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Category: Podcast
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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.
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!!!)
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
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