Category: Podcast

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card welcome 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 use these points to book all our Hyatt hotels. And if you've already got one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you'll want to apply for these business cards, linked here. 

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This episode is the first episode in a series all around visiting the great state of Arizona!!! First up – we explore everything you need to know when you visit Arizona, with a focus on where to stay in Scottsdale and where to stay in Phoenix and Tempe. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we’ll help you find the perfect place to stay while sharing tips on how to make the most of your trip using points and miles.

We start by discussing why Arizona is a top travel destination, especially for those interested in experiencing the beauty of the desert landscape. From the best time of year to visit Arizona to how to handle the summer heat and cooler winter months, we break down the key points to consider before booking your trip. Whether you want to explore the outdoors or just relax by the pool, this episode will give you all the essential details for planning your visit to Arizona.

Next, we dive into where to stay in Scottsdale, covering a range of hotels and resorts that cater to different travel styles. If you’re using points, we highlight some excellent options for Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG members. For those wondering where to stay in Scottsdale, we recommend the Hyatt House and Hyatt Place in Old Town for convenient access to shopping, dining, and nightlife. For a more luxurious experience, we suggest the Andaz Scottsdale and the Royal Palms, which offer unique, upscale settings perfect for couples or special occasions. If you're traveling with family, we also explore the soon-to-be Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, a fantastic choice for family-friendly accommodations.

For Marriott points users, we discuss where to stay in Scottsdale, such as the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and the Phoenician. Both properties offer luxury and comfort with beautiful views and top-notch service, making them ideal for romantic getaways or family vacations. If you're looking for where to stay in Scottsdale using IHG or Hilton points, we mention options like the Holiday Inn Express and the Hilton Garden Inn, both centrally located in Old Town Scottsdale. For a more extravagant stay, the Fairmont Princess is a top pick, especially during the holiday season when the property transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for families.

Beyond Scottsdale, we also guide you through where to stay in Phoenix if your trip includes events, concerts, or sports games. We suggest properties like the Hyatt Regency Downtown Phoenix and the Kimpton Palomar, both of which are great choices if you're looking for where to stay in Phoenix and want to be close to Chase Field or Talking Stick Resort Arena. These hotels offer convenience for those wanting to stay near the heart of the action while enjoying top-tier amenities.

So, if you're planning to visit Arizona, tune in to this episode for the full rundown on where to stay in Scottsdale, where to stay in Phoenix, and how to make your trip unforgettable. Whether you're traveling for relaxation, adventure, or a special event, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to make your Arizona trip a success!

GIVEAWAY WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AND NOTIFIED! Thank you all for the reviews, we appreciate it so so much. 

In today's episode we are sharing all the details of our Labor Day road trip to Huntington Beach, California!

Our family stayed at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach for the first time on this trip. It's a category six hotel beloved by the points and miles community. Discover how we scored a spacious suite for 44,000 points per night, with a surprise Guest of Honor award gifted from a friend! From free breakfast to complimentary valet parking, find out how these perks made our trip even more special. We share our hilarious first-time experience in a suite, complete with our oldest son's penthouse dreams dashed by YouTube videos.

We also share a few kid-friendly activities (most of which are FREE!) that we did in and around Huntington Beach, including Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and…the Huntington Beach Public Library??!!?! 

Flytographer referral link – you can use our link to save $25 off your first booking! Thank you in advance for supporting our free content <3

This is the tripod we have for our cell phones – comes with a bluetooth shutter.

Q&A Style episode today! We are answering questions like – What types of rooms do we book to make one hotel room work for a family of 5? 

Also, balancing family vacations with some adult time might seem challenging (because it is) but we're sharing our best tips for sneaking in couple-time during family trips, from booking suites and balcony rooms to utilizing hotel babysitting services and kids clubs. 

Also – how to take good family photos on vacation, creative ways to meet a minimum spend and more. 

Planning a trip that keeps everyone happy, especially in historically rich destinations, can be challenging. We offer insights on aligning travel plans with your kids’ interests and managing expectations when they seem indifferent. 

Plus, get creative tips for managing Christmas shopping and meeting credit card minimum spends—everything from FSA reimbursements to strategic big-ticket purchases. Tune in for what we hope are lots of tips and inspiration to make your family travel experiences both memorable and low stress. 

*Some links may be affiliate links – thank you for supporting our free content, we are so grateful for you!

Our Rakuten Referral Link – Use our link for an extra 10% cashback on top of current rates until 9/30/2024!

Curious how to earn more points without opening yet another credit card? In our opinion, this is the best way to earn a lot of points, besides opening yet another credit card. 

ENTER: Shopping Portals!  This is a full beginner's guide to shopping portals and maximizing your points and miles.  

We review different types of shopping portals, from credit card and airline miles portals to cashback options like Rakuten. We give specific examples of how we have used these various portals recently, AND how many points/cashback we've earned! 

We also share how we've transitioned from mere cashback to racking up American Express membership rewards points using…meal subscription services?!? Sort of.

Whether you're a points novice or a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies to take your rewards game to the next level.

Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5

**GIVEAWAY: ENDS 9/7/24! Details: We are raffling off ONE $50 gift card of your choosing (must be able to be sent via email). Ideas: Starbucks, Target, Southwest, Walmart, you name it. 

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN: Leave us a review on itunes, screenshot your review and email it to us at travelpartyof5@gmail.com. That's it! I feel like your chances are fairly high. Winner will be contacted 9/8/24. Thank you in advance <3 

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.

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. 

RideSafer Vest mentioned in this episode
BubbleBum inflatable booster

It seems like the cost of rental cars lately is INSANE. Ever wondered if you can use points to book a rental car and save big? In this episode we're sharing our best ways to maximize your points and credit card benefits, along with our top tips for reducing rental car costs. From selecting the right vehicle size for your family to avoiding unnecessary extras, we share our personal experiences and practical advice. Plus, we’re giving away a $50 gift card for listeners who leave a review on iTunes and send us a screenshot!

Learn about tools like AutoSlash that can help you secure lower rental rates and the perks of elite status with rental car companies, achieved through premium credit cards. We’ll also discuss the benefits of using travel portals and annual travel credits from cards like the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether you’re planning your first family trip or you're a seasoned traveler, our tips will ensure you save money while enjoying a safe and convenient journey. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more real-time updates and behind-the-scenes fun!

**Some experience links may be affiliate links which means we make a small commission if you choose to book through those links. Thank you for supporting our free content by using these links <3**