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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
All aboard for a journey through Arizona's hidden gem, the Verde Canyon! In this episode, join hosts Raya and Duane as they take you on a journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. As part of their “Visit Arizona” series, they explore this historic train route that travels through the stunning Verde Canyon, often called Arizona's other Grand Canyon. Listen in as they share their experiences, tips, and insights about this unique four-hour train ride, which departs from Clarkdale and travels to Perkinsville and back.
Raya and Duane discuss everything you need to know before hopping on the Verde Canyon Railroad, from the best time of year to ride to what to expect during the journey. They describe the comfortable train cars, complete with air conditioning, champagne, and charcuterie boxes, making it a fun and relaxing ride for travelers. You’ll learn why choosing a seat on the right side of the train offers better views of Arizona’s landscapes, and how each car has access to an open-air observation deck where passengers can enjoy unobstructed views.
As you ride along the Verde River, the train’s guide shares stories about the region’s history, including details about ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings, local mining towns, and the railroad’s origins. Duane even hints at some of the lesser-known themed rides the Verde Canyon Railroad offers, such as Ales on Rails and special stargazing journeys, making it a versatile experience for visitors.
Raya and Duane explain their own journey from Phoenix to Clarkdale, sharing how the trip through Cottonwood added a charming touch to their adventure. While they were hoping to catch some fall foliage, they learned that Arizona’s unseasonably warm weather kept the fall colors at bay. Still, the ride offered beautiful views of red rock formations and lush greenery along the river, a striking contrast to the desert surroundings.
If you’re planning to visit Sedona or Flagstaff, Raya and Duane recommend making the Verde Canyon Railroad part of your trip. It’s an easy day trip from these locations and a great way to see more of Arizona’s varied landscapes. They suggest pairing your train ride with a stay at the Pinion Point, a Hyatt Vacation Club in Sedona, which can be booked using points. After a morning ride on the train, you can head back to Sedona for a nice dinner and complete a perfect day exploring Northern Arizona.
In addition to sharing their personal experiences, Raya and Duane offer practical advice for making the most of your Verde Canyon Railroad adventure. They emphasize the importance of bringing a deck of cards or other activities for the ride, as cell service is unavailable during much of the journey. Their laid-back, honest review helps you decide if this train ride is right for your family, especially if you’re looking for a mix of history, relaxation, and scenic beauty.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this episode of “Travel Party of Five” provides all the information you need to plan your trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Follow Raya and Duane on Instagram @travelpartyoffive for more tips, answers to your questions, and updates on future episodes.
Tune in to discover why the Verde Canyon Railroad should be on your Arizona travel itinerary, and get inspired to plan your next family 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
In this episode of the Travel Party of Five podcast, hosts Raya and Duane share all the details of their recent weekend getaway to New Mexico. They take you through their stay at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya and their very first visit to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever thought about experiencing the excitement of hundreds of colorful hot air balloons filling the sky.
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya is located just outside of Albuquerque, and it became the perfect home base for their trip. This family-friendly resort offers beautiful mountain views, plenty of activities, and a relaxing atmosphere. From horseback riding to cozy fireplaces, this property has something for everyone. Raya and Duane used their points to book a stay here, and they share tips on how you can do the same, especially if you're aiming to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. With features like multiple pools, bike trails, and even s’mores nights, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya makes it easy for families to enjoy their stay while exploring the area.
The main highlight of their trip was attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. This world-famous event runs for nine days each October, with sessions in the early morning and evening. They describe the unforgettable experience of waking up at 2:30 AM to catch the first bus to the event, and the thrill of watching the mass ascension where hundreds of balloons take off together. Even with the early wake-up call, they agreed it was worth it. They explain the options for getting to the festival, including the convenience of using a park-and-ride system to avoid traffic.
During the episode, Raya and Duane also share practical advice for attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, like dressing warmly, packing patience for crowds, and booking everything in advance. They recommend at least one morning session and a night session if you want to experience all the magic the event has to offer.
Tune in to this episode to hear more about the Hyatt Regency Tamaya, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and tips on how to use points and miles to make the most of your family travels. Raya and Duane share all the highs and lows of their trip, from delicious New Mexican food and drone shows, to the chilly, early morning balloon launches. They hope this episode inspires you to plan your own adventure to New Mexico and discover the charm of the Hyatt Regency Tamaya and the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
So, if you're planning a family trip or looking for your next destination to use points and miles, this episode will give you plenty of insights. Don’t miss their advice on how to make the most of a short weekend trip, tips on booking with points, and why the Hyatt Regency Tamaya is an ideal choice if you’re visiting the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
In this episode, we’re revisiting one of the most valuable tools for frequent family travelers—the Southwest Companion Pass. If you've been wondering how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, or you're looking to maximize your travel savings, this episode is for you.
We share our personal experiences as a family of five, highlighting how earning the Southwest Companion Pass has made a huge impact on our travel plans. We explain how it allows us to fly with one companion for free (except for taxes and fees) on every Southwest flight. Since earning their Companion Passes in early 2023, they’ve traveled to destinations like Maui, Costa Rica, and Washington, D.C., only paying for a fraction of their family’s flights.
If you’re new to this game-changer, we break down exactly how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, covering the most important steps like when to apply for Southwest credit cards and how to meet the minimum spending requirements. Timing is critical, and Raya and Duane explain how to maximize your travel benefits by planning strategically, especially if you're a larger family like theirs.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:
- What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
- How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass: We walk you through earning the 135,000 Rapid Rewards points needed within one calendar year. Raya also explains the alternative way to earn the Companion Pass by flying 100 Southwest flights, though she acknowledges that’s a harder route for most families.
- Maximizing the Companion Pass for Two Years: Learn why applying for the right Southwest credit cards at the right time can help you stretch the benefits for almost two full years.
- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Get the Companion Pass: Raya and Duane explain how the Southwest Companion Pass makes sense for people who frequently travel to domestic and nearby international destinations. They also discuss how it may not be the best fit if you don’t live near a Southwest hub or prefer long-haul international travel.
One of the most crucial takeaways from this episode is understanding the best time to apply and spend on your Southwest credit cards. Raya stresses that if you want to earn the Companion Pass for the maximum amount of time, it’s important to ensure that your points hit your account after January 1st, so you can enjoy the pass for two full years.
Throughout the episode, they also share their personal strategies and a mistake Raya made when they first earned their passes—one she wants you to avoid. Whether you’re aiming for more frequent family vacations or planning weekend getaways, this episode is packed with tips on how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, how to use it, and why it’s a game-changer for larger families.
If you're thinking about applying for Southwest credit cards, now is the time to start, so you can begin earning your Companion Pass for next year. As always, feel free to message us on Instagram at @TravelPartyof5 if you have any questions about how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass. We’re here to help you make your family travel more affordable!
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Capt Andy's – the Na Pali Coast Boat Tour we did
Lydgate Park
Poipu Beach – Sea Turtles
In this episode of the Travel Party of Five podcast, hosts Raya and Duane dive into the best family-friendly things to do in Kauai. Traveling with kids aged four to ten can be a challenge, but the island of Kauai offers plenty of activities that are both fun and accessible for families. Whether you're looking for scenic spots, unique local experiences, or simple ways to keep your kids entertained, Kauai has something for everyone.
Poipu Beach is a must-see spot, especially in the evening, when you can witness sea turtles coming ashore. As one of the best things to do in Kauai with kids, Poipu Beach provides the opportunity to see nature up close, with volunteers ensuring the turtles are protected. If you're visiting Kauai with your family, you won't want to miss this.
From there, they explore Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This breathtaking spot offers panoramic views of the island and is another one of the incredible things to do in Kauai. It's a great destination for families, and the kids enjoyed the views despite the winding roads. The key is to go early, as clouds tend to roll in by mid-morning. The episode gives a breakdown of what to expect, how much it costs, and why it’s one of the top things to do in Kauai.
Raya and Duane also highlight Hanalei Bay, which they recommend as a perfect place for families to relax. With its calm waters, Hanalei Bay is one of the best places for young kids to swim and play.
For those seeking adventure, they discuss their boat tour of the Na Pali Coast, a six-hour trip with Captain Andy’s. This tour, while pricey, delivered unforgettable views of the coast and a chance to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat. The Na Pali Coast is one of Kauai's most iconic landmarks and can only be seen by air or sea. They break down what to expect on the tour, why it's worth the cost, and how to prepare your family for a day on the water. It's one of the more adventurous things to do in Kauai, and Duane lists it as one of his favorite experiences from the trip.
The episode also explores more relaxed family activities, like visiting Lydgate Park, a huge playground near Wailua, and eating at local favorite restaurants. They share their recommendations for kid-friendly meals and highlight Japanese Grandma’s Café as their top restaurant pick from the trip.
Whether you're visiting Kauai for the first time or returning with your family, this episode is packed with tips, insights, and firsthand experiences of family-friendly things to do in Kauai. From beaches and scenic spots to local eats and boat tours, you'll leave with a clear idea of how to make the most of your family trip to this stunning island.
So, if you’re planning a trip and need inspiration for things to do in Kauai with your family, this episode is for you!
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All other best cards for October 2025
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Tune in to learn:
- How we used points and miles to book flights and a stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
- What to expect from the property, including its amenities, dining options, and more.
- Tips on how to score club access and save money on meals during your stay.
- Current offers on points and miles cards that can help you book your next family trip.
In this episode of Travel Party of Five, we’re diving into the first part of our family’s recent trip to Kauai, including a detailed review of our stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. As always, we’re focused on how we used points and miles to make this dream vacation happen—without breaking the bank. We’ll walk you through the entire experience, from flights to food to activities, while sharing tips on how to maximize your points and miles to stay at luxury properties like the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
We started the trip by using our points and miles to book flights with Southwest, taking full advantage of our Companion Pass to fly our family of five for the price of three tickets. For our stay, we used Hyatt points to book the Grand Hyatt Kauai, a Category 7 property, saving us over $8,000 in cash costs. We’ll explain how we secured this luxury stay with just 30,000 points per night and offer tips on making the most of the club access at the hotel, which helped us save on meals during the trip.
Our review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai covers everything from the beautiful ocean views and spacious property to the pool areas, which include a lazy river, water slide, and even a lagoon. You’ll hear about how the property’s location near Poipu Beach provided access to wildlife like Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. Plus, we’ll share our experiences with on-property dining options, including our memorable meal at Tidepools, and what to expect from the club lounge.
We’ll also touch on a few mishaps, including a stomach bug that hit one of our kids, which led to some unexpected challenges. Despite this, the Grand Hyatt Kauai provided plenty of space and amenities to make our stay comfortable, even during a family emergency.
So if you’re looking for practical tips on how to use points and miles to book family vacations at luxury properties like the Grand Hyatt Kauai, or you just want to hear about what it’s really like to travel with kids, this episode is for you. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll cover all the fun activities we did in Kauai, and share more about how points and miles made this dream vacation possible.
Whether you're a seasoned points and miles pro or just getting started, we hope this episode helps you learn new ways to travel more for less!