizes flexibility
• 10:08 – Pam: The luxury traveler with 5 million points
• 15:23 – Jess: The earn-and-burn approach to points
• 21:30 – Domestic travelers, road trippers, and other styles
• 27:55 – Takeaways: Why any strategy can work for your goals

You’ve heard us share our travel stories and tips, but today we’re introducing you to three incredible women who help make Travel Mom Squad possible. Megan, Traci, and Claire aren’t just our teammates—they’re passionate travelers and moms with their own inspiring journeys in the world of points and miles. In this episode, we dive into how they got started, their favorite travel wins, and what keeps them motivated to help families travel better. Hit play to hear their stories!

Megan: From Student to Digital Manager Megan is the glue that holds our team together, managing everything from card consultations to staying on top of the best credit card offers. A longtime points and miles enthusiast, Megan took her first points-funded trip to China in 2014, booking round-trip flights and two weeks of hotels for free! Fast forward to today, and she’s orchestrating epic family adventures, including a two-week trip to Hawaii and Australia. Her advice? Don’t be afraid to expand your plans. As Megan says, “We were already halfway to Australia, so why not go all the way?”

Traci: The Fact-Checking Pro Traci’s role is all about keeping our blog and content accurate and compliant, but her travel experience is just as impressive. She’s been in the points and miles game for over a decade and even introduced Jess to this world! Traci shared highlights from her family’s DIY around-the-world trip, pieced together with points and miles. From art tours in Milan to a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay, Traci’s travel philosophy is all about maximizing memories while balancing practicality. And yes, she admits economy ankles are real—but so is the joy of exploring new destinations!

Claire: Building Memories with Birthday Trips As our Facebook community manager, Claire is a familiar face to anyone in our group. But did you know she started her points journey by buying Travel Mom Squad’s course for herself? Since then, Claire has turned family birthdays into opportunities for travel. Her next adventure? Taking her oldest to London and Paris for senior photos—a dream trip made possible with points.

The Takeaway: Your Team, Your Inspiration What makes Travel Mom Squad special isn’t just the places we’ve been—it’s the team behind the scenes, working to help you unlock the magic of points and miles. 

Whether you’re new to points or a seasoned pro, this episode will inspire you to dream big, plan smart, and keep making memories with your family. Tune in now to hear their stories and start thinking about your next adventure!

Links:

• Join Our FREE Webinar, Learn How To Travel Nearly Free!  https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 01:15 – Megan’s role at TMS and how she got started with points and miles
• 07:00 – Megan’s most memorable family trip and how points made it possible
• 15:30 – Traci’s background in points and miles and her favorite travel style
• 22:45 – Traci’s incredible DIY around-the-world trip with her family
• 33:00 – Claire’s introduction: How she discovered TMS and her role as the Facebook community manager
• 41:00 – Claire’s approach to birthday trips and favorite points-based travel moments

Tired of long lines at immigration or security when traveling? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad revisits a favorite topic—Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®—but with a twist. While we’ve covered these programs before, there are important updates you need to know to make family travel even smoother. Whether you’re flying internationally or just looking to breeze through airport security, these tips are a game-changer.

New Updates You Can’t Miss Since our last discussion on this topic, a major update now allows kids under 18 to get Global Entry for free if their parent or guardian is enrolled. Jess highlights how this policy change can save families hundreds of dollars—especially for large families like Alex’s. And if you’ve ever been frustrated by long wait times for Global Entry interviews, Alex shares how her family took advantage of the new interview-on-arrival option, skipping the months-long backlog to get everyone approved quickly. Jess also mentions that some airports, like San Francisco, are testing departure-day interviews, which could make the process even easier.

How to Get It for Free Using Credit Cards Alex dives into the details of credit cards that reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® application fees. Popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture, and Amex Platinum cards make it easy to offset the costs. One pro tip: You can use the benefit on someone else’s application by paying with your card, so you can help friends and family members enroll too. Between these credits and the new kids-under-18 policy, Global Entry has never been more accessible.

Backup Options for Occasional Travelers If you’re not ready to commit to Global Entry, Pam suggests Mobile Passport as an alternative. This app offers a shorter immigration line without the application process or fees. While it’s not as fast as Global Entry, it’s a great backup for infrequent international travelers. 

The Key to Stress-Free Family Travel Between Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, and Mobile Passport, there’s no reason to deal with long lines at the airport. As Jess says, “Travel days are stressful enough—why not make them as easy as possible?”

If you’ve been putting off enrolling in these programs, this episode is your sign to get started. Tune in now to hear all the details and updates that will make your next family trip a breeze!

Links:

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

Links For This Episode: 

• Mobile Passport Blog Post: https://travelmomsquad.com/no-global-entry-try-mobile-passport/
• Mobile Passport App: ‎Mobile Passport Control

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Revisiting Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® with important updates
• 07:00 – TSA PreCheck® benefits and why it’s worth it
• 10:30 – The best credit cards for free enrollment
• 15:00 – How the new kids-under-18 policy can save families money
• 20:00 – Alex’s tips for interview-on-arrival success
• 28:00 – Mobile Passport: A simple alternative for occasional travelers
• 30:00 – Final thoughts and why it’s time to enroll

Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less.

Chase Freedom Flex: A Keeper in Every Wallet Alex kicks off the episode with her top pick, the Chase Freedom Flex. This no-annual-fee card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points and offers 5% back on rotating categories like PayPal and grocery stores. With a 20,000-point welcome offer after spending just $500, this card can easily cover a one-way flight to Europe. Alex highlights how pairing this with a Chase Sapphire card allows you to transfer points to travel partners, unlocking even more value.

Chase Ink Business Cards: Pam’s Love Language Pam shares her favorite no-annual-fee business cards, the Chase Ink Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited. These powerhouse cards earn Ultimate Rewards points on categories like office supply stores and internet or offer a flat 1.5% back on every purchase. With a whopping 75,000-point welcome offer (after spending $6,000), these cards are a cornerstone of her strategy for racking up points.

Maximizing American Express Options Jess introduces the Amex Blue Business Plus card, a no-annual-fee option that earns 2X Membership Rewards points on every purchase up to $50,000 annually. She also mentions the Hilton Honors card, which comes with no annual fee and Hilton Silver status, unlocking perks like the fifth night free on award stays. For anyone looking to maintain Hilton points without paying a fee, this is a fantastic option.

Waived Annual Fees: United and American Airlines Cards The team also highlights cards like the United Explorer and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select, which waive their annual fees the first year. These cards offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and extra award availability for flights.

No-Fee Travel Wins From Alex’s PayPal points strategies to Jess’s tips on tracking targeted offers, this episode proves that no-annual-fee cards can still pack a punch. Whether you’re just starting with points and miles or looking to add another card to your wallet, these recommendations are the perfect way to travel smarter without extra costs.

Links For This Episode: 

• Chase Freedom Flex℠: https://travelmomsquad.com/cff

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: http://travelmomsquad.com/cfu

• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/cic

• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/ciu

• United℠ Explorer Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/uecp

• United℠ Business Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/ubc

• How to Qualify for a Business Card

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Introduction: Why No-Annual-Fee Cards Matter
• 01:37 – Chase Freedom Flex: Rotating Categories and Welcome Offers
• 06:00 – Pam’s Favorite: Chase Ink Business Cards
• 16:00 – American Express Options for Hilton and Membership Rewards
• 23:00 – United Explorer and AAdvantage Platinum Select Benefits
• 30:00 – Wrapping Up: Maximize Value Without Annual Fees

Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it’s absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this episode, Alex shares how she made an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam and London with her husband and four boys, all while keeping costs incredibly low. From flights to accommodations and even transportation, she breaks down every detail of her family adventure.

Flying to Europe on a Budget The trip began with a flight deal Alex couldn’t pass up: just 105,000 Flying Blue miles for her entire family of six to fly to Amsterdam from Salt Lake City. Alex’s clever use of Flying Blue’s 25% discount for kids under 12 made the trip even more affordable, with taxes and fees coming to just $68 per person. Her tip? Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from American Express or Chase to Flying Blue for even bigger savings!

Exploring Amsterdam Like a Local Staying at the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, Alex used points to secure connecting rooms for her family, complete with Globalist perks like complimentary breakfast and club access. From the Anne Frank House to a canal boat ride and even creating custom chocolate bars at Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore, the trip balanced iconic attractions with kid-friendly fun. Her advice? Don’t overpack the itinerary—kids need downtime, even in a city as vibrant as Amsterdam.

A Short Hop to London For the next leg of the trip, Alex used her Venture X travel credit to book a quick flight to London. Staying at her sister’s house added a personal touch to their time in the UK. From exploring neighborhood Tesco stores to an Arsenal football match, Alex’s kids got an authentic look at British life while bonding with their cousins.

Travel Tips for Big Families Alex highlights the importance of preparation, from booking Anne Frank House tickets six weeks in advance to managing public transportation with the GVB app. Nervous about navigating new cities? It’s all part of the learning experience, and the confidence you and your kids gain is worth every moment.

Memories That Last a Lifetime Whether it was riding a red bus through London or savoring Yorkshire pudding made by her brother-in-law, Alex’s trip was filled with priceless moments. And thanks to points and miles, this dream trip was not only affordable but also inspiring for her entire family. As Alex puts it, “Travel gives you confidence, and that’s something I saw in my kids every step of the way.”

If you’ve ever thought traveling internationally with kids wasn’t possible, this episode will change your mind. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video on YouTube for all the details and tips from Alex’s incredible trip!

Links:

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

Links For This Episode: 

• Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/amsra-hyatt-regency-amsterdam
• Anne Frank House: https://www.annefrank.org/en
• Harry Potter Studios: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 03:00 – Finding affordable flights with Flying Blue
• 12:00 – Amsterdam highlights: Hotels, canals, and chocolate
• 22:00 – Tips for managing public transportation with kids abroad 
• 27:00 – London adventures: Football matches, Harry Potter, and more
• 38:00 – Lessons learned and memories made