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 take their families to New York City and Chicago, and why these trips can be more manageable and fun than you might expect. They walk […]

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 they think through these decisions and what actually matters when evaluating whether a card is worth keeping. The Squad walks through the key factors they consider, including […]

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 it actually looks like to pivot in real time when travel does not go as expected, and how to make quick decisions. The Squad shares real scenarios of trips […]

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, Pam, and Jess share how points and miles can be used for the kind of travel families are already doing, from kids’ sports weekends to airport stays and visiting […]

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 this episode, Jess, Megan, and Pam break down how to make a safari more affordable, from flights to lodging and everything in between. The Squad walks through […]

It is no surprise that we love Chase Ultimate Rewards®! We are always trying to earn more of them to book great Hyatt stays. A favorite credit card that allows us to earn Ultimate Rewards® is the Chase Freedom Flex℠. We love the Freedom Flex because of the quarterly bonus for spending in rotating categories. […]

If you are looking to visit Hawaii with points then booking a Hyatt hotel is a great choice. Hyatt doesn’t have as many hotels in Hawaii as Marriott does, but they have some really great options! One thing I really love about Hyatt is when you book your stay with points you won’t have to […]

Hawaii is one of the top destinations for using points and miles, and one of our very favorites. When it comes to Marriott points, there is no shortage of hotels in Hawaii to redeem them at! In this guide, we’ll show you all the many options you have for using points to book one of […]

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 with her family. They’re breaking down their experiences, from booking flights to the safari itineraries, and sharing tips for a family-friendly adventure of a lifetime. Jess and […]

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 Bhutan, a journey she had dreamed about for years after reading books about the region’s culture and history. From bustling cities to sacred rivers and mountain monasteries, she reflects on […]

What’s your ideal family travel strategy? In today’s fun and lively episode, The Points Talk Squad plays a family edition of “Would You Rather?” with travel-themed dilemmas. Alex and Jess are joined by Traci and Megan, who each share personal experiences and strategies. Tune in to hear their answers to these tough travel choices and […]

Can you use points and miles in a way that actually fits your life, not someone else’s highlight reel? In this episode, The Points Talk Squad breaks down the many different ways this hobby can work depending on your goals, your season of life, and what kind of traveler you are. From bougie hotel lovers […]

Can you travel on points without spending a lot? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess share how low spenders can still earn and redeem points for flights, hotels, and more. They break down practical strategies for earning rewards without the need for big monthly expenses. The Squad discusses how everyday purchases like groceries, gas, […]

Are you ready to make Citi ThankYou® Points work harder for you? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess dive into the Citi ThankYou® Rewards program, sharing how recent changes have made these points more valuable than ever. They discuss how a new card and the ability to transfer points to a major airline have […]

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 airport? In this episode, Alex, Jess, and Pam share their best and worst travel days and the moments that made those experiences so memorable for very different reasons. They […]

How are you navigating the new rules for airport lounge access? With major changes impacting families in 2026, this episode breaks down what you need to know about the evolving lounge access landscape. The removal of free guest access and the introduction of fees for authorized users could significantly affect your travel experience. While the […]

Do you feel overwhelmed by the constant changes in the points and miles world? In this episode, we break down everything that happened in 2025, from exciting new card releases to some challenging policy changes. Whether you’re feeling discouraged by the negative headlines or wondering if this hobby is still worth it, we’re here to […]

How do you decide which credit cards actually earn a permanent spot in your wallet? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess break down the cards they plan to carry daily in 2026 and the thinking behind those choices. Instead of chasing every new offer, they focus on what truly supports their real-life spending, travel […]

Do you get overwhelmed booking award travel, especially business class flights? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Gunnar Olson and Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler to talk through what really goes into finding great award opportunities. They share how they each got started with points and miles, how they approach finding strong […]

How did Alex, Pam, and Jess go from confusion about points and miles to becoming the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, they each share their personal journeys into the world of award travel. From initial curiosity to their first unforgettable trips, they discuss how discovering points and miles changed the way they travel. The […]

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 Jess share their exciting plans for the upcoming year. From safaris in Tanzania to river cruises in France, they break down how they’re using credit card rewards to book these dream trips and maximize their points. The Squad dives into their […]