Lauren sends in her amazing reader success story to Scandinavia, where she spent two weeks. Here is her story: Last month, I was able to take my partner (my P2) and my in-laws on a two-week trip to Scandinavia, Finland, and Estonia for less than $900 per person. Below, I detail how we earned points, […]

Online shoppers, rejoice! You can now turn your Rakuten cash-back rewards into Bilt points. This new option comes just in time for Black Friday, too.  The best part? You don’t need to hold a Bilt Card to take advantage of this partnership.   How to Earn Bilt Points with Rakuten 1. Link your Rakuten account […]

Do you ever feel frustrated trying to keep track of all your credit card benefits? On paper, the perks can easily outweigh the annual fees—airline credits, dining rebates, streaming discounts, and more. But in reality, it often feels like a chore. You’re juggling monthly deadlines, remembering to activate offers, and working around restrictive terms to […]

When you hear someone say, “timeshare presentation,” you probably picture a pushy salesperson, a boring two-hour pitch, and a guilt trip to sign your life away for a vacation you’ll never use. Honestly, this stereotype isn’t entirely wrong. But there may be times when a timeshare presentation works! Here’s the thing: If you’re in the […]

My mom and I traveled to Switzerland on points and miles during the first week of October. This was our first time visiting Switzerland, and let me tell you, the beauty of this country is unmatched! Switzerland has a reputation for being expensive, and while that’s true, redeeming points for our flights (including a business-class […]

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 […]

Our next reader success story about a short trip to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa shows how points and miles can make even a weekend trip happen! Sadly, I’ve lost the name of our reader, so reach out if you see this! I’d love to credit you! The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point […]

From Broadway shows to world-class museums, the Big Apple has something for everyone. New York City can be a costly place to visit, but it doesn’t have to be with points and miles! Read on to find out how to get to New York City and where to stay—regardless of your budget. New York City […]

While we love using our points for international trips, you don’t need a passport to get amazing value for your points on a memorable hotel stay. From beaches to big cities, there’s value to be had with your points within the U.S., if you know where to look! We’ll show you how to plan a […]

You all know that I love Park Hyatt hotels, right?  I recently returned from Morocco, and you just know I had to stay at the Park Hyatt Marrakech. Did it live up to my expectations? I might have asked, “Have I told you how much I love Park Hyatts?” a dozen times (or more) to […]

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 […]

I am that lucky mom who gets to travel with four beautiful daughters on an annual girls’ trip. This year, they finally indulged my fantasy of a girls’ trip to Morocco on points and miles. But here’s the deal . . . everyone always talks about Morocco like it’s all about the food. Tagines, spices, […]

Ana sent us this story about her couples’ trip to Rome and Tuscany. We love Italy, so we are happy to share it with you! Here’s her story: Couples’ Trip to Rome and Tuscany with Points and Miles I’ve been collecting points since the ’90s—back when you actually earned them by flying! While the landscape […]

Dreaming of monkeys, surf, and stunning jungle sunsets without draining your savings? Costa Rica is a favorite TMS destination and offers a slice of paradise that’s surprisingly accessible when you use points and miles. There are some incredible hotels across Costa Rica where your rewards can go a long way. Here are ten great hotel […]

They say all roads lead to Rome, and luckily, with the right points and miles strategy, yours can, too. Whether you’re working with a modest stash of credit card points or have enough for a business-class splurge, the Eternal City is more accessible than ever. Rome is a dream destination that doesn’t have to drain […]

Let’s talk all about Alaska Airlines’s Atmos™ Rewards Credit Cards. When it comes to maximizing travel value, airline credit cards can be a powerful tool in your wallet. For frequent flyers on the West Coast or anyone who loves exploring destinations across the U.S., Hawaii, Mexico, and beyond, the Alaska Airlines credit cards stand out.  […]

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 […]

Southeast Asia offers a truly diverse range of travel experiences. From buzzing street markets in Bangkok to dreamy beaches in Bali, lantern-lit nights in Hoi An, and world-class food just about everywhere you turn.  The only catch? Getting there from the U.S. can be a little pricey when paying with cash.  Thankfully, points and miles […]

Anna sent in her reader success story about her anniversary trip to Cancun. She started using points and miles seriously in August of 2024 after watching the TMS Webinar. This was her first big redemption, and it was an unforgettable trip—and she’s already planning the next one. Here’s her story:   Our Points-Fueled Anniversary Trip […]

Ever since writing about The Chatwal hotel in New York City in a previous blog post, I’ve been wanting to stay at this high-end property with fascinating history and connections to Broadway. The problem: it’s a Category 8 property and costs a lot of Hyatt points. So I thought this aspirational property would always remain […]

The Edit by Chase Travel℠ is a new credit card benefit of the card_name and card_name.  The Edit is a collection of over 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. Both cards come with an total annual credit of $500 for stays of at least two consecutive nights at The Edit properties. How you use the $500 […]