Category: Podcast

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