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We spent 24 hours in Chicago before flying to Paris using points and miles, staying at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile and exploring the city with our three kids. This strategic positioning flight saved us points while giving us an exciting mini-vacation in Chicago with deep dish pizza, the Bean, and activities like the Ice Cream Museum.
• Booked Chicago to Paris for 85,000 Flying Blue points for all five family members
• Used Southwest credits and gift cards for the positioning flight from Phoenix
• Stayed at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile using a free night certificate
• Received a room upgrade thanks to IHG Platinum Elite status
• Kids enjoyed the hotel's indoor pool movie night with popcorn and lemonade
• Visited Chicago highlights: Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza, the Bean, and Starbucks Reserve
• Ice Cream Museum was expensive but memorable for the children
• Ed Debevic's restaurant with intentionally rude servers was entertaining
• Positioning flights can be cost-effective when traveling as a family
• Using hotel night certificates makes layovers more comfortable and fun
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Premium economy offers a valuable middle ground between business class and economy, giving families significantly more comfort without the high price tag of business class tickets.
• Premium economy on Air France features better seat recline and footrests
• Cabin arrangement is typically 2-4-2 with approximately 40-48 seats
• Passengers receive amenity kits with essentials like earplugs, socks, and toiletries
• Kids get special activity boxes with puzzles and games
• Access to one business class lavatory with premium skincare products
• Flight attendants offer additional snacks and treats throughout the flight
• Self-service refreshment station available for drinks and snacks
• Booked five tickets using 150,000 Amex points transferred to Virgin Atlantic (with bonus)
• Total taxes and fees were approximately $1,700 ($350 per person)
• For a family of five, booking requires strategic seat selection
• Particularly worthwhile for flights over seven hours
• Award availability is typically better than business class
• Excellent option for daytime flights when everyone is awake
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Raya's Carryon backpack (affiliate link)
Duane's Men's Crossbody (affiliate link)
Raya's crossbody bag (affiliate link)
Raya's toiletry bag (affiliate link)
Raya's mini backpack (Nordace mini)
Our family of five conquered Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid over two weeks, and we're sharing all our hard-won wisdom for making European family travel successful and enjoyable.
• Pack in carry-on only bags for a family of five by planning to do laundry during your trip
• Manage jet lag with children by keeping them awake upon arrival and using melatonin the first few nights
• Use eSIMs instead of international phone plans for more reliable and affordable data coverage
• Bring the RideSafer travel vest for young children instead of bulky car seats
• Plan only one major activity per day and leave plenty of unscheduled time
• Include at least one completely free day in each city to allow for rest and spontaneous adventures
• Set clear expectations with children about overnight flights and sleeping arrangements
• Take advantage of hotel laundry facilities to pack lighter
• Always use official taxi stands at airports and ignore unlicensed drivers
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The activities we did in Madrid (Food Tour and Flamenco show!): vi.me/1T9xd
If you're planning a trip to Europe using points and miles or have questions about traveling as a family of five, follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyofFive where we share highlights and tips from our adventures.
In this episode:
We travel to Madrid as part of our two-week European adventure, staying at the Hyatt Centric Gran Via using points, free night certificates, and suite upgrades for our family of five.
• Taking the train from Barcelona to Madrid is simple and stress-free compared to flying
• The Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid offers excellent location, service, and a memorable breakfast experience
• Experiencing a flamenco show provides cultural entertainment even children can appreciate
• The Royal Palace of Madrid showcases incredible opulence with special access to the royal kitchens
• Madrid's tapas culture is perfect for families, allowing everyone to try small portions of different foods
• Adjusting plans for rainy weather led to unexpected discoveries like the Museum of Illusions
• Retiro Park offers a beautiful outdoor space for kids to play when weather permits
• Following recommendations from “Somebody Feed Phil” led to authentic food experiences
• Using Hyatt Globalist status maximizes value with free breakfast and potential room upgrades
Barcelona captivated us with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine while we strategically used Hyatt points and upgrade awards to minimize travel costs. We navigated rainy weather by pivoting our plans, discovering indoor treasures and developing a daily rhythm that balanced sightseeing with leisurely meals at the hotel's exceptional club lounge.
• Used points for Grand Hyatt Barcelona, strategically applying suite upgrade and club access awards
• Experienced an enormous junior suite with a bathroom “as big as our entire Paris hotel room”
• Enjoyed the hotel's exceptional breakfast buffet featuring churros, chocolate, and Nutella on tap
• Visited Barcelona Aquarium and Time Out Market food hall during unexpected rainy weather
• Explored Mercado de la Boqueria for an impromptu family food tour sampling local specialties
• Took a family-friendly walking tour through the Gothic Quarter with churros and chocolate
• Marveled at Park Güell's whimsical “gingerbread houses” while kids chased pigeons
• Toured the breathtaking Sagrada Familia with its stunning colored stained glass windows
• Savored daily churros con chocolate, seafood paella, and exceptional pastries
• Missed beach visits and Tibidabo amusement park due to weather but already planning our return
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