Category: Podcast

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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!

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??!!?!