When you think of using Hilton Honors points, you might picture an overwater bungalow in the Maldives or a beachfront resort in the Caribbean. But some of the very best redemptions are right here in the United States. From water parks and lazy rivers to private beaches and unforgettable wildlife encounters, Hilton has family-friendly resorts […]

There are few cities on earth that make you feel like you accidentally wandered into a movie set quite like Rome. One minute you are standing in front of the Colosseum, wondering how it was built, and the next you are enjoying an espresso and romanticizing your life while walking down a cobblestone street, dreaming […]

Premium credit cards can be a bit of a hot-button topic. While we absolutely love them, we totally get why a high annual fee can feel like a major deal-breaker. The secret to making premium cards work for you is simple: you have to know how to squeeze every bit of value out of those […]

There are two types of people in this world. The first group books a beach vacation and spends the week horizontal next to a pool or ocean. The second group looks at visiting Alaska with diamonds in their eyes because there is nothing better than visiting glacier country wearing three jackets, a beanie, and gloves. […]

If Chicago is on your bucket list, then this post has everything you need to book an unforgettable vacation using points and miles. Chicago is so much more than meets the eye; the city is full of artsy boutique stays, incredible food, and a never-ending list of activities. Let’s build your Windy City escape the […]

Let’s just rip the Band-Aid off, because flights to Australia are, quite frankly, aggressively expensive. We’re talking, you could fly to Europe twice for the same price, which is already relatively expensive. But here’s the important part: this is exactly the kind of trip where points stop being a nice bonus and start pulling serious […]

We love our flexible currencies, and Capital One Venture miles are a favorite, so we wanted to share the real ways you can use them for upcoming travel. Capital One has quietly built one of the best transfer partner lineups in the points-and-miles world.  For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the […]

We love that you can earn huge welcome offers with American Express®. These high-value points allow you to book luxury hotel stays and dreamy business-class flights. The points-earning opportunities are plentiful, and the booking options are even greater. While we love American Express Membership Rewards® and all the wonderful ways to use them, there are […]

We are all still collectively mourning the changes World of Hyatt is making to their award chart starting May 1st, 2026. If you have been following us for a while, you know we are Hyatt girls through and through. For years, we have been saving all our precious Chase Ultimate Rewards® specifically for Hyatt redemptions. […]

We love that you can earn valuable and flexible points with Citibank.  Citi ThankYou® Points may not always get the same hype as other programs, but they quietly pack a serious punch when it comes to booking luxury hotels and incredible flights The earning potential is strong, and the real magic comes from Citi’s airline […]

Washington, D.C., is a city where history, culture, and cherry blossoms collide most magically. You can spend your mornings wandering the Smithsonian, your afternoons kayaking on the Potomac, and your evenings eating at one of the incredible restaurants there. But if I am being honest, D.C. can drain your wallet faster than you can say […]

There is no place on Earth quite like New York City. The famous concrete jungle is the epicenter of all things show business, food, art, history, shopping, and experiences. With so much to do and see, every visit can feel like your first. I love NYC because there are endless options for booking your stay […]

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway but worried your points balance won’t stretch as far as the ocean views? Don’t stress, because traveling to paradise on any points budget is possible. Whether you have a trove of points that you are dying to use for your once-in-a-lifetime luxury splurge, you’re looking for a comfy mid-range resort […]

There is just something about a beach trip that resets your soul. Whether it’s the powdery white sand, turquoise waves, or simply an excuse to stay in your swimsuit for a week. What makes a beach getaway better than the destination? Booking it using points and paying pennies on the dollar for your dream vacation, […]

Amsterdam is one of those magical European cities that feels like it belongs in a storybook. With its winding canals, cobblestone streets, and beautiful spring tulips, it’s a dream destination. We know visiting Amsterdam might feel intimidating when you are trying to justify the European price tag. But we’re here to help you book your […]

In 2021, my husband and I made a pact to take one kid-free trip together every single year. With two young children, careers, and the endless stream of school projects and activities, our stress levels tend to reach a breaking point at least once a year. And when that happens, nothing brings us back to […]

Let’s be honest, planning travel for a family of five (or more) can feel like organizing a Broadway production on a budget. You have different sleep schedules, conflicting snack preferences, and an uncanny ability for someone to need the bathroom exactly when boarding starts. Here at Points Talk Squad, we have spent years figuring out […]

If you have ever stared longingly at those lie-flat business seats while trudging to your middle seat in the last row of economy with your kids, snacks, and sanity barely hanging on, then this post is for you. With the right stash of points and miles and everything you learned from Award Travel Academy, you […]

After falling hard for Secrets St. Lucia (and those ocean views), we weren’t ready for the magic to end. So we took our tenth-anniversary celebration to the next level, literally, by heading into the mountains for the most unforgettable hotel experience of our lives.  Ladera isn’t just a resort. It’s a love letter to nature. […]

Secrets® St. Lucia Review: What It’s Really Like Staying at This New Adults-Only Resort on Points I love a good plot twist—and this one came with a beach view. When I first joined Award Travel Academy, St. Lucia felt totally out of reach. Availability was scarce, and the points price tag was high enough to […]

How We Picked St. Lucia Every year, my husband and I take a trip together, just the two of us. It is one of my favorite traditions. We celebrate our marriage and enjoy some time away together. We’re fortunate to have a supportive family who steps in to care for our kids while we travel. […]