Are you tired of not being able to travel because it's just so expensive? Do finances keep you from your dream destinations and making memories with your family? In this podcast, we show you how you can fulfill that dream of traveling without spending more money. We've earned millions of credit card points to travel all over the world and take our families on amazing vacations. Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, and Disneyland are all possible for nearly free with credit card points and miles. By ...
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Point Me to First Class is a show for employed professionals, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business owners with higher-than-average personal and/or business expenses who want to learn to leverage them into credit card points to spend on travel. Your expenses are your greatest untapped asset - but learning how to use them to travel the world doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. Each week, Devon Gimbel shares valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earn ...
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118. Going For the Gold or Picking Up Platinum: All About American Express Cards
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41:40If 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 personal cards—the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express—and two great business cards—the American Express® Business Gold Card and The Business Platinum Card® from Am…
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105. Turn Payroll into Points: A Game-Changing Strategy for Business Owners with DeAndre Coke
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38:08In this episode, I'm joined by DeAndre Coke, a financial advisor and an avid traveler who was ranked by Forbes as one of Virginia’s top financial security professionals for two consecutive years. DeAndre shares his experience using an innovative platform called Zil Money to pay payroll with his credit card, racking up huge amounts of valuable rewar…
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117. How to Book Family Flights to Europe Using Points and Miles
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40:49Dreaming of taking your family to Europe without draining your wallet? In this episode, we sit down with our team member and resident Europe travel expert, Traci Siegel, to share her tried-and-true tips for flying a family overseas using points and miles. These strategies will help make your dream a reality! Family Travel 101: The Big Differences F…
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104. Expert Answers to Your Top Award Travel Questions: Listener Q&A
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54:49
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54:49Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of award travel, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples. I break down complex topics like transferable points currencies, positioning flights, and maximizing leftover gift card balances in a way that's easy to understand and apply to your own travel goals…
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116. Everything You Need to Know About Flying Blue
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42:58If 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 of Air France and KLM. In this episode, we’re diving into why this program has become one of our absolute favorites. Why We Love Flying Blue Pam kicks things off by breaking down the basics, including …
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103. CME Secrets: Unlock International Travel with Dr. Courtney Downes
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37:11Are you a medical professional looking for ways to leverage your CME funds for travel? I'm joined by Dr. Courtney Downes, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, Points and Travel strategist, and founder of Prescription to Travel MD. She helps healthcare professionals optimize credit card points and travel hacks for accessible leisure, adve…
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115. Our Honeymoons—Then vs. Now! Get Your Honeymoon for Nearly Free Using Points and Miles
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33:04For 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 before we knew about points and miles, what we spent back then, and what we'd do today now that we’re points-savvy. Spoiler alert: our original honeymoons were not nearly as luxurious (or strategic!) as w…
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102. Maldives Dream Vacation: Booking, Business Class & Insider Tips
1:12:34
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1:12:34From finding award availability to navigating the unique transportation logistics of getting to and from the Maldives, I walk you through everything that went into planning this ambitious trip. I also share my honest review of the flights we took, what it was like staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt Maldives, and how I kept food costs under control…
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114. All About Transfer Bonuses: What They Are and How to Use Them To Get Even More Points
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26:17Transfer 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 them. From understanding how they work to sharing the bonuses we’ve taken advantage of, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize your rewards and travel more for less. What Are T…
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101. Behind the Points: How the Travel Mom Squad Built a Thriving Travel Business
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48:49The Travel Mom Squad shares their journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential voices in the award travel industry. We dive into the challenges they faced along the way, the strategies they used to overcome them, and the lessons they learned as they grew their business. Get ready for an inside look at how these three power…
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113. Inside Our Hawaiian Holidays – How We Spent the Holidays in Hawaii on Points and Miles
1:08:43
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1:08:43The 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 how we used points and miles to pull off unforgettable trips to Maui and Kauai over the Christmas and New Year holidays. We’re giving you all the behind-the-scenes details so you can start planning you…
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100. The Podcast Turns 100 (Episodes)! Stories, Stats, and Surprises
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29:19In this special 100th episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the podcast’s journey. I share why I started this venture, reveal surprising statistics about the show, and discuss how I use what I’ve learned to make the next 100 episodes even better for you. Whether you're a long-time listener who's been here since day one or you just found your…
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112. You’re NOT As Bad At Points As You Think You Are! Conversation with Devon Gimbel
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47:52Feeling 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 discuss the psychology of learning points and miles—and why you’re probably doing better than you think. Whether you’re new to the game or feeling stuck, Devon shares her expertise and encouragement to ke…
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99. Keep, Cancel, or Change: Simple Steps to a Stronger Credit Card Portfolio
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34:26In this episode, I walk you through my simple 5-step process for evaluating which rewards credit cards deserve to keep their coveted spots in your wallet for another year. I explain why regularly assessing your card lineup is crucial for aligning your strategy with your evolving points goals and spending patterns. By the end, you'll know exactly ho…
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111. Looking Ahead to 2025—Our Cards, Trips, and Goals!
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33:35It’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 booked, the credit cards we’re eyeing, and our goals for the year. From Bora Bora to Spain, and everything in between, we’re setting the stage for another year of nearly free travel—powered by points …
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98. 2024 Year in Review: Points Redeeming Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 2)
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1:06:01In this episode, I'm joined again by Dr. Sujatha Murali for part two of our 2024 points recap. Last week, we dove into how many points we earned in 2024 and the strategies we used. This week, the fun continues as we reveal exactly how we redeemed those points. Sujatha and I share our most memorable award trips, our highest value redemptions, and th…
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110. The Best of 2024—Our Favorite Hotels, Flights, and Offers
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41:142024 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 offers that helped us turn big dreams into reality. If you’ve ever wondered what points and miles can do, this episode will inspire you to dive in and start planning your own adventures. Pam’s Picks: Bou…
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97. 2024 Year in Review: Points Earning Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 1)
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1:23:02In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sujatha Murali for an in-depth look at our 2024 points earning strategies, successes, and surprises. Get ready for a peek inside our wallets as we break down the nitty-gritty details of our points game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of points and miles, this episode is packed with…
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109. Our 2024 Points and Miles Recap—Cards We Opened, Closed, and the Trips We Took
40:21
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40:21As 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 the credit cards we opened and closed, the strategies we used to rack up points, and the unforgettable trips we took along the way. If you’re curious how points and miles can transform your travel, thi…
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96. End the Year Like a Points Pro: Your Step-by-Step Points Review Guide
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21:32As another year comes to a close, I have a tradition of looking back and taking stock of how many points I earned, how I earned them, and the value I got from redeeming them. It's an enlightening and even surprising exercise that I believe every points and miles enthusiast should do. I invite you to conduct your own points year in review and even g…
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108. What Type of Points and Miles Traveler Are You?
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28:55Ever 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 your personal travel style can shape your points strategy. From planners to luxury travelers to earn-and-burn enthusiasts, we break down the styles that work best for different lifestyles and goals—an…
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95. Flying Two for One: Do's and Don'ts for Snagging a Southwest Companion Pass with Lyn Mettler
1:10:06
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1:10:06We’re almost at the end of 2024, which means it’s the season to start laying the foundation for earning one of the most extraordinary perks in points travel: the Southwest Companion Pass. With that in mind, it’s time to revisit a conversation from this time last year with Southwest expert Lyn Mettler. A longtime travel journalist, Lyn has been writ…
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107. Meet the Team Behind Travel Mom Squad: Megan, Traci, and Claire!
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56:52You’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. Megan, Traci, and Claire aren’t just our teammates—they’re passionate travelers and moms with their own inspiring journeys in the world of points and miles. In this episode, we dive into how they got …
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94. Expert Analysis: 2024 Points and Miles Winners, Losers, and Key Trends with Kevin Zanes
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1:01:36Kevin Zanes, The Points Analyst, is here to share his expert take on the highlights and lowlights, the winners and losers, and the key developments that defined award travel in 2024. Together, we'll be unpacking the most significant events and digging into what these changes mean for points enthusiasts moving forward. From major devaluations that s…
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106. How to Get Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® for Your Family
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31:51
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31:51Tired 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—Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®—but with a twist. While we’ve covered these programs before, there are important updates you need to know to make family travel even smoother. Whether you’re flying inte…
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93. Buckle Up, BOGO: Strategies for Maximizing the Southwest Companion Pass with Dr. Michelle Walther
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26:42I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Walther, who has been leveraging the Southwest Companion Pass to save money and make unforgettable memories with her family. Michelle is an emergency medicine physician, mom to two amazing girls, and wife to a retired army medic. When she's not saving lives, she's saving miles, turning her love for travel into a family ad…
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105. The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Points and Miles
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31:42Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less. Chase Fr…
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92. Award Travel Hotspot: Unlocking Mexico City’s Hidden Potential with Kelsi Sullivan
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37:30Kelsi Sullivan grew up in Puerto Rico and Mexico City and has lived in way too many places, but her favorite was when she lived in Sri Lanka for 3 years! Traveling for Kelsi is about connection to people, food, culture, and history. In the travel rewards space, she is a solo traveler who loves a bougie last minute business class deal! Learn how to …
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104. How Alex Took Her Family of 6 to Europe: Amsterdam and London on Points and Miles
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43:14Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it’s absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this episode, Alex shares how she made an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam and London with her husband and four boys, all while keeping costs incredibly low. From flights to accommodations and even transportation…
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[BONUS EPISODE] Eyewear That Fits Your Face and Your Culture: Tribal Eyes' Inspiring Story with Dr. Ona Utuama
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25:08In this bonus episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Ona Utuama, the brilliant founder of Tribal Eyes. As a family medicine physician, Dr. Ona experienced firsthand the challenges of finding well-fitting, stylish eyewear. Frustrated with the lack of options, she set out to create a brand that celebrates diversity and offers a perfect fit for…
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91. 10 Wanderlust-Worthy Travel Gifts for the 2024 Holiday Season
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26:24Are you looking for the perfect gift for the travel lover in your life this holiday season? Whether you're shopping for friends, family, or just treating yourself, I've got you covered with 10 fantastic travel-related gift ideas that are sure to delight. From products that make travel easier to subscription boxes that bring the flavors of the world…
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[BONUS EPISODE] Daily Drop Pro: Your All-In-One Award Travel Tool with Megan Johnston
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37:08Have you been searching for a tool to simplify your award travel bookings? In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Megan Johnston, Community Manager at Daily Drop, to discuss their recently launched all-in-one software: Daily Drop Pro. This innovative platform combines an award search engine, cash flight deal finder, and points community all in one pl…
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103. All Things Hilton Honors Program: Our Tips For Points, Perks, and Dreamy Stays
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39:11If 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 you need to know about Hilton’s award program, from earning points and using free night certificates to snagging unforgettable stays like Bora Bora and Santorini—all without breaking the bank. Why Hi…
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90. Points Play: The Ultimate ‘Would You Rather’ Game
1:24:15
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1:24:15Get ready for an entertaining and informative discussion as Kevin Zanes, Dr. Sujatha Murali, Kelly from The Points and Miles Doc, and Dr. Andrea Mabry tackle hypothetical questions that will make you think about how you value and use your points and miles. None of the guests were given any warning about what they might get asked, so expect plenty o…
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102. A Points-Fueled Italian Adventure with Pam and Her Sister
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40:30In 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 country’s most iconic spots. From the excitement of snagging business class seats on Turkish Airlines to their adventures in Rome, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, …
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89. The Ultimate Guide to American Express Points with Kamree Price
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45:05For today’s conversation, I’m joined by Kamree Price, founder of Our Family Passport and an expert in earning and redeeming Amex points for family travel. Kamree has been to over 50 countries using points and miles, most of them with her blended family of six. She specializes in finding creative ways to maximize the American Express program for her…
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101. Top Points and Miles Resources Every Traveler Needs
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45:22Feeling 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-have tools, apps, and strategies to make it all so much simpler. This one is packed with practical tips for tracking credit card points, finding award flights, and booking those dream hotels—without …
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88. Southwest Rapid Rewards is Changing: Here’s What You Need to Know with Lyn Mettler
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40:02Lyn Mettler is a longtime travel journalist who has cracked the code on flying her family of four for free, going from one car trip a year to six free flights annually. Through her Families Fly Free podcast and membership, she teaches others her simple system for maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards. In this episode, Lyn breaks down the recently anno…
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100. Celebrating 100 Episodes! Your Top Questions Answered by Travel Mom Squad
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56:47
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56:47We 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 Instagram and let you take the lead on what we’d cover. From travel pet peeves to our all-time favorite destinations, we’re answering it all with our first-ever video podcast. Yes, you read that right! …
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87. Behind the Scenes at PMTFC Conference: Insights, Highlights, and Travel Tips
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46:43Have you ever attended a points and miles conference and walked away feeling like your travel hacking game has been taken to the next level? In this episode, I have Dr. Andrea Mabry back on the podcast to help me unpack our experiences of co-hosting the first-ever Point Me to First Class Conference in Chicago. From expert talks on maximizing airlin…
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99. Jess’s 10-Day Points-Powered Journey Across 3 European Cities! (Santorini, Vienna, and Prague)
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48:20Welcome back, traveler! In this episode, Jess takes us through her incredible multi-country trip using points and miles. She shares how she managed to explore the stunning landscapes of Santorini, the historic beauty of Vienna, and the charm of Prague—all while making the most of her points! Whether you're looking to plan your own European adventur…
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86. ANA’s Around the World Ticket: The Best-Kept Secret in Points and Miles with Devan Sullivan of The Pointsisters
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1:05:58Devan Sullivan is the younger of the two Pointsisters. They help their clients check off their travel bucket lists, flying in style and comfort to far-flung destinations like Australia, South Africa, Japan and more. Devan herself has taken two Around the World ANA trips in 2024 alone, including a seven-week delayed honeymoon and a four-week adventu…
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98. Venture vs. Venture X: Which One We Would Pick If We Could Only Have One
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28:20Welcome back, travelers! Today, we’re tackling a common question we get—choosing between the Capital One Venture and Venture X cards. Both are powerhouses when it comes to earning travel rewards, but if you could only have one, which would it be? Alex, Pam, and Jess dive deep into the pros and cons of each card, sharing their personal takes on whic…
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85. Lounge like a Pro: Your Insider’s Guide to Airport Lounges Using Credit Cards with Traci Siegel
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47:48My guest this week returning to the podcast is points expert Traci Siegel, a non-practicing attorney who has been using miles and points to travel around the US and the world with her family of four since 2011. She's been teaching friends how to hack their families' travel for years, and now she teaches her followers how to expand their travel budg…
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97. Disney World on Points: Save THOUSANDS on Your Disney Trip with Points and Miles
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31:10Welcome 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 big using points and miles. We’re joined by a familiar face (or voice!), Megan, who you may remember from previous episodes where she shared her family’s European adventures and Olympic travel tips. This …
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84. Amex to Alaska: 3 Business Class Award Redemptions You’ll Want to Book Now
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30:34In this episode, I dive deep into the implications of the Alaska-Hawaiian merger and explore how you can now effectively transfer your Amex points to Alaska Airlines via Hawaiian Airlines. This is a game-changer for anyone looking to book high-value award flights on Alaska and its partner airlines. Discover the three partner award flights that I'm …
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96. Lisbon & Azores Uncovered: A Family's Journey on Points
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83. From Points to Paradise: Planning your Bora Bora Getaway with Dr. Chandani DeZure
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34:31There’s one tropical dream destination that makes its way onto many points enthusiasts’ wish lists: Bora Bora. I have a fantastic guest on today’s show who just returned from an incredible anniversary trip to this iconic paradise, flying business class on points, and she's here to spill all the details. Dr. Chandani DeZure is a returning guest to t…
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95. Southwest and Hyatt: The Beginner's Guide to Nearly Free Vacations
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49:53Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're diving into how you can use Southwest and Hyatt points for nearly free vacations. These are the most accessible programs and what we call “the sweet spots” to get the best start in the world of points and miles! Treat this episode as your go-to guide to the world of points and miles without being overwhelmed. Si…
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82. Best Airlines, Gear & Destinations for Globetrotting with Young Kids from Kristin Addis
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38:41In this episode, I'm joined by Kristin Addis, creator of Be My Travel Muse, one of the world’s most-read travel blogs, and Parenthood Adventures. Kristin has visited 65 countries and collected 16 passport stamps for her toddler son. She shares her wealth of knowledge on solo female travel, which she has been doing since 2012, and more recently, her…
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