by Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Credit Card Points
Are you tired of not being able to travel because it's just so expensive? Do finances keep you from your dream destinations and making memories with your family? In this podcast, we show you how you can fulfill that dream of traveling without spending more money. We've earned millions of credit card points to travel all over the world and take our families on amazing vacations. Vacations to Hawaii, Europe, and Disneyland are all possible for nearly free with credit card points and miles. By using credit cards strategically for your everyday expenses, you too can travel for nearly free! We can't wait to help you get that first, nearly-free vacation! Tired of not traveling due to the expense? We can teach you how to travel for pennies on the dollar by using credit card points and miles!
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1/9/2023
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April 15, 2025
<p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What Even Is IHG?</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>IHG Credit Cards: What to Know</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Buying IHG Points Can Actually Make Sense</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Where We’ve Used IHG Points and Awards</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>We also discuss:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">IHG status levels</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Using certificates online (a breeze!)</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The IHG brands we love most</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Our dream stays: Six Senses, Kimpton in Sydney, and Hotel Indigo Galápagos</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">All About IHG Credit Cards: <a href= "https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards/"><img src= "https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdQj61JC6ZAe0rq7eVqA_GM1nt5N21PWcJdeCU-GAmI8Vp4iJ5_OtviM67hIo5V0H5C4qcDKncCgXSn-vF_VceYsbz7Q7FHpOkSWox4p3w9ybuZR3FMAMp85WKpqq_eqS0Z0aHyHw?key=ThU7e8oX3w7yYG0qVQ51bHXn" width="1" height="1" />All About IHG Credit Cards - Travel Mom Squad</a> - <a href= "https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards/">https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? <a href= "https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/"> <img src= "https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfm_9PUPTi_ZznVolxsFPoV-6-ZoSpQyrCQ6kvEAAwHNQWWb_NdsKoFdwpa2oYnu83jkNKPFIiFIiZdr5ubYToZnk1lvRyPJB0iTfeZ8C4K-eNXcGxzmRuj_GHP7aVjckqnH3XyRQ?key=ThU7e8oX3w7yYG0qVQ51bHXn" width="1" height="1" />Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? - Travel Mom Squad</a> - <a href= "https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/"> https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: <a href= "http://stan.store/travelmomsquad">stan.store/travelmomsquad</a></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Minute By Minute:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">00:30 – Our intro to IHG</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">03:00 – What cards we’ve had and what we recommend</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">06:45 – The best perks and status levels with IHG cards</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">09:30 – Why we buy IHG points (and how it saves $$$)</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">13:30 – Free-night certificates and how to use them wisely</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">18:00 – Where we’ve stayed using IHG points and awards</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">21:00 – The brands we love: Kimpton, Indigo, InterContinental</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">26:00 – Favorite past stays + the IHG hotels we want to try next</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p><strong id= "docs-internal-guid-3a262b80-7fff-c9ee-4845-04d7f142f756">🎧 Tune in now and start planning your next points-powered stay.</strong></p>
April 8, 2025
<p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What’s New at Disney World? Big Updates & Summer Deals</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Why Staying On-Property Might Be the Best Deal</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Making Disney More Affordable with Points & Miles</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Park Tips, Lightning Lanes & Planning Strategies</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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. </p> <p dir="ltr">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! 🎢🏰✨</p> <p dir="ltr">Overwhelmed at the thought of planning your own Disney vacation? Travel Mom Squad has partnered with <a href= "https://mousecounselors.com/travelmomsquad/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Mouse Counselors</a>, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, to help community members maximize their Disney and travel experiences!</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad:</strong> <a href= "http://stan.store/travelmomsquad">stan.store/travelmomsquad</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Disney Offers:</strong> <a href= "https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers">https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Get Away Today affiliate link:</strong> <a href= "https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=7979">Get Away Today - Discount Disney Vacations & Beyond</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: </strong><a href= "https://travelmomsquad.com/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card">https://travelmomsquad.com/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>Cash-Back Card</strong>: <span data-sheets-root="1"><a class="in-cell-link" href= "https://travelmomsquad.com/cibpremier" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://travelmomsquad.com/cibpremier</a></span></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Minute By Minute:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">00:30 – Behind-the-scenes insights from Disney’s media event</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">08:00 – Major summer deals: 50% off kids’ tickets & dining plan updates</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">14:00 – Disney resorts overview: value, moderate, and deluxe picks</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">30:00 – Megan shares on-property vs. off-property comparisons</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">40:00 – Tips for early entry, Lightning Lanes, and maximizing park time</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">45:00 – Using points and credit cards to make Disney more affordable</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">51:00 – Final thoughts and favorite takeaways</li> </ul>
April 1, 2025
<p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Finding Flights to New Zealand: A Challenge (and a Win!)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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+). </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Points-Powered Luxury: Park Hyatt Auckland & More</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>The Itinerary: Coastal Drives, Kayaks, and Tiny Houses</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bay of Islands: Booked via Capital One credits, with a scenic boat tour to Hole in the Rock</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Cathedral Cove: Kayaking through crystal-clear waters to one of New Zealand’s most famous spots</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Hot Water Beach: Digging hot tubs in naturally heated sand</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Rotorua & Lake Taupo: Rafting a 21-foot waterfall, visiting Maori villages, and relaxing in Hilton luxury</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bonus Stay: A tiny house Airbnb—Pam’s dream come true!</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>The Total Cost Breakdown</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href= "https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/">How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free</a> - <a href= "https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation">https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: <a href= "http://stan.store/travelmomsquad">stan.store/travelmomsquad</a><strong><br /> </strong></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Minute By Minute:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">00:30 – Why Pam did New Zealand: Take 2</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">03:00 – Booking flights with AA miles and a United mistake fare</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">08:30 – Pam’s advice for finding flights to New Zealand</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">13:00 – Park Hyatt Auckland + Waiheke Island day trip</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">18:00 – Bay of Islands and boutique hotel stay</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">21:00 – Tiny house stay and Cathedral Cove</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">26:00 – Rafting a waterfall and Maori village experience</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">31:00 – Hilton Lake Taupo and relaxing</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">35:00 – Flying United Polaris home + final night at Grand Hyatt DFW</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">38:00 – Cost recap and final thoughts on why Pam can’t wait to return<br /> <br /></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">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! 🛶🌿✈️</p> <p> </p>
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