If you want adventure or relaxation (or both!) in Costa Rica, Rio Perdido might be just what you’re looking for. Set within a 1,500-acre private reserve, Rio Perdido offers everything from cliffside yoga to a mile-long thermal river to a canyon adventure. Here’s how we did it on points and miles….   Getting There We […]

Natalie sent in this reader success story to Singapore and Australia. Here is her story: Flights For our big trip in August 2024, my boyfriend and I had long set our sights on visiting Singapore. We are big horse racing fans, and Singapore had announced that their famous Turf Club would cease operations in October […]

Thailand is a dream destination, offering everything from the vibrant energy of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket and the lush jungles of Chiang Rai. But what if you could elevate your experience even further? Imagine staying in some of Thailand’s most luxurious hotels, all without stretching your budget. We’re sharing our ten best […]

One of my very first credit card points and miles redemptions was to Thailand. I have wanted to return there for years and I finally made it happen! I’ve recapped our trip, but this post specifically is a review of the Conrad Koh Samui, the first hotel we stayed at on our trip. The Conrad […]

We’re continuing my recent Thailand trip today with a review of the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui. We came here after a stay at the Conrad Koh Samui that we didn’t want to leave. How does the Ritz-Carlton compare? Nestled on 58 acres of a former coconut plantation, The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui offers a luxurious retreat overlooking […]

Thailand was one of the very first destinations I booked a trip to with credit card points when I first embarked on this whirlwind journey of nearly free travel. I fell in love with everything about the “Land of Smiles” and had been dreaming of a return visit for years. This year, that dream became […]

Sigh. I have started another Park Hyatt love affair. Here is my Park Hyatt Bangkok review—for an all-too-short stay of just one night that I would love to repeat. Park Hyatt Bangkok is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district, next to the upscale Central Embassy Mall. It is […]

Big changes are coming to Southwest Airlines® this year, and we know you’ll want the scoop on how it’s going to impact your next family adventure. No more “bags fly free” is one change that almost feels sacrilegious, but there are other changes coming to Southwest Airlines®, too! 🥲    Baggage Policy is Changing Southwest’s […]

Let’s be real—luxury travel isn’t just about five-star service and plush robes. It’s about stepping into a world that feels tailor-made for you, where every moment is crafted to perfection. You can now unlock some of the most incredible stays worldwide with your Hilton points, thanks to their partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the […]

If you’ve ever looked at a $1,200 plane ticket and thought, “Yeah . . . maybe next year,” welcome to the club. Travel isn’t cheap, but having a stockpile of credit card points and miles  can change that completely. It’s not just about saving money (though, let’s be honest, that part is pretty incredible). It’s […]

From the moment we pulled up to the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana, I knew we were in for something special. It is tucked away on a quiet stretch of beach about 45 minutes from the Punta Cana airport. We were warmly greeted with cool towels, a yummy drink, and the vibe? Pure relaxation. If you’re […]

Aloha is Calling: How to Choose the Perfect Hawaiian Island for Your Dream Getaway Hawaii is the ultimate bucket-list destination—a paradise of sun-drenched beaches, lush rainforests, and breathtaking volcanoes. But with so many stunning islands to choose from, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. Should you soak up the vibrant energy of Oahu, explore […]

Whatever part of the world you’re traveling to, Hyatt has an aspirational hotel that can be as memorable as your destination. While these stays could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if paid in cash, you can book them with our favorite points—Hyatt points! While they will cost more points than your average hotel, with […]

Whether looking for a chic European city hotel, a beach retreat in the Maldives, or a rejuvenating visit to a Japanese spa, IHG points can help you find the aspirational hotel stay of your dreams.  Here are seven aspirational IHG properties to book on points. IHG—the hotel group behind Kimpton (a brand I love), InterContinental, […]

I recently returned to the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort and Spa, but this time around with another daughter. This time, Alex came with me! Even though I’ve reviewed this hotel before, I wanted to talk about new insights, cover different rooms, and tell you what it was like visiting when the resort was at max […]

If you love temperate climates, cobblestone streets, and delicious food, San Miguel de Allende is for you! This colonial-era city is located in Mexico about four hours north of Mexico City. My husband and I spent three nights at Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel de Allende (part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt), and fell […]

All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean  While we love using our points for hotel stays and flights, it’s even better if those points can pay for your meals, drinks, and snacks on vacation, too! If the Caribbean is on your bucket list, you can book many all-inclusive resorts with various types of points in different locations […]

IHG often has great signup bonuses on their cards, but they fall somewhat under the radar compared to the other hotel brands. They have long been my second-favorite brand (after Hyatt, of course). We have many readers asking us about how we use our IHG points, so here goes! First of all, there are several […]

Whether you’re looking to relax on a sandy beach or have an action-packed day of activities, Mexico has an all-inclusive resort to match your vacation style. Luckily for those who love points and miles, many of these resorts can be booked with hotel points. All-inclusive resorts are typically an excellent value for your points because […]

It won’t shock you to learn that each of us has the World of Hyatt Credit Card. While this card doesn’t currently have a huge welcome offer, it does give cardholders five elite-night credits on that help on the journey to earning Globalist status. Additionally, one of the best benefits of this card is that […]

Imagine no endless searching for parking spots, no gas station stops, and no backseat voices asking, “Are we there yet?” A car-free vacation might be just what your family needs! What if you simplified, using your points to fly and stay at a great hotel, but you didn’t have to worry about booking (and paying […]