Category: Podcast

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 @TravelPartyof5

Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we refer to in this episode. And if you've already got one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you'll want to apply for these business cards, linked here. 

In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how we earned Hyatt Globalist status without staying 60 nights in a hotel. Hyatt Globalist is the top-tier status that comes with incredible perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts, and waived resort fees. We’ll walk you through the steps we took, including how we used credit card spend, milestone rewards, and strategic stays to make it happen.

We’ll also talk about why Hyatt Globalist status has been a game-changer for our family and how it can save you thousands of dollars if it fits your travel plans. Plus, we’re sharing an honest review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge in Phoenix and how it stacks up against other airport lounges.

If you’re looking to travel more with your family and want to maximize points and perks, this episode is packed with practical advice to get you started. Whether you’re dreaming of earning Hyatt Globalist status or just want to stretch your travel budget further, we’ve got you covered.

Thanks for listening—we’re excited to help you plan your next trip!

In this episode, we’re diving into our recent stay at the Andaz San Diego. If you’ve been eyeing this Hyatt property or planning a trip to San Diego, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll tell you everything about our experience at the Andaz San Diego, from the upgraded suite we got with our Globalist status to the rooftop pool and prime location in the Gaslamp Quarter. While this is a great spot for couples or adults, we’ll share why we wouldn’t bring our kids here and what makes it such a fun destination for a weekend getaway.

We also talk about how we used Hyatt points to book the stay, why we chose this hotel over others, and the perks we took advantage of—like a free $107 breakfast and late checkout. On top of that, we’ll share how we saved points by choosing this property over a more expensive option and even used our Southwest Companion Pass for flights.

One of the highlights of our trip was dinner at Wolf in the Woods, one of San Diego’s best restaurants, where Duane's high school friend is the head chef. We’ll share what we ordered, our favorite dishes, and why this meal alone was worth the trip.

In this episode, we also give updates on our points and miles strategies—like why I’m stuck in Amex pop-up jail and how we’re diving into Hilton points for future trips. If you’re interested in maximizing your travel rewards or want to learn more about staying at the Andaz San Diego, this episode is for you.

We’d love for you to leave a review and email us a screenshot at travelpartyof5@gmail.com to enter our $50 gift card giveaway. Your support means so much, and it helps others find the podcast too.

So, if you’re curious about the Andaz San Diego, need tips for using points and miles, or just love travel stories, tune in! We’re excited to share all the details and hope it inspires your next adventure.

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 @TravelPartyof5

The Suite I stayed in (Founder's Suite)

In this episode of Travel Party of Five, hosts Raya and Duane dive into a review of the historic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and share personal experiences and travel tips. Located in downtown Chicago, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a beautifully restored property, originally built in 1893 as an exclusive athletic and social club. Now part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection, it offers unique features that make it a memorable choice for travelers.

Raya provides a detailed account of her stay, including her room upgrade to the spacious Founder’s Suite, which featured two fireplaces, a dining area, and views of Millennium Park. She also touches on the hotel’s blend of classic and modern amenities, from the Game Room, where guests can enjoy shuffleboard and pool, to the historic Milk Room, once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, now serving breakfast and coffee. The hotel’s Shake Shack in the lobby and the rooftop bar with city views add to its charm, making the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel a unique stay in the heart of the city.

The episode also includes practical advice for families managing work travel. Raya and Duane discuss the challenges of leaving family behind and share tips for keeping things running smoothly at home. They highlight the importance of meal planning, family support, and sticking to routines, which help make travel easier on both the traveling parent and the family at home.

While the Chicago Athletic Association offers plenty of character and charm, the hosts note that it may be best suited for adults rather than young families due to its historical decor and lack of child-friendly amenities like a pool. Overall, Raya and Duane agree that the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking to explore the city with a touch of history.

Whether you’re interested in the architecture of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel or seeking practical tips for balancing work travel and family, this episode offers insight and advice from experienced family travelers.

4o

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 @TravelPartyof5

If you’re planning family travel to Japan, this episode is a must-listen! Join hosts Raya and Duane from Travel Party of Five as they break down the details of booking a family trip to Japan for five, all using points and miles. From finding the best time of year to travel to selecting airlines and hotel accommodations, they share each step they took to make their upcoming Japan adventure affordable and memorable.

In this episode, Raya and Duane explain how they decided on traveling to Japan during fall break, avoiding Japan’s busy cherry blossom season and hot summers. Since their family can only travel during school breaks, they chose fall for its pleasant weather and more manageable crowds. They also touch on how they strategized the use of points for their entire family to secure affordable flights without sacrificing comfort. Listeners can learn from their research on airline award programs like American Airlines and Singapore Airlines, along with tips for avoiding high fees by selecting Japan Airlines for their main flights.

One of the challenges discussed in planning family travel to Japan was finding flights for five people on points. Raya shares how she worked through each airline’s award program and explains her top choices based on seat availability and costs. Family travel to Japan isn’t complete without talking about transportation and accommodations, so the hosts also cover how they’ll use points to stay at several Hyatt hotels and how they planned in advance to accumulate the points needed for their stay.

Travel Party of Five also talks about tips for positioning flights, which are often necessary when traveling internationally. They explain how to fly from their home city of Phoenix to San Francisco to catch their Japan-bound flight using Alaska Airlines points, sharing how they scored affordable seats for their whole family. They describe each airline’s booking quirks, sharing a few insider tips, like how American Airlines Japan Airlines award seats tend to show up a day later than expected on AA’s site, making it easier to snag deals if you check back at the right times.

In addition to flights, they outline their Japan accommodations booked on points, including the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, the Hyatt Centric Ginza, the Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya, and the Hyatt Place Kyoto. Since they hold Hyatt Globalist status, they’re planning to enjoy some perks, including potential free breakfast and room upgrades, making family travel to Japan even more cost-effective.

As a family of five, Raya and Duane know the challenges that come with planning a big trip, especially when it’s as far as Japan. They’re excited to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and local favorites like ramen shops, convenience stores, and perhaps even the base where Duane spent part of his childhood. They also look forward to sharing their experiences and more Japan travel tips after their trip, helping other families plan their own dream vacations.

Tune in to learn how to make a trip to Japan possible for your family with points and miles! You’ll walk away with practical tips on using points for flights and accommodations, as well as how to navigate travel logistics when you have a larger family. For more tips and to follow along on their family travel adventures, find them on Instagram at TravelParty5.