Ana sent us this story about her couples’ trip to Rome and Tuscany. We love Italy, so we are happy to share it with you! Here’s her story: Couples’ Trip to Rome and Tuscany with Points and Miles I’ve been collecting points since the ’90s—back when you actually earned them by flying! While the landscape […]

Dreaming of monkeys, surf, and stunning jungle sunsets without draining your savings? Costa Rica is a favorite TMS destination and offers a slice of paradise that’s surprisingly accessible when you use points and miles. There are some incredible hotels across Costa Rica where your rewards can go a long way. Here are ten great hotel […]

They say all roads lead to Rome, and luckily, with the right points and miles strategy, yours can, too. Whether you’re working with a modest stash of credit card points or have enough for a business-class splurge, the Eternal City is more accessible than ever. Rome is a dream destination that doesn’t have to drain […]

Let’s talk all about Alaska Airlines’s Atmos™ Rewards Credit Cards. When it comes to maximizing travel value, airline credit cards can be a powerful tool in your wallet. For frequent flyers on the West Coast or anyone who loves exploring destinations across the U.S., Hawaii, Mexico, and beyond, the Alaska Airlines credit cards stand out.  […]

Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week’s episode, The Travel Mom Squad digs into the true value behind four of the most popular premium cards: the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Citi Strata Elite℠. They look beyond the price […]

Southeast Asia offers a truly diverse range of travel experiences. From buzzing street markets in Bangkok to dreamy beaches in Bali, lantern-lit nights in Hoi An, and world-class food just about everywhere you turn.  The only catch? Getting there from the U.S. can be a little pricey when paying with cash.  Thankfully, points and miles […]

Anna sent in her reader success story about her anniversary trip to Cancun. She started using points and miles seriously in August of 2024 after watching the TMS Webinar. This was her first big redemption, and it was an unforgettable trip—and she’s already planning the next one. Here’s her story:   Our Points-Fueled Anniversary Trip […]

Ever since writing about The Chatwal hotel in New York City in a previous blog post, I’ve been wanting to stay at this high-end property with fascinating history and connections to Broadway. The problem: it’s a Category 8 property and costs a lot of Hyatt points. So I thought this aspirational property would always remain […]

The Edit by Chase Travel℠ is a new credit card benefit of the card_name and card_name.  The Edit is a collection of over 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. Both cards come with an total annual credit of $500 for stays of at least two consecutive nights at The Edit properties. How you use the $500 […]

Southwest Airlines® is my go-to choice for domestic travel, including flights to Hawaii. I have found huge value in using Southwest® Rapid Rewards to book flights. In my opinion, you really can’t beat Southwest Airlines® for family travel. Yes, there have been changes but it is still an amazing airline. Today, I will share with […]

Which premium credit card is really worth it for your travel style and spending habits? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad put four of the top-tier cards head-to-head. They break down the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the brand-new Citi Strata Elite℠, exploring the earning potential, perks, […]

So you have a stash of transferable points and are ready to book a flight, but where do you even start? In this post, we’ll help you answer the question of whether to book through your credit card’s travel portal or transfer your points to airline partners.  It can be a complex question, and the […]

One of our TMS dads, Nick, sent us this reader success story to Paris and Boston. Here is his story of learning about points and miles and then using that education for an amazing trip!   As I sit here at the Hôtel du Louvre in Paris, writing this, I can hardly believe this is […]

I just returned from an Alaska cruise on Princess Cruise Lines. I paid for the cruise outright and used points and miles to offset some of our other trip costs. Sure, it is possible to pay for a cruise. Some credit card issuers, like Chase, American Express, and Citi, allow you to book cruises through […]

My family might be addicted to streaming services. Seriously, I think we have them all! So when credit card benefits include credits for streaming services, I know those are benefits I’ll be able to take advantage of! Here are six streaming services covered by my credit cards (that I would 100% pay for regardless).   […]

Just in! We have new American Express Hilton Credit Card offers!  Here’s what has changed:   card_name     Learn How to Apply bonus_miles_full   The card_name is up first. This is a great entry-level card for Hilton hotel lovers and comes with a nice welcome offer, considering that it’s a no-annual-fee card. This card […]

Hotel credit cards often come with lucrative perks, like annual free-night certificates, automatic elite status, and high earning rates on hotel spend. While we encourage applying for credit cards with flexible points first, hotel credit cards are definitely part of our points and miles strategy. Here is information about how you may be able to […]

Short getaways don’t have to be stressful or require a full week off. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad explores the world of micro-trips: perfectly sized escapes that deliver maximum value and relaxation. Alex, Jess, and Pam share their experiences planning and enjoying these quick getaways, from domestic city breaks to international trips, and […]

For frequent diners, American Express® has quietly transformed Resy into more than just a restaurant reservation platform—it’s now a way to get a “free” meal.  However, like many credit card benefits, Resy credits can be confusing or underutilized unless you understand exactly how they work. Let’s break it down and talk about how to maximize […]

Kayla sent us our most recent reader success story: ten days in Italy. Here is her story: I just got back from my dream Italian vacation! I started this hobby in early 2024 and just spent ten days in Italy on points and miles. We spent three nights in Rome, three in Florence, three in […]

Many readers want to know more about airline transfer bonuses because these can really help your miles go further. A transfer bonus is when you transfer points from a flexible currency like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, or Citi ThankYou® Points to a travel partner, and you receive a […]