Episoder
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Ready to dive into the best credit card offers available right now? These cards come with elevated welcome bonuses, valuable perks, and major earning potentialâwhether you're planning your first points trip or stacking rewards for your next luxury getaway.
In this episode, Iâm sharing my top picks for both personal and business cards that are actually worth it in todayâs points game. Iâll walk you through:
How I decide which card to recommend based on your travel goalsTips for applying, meeting minimum spends, and maximizing valueIf youâve been waiting for the ârightâ time to open a card â this is it. These offers are too good to miss.
Resources Mentioned:
Capital One Spark Cash
IHG One Rewards Premier
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Venture X
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Youâve probably heard all the hype about the Chase Sapphire ReserveÂŽ â but is it actually worth it for families looking to travel more without blowing their budget?
In this episode, Iâm breaking down everything you need to know about one of the most talked-about travel cards on the market. Iâll walk you through exactly how it works, who itâs best for, what makes it different from the Sapphire Preferred, and why it can be a game-changer if you know how to use it.
đł What Youâll Learn:
A breakdown of the annual fee (and how to easily offset it)The VIP perks you're probably overlookingWhen to choose the Reserve vs. the PreferredWhether this card fits your season of life and travel goalsđŤ Perfect for you if:
You're ready to take family travel to the next levelYouâve been thinking about this card but feel unsure about the feeYou want to learn how to travel more without spending moređ Links & Resources:
đ Grab the Chase Sapphire Reserveđ Learn how to travel more without spending more inside the Travel Points Academy -
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Ever wonder how fast you can actually start saving money with travel points? In this episode, Iâm sharing the exact story of how one of my clients â who joined the Travel Points Academy in December â saved over $2,000 on her very first vacation just months later!
She booked a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, and thanks to the strategy she learned inside the Academy, she covered:
âď¸ Roundtrip flights with pointsđ¨ A luxury hotel stayđ° All while spending just $22.40 on her tripIf youâve been sitting on the fence wondering if learning to use points is worth it â this episode will show you just how quickly it can pay off (literally!).
Youâll hear:
How she earned her first stash of points FASTWhich card she started with (and why it worked so well)What she booked, how she booked it, and what she paidHer biggest âa-haâ moment going from clueless to confident in just weeksđ Want to be my next success story?
Join the Travel Points Academy
Sign up for the Free Travel Formula Workshop happening June 19th â Iâll walk you through how to start planning your first trip with points and choosing the right card.
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In this episode, Iâm answering the most frequently asked questions I get about using points to travel nearly free. These are the same questions I hear in my DMs, inside my programs, and from everyday moms and business owners who want to take that dream trip without draining their savings.
Weâre talking:
đł How many cards do you really need to get started?âď¸ How do you earn points faster?đŚ What about paying all those annual fees?đĄ Do you ever close credit cards?Iâm breaking it all down in simple, clear terms so you can finally understand how this works and stop letting free travel pass you by.
đ Resources
Travel Points Academy
Travel Points Lounge Membership
Best Credit Card Offers
đŹ Letâs Connect: Have a travel points question I didnât cover? DM me on Instagram @pointstooparadiseâ Iâd love to answer it in a future episode!
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Ever dreamed of taking a luxury vacation for less than the cost of a dinner out?
In this episode, Iâm walking you through real trips Iâve taken for under $100 total using credit card points â including destinations like Hawaii, Italy, and more. Iâll break down exactly what I paid in out-of-pocket costs.
If youâve been wondering âIs it really possible to travel almost free?â â this episode will show you that the answer is 1000% YES.
đ Resources:
Free $100 Vacation Challenge happening May 27th-29th to learn how to pick the right card for your dream trip â and start earning points ASAP.
Free Travel Points 101 Guide
Travel Points Academy
đŹ Let's Connect: DM me on Instagram @pointstooparadiuse and tell me which trips you want to take!
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Ever wished you could waltz into a beachfront RitzâCarlton or a kidâfriendly Residence Inn and hand over points instead of a credit card? In this episode I pull back the curtain on MarriottâŻBonvoyâthe worldâs largest hotel loyalty programâand explain why itâs one of my goâto platform for turning everyday spending into unforgettable stays.
Tune in to learn:
Why Bigger Really Is Better ââŻWith 30+ distinct brands and 8,500âplus properties worldwide, Marriottâs footprint means thereâs almost always a Bonvoy hotel where you want to goâwhether thatâs an overwater villa in the Maldives or a quick roadâtrip stop with the kids.Easy Ways to Earn Free Night Certificates- So many ways to earn them for amazing stays!Point Power Plays ââŻMy favorite sweetâspot redemptions, like 50Kâpoint freeânight certificates at resorts that normally cost $600+.Stacking & FastâTracking ââŻHow to combine welcome bonuses, transfer partners, and promos to rack up a yearâs worth of free nights faster than you think.Whether youâre dreaming of a family Disney trip, a luxe couplesâ getaway, or a businessâtrip upgrade, this episode will show you how MarriottâŻBonvoy can get you thereâoften for pennies on the dollar.
Grab your headphones, your bucket list, and maybe a piĂąa colada⌠itâs time to Bonvoyage!
Links: $100 Vacay Challenge
Marriott Credit Card: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business | Travel Freely
Travel Points Academy: Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise
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If youâve ever opened a credit card just because it came with airline miles or hotel points, this episode is for you. Today, weâre diving into why flexible points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards) are hands down the most powerful tool in your travel points toolkit.
Iâll walk you through the major differences between flexible points and co-branded cards, and share real-life examples of how flexibility can open up way more travel opportunities (and save you from major booking headaches!).
What youâll learn in this episode:
âď¸ Why flexible points give you more freedom and value
âď¸ The biggest limitations of sticking to just one airline or hotel brand
âď¸ My personal strategy (and mistakes to avoid!) when choosing which cards to open first
âď¸ The best flexible point programs to look into if you're just getting started
If youâre tired of having points that only work for one airlineâor you just want to make your points go fartherâthis episode is a must-listen!
đ Resources Mentioned:
Free 3 Day Challenge: https://pointstooparadise.kit.com/03cb978027
Chase Sapphire Offer: Chase Sapphire Card Collection | Chase.com
Travel Points Academy: Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise
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If youâve ever opened the wrong credit card, missed out on a huge bonus, or just felt overwhelmed by all the travel points advice out there â youâre not alone.
In this episode, Iâm pulling back the curtain and sharing the biggest mistakes Iâve made over the years with travel credit cards and points â the ones I really donât want you to make. From choosing the wrong cards to not getting points in time for the trip (yes, that happened đŹ), Iâm walking you through my real experience so you can skip the frustration and start seeing results faster.
This isnât the highlight reel. Itâs the messy, honest truth of what I wish Iâd known from the start.
Whether youâre just getting started or youâve been collecting points for a while, this episode is your reminder that mistakes donât mean failure â theyâre part of the path. And Iâm here to help you avoid the ones Iâve already learned from.
What youâll hear in this episode:
What I should have done differently (and how you can)How to move forward if you feel like youâve âmessed upâ with pointsHow to better plan your tripsResources Mentioned:
Free Coaching: https://pointstooparadise.kit.com/b3622db682Travel Points Academy: Travel Points Academy | Points Too ParadiseChase Sapphire Preferred Elevated Offer: Chase Sapphire Card Collection | Chase.com -
In this episode, we're diving into one of the easiest ways to earn extra travel points on things youâre already buyingâshopping portals! I break down how platforms like Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, and others can help you stack points on top of your credit card rewards. Whether you're buying a new pair of sneakers or booking a hotel, this simple strategy can supercharge your points game with just a few extra clicks.
⨠What Youâll Learn:
What shopping portals are and how they workWhy Rakuten is a favorite for earning Amex Membership RewardsHow to find the best portal offers (and stack them!)Combining cashback offers with point-earning cardsInsider tips to make sure your purchases actually trackHow to use Capital One Shopping without having a Capital One cardđ Mentioned in this Episode:
Rakuten portalCashBackMonitor.com â to compare portal ratesCapital One Shopping extensionTravel Points Academy -
Think cash back cards canât help you travel for free? Think again! đłâď¸
In this episode, Iâm breaking down how cash back credit cards can actually boost your travel points strategy â when you pair them with the right travel rewards cards.
Youâll learn:
The difference between true âcash backâ vs. flexible points programsHow some cash back cards secretly earn transferable points đĄMy favorite pairings to turn everyday spending into dream vacationsWhat to look for when deciding whether to go cash back or travel-focusedA simple strategy to maximize both points and cash if youâre just starting outIf youâve been holding onto a cash back card or didnât think points were possible with your current setup â this oneâs for you.
LINKS MENTIONED: â¨
Want help building your perfect card combo? Join Travel Points Academy
Credit Cards: Best Offers for Points Too Paradise
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If youâve ever wondered why some people seem to get luxury flights and hotels for (almost) free while your points sit unused⌠this episode is for you.
In todayâs episode, Iâm breaking down the major banks â like Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Citi â and how their transfer partners (airlines and hotels) are the real key to unlocking dream travel.
Youâll learn:
đ What a points bank is and why it matters
đ Which banks partner with which airlines & hotel chains
đĽ Why picking the right card based on your travel goals is so important
đ§ Tune in and start connecting the dots between points, banks, and unforgettable travel.
Resources:
Travel Points Academy
Free Travel Points 101 Guide
List of all Travel Credit Cards
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Resources:
Free Coaching: The Travel Free Formula:âHow to Take Dream Vacations Using Credit Card Points-Without Spending More Than You Already Do.
Free Travel Points 101 Guide: https://pointstooparadise.kit.com/b04dc62874
Travel Points Academy: Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise
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Have you ever thought about taking a trip just for you? As moms, weâre so used to planning vacations for our families, but what about prioritizing a getaway thatâs solely for our own growth, relaxation, or fun? In this episode, Iâm sharing my recent solo trip to Phoenix for a business event and why traveling aloneâeven just once a yearâcan be the ultimate form of self-care.
Tune in as I break down: ⨠My experience traveling solo to Phoenix for a business event ⨠The benefits of taking a trip just for yourself (even if it feels impossible!) ⨠Why solo travel is so refreshing for moms and how to make it happen ⨠Tips for planning your first (or next) solo adventure using points
If youâve been craving time away to reset, recharge, and exploreâthis episode is your reminder that you deserve it. đ
đ§ Listen now and start planning your next solo getaway!
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In this episode, I'm joined by a special guest Michelle Gauthier who works with overwhelmed women to help them create more freedom and balance in their lives. We dive into how to book vacations without feeling paralyzed by decision fatigue, how to juggle work, family, and travel, and how to make planning your next trip simple and funâeven with kids in the mix!
She shares her personal experience from her recent trip to Europe, what it cost her, and how she could have saved thousands by using travel points (don't worry, we talk all about how to avoid that mistake in the future). We also chat about involving older children in the vacation planning process and how it can actually help reduce your mental load.
If you're ready to finally take that trip youâve been dreaming aboutâwithout the stressâthis episode is for you!
đ§ In this episode:
âď¸ How to plan trips without overwhelm or burnout
âď¸ Finding a healthy work/life/travel balance
âď¸ How my guestâs Europe trip couldâve been cheaper with points
âď¸ Easy ways to involve older kids in vacation planning
âď¸ Why mindset shifts around travel can lead to more freedom
⨠Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or entrepreneur who could use a little less overwhelm and a little more adventure! â¨
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Thinking about a trip to Phoenix, Arizona? Whether you're planning a fun family getaway or a romantic escape, this city has something for everyone! In this episode, Iâm taking you through some of the best luxury resorts to book with points, must-do activities, and why Phoenix should be on your travel list.
I'll be sharing my experiences staying at three top-tier properties:
đ Grand Hyatt Scottsdale â A beautiful desert oasis with world-class amenities
đľ The Phoenician (Marriott Property) â A luxurious stay with stunning views of Camelback Mountain
Arizona Biltmore (Hilton Property) â A historic and elegant retreat with incredible pools and dining
Plus, Iâll cover things to do in Phoenixâfrom breathtaking desert hikes and Old Town Scottsdale to spa days and unforgettable dining. Whether you're looking for a relaxing resort escape, outdoor adventures, or the perfect mix of both, Phoenix has it all.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
â Which luxury resorts in Phoenix are the best for points redemptions
â Why Phoenix is a great destination for both families & couples
â The best activities & must-visit spots in the area
â Insider tips for making the most of your stay
Ready to plan your trip to Phoenix? Tune in now for all the details!
đ§ Listen now and start planning your next adventure!
Links & Resources:
đ Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise
đFREE GUIDE
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With so many credit card companies offering elevated sign-up bonuses right now, itâs the perfect time to grab a new card and fast-track your way to free travel. But with so many choices, how do you know which one is right for you?
In this episode, Iâm breaking down the top elevated offers available right now, what each card is best for, andâmost importantlyâhow to choose the one that will actually help you book the vacation of your dreams. Whether you're aiming for a tropical getaway, a European adventure, or a luxury hotel stay, Iâll walk you through how to decide which card makes the most sense based on your travel goals.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
â The top credit cards with elevated welcome offers right now
â How to determine which card aligns with your dream trip
â Which points transfer best to airlines and hotels for max value
â The pros and cons of each card so you can make an informed choice
â My personal strategy for picking the best travel card
If you've been waiting for the perfect time to get a travel card, this is it! Tune in and letâs find the right card to get you on your next tripâwithout breaking the bank.
đ§ Listen now and start planning your next free vacation!
Links & Resources: đ
Capital One Venture: Capital One Venture Rewards | Travel Freely
Southwest Airlines: Southwest Rapid RewardsÂŽ Credit Card
Hilton Honors AMEX Surpass: American Express Hilton Honors Surpass | Travel Freely
Hilton Honors AMEX: American Express Hilton Honors | Travel Freely
American Airlines: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard | Travel Freely
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Chase Sapphire Card Collection | Chase.com
United Miles: United Credit Cards | Chase.com
đ Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise
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Are you overpaying for international flights? If youâre booking directly from your home airport every time, you might be! In this episode, weâre diving into positioning flightsâa game-changing strategy that can help you save thousands of dollars (or points!) when booking international travel.
Hereâs what youâll learn: âď¸ What are positioning flights? How flying out of a major hub can save you big. đł How to book them using points to maximize savings and avoid unnecessary costs. đ Best third-party websites to find international flight deals and mistake fares. đ How to connect flights efficiently and avoid common mistakes.
Resources Mentioned:
Capital One Venture: Capital One Venture Rewards | Travel Freely
Travel Points Academy: Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise
This is one of my favorite hacks for getting to dream destinations affordablyâso donât miss out!
đ˘ Have you used positioning flights before? Letâs chat! DM me on Instagram @pointstooparadise and share your experiences.
⨠If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs to hear this!
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Spring break is the perfect time for families to relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories. In todayâs episode, Iâm sharing my top 10 family-friendly destinations and resorts for spring break! Whether youâre looking for tropical adventures in Mexico or the Dominican Republic or planning to stay stateside for a beach getaway or theme park fun, Iâve got something for everyone.
Iâll cover: ⨠The best resorts for families in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica ⨠U.S. destinations offering fun for all agesâbeaches, theme parks, and beyond ⨠Tips for finding the best deals using travel points ⨠How to book family-friendly accommodations and experiences with points to save big
Whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive resort or an adventurous destination full of kid-friendly activities, this episode is packed with travel inspiration!
Mentioned Resources:
My Travel Points Academy to help you book your next family vacation using pointsGrab the Free Travel Points 101 Guide: FREE GUIDEđŹ Have questions or want to share your family spring break plans? Reach out to me on Instagram @pointstooparadise or drop me a message!
Donât forget to subscribe, share with fellow travel lovers, and leave a review if youâre enjoying the show! đ
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Flying for free sounds pretty great, right? The Southwest Companion Pass lets you bring a travel buddy along for (almost) free on every flight, and for a limited time, you can earn it with just one credit card sign-up bonus! But is this shortcut the right move for you, or should you go the traditional route? In this episode, we break it all down so you can decide if this is the perfect time to earn the pass and maximize your travel savings.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode: âď¸ What the Southwest Companion Pass is and why itâs so valuable. đď¸ The details of this limited-time offer and how to qualify with one card. đ¤ Should you take advantage of this shortcut or stick to the traditional route? đł Which Southwest credit card is best for your travel goals? đŤ How to maximize your pass for free travel in 2025 and beyond.
If youâve been thinking about earning the Southwest Companion Pass, now is the time to tune in! Donât miss out on this chance to lock in free flights for a whole year (or more!).
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Apply for the Southwest Credit Card: Southwest Rapid RewardsÂŽ Credit CardJoin the Travel Points Academy: Travel Points Academy | Points Too ParadiseConnect With Me:
Instagram: Megan | Using Credit Card Points To Travel (@pointstooparadise) ⢠Instagram photos and videosEnjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend who loves to travel and leave a review to help more people discover how to travel for free with points!
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Do you ever feel anxious before a flight? Struggle with perfectionism when planning trips? Or just want to find more joy in the travel process? In todayâs episode, Iâm joined by Dr. Megan Daley, a burnout coach and nervous system expert who has traveled to 21 countries and helps people regulate stress so they can live (and travel!) with more ease.
We dive into:
âď¸ How to regulate your nervous system before and during a flight
đ§ââď¸ EFT tapping techniques for overcoming travel anxiety
đ Letting go of perfectionism and enjoying the trip-planning process
đ Finding joy in travel and doing what truly makes you happy
đ Dr. Meganâs favorite destinations from her travels to 21 countries
If youâve ever felt overwhelmed by the stress of travelâwhether itâs the fear of flying, the pressure of planning, or just feeling out of controlâthis episode is for you!
Resources & Links:
Connect with Dr. Megan Daley: Megan | Using Credit Card Points To Travel (@pointstooparadise) ⢠Instagram photos and videosđ§ Listen now and get ready to travel with more confidence and ease!
- Se mer
