Category: Podcast

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:

1. What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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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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!

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

Link: The Travel Freely app we use to keep track of all our cards (IT'S COMPLETELY FREE!)

Best Cards – September 2024 (incl the Hilton and IHG cards we reference in this episode!)

In this episode, we dive deep into how we earned over 1 million points in just nine months without spending anywhere near 1 million dollars. If you’ve ever wondered how to earn points for travel while sticking to your regular budget, this episode is for you. 

We’ll walk you through the exact cards we opened to earn over 1 million points. We believe that knowing how to earn points for travel doesn’t need to be complicated, and with our straightforward advice, you’ll be on your way to your next vacation in no time.

One of the key takeaways is that earning 1 million points is achievable, even without massive spending. We emphasize the importance of opening the right cards at the right time and how to align your points strategy with your travel goals. If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Hawaii, for example, we’ll show you how to earn points for travel that can make those dreams a reality. We discuss how having a specific trip in mind helps you focus your efforts on earning the points you need for flights, hotels, and more.

This episode also covers how we keep track of the cards we open, and how using tools like Travel Freely makes the process easier. It’s not just about earning 1 million points — it’s about doing it in a way that fits into your everyday life.

We’ll also share tips for planning future trips. For example, we’ve got our eyes on Japan and Yellowstone, and we’re already thinking ahead to earning points for 2026. Planning early and focusing on cards that offer free nights and perks can make a huge difference, especially for family travel. By sharing our experiences, we hope to show you how to earn points for travel in a way that works for you, too.

If you're new to earning points and miles, this episode is packed with information on how to start, and if you're already on the journey, you’ll pick up some new strategies for growing your points stash. With a calm, straightforward approach, we break down everything you need to know without any overwhelming jargon.

Listen in to discover how we earned over 1 million points and how you can apply these tips to your own travel plans. Whether you’re a family of five or just starting your points journey, there’s something here for everyone.

Find us on Instagram at @TravelPartyofFive for more tips, and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoy the podcast. Thanks for listening!

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 love for earning Hyatt points, 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 diving into some of the best places to visit in Arizona. Whether you're planning a road trip or just a weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered with four amazing destinations, all within a five-hour drive from Phoenix. From the iconic Grand Canyon to the hidden gems in Flagstaff and Sedona, we’ll show you how to explore the stunning scenery and enjoy family-friendly activities in these unforgettable locations.

First, we take you to the Grand Canyon, a true bucket-list destination and one of the most famous places to visit in Arizona. With breathtaking views and plenty of spots to explore, it's perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay. We'll share tips on where to stay, including options you can book with points, and some of the best experiences for families visiting this natural wonder.

Next, we head to Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell. Discover how you can paddleboard through serene waters or take a guided tour through the stunning canyon formations. Antelope Canyon is one of the most unique places to visit in Arizona, and we’ll give you all the details on how to make the most of your time there, including must-see spots like Horseshoe Bend.

Our third stop is Flagstaff, an ideal destination for families who want to escape the desert heat. With cooler temperatures, outdoor activities, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, Flagstaff is one of the best places to visit in Arizona during summer or winter. From skiing in the winter months to hiking in the summer, it’s a year-round destination worth checking out.

Finally, we wrap up our tour in Sedona, known for its famous red rocks and vibrant energy. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Arizona for a reason! We’ll talk about exploring the area’s unique hiking trails, experiencing the Pink Jeep Tours, and soaking in the beauty of this high-desert oasis. Sedona is perfect for day trips or a longer stay, especially if you’re looking to relax and connect with nature.

Along the way, we’ll share tips on how to book your stays using points and miles, making family travel more affordable than ever. Whether you're planning to visit during the warm summer months or looking for cooler escapes in the high desert, this episode will guide you through some of the most incredible places to visit in Arizona.

If you’re ready to explore Arizona beyond Phoenix, tune in to this episode to discover the best spots to visit, how to make the most of your time, and where to stay using points to maximize your travel budget. Don’t miss our pro tips on lodging, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities in Arizona’s most beautiful locations. PLUS we share an ideal 7-10 day itinerary at the end of the episode!