Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Episodes
178. Visiting New York City and Chicago with Kids on Points
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What's it like to visit a big city with kids, and is it actually easier than it seems? In this episode, Alex and Jess share what it looked like to tak...
177. When to Cancel, Downgrade, or Keep a Credit Card
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you decide whether to cancel, downgrade, or keep a credit card when the annual fee hits? In this episode, The Points Talk Squad breaks down how...
176. Pivoting When Your Trip Gets Canceled
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when your trip gets canceled and everything you planned suddenly falls apart? In this episode, The Points Talk Squad talks through what...
175. Using Points for Kids' Sports, Road Trips, and Family Travel
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could cover the cost of all those road trips, tournaments, and quick overnight stays without paying out of pocket? In this episode, Alex, ...
174. Making Your African Safari More Affordable with Points and Miles
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
An African safari can feel completely out of reach for most families, but what if there were ways to bring that cost down using points and miles? In t...
173. How We Planned Our Family Safari in Tanzania
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What's it like to take your family on a safari in Tanzania? In this episode, Jess and Pam are joined by Megan, who recently returned from a safari wit...
172. India, Nepal & Bhutan: Pam's Travel Tips
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what it's really like to visit India? In this episode, Pam shares highlights from her recent trip through India, Nepal, and Bhu...
171. Would You Rather: Family Travel Edition
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What's your ideal family travel strategy? In today's fun and lively episode, The Points Talk Squad plays a family edition of "...
170. Making Points and Miles Work for You!
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Can you use points and miles in a way that actually fits your life, not someone else's highlight reel? In this episode, The Po...
169. Points and Miles for Low Spenders
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Can you travel on points without spending a lot? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess share how low spenders can still earn an...
168. All About Citi ThankYou® Points
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to make Citi ThankYou® Points work harder for you? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess dive into the Citi Than...
167. The Best and Worst Travel Days Ever on Points
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a travel day that felt almost too good to be true or one that completely fell apart before you even left the...
166. Airport Lounge Access for Families in 2026
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How are you navigating the new rules for airport lounge access? With major changes impacting families in 2026, this episode br...
165. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of 2025 in Points and Miles
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel overwhelmed by the constant changes in the points and miles world? In this episode, we break down everything that h...
164. Cards That Have a Permanent Spot in Our Wallets in 2026
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you decide which credit cards actually earn a permanent spot in your wallet? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess break d...
163. Booking Award Travel and Business Class Deals with Thrifty Traveler
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Do you get overwhelmed booking award travel, especially business class flights? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Gunn...
162. Our Stories and First Trips on Points
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How did Alex, Pam, and Jess go from confusion about points and miles to becoming the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, they each...
161. Looking Forward to 2026: New Cards and Our Travel Plans
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are your travel plans for 2026, and how are you using points and miles to make them happen? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jes...
160. 2025 Year in Review: The Cards We Opened and Our Points-Fueled Trips
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What were the highlights this year for award travel for the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess take you through ...
159. Three Disney Cruises, Three Perspectives: Which Ship is Right for You? (Part 2)
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What should you consider when choosing between Disney's newest Wish class ships? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to...
158. Three Disney Cruises, Three Perspectives: Discovering the New Disney Ships (Part 1)
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What should you expect when you step onto Disney's newest Wish class ships for the very first time? In this episode, Alex and Jess are ...
157. Traveling With Toddlers vs. Teens on Points and Miles
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered whether it is easier to travel with toddlers or teens when you are using points and miles to explore the world as...
156. All About Marriott Bonvoy®: Earning Points, Free Nights, and Luxury Stays
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is Marriott Bonvoy® the secret to luxury hotel stays, or just another confusing points program? In this episode, Alex and Pam break down...
155. End-of-Year Checklist: Credits, Perks & Expiring Rewards
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you used all your card credits and perks before the year ends? With the holidays approaching and schedules getting busier, it's easy ...
A Special Announcement...
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This short bonus episode comes with an important update from the Squad. After an unexpected curveball and a lot of behind-the-scenes work...
154. Top Destinations for Girls' Trips on Points
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need help planning a girls' trip that feels luxurious but doesn't drain your wallet or your points balance? Whether you picture spa ...
153. Switzerland on Points: Jess's Jungfrau & Zurich Adventure
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered if it's actually possible to visit Switzerland without spending a fortune? From business-class flights booked on poin...
152. Plan the Perfect Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Medina Walks, and the Blue City
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what it's really like to experience Morocco - including the medinas, the desert, and the Blue City - all in one trip? ...
151. Battle of Premium Cards: Value vs. Cost and Our Top Picks (Part 2)
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tr...
150. Battle of Premium Cards: Rewards, Earning Power, and Perks (Part 1)
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
149. Micro-Trips: Short Getaways With Mega Value
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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: p...
148. Break These Popular Award Travel "Rules"
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The world of points and miles can feel overwhelming when everyone has an opinion on the "right" way to do things. In this episode, the Travel Mom...
147. Staying at the Miraval Arizona All-Inclusive Wellness Resort on Points
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does a getaway to a wellness resort seem like an unattainable luxury? Alex and Jess recently stayed at Miraval Arizona. In this episode, they're s...
146. One Card From Each Bank: Our Top Picks
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which credit card would you choose if you could only pick one from each major bank? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares their top picks an...
145. How To Earn the Southwest® Companion Pass for Free Flights
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how you can fly someone for free on all your Southwest® flights for the next year or two? The Southwest® Companion Pass® is one of ...
144. First-Time International Travel Made Easy: Top Destinations and Practical Tips
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling overwhelmed about planning your first international trip? From excitement about exploring a new destination to concerns about curren...
143. Europe Travel with Kids: Traci's Hotel Booking Strategies for Families
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle to find hotel rooms in Europe that can accommodate your entire family? Many European hotels limit occupancy to just two guests per roo...
142. Chase Ultimate Rewards®: Key Updates & Our Favorite Earning Cards
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are Chase Ultimate Rewards® still the best points for travel? The Travel Mom Squad certainly thinks so. These points offer unmatched flexibility a...
141. Bora Bora on Points: Flights, Hotels, and Upgrades
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora might seem like a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but what if you could experience it more than once? The crystal-clear...
140. Maximize Hotel Free-Night Certificates: Comparing Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No one loves the annual fees of credit cards, but what if they could save you hundreds on travel? Free-night certificates are one of the most valuabl...
139. Travel Light: Carry-On Only Packing and Essential Tips
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dragging multiple suitcases through cobblestone streets in Europe while trying to catch a train is the moment many travelers realize they've packed to...
138. The BEST Hotel Chain for Using & Earning Points
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When choosing where to spend your hard-earned hotel points, the options can feel overwhelming. Each major hotel chain promises value, but the reality ...
137. Iceland & Ireland with Points: Jess's 10-Day Family Adventure
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Planning a bucket-list trip to Iceland and Ireland might seem out of reach for a family of five, but what if you could score flights and hotels using ...
136. Solo Travel Tips & Points Strategies with Kelsi from PointSisters
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jess and Alex are joined by Kelsi Sullivan, one half of PointSisters on Instagram, who has mastered the art of solo travel using poin...
135. Where to Stay in Maui: Are Timeshare Presentations Worth It?
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Getting a discounted stay at a luxury Maui resort sounds too good to be true, especially when the catch involves sitting through a timeshare presentat...
134. 2025 Points & Miles Changes You Need to Know
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Major shifts in lounge access, baggage fees, and loyalty programs are reshaping the landscape of travel rewards in 2025. With summer travel quickly ap...
133. Travel to Spain Using Points: TMS Takes Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Planning a trip to Spain on points and miles? It's all about the strategy—especially when you're juggling travel for multiple people! In this episod...
132. Greece and Croatia with Kids: Megan's Points and Miles Strategy
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Taking your family with young kids to Greece and Croatia might seem daunting, but with strategic use of points and miles, it can become an unforgettab...
131. Agree to Disagree: Best Lounge Access, Hotel Loyalty Programs, and More
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you love points and miles, you know there's no shortage of opinions on how to get the most out of credit card rewards and travel programs. In this ...
130. American Southwest with Kids
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jess and Megan walk us through their recent family getaways to two standout Hyatt properties in the American Southwest: the Grand Hya...
129. Costa Rica Spring Break
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jess, Pam, and Alex break down their recent spring break trips to Costa Rica—highlighting three unforgettable resorts, two differen...
128. Pam's Return to Thailand
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Pam shares her full itinerary from her recent return to Thailand—a dream trip she's been wanting to repeat since her very first adv...
127. Would You Rather!? – Points Talk Edition
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is a little different—and a lot of fun. Jess, Pam, and Alex are joined by Traci for a special game of Would You Rather!? – Poi...
126. Jess's Family Trip to Japan on Points—Spring Break for $200?!
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jess takes us step-by-step through her family's spring break trip to Japan—a points and miles masterpiece that cost just $200 total...
Sneak Peek Inside Points Talk Premium: Ask Us Anything
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this sneak peek from Points Talk Premium, we're giving you a taste of one of our monthly "Ask Us Anything" episodes—where we answer real ques...
125. TMS Heads South of the Border—Points-Powered Trips to Mexico & Honduras
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad is heading south! Jess shares her birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Pam and Alex walk us throu...
124. All About the IHG Hotel Program
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're diving deep into IHG One Rewards—a hotel program that often flies under the radar but has serious potential. From practical H...
123. Behind the Magic—Ways to Save at Disney World This Summer
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jess and Alex are sharing all the magic, insights, and travel tips they brought back from a recent media event at Walt Disney World. ...
122. Pam's Trip to New Zealand Using Points and Miles
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
New Zealand has been high on so many of your travel wish lists—and for good reason! In this episode, Pam shares details from her recent two-week adv...
121. Top 3 Ways to Use Each Flexible Points Currency
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not sure how to maximize your points? In this episode, we break down the top three ways to use each of the four major flexible points currencies—our...
120. How Megan Used Points & Miles for the Ultimate Harry Potter Family Trip
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's better than throwing a Harry Potter-themed birthday party? How about taking your child on a real Harry Potter adventure across Scotland and Lon...
119. Sexy vs. Unsexy Award Redemptions
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We all love talking about luxurious, over-the-top award redemptions—think first-class flights, overwater villas, and five-star resorts. But let's be...
118. Going For the Gold or Picking Up Platinum: All About American Express Cards
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been eyeing an American Express card but aren't sure which one to get, you're in the right place! In this episode, we break down two great p...
117. How to Book Family Flights to Europe Using Points and Miles
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dreaming of taking your family to Europe without draining your wallet? In this episode, we sit down with our team member and resident Europe travel ex...
116. Everything You Need to Know About Flying Blue
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been looking for a go-to points and miles program for international travel, let us introduce you to Flying Blue, the joint loyalty program o...
115. Our Honeymoons—Then vs. Now! Get Your Honeymoon for Nearly Free Using Points and Miles
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For Valentine's Day, we're taking a trip down memory lane! In this episode, we're sharing all the details about our honeymoons—how we booked them be...
114. All About Transfer Bonuses: What They Are and How to Use Them To Get Even More Points
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transfer bonuses are one of the best ways to stretch your points further, and in this episode we're breaking down everything you need to know about th...
113. Inside Our Hawaiian Holidays – How We Spent the Holidays in Hawaii on Points and Miles
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The holidays are magical no matter where you celebrate, but spending them in Hawaii? That's next-level. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares h...
112. You're NOT As Bad At Points As You Think You Are! Conversation with Devon Gimbel
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by points and miles? You're not alone! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Devon Gimbel of Point Me to First Class to disc...
111. Looking Ahead to 2025—Our Cards, Trips, and Goals!
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's never too early to plan for your next adventure! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad team looks ahead to 2025, sharing the trips we've already ...
110. The Best of 2024—Our Favorite Hotels, Flights, and Offers
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2024 was a year to remember! In this episode, we're sharing our best of 2024 awards, from unforgettable hotel stays and flights to top credit card off...
109. Our 2024 Points and Miles Recap—Cards We Opened, Closed, and the Trips We Took
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As 2024 comes to a close, the Travel Mom Squad is reflecting on an incredible year of points and miles. In this special episode, we're breaking down t...
108. What Type of Points and Miles Traveler Are You?
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what kind of points and miles traveler you are? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the different types of travelers and how ...
107. Meet the Team Behind Travel Mom Squad: Megan, Traci, and Claire!
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've heard us share our travel stories and tips, but today we're introducing you to three incredible women who help make Travel Mom Squad possible. ...
106. How to Get Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® for Your Family
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of long lines at immigration or security when traveling? We've got you covered! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad revisits a favorite topic—...
105. The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Points and Miles
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You're not alone! In this episode, we're breaking down our favorit...
104. How Alex Took Her Family of 6 to Europe: Amsterdam and London on Points and Miles
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it's absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this ep...
103. All Things Hilton Honors Program: Our Tips For Points, Perks, and Dreamy Stays
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever wondered whether Hilton Honors deserves a spot in your points and miles strategy, this episode is for you! We're diving into everything...
102. A Points-Fueled Italian Adventure with Pam and Her Sister
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Pam takes us on a journey through Italy, sharing how she and her sister made the most of credit card points to explore some of the co...
101. Top Points and Miles Resources Every Traveler Needs
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by the world of points and miles? We get it! In our 101st episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad, we're sharing our must...
100. Celebrating 100 Episodes! Your Top Questions Answered by Travel Mom Squad
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We can't believe it—Travel Mom Squad has hit 100 episodes! For this milestone, we wanted to do something extra special, so we put a question box on ...
99. Jess's 10-Day Points-Powered Journey Across 3 European Cities! (Santorini, Vienna, and Prague)
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, traveler! In this episode, Jess takes us through her incredible multi-country trip using points and miles. She shares how she managed to...
98. Venture vs. Venture X: Which One We Would Pick If We Could Only Have One
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, travelers! Today, we're tackling a common question we get—choosing between the Capital One Venture and Venture X cards. Both are power...
97. Disney World on Points: Save THOUSANDS on Your Disney Trip with Points and Miles
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, Disney lovers! In this episode, we're diving into one of the most magical places on earth—Disney World—and sharing how you can save ...
96. Lisbon & Azores Uncovered: A Family's Journey on Points
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, Pam and Alex take us on a remarkable journey through Lisbon and the Azores, sharing every detail of their fam...
95. Southwest and Hyatt: The Beginner's Guide to Nearly Free Vacations
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're diving into how you can use Southwest and Hyatt points for nearly free vacations. These are the most accessible p...
94. She Booked A Trip To The Olympics: 3 Kids And 2 Weeks Across Europe on Points and Miles!
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back, everyone! Today's episode is a real treat—we're catching up with Megan, our amazing digital business manager, who's here to spill the ...
93. Taylor Swift's Tour on Points: How Jess Lived the Swiftie Dream in Milan and London all On Points!
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listen up, Swifties! Today, we're riding the high notes of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour across Europe with Jess. Dive into the excitement as she shares ho...
92. The Ultimate Guide to Traveling on Points with a Big Family (with Special Guests!)
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the fantastic possibilities of family travel with points and miles! Today, we're joined by some ver...
91. 29 Family Members, One Amazing Florida Vacation: How We All Saved Big with Points and Miles
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the amazing world of points and miles! Today, we're excited to share the details of a massive famil...
90. Epic Trips You Can Plan with JUST 120K Ultimate Rewards®
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another episode where we dive into the fantastic possibilities of points and miles! Recently, one of our favorite cards introduced a w...
89. Young and Free: How Young Adults Can Fly Nearly Free with Points and Miles
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us today as we dive into how young adults can kick off their journey with points and miles! We're super excited to have Jess's stepdaughter, Ella...
88. Adventures in Greece and Beyond: Alex & Pam's European Escapades
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this episode as Alex and Pam, from the Travel Mom Squad, share the enchanting details of their separate summer journeys to Greece and other...
87. Points & Miles Mistakes: Learn from Our Goofs
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another episode with the Travel Mom Squad! Today, we're pulling back the curtain on our own points and miles blunders. Yes, even the p...
86. All About Inks: Unlocking the Power of Chase Ink Credit Cards For Traveling!
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to another episode of Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad where today we dive deep into one of our favorite topics: the Chase Ink credi...
85. Travel Smart: Last Trip Booked and How We Did It on Points!
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how the Travel Mom Squad makes those dream trips happen using points and miles? Well, buckle up because in today's episode, we're diving...
84. What's New in 2024: Essential Updates in Points and Miles You Need to Know
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The world of points and miles is always changing! But we've got you covered and are about to catch you up to speed! Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as w...
83. Bucket List Trips with Points & Miles – Mapping Our Dream Trips!
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you dreaming of your next big adventure but worried about your budget? Buckle up because today, we, the Travel Mom Squad, are diving into each of ...
82. Travel Nearly Free Forever: How to Earn Points and Miles For Years to Come
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Curious about keeping your travel rewards game strong over the long haul? Today, we're diving deep into the world of travel rewards, sharing our top s...
81. Rich Points Life: Living the Dream on Points and How You Can, Too!
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder how some travelers seem to live the dream, jetting off to amazing destinations without breaking the bank? Well, buckle up because today, w...