As a true millennial, I thoroughly enjoy a good ’90s callback. Why? Because I miss the simplicity of my childhood, when the only rule was to come home when the streetlights came on. My friends and I ruled our block, riding bikes, playing sports in the street, and spending endless hours at our community pool. […]

Summer always gets the most of the attention when it comes to travel, but fall might actually be my favorite time to go somewhere new.  The crowds start to thin out and destinations completely transform for a few short weeks. But while I love a good fall foliage trip as much as the next person, […]

Jackie sent us her reader success story to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Here it is in her words: I started on the points-and-miles journey in 2023 and have saved almost $13k in a year and a half of travel. Last year, my boyfriend and I took three-night trips to both Puerto Rico and […]

If you’re looking for a family-friendly home base in San Diego where you kids can spot planes, helicopters, and boats, look no further than the Sheraton San Diego Resort!  I wound up at this hotel for a July stay because my husband/Player 2 scored a ticket to Comic-Con! And even though we were visiting during […]

If you’re looking to take the kids to the most magical place on Earth, you probably know that’s going to be expensive. But your flights and hotels don’t have to be—that’s what our points and miles stashes are for!  For travelers from the western U.S., Disneyland can be a more convenient choice than Disney World. […]

Our Reader Success Story from Jen takes us to Long Beach and Sequoia National Park. This included a diving experience, which they are passionate about! Here’s her story: I’ve been in the points-and-miles hobby for about two years now. Before I found Points Talk Squad, I did some of the common things that others do. […]

For many, planning a trip to a national park starts the same way: you search for lodging, only to find independent lodges, expensive cabins, or boutique hotels that don’t participate in any major loyalty program. If you’re hoping to use your Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, or IHG points, it can feel like there aren’t many options. […]

My husband and I were invited to join Alex’s family for a Memorial Day weekend visit to Boston. If Boston is on your travel radar and you’re a World of Hyatt member, the Hyatt Regency Boston on One Avenue de Lafayette deserves a spot on your redemption shortlist.    The Points Redemption Big news first: […]

Michelle sent us her reader success story, where points and miles allowed her to take her daughter on a memory-creating trip to New York City. Here is her story:   My daughter and I went to New York and spent two days and three nights for nearly free. For our flights, I transferred Chase Ultimate […]

Cassie sends in her reader success story to Toronto for an anniversary celebration. Here is her story:   We recently took a trip on points to Toronto for our ten-year anniversary, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of the Points Talk Squad. You ladies have taught me everything I know about using […]

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. […]

Shauna sent in her reader success story about a family trip to Alaska using credit card points and miles. I love that she was an extreme couponer (like me, in a past life)! Here’s her story:   Hi PTS team, my name is Shauna! My family of four lives near Portland, Oregon. Our daughters are […]

There’s something about Boston that works for families. It’s walkable, packed with history, has plenty of kid-friendly food options, and somehow still feels manageable with kids in tow. We just spent Memorial Day weekend with Alex’s family, including four boys aged 5, 9, 12, and 14, and everyone had a great time. And the best […]

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 […]

I just got back from the Big Apple, where I celebrated a birthday trip to NYC on points and miles. And no, it wasn’t for me, a friend, my daughters, or any adult—it was for my ten-year-old grandson, Kai, Alex’s son. She and I take her boys to celebrate their tenth birthdays wherever they choose. […]

If you’ve ever taken the family to Disney World, you know that Disney magic can be hard on any parent’s wallet! But at least you can save (or splurge, if you prefer) on your flights and hotel accommodations with points and miles.  In this series of blog posts, we show you ways to get to […]

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 […]

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, […]

We just returned from Austin, Texas, after our second nomination at the iHeart Podcast Awards in the travel category. Nope, we didn’t win, but what an honor!    Flights Jess drove from Houston (no miles needed), I flew United, and Alex flew on Southwest. We met up on Sunday night and left on Tuesday morning, […]

World of Hyatt members looking to try glamping this year have a new incentive to do so. Hyatt has launched a limited-time promotion offering 2,000 bonus World of Hyatt points per eligible night on stays at Under Canvas properties and select outdoor partner properties across the United States. Members can earn up to 60,000 bonus […]