Ever wondered how the Travel Mom Squad makes those dream trips happen using points and miles? Well, buckle up because in today’s episode, we're diving into our latest bookings and the clever strategies behind them. From spontaneous deals to meticulously planned adventures, we’ve got a load of tips and tales that could turn you into a points and miles guru, too.

Join us as Alex kicks things off with a jaw-dropping deal to Spain. Imagine snagging business class tickets for the price of economy! Thanks to an alert from Thrifty Traveler Premium, Alex, along with Jess and Pam (albeit on different flights), managed to book business class seats to Spain for an incredible points price. Hear how they navigated limited availability and strategic airport choices to make the most of their miles.

But that's not all. While Alex and Jess will be enjoying the luxuries of business class together, Pam shares her solo travel charm, opting for a different route but meeting up in Spain nonetheless. The excitement doesn't stop in Spain though; they’ve got their eyes set on exploring both Madrid and Barcelona, with luxurious stays planned at Hyatt properties.

In this episode, we also get a peek into their future travel plans and how they intend to use their points for upcoming trips. Whether it’s leveraging hotel points for lavish stays or choosing the right credit cards for accessing those hard-to-snag flight deals, the squad leaves no stone unturned.

So, whether you're planning your next big adventure or just dreaming about your first points-funded trip, this episode is packed with actionable advice and infectious excitement. Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality without the hefty price tag? Hit play and join us on this globe-trotting journey powered by points and miles. Your next epic adventure awaits!

Links:

Thrifty Traveler Premium: Use code TMS to save $10 on your first-year subscription

http://thriftytraveler.com/premium

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:45 Alex's Exciting Alert: Business Class to Spain for Economy Prices
• 3:20 Booking Strategies: Navigating Limited Seat Availability
• 4:55 Why We Chose Different Flights and Airports
• 6:10 Jess and Alex's Plan: Flying Out of Dallas
• 7:30 Pam's Solo Flight Strategy: The Benefits of Traveling Alone
• 9:00 Anticipating the Luxuries of Business Class
• 10:15 Planning Our Stay in Madrid and Barcelona
• 11:40 Future Travel Plans: How We Use Points to Plan Ahead
• 13:20 Tips for Using Points for Hotel Stays and Luxurious Experiences

The world of points and miles is always changing! But we've got you covered and are about to catch you up to speed! Join us, Pam, Jess, and Alex, as we dive into the significant updates that have swept through the travel rewards scene in 2024. From complex credit card rules to unexpected shifts in hotel affiliations and lounge access, we're unpacking everything you need to know to stay ahead in the points game.

We’ll explore the new twists in Amex card eligibility that could impact your strategy for accruing points, and discuss the surprising changes in hotel partnerships that might influence where you book your luxury stays. Plus, we’re breaking down the latest updates in lounge access—some of which might actually improve your time at the airport!

Whether you're plotting your next escape or just dreaming about those plush, first-class seats, this episode is packed with essential tips and a healthy dose of humor to guide you through the latest developments in the world of travel rewards. Ready to get the full scoop? Hit play to listen to the entire episode and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of points and miles with your favorite Travel Mom Squad!

PS—If you are new here…your next big trip might just be a few points away! :) Get started now and learn how to travel nearly free by following the links below.

Links:

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

Links for This Episode:

• Changes to Hyatt's Loyalty Program - Travel Mom Squad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 Introduction to major changes in the points and miles world in 2024.
• 1:06 Overview of changes to Amex personal cards' eligibility rules.
• 2:46 Discussion on the strategic use of Amex cards to maximize benefits.
• 5:28 Changes to Delta personal cards and their impact on strategy.
• 8:32 Shifts in partnerships with boutique hotel brands like Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
• 13:06 The impact of losing Small Luxury Hotels from Hyatt to Hilton.
• 18:52 Updates to Global Entry cost and its effect on families.
• 24:49 Changes to lounge access privileges for various credit card holders.

Are you dreaming of your next big adventure but worried about your budget? Buckle up because today, we, the Travel Mom Squad, are diving into each of our bucket list destinations and how we would get there using points and miles. From the bustling markets of Morocco to the northern lights of Iceland, we're sharing our secrets to making these dream trips a reality—nearly free!

Join us as Pam spills the details on her ultimate bucket list adventure—a round-the-world trip that's more affordable than you'd think, thanks to some savvy points planning. She's got her sights set on Morocco next, with a detailed plan to explore the vibrant streets of Marrakesh and the historical depths of Fez, all on points and miles.

Not to be outdone, Alex is plotting a dream trip to Thailand, the land of stunning beaches and delicious street food. She discusses the best ways to leverage Singapore Airlines' generous routing rules to score affordable travel in style and how to make the most of hotel points for stays in breathtaking locations like Phuket and the Hilton Conrad in Koh Samui.

Jess, with her adventurous spirit, talks about her dream to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland and how she'd maneuver her points strategies to make it happen. From flying to Manchester on Singapore Airlines and catching a budget flight to Reykjavik, Jess outlines her plan to use points creatively for a trip that combines natural wonders with urban exploration.

So, whether you're dreaming of sipping mint tea in the Moroccan sunset or exploring the lush landscapes of Thailand, this episode is your gateway to turning those dreams into reality with points and miles. Ready to start planning your own epic adventure? Hit play to join us on this thrilling journey. Your next big trip might just be a few points away!

Links:

• Awayz: https://awayz.com/

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 1:03 Introduction to Dream Bucket List Trips using Points and Miles
• 2:20 Pam's Introduction to Morocco Trip using Points and Miles
• 5:15 Details on Booking Flights to Morocco with American Airlines Miles
• 7:10 Pam Explains Staying at the Park Hyatt with Suite Upgrade Awards
• 9:35 Alex's Thailand Adventure on Points and Miles
• 12:20 Using Singapore Airlines Miles for Affordable Travel to Thailand
• 15:45 Hotel Strategies in Thailand Using Points
• 18:30 Jess Shares Her Plan for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
• 21:25 Strategy for Flying to Iceland Using Singapore Airlines Miles
• 24:30 Accommodation Options in Iceland Using Points
• 27:15 Recap of How Points and Miles Make Dream Trips Possible