In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad is heading south! Jess shares her birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Pam and Alex walk us through their tropical getaway to Roatán, Honduras. From charming colonial cities to vibrant beachside resorts, both of these escapes were powered by points and miles—and they’re breaking down exactly how you can do it, too.

For her birthday, Jess wanted a trip that was cute, walkable, and filled with culture—and San Miguel de Allende checked all the boxes. She used points to book her flights and free nights at a boutique hotel that had cash rates of $800/night—a steal!

Jess shared how San Miguel felt totally different from places like Cancun—more Spanish-speaking, with rooftop restaurants, cobblestone streets, and an artsy vibe. She loved practicing her Spanish and appreciated how kid-friendly the town was (though leave the stroller at home). Highlights included a rooftop pool, the hotel’s mascot dog Pancho (who even has his own Instagram), and a standout breakfast. Pro tip: order the San Miguel–style eggs!

Pam and Alex flew to Roatán using United miles and IHG points. They started their stay in a bungalow—secluded, rustic, and quiet—then upgraded mid-trip to a Premium Ocean View room in the newer building.

Roatán was a totally different vibe—bustling but beautiful. From colorful buildings to locals selling snacks on the beach, Pam and Alex loved the laid-back charm. Highlights included hotel spa visits, hospitality hours, and free snorkel gear and kayaks, plus great dining spots in town. Even when the resort was at maximum capacity, it still felt relaxing and fun. Alex and Pam both liked this resort even better than the Kimpton Grand Cayman, which is high praise!

If you’re dreaming of warm weather and want a new destination to add to your points wish list, this episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and a few laughs. Tune in and start planning your own tropical escape! ☀️🌴

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Webinar: https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/
• Numu Hotel: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/numu/bjxub
• Kimpton Grand Roatán: https://www.grandroatanresortandspa.com/us/en

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Intro: Why we love heading south in the winter with points
• 01:00 – Jess’s birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende
• 04:00 – Booking with Aeroplan and staying at Numu Boutique Hotel
• 07:00 – Tips for families, babywearing, and rooftop culture
• 13:00 – Room service prices, local food, and practicing Spanish
• 15:00 – Pam & Alex’s flight and IHG hotel booking for Roatán
• 21:00 – Room types: bungalow vs. ocean view
• 27:00 – Resort highlights, spa, and food options
• 34:00 – Beach-chair drama and family-friendly vibes
• 42:00 – Comparing Kimptons
• 46:30 – Why we’d go back—and why you should go!
  
  

In this episode, we’re diving deep into IHG One Rewards—a hotel program that often flies under the radar but has serious potential. From practical Holiday Inns to luxury Kimptons and InterContinentals, we’re sharing our experiences using IHG points and free-night awards, how we earn them, and why buying IHG points (yes, buying!) can actually be a smart move.

What Even Is IHG?

Before diving into points and miles, most of us didn’t even know IHG was the brand behind properties like Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, and InterContinental. Jess shares how she earned free IHG stays back in the day by mailing in 90 index cards, and Pam tells how she thought Crowne Plazas were the height of luxury before she knew the full IHG lineup.

IHG Credit Cards: What to Know

Alex breaks down the three different IHG credit card options and how their benefits stack up so you can decide which one might work best for you. She also outlines two of the unique benefits that make two of these cards a great deal: getting a fourth night free on award stays and earning free-night certificates you can top up.

Buying IHG Points Can Actually Make Sense

Pam shares why she regularly buys IHG points—especially during 100% bonus sales—for heavily discounted stays at high-end IHG properties. She calls it a “no-brainer,” and Jess agrees—IHG is one of the only programs where buying points often makes sense.

Where We’ve Used IHG Points and Awards

From a Kimpton in Barcelona, to airport Holiday Inns, to a Crowne Plaza in Bruges, we share how we’ve stretched our points and free-night certificates. Jess highlights how easy it is to top off a 40k free-night certificate online, and Alex reminds everyone about the best ways to book longer stays for couples.

We also discuss:

• IHG status levels
• Using certificates online (a breeze!)
• The IHG brands we love most
• Our dream stays: Six Senses, Kimpton in Sydney, and Hotel Indigo Galápagos

Links:

• All About IHG Credit Cards: All About IHG Credit Cards - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards
• Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/
• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Our intro to IHG
• 03:00 – What cards we’ve had and what we recommend
• 06:45 – The best perks and status levels with IHG cards
• 09:30 – Why we buy IHG points (and how it saves $$$)
• 13:30 – Free-night certificates and how to use them wisely
• 18:00 – Where we’ve stayed using IHG points and awards
• 21:00 – The brands we love: Kimpton, Indigo, InterContinental
• 26:00 – Favorite past stays + the IHG hotels we want to try next

If you’ve been sleeping on IHG, take another look. Whether you’re after practical one-night stays or a luxury resort getaway, there’s more value here than you think.

🎧 Tune in now and start planning your next points-powered stay.

In this episode, Jess and Alex are sharing all the magic, insights, and travel tips they brought back from a recent media event at Walt Disney World. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to exciting new ticket and resort updates, they’re joined by Megan—Travel Mom Squad’s Disney expert—to talk about how to make a Disney trip more affordable, less stressful, and extra special using points and miles.

What’s New at Disney World? Big Updates & Summer Deals

During the media event, Jess and Alex sat in on a panel with Disney execs and Imagineers who revealed upcoming changes and summer promotions—like 50% off tickets for kids (ages 3–9) and free dining plans for guests booking resort packages. They also shared how Disney is working to simplify the experience, with improvements to the Lightning Lane system and new family-focused resort programming.

Why Staying On-Property Might Be the Best Deal

One of the biggest takeaways? Staying at a Disney resort may cost less than you think—especially when you consider perks like free transportation, early park access, and even character visits right in the hotel. The team shares highlights from a private resort tour, including a peek at value resorts like Art of Animation (with family suites for six!), the moderate Coronado Springs, and the deluxe Boardwalk Inn. Megan also breaks down recent stays at the Swan and Dolphin, All-Star Music, and off-property Hyatts—and why she’s team Disney all the way.

Making Disney More Affordable with Points & Miles

Jess, Alex, and Megan walk through the credit cards they recommend for offsetting the cost of Disney, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card for erasing ticket purchases and American Express® Gold Card for dining. They also explain how to book hotels using points for on-site stays.

Park Tips, Lightning Lanes & Planning Strategies

From early-entry tips to the best times to ride Peter Pan (hint: before 9am), this episode is packed with practical Disney advice. Megan also shares how she used the Southwest® Companion Pass to cut flight costs and why her family skipped Lightning Lanes altogether on some trips.

Planning a Disney trip this summer? This episode is packed with what you really need to know—straight from the Travel Mom Squad’s latest Disney adventure. Hit play or share it with a Disney-loving friend! 🎢🏰✨

Overwhelmed at the thought of planning your own Disney vacation? Travel Mom Squad has partnered with Mouse Counselors, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, to help community members maximize their Disney and travel experiences!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Disney Offers: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers
• Get Away Today affiliate link: Get Away Today - Discount Disney Vacations & Beyond
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card
• Cash-Back Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/cibpremier

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Behind-the-scenes insights from Disney’s media event
• 08:00 – Major summer deals: 50% off kids’ tickets & dining plan updates
• 14:00 – Disney resorts overview: value, moderate, and deluxe picks
• 30:00 – Megan shares on-property vs. off-property comparisons
• 40:00 – Tips for early entry, Lightning Lanes, and maximizing park time
• 45:00 – Using points and credit cards to make Disney more affordable
• 51:00 – Final thoughts and favorite takeaways

New Zealand has been high on so many of your travel wish lists—and for good reason! In this episode, Pam shares details from her recent two-week adventure on the North Island of New Zealand, including how she booked business-class flights, multiple free hotel nights, and even covered rental cars and excursions—all using points and miles (and one fortuitous mistake fare). From kayaking Cathedral Cove to digging out hot tubs at Hot Water Beach, it’s a trip full of unforgettable experiences and major travel inspiration.

Finding Flights to New Zealand: A Challenge (and a Win!)

Getting to New Zealand in business class is no easy feat, but Pam pulled it off. After struggling to find availability, she scored two one-way business-class award tickets from Dallas to Auckland. The return flight was a mistake fare in United Polaris for just $1,000 cash (normally $3,800+).

Points-Powered Luxury: Park Hyatt Auckland & More

Pam raved about the Park Hyatt Auckland, calling it one of her favorite Park Hyatts ever. For just 25,000 Hyatt points per night, she enjoyed stunning views of the harbor, incredible Globalist breakfast, and unbeatable service. She also used Capital One Venture X credits to cover stays at boutique resorts.

The Itinerary: Coastal Drives, Kayaks, and Tiny Houses

• Bay of Islands: Booked via Capital One credits, with a scenic boat tour to Hole in the Rock
• Cathedral Cove: Kayaking through crystal-clear waters to one of New Zealand’s most famous spots
• Hot Water Beach: Digging hot tubs in naturally heated sand
• Rotorua & Lake Taupo: Rafting a 21-foot waterfall, visiting Maori villages, and relaxing in Hilton luxury
• Bonus Stay: A tiny house Airbnb—Pam’s dream come true!

The Total Cost Breakdown

Using a mix of points, miles, Capital One credits, and cash, Pam calculated her total out-of-pocket costs at around $3,000—a fraction of the $28,000+ retail value for flights and hotels. With ten nights of free hotel stays, complimentary breakfasts, and first-class flight experiences, it was an unforgettable journey made possible by smart planning and strategic redemptions.

Links:

• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free - https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation
• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why Pam did New Zealand: Take 2
• 03:00 – Booking flights with AA miles and a United mistake fare
• 08:30 – Pam’s advice for finding flights to New Zealand
• 13:00 – Park Hyatt Auckland + Waiheke Island day trip
• 18:00 – Bay of Islands and boutique hotel stay
• 21:00 – Tiny house stay and Cathedral Cove
• 26:00 – Rafting a waterfall and Maori village experience
• 31:00 – Hilton Lake Taupo and relaxing
• 35:00 – Flying United Polaris home + final night at Grand Hyatt DFW
• 38:00 – Cost recap and final thoughts on why Pam can’t wait to return
  
  

Thinking about a trip to New Zealand? This episode will show you it’s totally possible with points and miles—and that even Grandma can conquer a 21-foot waterfall! 🛶🌿✈️

Not sure how to maximize your points? In this episode, we break down the top three ways to use each of the four major flexible points currencies—our favorite points currency (IYKYK), American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, and Citi ThankYou® Points—so you can book travel smarter.

Our favorite points: Best for Hyatt & Flights

It's easy to see why our favorite kind of points are just that! They're a gold mine for Hyatt stays, which offer the best value per point. Transfers to United Airlines can be great for international flights, and Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) often has solid award deals to Europe.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Hyatt transfers – Best hotel value in points & miles
2. United Airlines – Easy redemptions for family travel
3. Flying Blue transfers – Discounted flights to Europe

Capital One Venture Miles: Airline Sweet Spots & Simple Redemptions

Capital One has grown into a top travel program. Air Canada Aeroplan and Turkish Airlines have some nice redemtpion sweet spots, and using Venture Miles to get a statement credit (often referred to as a "purchase eraser") for travel purchases gives you incredible flexibility.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Air Canada Aeroplan – Great for international flights
2. Turkish Airlines – Cheap flights to Hawaii & Europe
3. Purchase Eraser – Easiest way to redeem miles

American Express Membership Rewards®: Best for Bonuses & Luxury Travel

Amex regularly offers transfer bonuses, making points stretch further. British Airways is great for booking American Airlines flights, Flying Blue offers discounted business-class redemptions, and Hilton transfers shine for aspirational stays.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. British Airways for AA/Iberia flights – Cheap awards to Europe
2. Flying Blue transfers – Business-class deals to Paris
3. Hilton transfers – High-end redemptions like Conrad Bora Bora

Citi ThankYou® Points: Hidden Gems & Future AA Transfers

Citi’s best partners include Turkish Airlines, Choice Hotels, and Avianca LifeMiles. American Airlines transfers coming in 2026 make Citi even more exciting!

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Turkish Airlines – Best deal for United flights to Hawaii
2. Choice Hotels – 1:2 transfers for premium stays
3. Avianca LifeMiles – Cheap business-class tickets

Final Thoughts: Which Points Currency Is Best?

Each program has its strengths! One dominates for Hyatt, American Express is best for transfer bonuses, Capital One shines with easy redemptions, and Citi has exciting future potential. Not sure where to start? Hit play now for all the details and our best strategies!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet: Transfer Partner & Airline Alliance Master List - https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/transfer-partners
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why flexible points are so valuable
• 02:00 – Our favorite points: Best ways to redeem for hotels & flights
• 06:45 – Capital One: Airline sweet spots & easy redemptions
• 12:30 – American Express: Transfer bonuses & luxury redemptions
• 20:00 – Citi: Hidden gems & the future of AA transfers
• 26:00 – Final thoughts & which program fits your travel goals

Ready to make the most of your points? Listen to the full episode now and start booking smarter! 🚀✈️

What’s better than throwing a Harry Potter-themed birthday party? How about taking your child on a real Harry Potter adventure across Scotland and London! That’s exactly what Megan did for her daughter’s 10th birthday—making the magic come alive with points and miles. In this episode, Megan explains how she made this trip happen for her family of five—and how using points made it more affordable than a trip to Universal Studios!

Megan and her family started their journey with flights on KLM Flying Blue, taking advantage of the 25% discount for kids under 12. Because they were able to book five economy tickets for just 85,000 points plus taxes/fees, they were able to splurge some on an upgrade to premium economy at check-in. Add in Priority Pass lounge access during their layover (thanks, credit card benefits!) and the whole experience got even better.

Exploring Scotland: The Highlands & Harry Potter Locations

After landing in Edinburgh, Megan and her family hit the road to explore Scotland’s most famous sights—including key Harry Potter filming locations at Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Shiel.

After road-tripping through Scotland, the family took the train from Edinburgh to London, booking first-class seats for extra space and lounge access.

London's Harry Potter Activities! Megan’s family visited:

• King’s Cross Station (Platform 9 ¾) – A must for any fan.
• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour – The ultimate experience, where her daughter got to open the doors to the Hogwarts Great Hall because it was her birthday! They spent over five hours exploring movie sets, props, and magical effects.

For accommodations, used Hyatt points and the Hyatt Family Plan Rate, getting four nights at the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars for:
✅ 77,000 points for one room
✅ $700 total for the second room

The hotel's location meant Megan's family got free wristbands allowing access to the prime areas for watching New Year's Eve fireworks over Big Ben and the London Eye!

To top off their trip, they saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—a six-hour theater experience that still had the kids completely engaged. Find out what blew Megan away and why going to the play in London is worth traveling for.

Links For This Episode:

Pam’s Hotel Upgrade Template: Hotel Upgrade Form: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/hotel-upgrade

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Meet Megan and hear about how this trip came together
• 02:00 – Booking flights on KLM
• 06:15 – Harry Potter sites in Scotland
• 12:30 – Train to London
• 17:00 – Platform 9 ¾ & the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour
• 25:45 – Staying at Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars
• 33:00 – Seeing The Cursed Child play
• 40:00 – Final thoughts and Megan’s tips

If you’ve ever wanted to take your family on a magical, unforgettable trip, this episode is for you!

We all love talking about luxurious, over-the-top award redemptions—think first-class flights, overwater villas, and five-star resorts. But let’s be real—some of the best uses of points and miles are not Instagram-worthy. In this episode, we break down the difference between sexy and unsexy redemptions, why both are important, and how they each play a role in maximizing your points strategy.

What Makes a Redemption “Sexy”?
Pam kicks things off with her signature philosophy: “A sexy redemption is a Pam redemption.” For her, that means business-class flights on international routes and stays at luxury hotels. But she also reminds us that sexy is subjective—a Southwest flight to Hawaii can absolutely be a dream-worthy redemption for a family! Jess adds that she aspires to make every redemption as “Pam-level” as possible, but admits that her first year of points and miles was entirely unsexy.

Unsexy Redemptions: The Unsung Heroes of Travel
Not every redemption is flashy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. Alex shares how some of her best redemptions have been for things like:

• Flying last-minute for a wedding, funeral, or family emergency
• Booking budget-friendly Hyatt Place stays for soccer tournaments
• Using airport hotels for positioning flights to avoid travel disruptions
• Staying in hotels during home renovations or natural disasters
• While they may not be glamorous, these redemptions save real money and make everyday travel easier. As Pam puts it, “If you can cover an ‘unsexy’ expense with points and it costs you nothing, that’s actually pretty sexy.”

Our Favorite Sexy and Unsexy Redemptions
Each of us shares a mix of redemptions that stand out:

• Jess: Emirates first class with an onboard shower and champagne (sexy!) vs. Hyatt stays during a Houston freeze and power outage (unsexy but a lifesaver).
• Alex: A Maldives overwater villa + Qatar Qsuite flights (sexy!) vs. a last-minute flight to care for her sister after surgery (not glamorous, but necessary).
• Pam: Business class Singapore Airlines flights to Thailand + Ritz-Carlton stays (sexy!) vs. booking a flight to London during COVID for a hospitalized grandchild (priceless).

Why Every Redemption Has Value
At the end of the day, points and miles are a tool for travel freedom—whether that means luxury vacations, practical family trips, or unexpected emergencies. As Jess reminds us, “No redemption is a bad redemption if it saves you money and makes your life easier.”

Whether you’re dreaming of first-class flights or just want to avoid paying cash for a last-minute family trip, this episode will help you make the most of your points—sexy or not!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Jess’s Emirates first class reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtPGqi2gKvI/?igsh=dzZrOXp2NnA1djhw

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – What is a “sexy” vs. “unsexy” award redemption?
• 01:40 – Pam’s philosophy: Why luxury redemptions are her go-to
• 07:00 – Alex’s take: Why family travel means balancing both
• 15:30 – Unsexy redemptions: Why they’re just as valuable
• 22:45 – Our best (and worst) redemption stories
• 30:00 – Why no redemption is a bad redemption

If you've been eyeing an American Express card but aren’t sure which one to get, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we break down two great personal cards—the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express—and two great business cards—the American Express® Business Gold Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. These powerhouse cards are key for earning American Express Membership Rewards®. We share our personal experiences with these cards, favorite card benefits, and what we’d recommend for anyone looking to maximize their points-and-miles strategy.

First, the Personal Card Breakdown

The American Express® Gold Card: The Food Lover’s Dream Card
Pam kicks things off by sharing why the American Express® Gold Card has been a staple in her wallet for years and how the benefits this card offers are amazing for foodies.

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Travel Perks Galore
The Platinum Card® from American Express isn’t just a credit card; it’s a travel lifestyle. If you're a frequent traveler, this card's benefits can come in clutch.

Up Next: Two Great Business Cards

American Express® Business Gold Card: Small-Business Winner
This card is perfect if you want flexible spending-category bonuses and great perks for small businesses (including office-supply stores).

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Even More Travel Perks
A great go-to card for cell-phone insurance coverage & statement credits, plus travel benefits like lounge access a new Hilton credit.

Credits & Perks:
Jess breaks down the key differences between all the perks and credits, and whether they might make sense for you. As Alex puts it, "Don't let the credits stress you out. If using them feels like work, the card might not be worth it for you."

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Cards
The Travel Mom Squad shares some expert tips to get the most value: elevated offers, reminders for monthly credits, and how to earn referral points.

Links:

• Credit Card Benefits Cheat Sheet: https://travelmomsquad.kit.com/benefits-cheat-sheet

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

• Cards mentioned in the episode
  • The American Express® Gold Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-gold
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: https://travelmomsquad.com/refer/american-express-platinum-card/
  • American Express® Business Gold Card: http://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-business-gold
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: http://travelmomsquad.com/american-express-business-platinum

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why we love American Express Membership Rewards® for travel
• 01:00 – The personal cards
• 02:30 – Restaurant benefits, quirks, and ice-cream cakes galore
• 10:15 – Travel benefits: lounge access, travel perks
• 17:00 – The key differences explained
• 21:30 – The business-card breakdown
• 24:30 – All about business welcome offers
• 33:00 – How to inquire about retention offers
• 38:30 – Our final verdict: which cards we keep and why

If you want to earn more American Express Membership Rewards®, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to hear all the details, plus some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories about how we use our points for everyday treats and family travel.