Episodes
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[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here!
Travel Freely App - How we keep track of all our cards!
And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5
Contrary to popular belief, opening multiple credit cards doesn't automatically tank your credit score. I'm living proof – with eight new cards in just six months and an "excellent" credit score of 808 to show for it.
The credit card journey has been quite the ride. Growing up with warnings about the dangers of plastic and experiencing credit card debt twice in my younger years made me initially hesitant. Fast forward to today, and I've completely transformed my relationship with credit cards, using them strategically to fund incredible family adventures through points and miles.
My husband and I break down the eight cards I've opened since January – spanning Chase, American Express, and Citi – and reveal how diversifying across different banks has been crucial to approval success. We share the surprising factors affecting credit scores (like why my husband's 763 score gets fewer approvals than my 808) and how credit history length significantly outweighs the impact of new accounts.
The most pressing challenge we're facing? Meeting a massive $20,000 minimum spend requirement on the Amex Business Platinum. We discuss our strategy, including prepaying bills, planned expenses, and the somewhat controversial world of buying groups. And no, despite my husband's suggestions, we won't be purchasing jet skis to meet the requirement!
These strategic credit card moves have yielded nearly 700,000 points across various programs, funding upcoming adventures to Thailand, Japan, Yosemite, and European Christmas markets. We also tackle the counterintuitive decision to sometimes pay cash for flights rather than using points when the value proposition doesn't make sense.
Want to learn how to leverage points and miles for your own family travel? Join my waitlist for personalized one-on-one consulting sessions where I'll help you maximize your redemptions and plan your dream trips.**Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you use them. I only recommend products I truly use and love.**
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We dive into the complex world of changing and canceling award travel, sharing real experiences and practical strategies to help save your trip when plans change.
• Domestic carriers like American, Alaska, and Southwest generally don't charge fees for award ticket changes
• International airlines like Air France/Flying Blue, British Airways, and Singapore typically charge significant change fees
• A personal saga of spending three hours changing Air France flights reveals important distinctions between calling the airline versus the loyalty program
• Waiting for airline schedule changes can sometimes qualify you for fee-free changes or cancellations
• Premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X offer valuable trip protection benefits
• An annual travel insurance policy (like Allianz) can provide additional protection for under $500 for a family of five
• Booking one-way flights provides more flexibility and potentially lower change fees when plans shift
• When evaluating change fees, consider whether the improved experience justifies the cost
• Clearing cookies when searching for award availability can sometimes reveal better options
If you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It helps more people find the podcast and helps us grow to provide more fun content. Thank you! -
Missing episodes?
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CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)
Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5
Discover our first episode in the Summer in Phoenix staycation series where we visit the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs to determine if it's worth your points or dollars for a family getaway.
• Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs is nestled in the mountains about 20 minutes north of Phoenix airport
• Property features five pools plus "The Falls" water feature with a water slide that kids love
• Resort is showing its age despite renovations, with rooms that feel dated and slightly musty
• Service levels align more with a three-star property than the four-star rating it claims
• Food and beverage options are adequate but expensive, with drinks running $20+ each
• Points value ranges from reasonable (40,000 points in summer) to poor (up to 117,000 in spring)
• Property works well for families on a budget, especially those using Hilton points during low season
• Location requires a car as there are no walkable restaurants or attractions nearby
Don't forget to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with its limited-time 100,000 point sign-up bonus - only three days left when this episode airs! Check our show notes for our referral link. -
RideSafer Vest
CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)
Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5
Positioning flights are a strategic tool for families who want to access better award flight availability and save money when traveling. These flights take you from your home airport to another airport where you'll begin your main journey, opening up more travel opportunities.
• Alaska Airlines offers the best value, with flights as low as 4,500 miles per person for short haul domestic routes
• Book positioning flights at least 11 months in advance for best availability and lowest prices
• Always fly in the day before your long-haul flight when traveling with a family to avoid missing connections
• Use hotel credit card free night certificates for airport hotels to minimize costs
• Consider the total travel time and flight patterns - sometimes a positioning flight creates a more comfortable journey
• Watch weather forecasts carefully for both your home city and positioning city
• For families, positioning to airports with direct international flights often means better flight times and fewer overnight flights
• Budget airlines can be good options if you factor in baggage costs and use shopping portals for extra savings
• Always try to arrive at and depart from the same airport when possible
• The Ride Safer Travel Vest is a great alternative to car seats when navigating transportation at your positioning city
If you've gotten any value from our podcast, please leave us a rating or review wherever you listen. That helps more people find our podcast and my goal is growing the podcast. -
CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)
We spent 24 hours in Chicago before flying to Paris using points and miles, staying at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile and exploring the city with our three kids. This strategic positioning flight saved us points while giving us an exciting mini-vacation in Chicago with deep dish pizza, the Bean, and activities like the Ice Cream Museum.
• Booked Chicago to Paris for 85,000 Flying Blue points for all five family members
• Used Southwest credits and gift cards for the positioning flight from Phoenix
• Stayed at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile using a free night certificate
• Received a room upgrade thanks to IHG Platinum Elite status
• Kids enjoyed the hotel's indoor pool movie night with popcorn and lemonade
• Visited Chicago highlights: Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza, the Bean, and Starbucks Reserve
• Ice Cream Museum was expensive but memorable for the children
• Ed Debevic's restaurant with intentionally rude servers was entertaining
• Positioning flights can be cost-effective when traveling as a family
• Using hotel night certificates makes layovers more comfortable and fun
If you get any value from this podcast, please take two seconds to leave us a rating or review wherever you listen. Come say hi on Instagram @travelpartyof5 -
CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!)
Premium economy offers a valuable middle ground between business class and economy, giving families significantly more comfort without the high price tag of business class tickets.
• Premium economy on Air France features better seat recline and footrests
• Cabin arrangement is typically 2-4-2 with approximately 40-48 seats
• Passengers receive amenity kits with essentials like earplugs, socks, and toiletries
• Kids get special activity boxes with puzzles and games
• Access to one business class lavatory with premium skincare products
• Flight attendants offer additional snacks and treats throughout the flight
• Self-service refreshment station available for drinks and snacks
• Booked five tickets using 150,000 Amex points transferred to Virgin Atlantic (with bonus)
• Total taxes and fees were approximately $1,700 ($350 per person)
• For a family of five, booking requires strategic seat selection
• Particularly worthwhile for flights over seven hours
• Award availability is typically better than business class
• Excellent option for daytime flights when everyone is awake
If you get value from our podcast and want to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with its limited-time 100,000 point bonus offer, please consider using our referral link (above). -
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED 100K SIGNUP BONUS!!! (THANK YOU FOR USING OUR LINK!!!)
$40 off Away Luggage (we have the "Bigger Carry On" in 4 different colors!)
Duane's shoe bag
Raya's Carryon backpack (affiliate link)
Duane's Men's Crossbody (affiliate link)
Raya's crossbody bag (affiliate link)
Raya's toiletry bag (affiliate link)
Raya's mini backpack (Nordace mini)
Our family of five conquered Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid over two weeks, and we're sharing all our hard-won wisdom for making European family travel successful and enjoyable.
• Pack in carry-on only bags for a family of five by planning to do laundry during your trip
• Manage jet lag with children by keeping them awake upon arrival and using melatonin the first few nights
• Use eSIMs instead of international phone plans for more reliable and affordable data coverage
• Bring the RideSafer travel vest for young children instead of bulky car seats
• Plan only one major activity per day and leave plenty of unscheduled time
• Include at least one completely free day in each city to allow for rest and spontaneous adventures
• Set clear expectations with children about overnight flights and sleeping arrangements
• Take advantage of hotel laundry facilities to pack lighter
• Always use official taxi stands at airports and ignore unlicensed drivers
If you've enjoyed our podcast, we would greatly appreciate if you could leave a review on iTunes. It would make our day to see our podcast recommended alongside other popular travel podcasts! -
The activities we did in Madrid (Food Tour and Flamenco show!): vi.me/1T9xd
If you're planning a trip to Europe using points and miles or have questions about traveling as a family of five, follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyofFive where we share highlights and tips from our adventures.
In this episode:
We travel to Madrid as part of our two-week European adventure, staying at the Hyatt Centric Gran Via using points, free night certificates, and suite upgrades for our family of five.
• Taking the train from Barcelona to Madrid is simple and stress-free compared to flying
• The Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid offers excellent location, service, and a memorable breakfast experience
• Experiencing a flamenco show provides cultural entertainment even children can appreciate
• The Royal Palace of Madrid showcases incredible opulence with special access to the royal kitchens
• Madrid's tapas culture is perfect for families, allowing everyone to try small portions of different foods
• Adjusting plans for rainy weather led to unexpected discoveries like the Museum of Illusions
• Retiro Park offers a beautiful outdoor space for kids to play when weather permits
• Following recommendations from "Somebody Feed Phil" led to authentic food experiences
• Using Hyatt Globalist status maximizes value with free breakfast and potential room upgrades -
The tour we did (churros and chocolate) and the tour we almost did (dragon tour!): vi.me/bWWul
Barcelona captivated us with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine while we strategically used Hyatt points and upgrade awards to minimize travel costs. We navigated rainy weather by pivoting our plans, discovering indoor treasures and developing a daily rhythm that balanced sightseeing with leisurely meals at the hotel's exceptional club lounge.
• Used points for Grand Hyatt Barcelona, strategically applying suite upgrade and club access awards
• Experienced an enormous junior suite with a bathroom "as big as our entire Paris hotel room"
• Enjoyed the hotel's exceptional breakfast buffet featuring churros, chocolate, and Nutella on tap
• Visited Barcelona Aquarium and Time Out Market food hall during unexpected rainy weather
• Explored Mercado de la Boqueria for an impromptu family food tour sampling local specialties
• Took a family-friendly walking tour through the Gothic Quarter with churros and chocolate
• Marveled at Park Güell's whimsical "gingerbread houses" while kids chased pigeons
• Toured the breathtaking Sagrada Familia with its stunning colored stained glass windows
• Savored daily churros con chocolate, seafood paella, and exceptional pastries
• Missed beach visits and Tibidabo amusement park due to weather but already planning our return
If you found this podcast helpful, please leave a review on Apple or Spotify! Reviews help our show reach more people, and we truly appreciate your feedback. -
Paris Macaron Class: vi.me/mTi2C
Bespoke Family Tours of Paris with Zoe at The Petit Guide (we did the Montmartre tour)
Photo shoot: Flytographer! If you've never used them before, use my link to get $25 off your first photo shoot!
In this episode, we're sharing how we took our family of 5 to Paris using travel points, showing how we explored Paris while staying at the Hyatt Regency Paris E'toile with Eiffel Tower views. We break down exactly how we managed hotel accommodations, transportation, dining and activities for three kids in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
• Using 85,000 airline points to fly all five family members to Paris
• Navigating European hotel room limitations with connecting rooms for families
• Taking advantage of Club Lounge access at Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
• Using the Paris Metro system with kids – surprisingly easy with navigation apps
• Participating in kid-friendly activities like The Petite Guide tour of Montmartre
• Taking a macaroon-making class where kids got hands-on experience
• Visiting the Louvre Museum and seeing Napoleon's apartments
• Enjoying the Tuileries Gardens with playground, trampolines and carousel
• Finding family-friendly dining at Le Relais de L'Entrecôte and Brasserie de Louvre
• Experiencing unexpected kindness from strangers on the Metro
If you enjoyed hearing about our Paris adventures, please share this episode with a friend who might be planning their own family trip! -
We break down exactly how we booked our entire family of five for a two-week European adventure across Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid using points and miles. This trip demonstrates how strategic credit card usage, elite status benefits, and advance planning can transform an expensive dream vacation into an affordable reality.
• Booked 5 economy seats on Air France for 85,000 Flying Blue miles with 25% discount for kids under 11
• Leveraged Hyatt Globalist status to secure club access and connecting rooms at multiple properties
• Used suite upgrade awards to enhance accommodation experience for the family
• Booked high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid using the Omio app
• Secured premium economy return flights through Virgin Atlantic using 150,000 transferred Amex points
• Communicated with hotels 6-8 weeks in advance to confirm connecting rooms and family accommodations
• Used free night certificates and airline credits to minimize out-of-pocket expenses
• Total cost under $2,000 for round-trip flights to Europe for a family of five
If you have questions about planning your own family trip using points and miles, find me on Instagram and say hello! I'm happy to answer them. -
We explore strategies for handling credit card denials and share insights on navigating bank-specific rules to improve approval odds while discussing recent Hyatt award chart devaluations affecting popular properties worldwide.
• Cancellation strategies for point bookings when plans change, including leveraging elite status for fee waivers
• Comprehensive overview of Hyatt's 2024 award chart changes affecting 118 properties moving to higher categories and 30 moving lower
• Notable category increases for popular properties including Grand Hyatt Kauai, Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, and multiple Japan hotels
• Personal experience with recent credit card denials for Capital One Spark despite strategic application approaches
• Bank-specific approval strategies including closing older Chase Ink cards before applying for new ones
• Using an EIN instead of SSN for business card applications to improve approval odds
• Understanding American Express "pop-up jail" and potential workarounds
• Application timing rules for major banks: Capital One (one card every six months), Citi (one card every eight days), and Barclays spending requirements
Remember that credit card denials aren't personal—they're algorithmic decisions based on specific data points. Take a deep breath and be patient if you experience rejections, as this is a marathon rather than a sprint. -
Link to my entire trip planning checklist for FREE!
Planning a family trip can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Our discussion revolves around creating a structured timeline to help you earn points and maximize your travel experience.
- Sharing a detailed planning timeline starting 18 months prior
- Discussing how to choose travel destinations based on flight availability
- Understanding the role of credit cards in earning travel points
- Planning accommodations based on points options in each destination
- Preparing travel logistics, packing, and activity planning
- Final insights on stress-free family trip planning
Thank you for tuning in! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out on Instagram and let me know what you think! -
Airline alliances are essential to maximizing your points and facilitating family travel. By understanding and utilizing these partnerships, families can find better availability, save points, and streamline their travel experiences.
• Explanation of airline alliances
• Importance of booking through the correct airline system
• Discussion of major airline alliances
• Real-world examples of leveraging airline partnerships
• Tips for sweet spot locations and maximizing miles
• Insights on transfer bonuses from banks
• Recommendation of award search engines
• Key strategies for family travel planning
If this episode was helpful, make sure to subscribe and follow us on Instagram at TravelPartyof5 for lots more points and miles tips for your family of five or more. -
This episode celebrates a memorable surprise anniversary staycation at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, showcasing the couple's enriching experiences with their family. Insights into hotel amenities, dining options, and spa highlights deliver practical tips for families considering this luxury getaway.
• Surprise staycation for anniversary
• Overview of the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale renovations
• Benefits of securing club access
• Dining experiences and reviews of hotel restaurants
• Highlights of the spa and wellness treatments
• Tips for families planning a visit to the hotel -
With spring break approaching, today’s episode focuses on last-minute travel destinations within the U.S. that can be booked using points. We share insights on family-friendly locations, tips for booking on points, and emphasize the importance of using travel rewards before they lose value.
• Discussing the growing trend of last-minute spring break travel
• Highlighting family-friendly destinations like Panama City Beach and Clearwater
• Exploring Washington, D.C. as a free and fun travel option
• Recommendations for enjoyable stays in San Diego and Hawaii
• Advising on how to effectively search and book last-minute trips
• Emphasizing the value of utilizing points for travel experiences
• Encouraging families to set out on spontaneous trips and make lasting memories -
Family adventures often come with an unseen layer of stress and anxiety, especially for parents. Through candid discussions about personal experiences, Raya and Duane explore the realities of family travel, mental health, and managing anxiety, reinforcing the message that feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of the journey.
• Tackling the stress of family travel and managing expectations
• Sharing personal anecdotes about stressful travel experiences
• Discussing the impact of mental health on travel dynamics
• Encouraging positive reframing of travel experiences
• Highlighting the importance of community support and shared stories -
Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.
Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5Alternate title - Points for Poutine! :) In this episode Raya is sharing about a work trip to Montreal, highlighting the charm of the city and detailing how to effectively use travel points for hotel bookings.
• Reflections on the Montreal experience in January
• Insights into opening new credit cards for travel rewards
• Experience at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth during a workers' strike
• Exploring Old Montreal and its unique winter charm
• Understanding the Accor loyalty program and point transfers
• Tips for navigating customs and travel delays effectively -
This episode shares our travel plans for 2025, including family trips to Europe, new puppy challenges, and credit card strategies for maximizing travel. We discuss life updates, budgeting tips, and our adventures in making travel a family affair.
• Life update: introducing our new puppy, Maui
• Upcoming trip to Christmas markets in Europe, exploring Paris, Strasbourg, and Cologne
• Planning spring break travels in Paris and Spain
• Summer plans for Oceanside and adjustments due to Hyatt renovations
• Strategy for credit card usage to accumulate travel points
• Exploring new travel apps for budgeting and trip planning
• Goals for the podcast: reaching more families with travel inspiration -
2024 was filled with memorable travel experiences, from top hotels and flights to unforgettable vacations. The episode focuses on sharing the best moments, while highlighting family-friendly options and personal favorites that made the year special.
• Best couple's hotel at the Kempton Seafire in Grand Cayman
• Top family hotel was the Park Hyatt Aviara
• Most memorable flight on Air France from Paris to Phoenix
• Overall favorite vacation revealed to be the trip to Grand Cayman
• Reflecting on childhood memories in Japan
• Excitement for upcoming trips planned in 2025 - Show more
