Episodios

  • 157. Traveling With Toddlers vs. Teens on Points and Miles

    157. Traveling With Toddlers vs. Teens on Points and Miles
    Dec 2 2025
    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 talk honestly about the joys and challenges that come with each stage, from managing nap schedules to giving older kids more independence on the road.

    You will hear real stories about tantrums in beautiful places, long flights with little ones, and the practical benefits of traveling earlier in your child's life. The Squad also shares why teens can be incredible travel companions who help navigate airports, plan parts of the itinerary, and bring their own interests into the experience. They offer advice for packing entertainment, choosing destinations with or without car seat logistics, and finding activities that work for both younger and older kids.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/157

    Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

    Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad
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    49 m
  • 156. All About Marriott Bonvoy®: Earning Points, Free Nights, and Luxury Stays

    156. All About Marriott Bonvoy®: Earning Points, Free Nights, and Luxury Stays
    Nov 25 2025
    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 stays.

    Alex and Pam walk through each Marriott credit card option, explaining the value of free-night certificates and why they often provide better returns than simply accumulating points. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly hotel for a quick stay or hoping to book a luxurious getaway, this episode provides the insights you need to maximize your Marriott Bonvoy® rewards. Tune in to learn which Marriott cards offer the best value and how you can use your points and certificates strategically for your next vacation.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/156

    Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

    Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad
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    47 m
  • 155. End-of-Year Checklist: Credits, Perks & Expiring Rewards

    155. End-of-Year Checklist: Credits, Perks & Expiring Rewards
    Nov 18 2025
    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 episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess walk through an end-of-year checklist to help you review the benefits and rewards that often expire on December 31. They share strategies for maximizing annual, semi-annual, and quarterly credits, tips for checking expiration dates on rewards, and reminders about travel status and point transfers. Whether you're catching up on unused rewards or preparing your strategy for the new year, this episode will help you wrap up the year with confidence and clarity.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/155

    Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

    Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad
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    37 m
  • A Special Announcement...

    A Special Announcement...
    Nov 17 2025

    This short bonus episode comes with an important update from the Squad. After an unexpected curveball and a lot of behind-the-scenes work, Alex, Pam, and Jess share what's been happening and why this moment marks the start of a new chapter.

    You'll hear why they made this decision, what it means for the podcast and the community, and what isn't changing as they move forward. Press play to hear the full story and the official announcement.

    You can find the updated Points Talk Squad website here: pointstalksquad.com

    Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad
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    11 m
  • 154. Top Destinations for Girls' Trips on Points

    154. Top Destinations for Girls' Trips on Points
    Nov 11 2025
    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 to make them happen using points and miles.

    In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess talk about how they plan and book their own girls' trips, from choosing destinations and coordinating flights to dividing hotel stays and keeping things simple when friends have different point balances. They share trip ideas that range from short weekend escapes to longer adventures abroad, with options for every kind of traveler and budget. No matter what kind of trip you have in mind, this episode will help you turn your girls' trip idea into a memorable adventure that feels well planned and perfectly within reach.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/154

    Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

    The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@pointstalksquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad
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    54 m
  • 153. Switzerland on Points: Jess's Jungfrau & Zurich Adventure

    153. Switzerland on Points: Jess's Jungfrau & Zurich Adventure
    Nov 4 2025
    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 used points and miles for flights and hotels, navigated Switzerland's complex train and cable car system, and found smart ways to save on food and transportation. Whether you're planning your first trip to Switzerland or looking to make your dream Alps vacation more affordable, this episode reveals how to travel through one of Europe's most expensive countries with confidence, clarity, and a few clever tricks.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/153

    Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

    The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad
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    47 m
  • 152. Plan the Perfect Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Medina Walks, and the Blue City

    152. Plan the Perfect Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Medina Walks, and the Blue City
    Oct 28 2025
    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 how they explored Morocco on a whirlwind girls' trip using a mix of points, miles, and cash. Listen in to learn how to plan your own Moroccan adventure, from selecting riads and desert camps to understanding local customs and tipping etiquette. They share what surprised them most, which cities left the biggest impression, and how this trip proved that sometimes, the best use of points is creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/152

    Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

    The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad
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    57 m
  • 151. Battle of Premium Cards: Value vs. Cost and Our Top Picks (Part 2)

    151. Battle of Premium Cards: Value vs. Cost and Our Top Picks (Part 2)
    Oct 21 2025
    Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week's episode, The Travel Mom Squad digs into the true value behind four of the most popular premium cards. They look beyond the price tags to compare how these cards perform when you factor in credits, perks, and everyday usability.

    From easy-to-redeem travel credits to lifestyle benefits that require more effort, the Squad breaks down how to calculate whether a card earns its place in your wallet long-term. Finally, Alex, Pam, and Jess each share which premium card they'd keep if they could only choose one—and why their answers might surprise you.

    You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/151

    Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/

    The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad

    Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad
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    35 m