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2025 was another year full of earning and redeeming points and miles for nearly free travel! This year we took more family trips than we have ever before. It was a great year full of making great memories. Here’s Alex’s 2025 points and miles recap!   Alex’s 2025 Points and Miles Recap January We spent […]

Points Talk | 2025 Year in Review: The Cards We Opened and Our Points-Fueled Trips

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What were the highlights this year for award travel for the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess take you through their year of points and miles. From opening new cards to traveling to incredible destinations, they share how they maximized their credit card rewards in 2025 to make their travel dreams […]

Points Talk | Three Disney Cruises, Three Perspectives: Which Ship is Right for You? (Part 2)

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What should you consider when choosing between the new Disney Cruise Wish class ships? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to continue their comparison of the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. After sharing first impressions in part one, they now dive into the experiences that shape your trip once […]

Disney Destiny with family at Castaway Cay

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I’ve always thought cruises weren’t for me. Being trapped on a boat didn’t sound like my idea of fun, and neither did crowds or the germs that come with them. But then Disney invited my family to a media preview sailing on its newest cruise ship, the Disney Destiny. It felt like the perfect opportunity […]

Points Talk | Three Disney Cruises, Three Perspectives: Discovering the New Disney Ships (Part 1)

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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 joined by Megan to compare their recent sailings on the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. They share their first impressions of each ship and explore how the theming, […]

Points Talk | Traveling With Toddlers vs. Teens on Points and Miles

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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 a family? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Traci as they share what they have learned from years of traveling with kids at every age. They […]

Points Talk | All About Marriott Bonvoy®: Earning Points, Free Nights, and Luxury Stays

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 Is Marriott Bonvoy® the secret to luxury hotel stays, or just another confusing points program? In this episode, Alex and Pam break down how to earn, redeem, and maximize Marriott Bonvoy® points. They simplify the complex credit card options and eligibility rules, covering strategies for earning points, using free-night certificates, and enjoying luxury hotel […]

Points Talk | End-of-Year Checklist: Credits, Perks & Expiring Rewards

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Have you used all your card credits and perks before the year ends? With the holidays approaching and schedules getting busier, it’s easy to forget about valuable benefits waiting to be redeemed. From shopping and dining credits to free night certificates and travel perks, there’s still time to make sure nothing goes unused. In this […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Top Destinations for Girls’ Trips on Points

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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 days in the desert, shopping weekends in big cities, or a European escape filled with good food and laughter, The Points Talk Squad shares their favorite types of getaways and how […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Switzerland on Points: Jess’s Jungfrau & Zurich Adventure

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Have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to visit Switzerland without spending a fortune? From business-class flights booked on points to scenic train rides through the Alps, Jess shares how she planned a stunning mother-daughter trip that balanced comfort, adventure, and strategy in one unforgettable experience. In this episode, she breaks down how she […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Plan the Perfect Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Medina Walks, and the Blue City

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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? From camel rides in the Sahara to wandering the alleyways of Fez, this trip was all about embracing adventure, culture, and connection in one unforgettable journey. In this episode, Alex and Pam share […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Battle of Premium Cards: Value vs Cost and Our Top Picks (Part 2)

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Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week’s episode, The Points Talk 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 […]

Southwest Airlines plane

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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 […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Battle of Premium Cards: Rewards, Earning Power, and Perks (Part 1)

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Which premium credit card is really worth it for your travel style and spending habits? In this episode, the Points Talk 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, […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Micro-Trips: Short Getaways With Mega Value

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Short getaways don’t have to be stressful or require a full week off. In this episode, the Points Talk 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 […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Break These Popular Award Travel "Rules"

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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 Points Talk Squad break down common award travel advice and show why it doesn’t always apply to every traveler. From what counts as smart redemptions to how to prioritize your […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | Staying at the Miraval Arizona All-Inclusive Wellness Resort on Points

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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 sharing their experience from booking their flights and room to their favorite activities, and everything in between. While Miraval is known for its premium wellness experience, they’re here to show you […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | One Card From Each Bank: Our Top Picks

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Which credit card would you choose if you could only pick one from each major bank? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad shares their top picks and explains why each card works best for their individual travel habits, home airports, and spending priorities. While there isn’t a single right answer for everyone, their discussion […]

southwest airplane taking off

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The Southwest® Companion Pass® is among the best deals in the points and miles world.  Either my husband or I have had the Southwest® Companion Pass® off and on for the last seven years. When you earn the pass, you get to fly someone with you for free (minus taxes and fees starting at $5.60) […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | How To Earn the Southwest® Companion Pass for Free Flights

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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 the most valuable perks in travel rewards, especially for families who travel frequently. It allows a companion to fly with you for just taxes and fees, giving you […]

Points Talk Travel Mom Squad | First-Time International Travel Made Easy: Top Destinations and Practical Tips

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Are you feeling overwhelmed about planning your first international trip? From excitement about exploring a new destination to concerns about currency exchanges, language barriers, and navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, there’s a lot to consider. But whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned domestic traveler, the good news is that with a little preparation, international […]

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.