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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 offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family.
Want to use credit card points and miles to visit Paris?!?! In this episode, join us as we recount our recent 2-day adventure in the City of Lights! Despite the rain, we embraced the charm and beauty of this iconic city, trying to make the best of it despite the clouds.
Our journey began with a delightful dinner at Girafe, but sadly it was raining so our Eiffel Tower views were scarce indoors.
Day 2 began with a walking food tour, where we indulged in delectable French cuisine and discovered hidden culinary gems. This food tour (linked below) truly felt like we were visiting a Parisian market with a french friend. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower, where we braved the weather to experience the breathtaking views. Even in the rain, she is beautiful. Then we grabbed crepes and coffee near Notre Dame.
On our third day we ventured out of the city for an exhilarating bike tour of Versailles, pedaling through the grandeur of the palace grounds and soaking in the rich history.
The standout for dinner was Le Relais de L'Entrecote for their infamous steak frites.
For a hotel, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Etoile for zero dollars, all thanks to our use of points and miles. Tune in to hear our tips on how to make the most of your points for a memorable stay in Paris, rain or shine.
Foodie Morning Walk at the Aligre Market (not an affiliate link and not sponsored, we paid full price!)
**Some links shared above 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**
Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles (often called travel hacking) and we share how we leverage new credit card offers to earn a lot of points and 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 refer to in this episode – we used these points to book all of our flights on this trip. And if you've already got one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you'll want to apply for these business cards, linked here.
Links to all the experiences we mentioned:
Pompeii Small Group Tour with an Archaeologist
Enjoy the Little Things Bistro – best restaurant in Sorrento
Where to stay in Sorrento? This is the AirBnB we stayed at!
Today we're diving into part 2 of our Italian adventure, focusing on our stay in Sorrento. Join us as we uncover how to maximize your travel experiences using credit card points and miles, while exploring beautiful cafes in Sorrento and enjoying a day at a stunning beach club.
Our journey starts in Florence, where we hop on a high-speed train to Naples, then switch to the Circumvesuviana, ending in Sorrento. This charming town, near the Amalfi Coast, is perfect for exploring Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. Sorrento offers a relaxed atmosphere compared to bustling Amalfi and is more affordable.
We stayed in a cozy Airbnb that was ideal for our party of three. While we usually prefer hotels for their amenities, there aren’t many on points in this area. Plus, our host provided a detailed map of the best cafes in Sorrento, scenic spots, and must-visit locations, ensuring we made the most of our stay.
A highlight was the boat tour to Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, organized by our Airbnb host. We enjoyed breakfast at a charming cafe in Positano, then headed to Amalfi. From there, we took a bus up to Ravello, escaping the crowded streets of Amalfi for the serene beauty of this hilltop town. The small group size made it even more enjoyable.
Our day at the Marameo Beach Club in Sorrento was unforgettable. This adults-only beach club offers towel service, food, drinks, and comfortable lounge chairs. We relaxed by the crystal-clear waters, read our books, drank crisp local white wine, and soaked in stunning cliff views. It was the perfect way to unwind after days of exploring.
Pompeii was a must-see, and we opted for a guided tour to get the most out of it. The history and preserved ruins were fascinating, and we learned so much from our guide.
When it comes to dining, Sorrento did not disappoint. We had delicious meals, but Enjoy the Little Things Bistro stood out. Recommended by a colleague, this gem in the center of Sorrento offered some of the best food we had on our trip. We loved it so much we ate there twice! The friendly staff, delicious dishes, and cozy atmosphere made it a highlight.
We made extensive use of credit card points and miles to cover travel expenses, allowing us to indulge in these amazing experiences without breaking the bank. From booking flights to securing accommodations, leveraging points and miles made our Italian adventure even more rewarding.
Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles (often called travel hacking) 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.
Vespa Tour we did (or tried to do?)
Tuscany Chianti Wine Tour – the incredible wine tour we talked about
Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5
Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we refer to in this episode – we used these points to book our Hyatt in Florence as well as some flights. And if you've already got one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you'll want to apply for these business cards, linked here.
If you think you're not eligible for a business credit card, you probably are – listen to our episode titled “Who Can Apply for Business Credit Cards?”
**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**
In this episode, we dive into an exciting adventure in Florence, Italy! Join me and my sister Alaina as we recount our amazing experiences during our 3 days in Florence, Italy. This trip was extra special as it was a girls' trip with our mom, leaving the kids and my husband Duane back home. Get ready to explore the beauty, history, and fun of Florence with us!
We kick things off by talking about our flights. My mom and I flew from Phoenix to Florence. Alaina flew from Washington Dulles and met us in London before we all headed to Florence together. Our flights were all booked on points, they were smooth, and even though we had a few hiccups with luggage, it all worked out in the end.
Our home base in Florence was the luxurious Il Tornabuoni, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. This historic hotel, which we booked with points, was the perfect place to stay. It was centrally located, beautifully decorated in Renaissance style, and offered top-notch service. From the terrace with stunning city views to the personalized touches for Elena's birthday, the hotel was a highlight of our trip.
One of the most memorable parts of our adventure was the Vespa tours in Florence, Italy. We were excited to explore the Tuscan countryside on Vespas, but things didn't go as planned – but you'll have to listen to hear what happend. Despite the bumps, the Vespa tour was a unique and fun experience that we won't forget.
During our 3 days in Florence, Italy, we also indulged in a fantastic wine tour. This all-day tour took us to beautiful vineyards and a medieval town. We learned about wine-making, tasted delicious wines, and enjoyed an incredible farm-to-table lunch. The scenery was breathtaking, making it one of our favorite days in Florence.
Throughout our 3 days in Florence, Italy, we made unforgettable memories. Using points and miles to cover our flights and hotel allowed us to splurge on fun experiences like the wine and vespa tours, along with all the gelato and incredible food we could eat.
In this episode of Travel Party of 5, we dive into the vibrant and diverse food scene of Portland, Oregon. Join us as we explore one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon, starting with the stylish Hyatt Centric. This hotel offered a fantastic experience, even allowing me to check off another brand from my Hyatt bingo card. Situated in the heart of downtown, the Hyatt Centric is not only a convenient stay but also one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon.
While in Portland, I had the chance to sample some of the best Vietnamese food Portland has to offer. I had a standout visit to Cuon, a small, unassuming spot that served the most delicious banh mi sandwich I’ve ever had. This little gem truly showcases the best Vietnamese food Portland boasts, with its perfect blend of flavors and fresh ingredients.
Portland is known for its fun and eclectic dining scene, and I got to experience some fun Portland restaurants firsthand. Cartopia was a fantastic food stall area with a variety of choices, from Egyptian/Mediterranean to Pizza to Pad Thai, making it an ideal spot for a group dinner. Another highlight was Lil' Shalom, where I enjoyed delicious Mediterranean dishes like burnt beef ends with hummus and pita.
Of course, no food tour of Portland would be complete without a nod to the iconic Anthony Bourdain. I had the pleasure of dining at Apizza Scholls, a spot Bourdain visited during his time in Portland. The pizza here lived up to its reputation, making it one of the must-visit fun Portland restaurants.
Back at the Hyatt Centric, I enjoyed the hotel's amenities, including a convenient restaurant in the lobby serving breakfast, coffee, and evening meals. This made it easy to grab a bite without venturing far, though Portland’s bustling food scene always tempted me to explore more.
Throughout the episode, I share more about my stay at the Hyatt Centric, detailing why it’s one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon. Its central location made it easy to explore the city, and its industrial-chic vibe added to the overall experience. However, for families planning a trip, I offer tips on choosing the right accommodation to suit everyone’s needs.
Join us as we uncover some fun Portland restaurants and the best Vietnamese food Portland has to offer. Whether you're planning a trip to the city or just a foodie at heart, this episode is packed with insights and recommendations to make your Portland adventure unforgettable. Don’t miss out on hearing about the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon, and the delectable delights that await you in this fantastic city.
Kimiko's instagram account (she won the Brand Connector award I mentioned and is the one who told me about the banh mi sandwich!)
Whitney's instagram account – super Portland foodie and workout queen!
Valerie at Eat Like Bourdain's instagram
Restaurants:
Cuon (Banh Mi and more)
Apizza Scholls
Cartopia
Lil' Shalom
In this episode, we dive into the world of business credit cards and explore who can qualify for them. You'll learn that you don’t need a big company to apply; even small side hustles can qualify you for a business credit card. We’ll cover the basic requirements, such as what qualifies as a business and what information you need to provide during the application process.
We'll also discuss the benefits of having a business credit card, especially for earning more travel points and miles. Whether you're a freelancer, a part-time entrepreneur, or running a family business, this episode will guide you through the process of applying for a business credit card to maximize your travel rewards. Tune in to find out how you can start leveraging business credit cards to travel more with your family.