So if you’ve tried using the $10 DoorDash credit from a Chase Sapphire card lately, you’ve probably noticed a change: a lot of the pickup spots now have a $20 minimum. That basically killed the old moves that I loved of grabbing free snacks and calling it a day. I was used to getting a […]

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 […]

Tiffany sent us her reader success story about using points and miles to stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. Here is her story: My best travel on points to date…. In April 2025, my husband and I stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village for five nights, all on points. We used […]

United Airlines isn’t slowing down when it comes to changes, and this latest round hits both ends of the cabin. Just days after boosting earning rates and perks for co-branded cardholders, United is now increasing checked baggage fees while also shifting toward “unbundled” premium fares.   Bag Fees Are Climbing Yet Again First, there’s the […]

One currency to connect them all, one currency to bind them—and through a network of airline programs, make award travel far more flexible than most frequent flyer miles…. In the world of airline rewards, that currency is Avios. Originally created by British Airways, Avios now powers the loyalty programs of several airlines, including British Airways, […]

We get a ton of questions about what luggage we use, and we always say the Away brand. Each of us is literally obsessed with these bags, and I see tons of them in airports, so we aren’t the only ones. People like Away luggage because it makes something as boring as a suitcase feel […]

My love for Kimpton Hotels is no fluke! After my recent stay at the Kimpton Sawyer in Sacramento, which left me disappointed, I am happy to say that the Kimpton Marlowe in Boston renewed my faith. From the moment I walked in the door and smelled the Kimpton Signature Scent (which I’ve since ordered for my home), I […]

We love our Marriott Bonvoy credit cards because most of them come with an annual free-night award each year on your cardmember anniversary. A couple even sometimes come with free-night awards as part of the welcome offer! The card_name comes with a free-night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for a one night […]

Amsterdam is one of those rare cities that is both historic and modern. It’s not defined by a single landmark, but by the atmosphere, beauty, and lifestyle you experience everywhere you go.  The canal system is unlike anywhere else in the world, and the city’s walkability, along with its famous bike culture, makes it a […]

Airlines don’t make most of their money from flying anymore. A huge share comes from their loyalty programs and a big chunk of that comes from credit cards. United’s latest MileagePlus changes make that reality even clearer. Starting April 2, 2026, earning rates dropped for general members, while cardholders are now rewarded with higher rates […]

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 […]

Every once in a while, dinner shouldn’t have to feel like another thing on your to-do list. It should feel like a break. And with the right credit card, having a dine-in or takeout dinner break can even come with a little extra bonus. Maybe it’s statement credits that lower the bill for a nice […]

A lovely reader sent in this reader success story about her trip with her son to Seattle!  Here’s Candace’s story:   I’ve used points and miles for a long time. My first redemption was in 2011, when I used travel portals from two different cash-back credit cards to book flights to Kauai for my husband […]

Recently, I went to St. Kitts with my daughter and stayed at the delightful Park Hyatt there. Unfortunately, flights to St. Kitts are usually redeyes from Denver or most of the West Coast, and I just don’t like those because I can’t find lie-flat seats. For that reason, I usually take a flight to Miami, […]

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 […]

Travel credit cards can unlock incredible benefits, from free flights and hotel stays to airport lounge access and travel protections. But before you can start earning points and miles, you need a solid credit profile—whether you’re building credit for the first time or working to rebuild it. That’s because many of the best travel rewards […]

Joyce sent in her reader success story about a mother-daughter trip to Japan.    Planning The Trip I started accumulating points and miles in early 2023 and started planning for a mother-daughter trip to Japan in 2024 (a year in advance!). It’s been close to 20 years since my mom and I last took a […]

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 […]

Chase has introduced a new hotel price-match guarantee through Chase Travel℠, a move that brings its portal more in line with (my personal favorite) Capital One’s long-standing price-match benefit. While this seemingly could make booking through the Chase portal more appealing, the details aren’t necessarily supporting this.  How the Price Match Works With this new […]

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 […]

I’m lying in the sun at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts and realized that we are staying the perfect amount of time here. We had one positioning night in Miami and arrived here last night. First, time to explore and have a great dinner, and book massages for later. We will then have four full […]