In this episode, Jess and Alex are joined by Kelsi Sullivan, one half of PointSisters on Instagram, who has mastered the art of solo travel using points and miles. Kelsi brings a unique perspective shaped by her international upbringing and her discovery of the financial independence community. Her journey from casual miles collector to strategic points optimizer shows how solo travelers can thrive in the points and miles world.

Throughout the conversation, Jess, Alex, and Kelsi explore how solo travelers can approach earning and redeeming points while traveling alone, safety considerations for solo female travelers, and specific strategies for maximizing value without a traditional "player two." Kelsi shares concrete examples from her adventures in Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, and beyond, revealing how she stretches her points across multiple international trips each year.

You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/136

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

Getting a discounted stay at a luxury Maui resort sounds too good to be true, especially when the catch involves sitting through a timeshare presentation. After receiving a letter from Marriott Vacation Club offering a discounted five-night stay at a Westin property, Alex decided to see if the savings were worth the 90-minute sales pitch.

In addition to hearing the pros and cons of attending a timeshare presentation, this episode gives you an inside look at popular Maui resorts such as Andaz Maui, the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, and Hyatt Regency Maui. Hear the Travel Mom Squad's differing recommendations for visiting Maui based on your travel needs, and whether or not they recommend sitting through a timeshare presentation for the discounted stay.

You can find links to the hotels, tours, and other resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/135

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

Major shifts in lounge access, baggage fees, and loyalty programs are reshaping the landscape of travel rewards in 2025. With summer travel quickly approaching, the Travel Mom Squad is here to break down what these changes mean for solo and family travelers planning their vacations.

In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the most significant changes announced so far this year. You will learn which credit cards are still worth keeping despite the changes, how to make the most of the new restrictions, and the strategic moves travelers should make before key deadlines arrive. The Travel Mom Squad shares their personal decisions on which cards they’re keeping, canceling, or adding to their wallets, along with insider tips on navigating the evolving world of airline loyalty programs.

You can find links to the hotels, tours, and other resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/134

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

Planning a trip to Spain on points and miles? It’s all about the strategy—especially when you're juggling travel for multiple people! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into their recent Spanish adventure, navigating last-minute flight changes and uncovering the best of Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca—all while maximizing points and miles.

From wandering through historic neighborhoods to cooking authentic paella, the trio experienced Spain like never before. They stayed in amazing spots like the chic Thompson Madrid and the luxe Nobu Palma in Mallorca, proving that with a little flexibility and a lot of points, you can turn any trip into an unforgettable adventure.

You'll Discover:

• How to leverage last-minute award availability when original flight plans change.
• Why the Thompson Madrid offers exceptional value for Hyatt points in a prime location.
• How to navigate transportation options between Spanish cities efficiently.
• Where to find authentic cultural experiences, like a Paella Club cooking class.
• The distinct differences between Madrid and Barcelona.
• Why you NEED to add Mallorca to your Spanish itinerary.

You can find links to the hotels, tours, and other resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/133

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

Taking your family with young kids to Greece and Croatia might seem daunting, but with strategic use of points and miles, it can become an unforgettable adventure.

Travel Mom Squad's Director of Operations, Megan, shares how she planned an ambitious spring break trip that included iconic destinations like Santorini's blue domes and Croatia's stunning national parks. From finding family-friendly Airbnbs in prime locations to navigating border crossings and rental cars, Megan demonstrates that international family travel doesn't have to break the bank. Tune in to hear about her practical approach to family travel and learn how to turn your dream destination into family-friendly adventure too!

You'll Discover:

• Why booking vacation rentals can be more cost-effective than hotels for families of five.
• How to navigate border crossings between Croatia and Bosnia with minimal stress.
• Which Greek and Croatian destinations work best with children.
• Tips for driving and parking in Croatian cities with a rental car.
• How to plan an efficient multi-city European itinerary during a short school break.

You can find links to everything Megan mentioned in this episode plus the transcript and more here: travelmomsquad.com/132

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

If you love points and miles, you know there’s no shortage of opinions on how to get the most out of credit card rewards and travel programs. In this fun and honest chat, Alex, Jess, and Pam share their unique takes on some hot topics in the points world.

They dive into everything from which credit cards score you the best lounge access, to whether chasing certain welcome bonuses is really worth it, and how to smartly position for flights. As you'll hear, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best points strategy is the one that suits your unique priorities!

You'll discover:

• How to choose the best credit card for airport lounge access based on your travel style.
• Why the Hyatt credit card's second-tier bonus might (or might not) make sense for you.
• The strategic importance of considering 5/24 status when choosing which cards to pursue.
• How to evaluate hotel loyalty programs beyond Hyatt for aspirational stays.
• Understanding different approaches to positioning flights based on personal circumstances.

You can find the full show notes, resources, transcript, and more from this episode here: travelmomsquad.com/best-lounge-access-hotel-loyalty-programs

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

In this episode, Jess and Megan walk us through their recent family getaways to two standout Hyatt properties in the American Southwest: the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale in Arizona and the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in New Mexico. From flights on Southwest® using Companion Passes to family-friendly resort and cultural activities, they break down exactly how they booked, what they loved, and what they'd do differently next time.

Fresh off a huge renovation and rebrand, the former Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is now the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale—and Jess and Megan each had three-night family stays to check it out.

The resort has ten pools, including a three-story water slide, a sandy beach area for little kids, and a separate adults-only pool. There's even a rock-climbing wall, putting green, and weekly birds of prey show. The club lounge, while small, included complimentary breakfast, drinks, appetizers, and desserts, and Jess made good use of the free happy hour drinks by taking them poolside.

Their biggest warning? Avoid Thursday–Saturday stays if you're sensitive to noise—live music in the lobby those nights is extremely loud and carries to guest rooms. Jess called it the biggest damper on an otherwise enjoyable trip.

Megan also shares her family’s stay at Hyatt Regency Tamaya, located on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico. Recently renovated and still a Category 4 Hyatt, it offered unique Native American cultural experiences, incredible mountain views, and tons of free family activities.

Megan’s family enjoyed nightly s’mores by the fire pit, cultural storytelling sessions, hands-on artisan demos, and a pueblo bread tasting. There are multiple pools, bike rentals, and even a horseback riding stable on-site.

This resort is just 30 minutes from Albuquerque’s airport and offers easy access to Santa Fe and Petrified Forest National Park not too far away—making it perfect for road trip loops or a more relaxing extended stay.

If you're dreaming of a warm-weather escape filled with adventure, learning, and luxury—without the luxury price tag—this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world tips for traveling the Southwest on points. Hit play and start planning your family’s next trip!

Links:

• Webinar: How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free
• Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/scott-grand-hyatt-scottsdale-resort
• Hyatt Regency Tamaya: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/tamay-hyatt-regency-tamaya-resort-and-spa
• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Intro + overview
• 01:00 – Flights on Southwest® + Companion Pass
• 03:00 – Costco car rental + tips for family travel
• 08:00 – Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: room types, points cost, parking fees
• 13:00 – Club lounge pros/cons
• 18:00 – Pool features, beach area, adult-only spaces, kids’ activities
• 23:00 – Live music noise issues + what to know before booking
• 31:00 – Hyatt Regency Tamaya
• 34:00 – Hotel background, cultural ties, and points cost
• 38:00 – Pools, spa, activities, and Guest of Honor details
• 41:00 – Cultural experiences
• 44:00 – Horseback riding + why this property is a favorite for families

In this episode, Jess, Pam, and Alex break down their recent spring break trips to Costa Rica—highlighting three unforgettable resorts, two different travel styles, and one shared love for how easy (and affordable!) this country is to explore with points and miles.

Alex and Jess both flew Southwest—Jess from Houston and Alex from Salt Lake City—and Pam chose United. Between Southwest Companion Passes, smart rebooking, and good timing, Jess got a great deal for round-trip flights for four people. Pam, always loyal to United for the elite-status perks, flew out of Denver and got a free upgrade to first class on the way home.

• Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort (Hyatt Category 8):
  A luxury resort with monkeys, pools, and a new beach club you access by boat. Jess scored a Bay View Suite with a birthday upgrade, while Alex’s family enjoyed connecting rooms with a rollaway for the kids.
  
  

• Rio Perdido (Hilton SLH):
  Jess took her family here for a more boutique, off-the-grid experience. Set in the rainforest with private bungalows, thermal rivers, and mud baths, Rio Perdido offered a quieter, more immersive vibe.
  
  

• Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa (Hilton SLH):
  Pam and Alex’s family stayed at this jungle escape near La Fortuna. Booking via Hilton points and free-night certificates, they enjoyed connecting rooms, views of the Arenal Volcano, and unlimited access to the hot springs.

The Squad breaks down everything you want to know about whether to rent a car or book a shuttle service in Costa Rica and how to decide which option is best for your trip. They even advise on what kind of vehicles to avoid renting and recommend a great woman-owned transportation service if you don't want to drive yourself.

Alex’s crew went full-on jungle mode with:

• A zipline and rappelling canyon tour through Maquique Adventure
• A night walk with frog and snake sightings (not for the faint of heart!)
• Exploring La Fortuna

Jess and Ella did a canyon adventure at Rio Perdido, complete with a pro photographer tagging along. Meanwhile, everyone raved about thermal pools and monkey spotting!

Whether you’re team luxury resort or jungle bungalow, this episode proves that Costa Rica is made for points travelers—and families.

🎧 Listen now to hear every detail and decide which Costa Rica combo is right for your next adventure.

Links:

• https://www.maquiqueadventure.com
• Viator night walk: Night Walk Around The Arenal Volcano
• Maleku Tours: Maleku Tours - https://www.malekutours.com
• Pam’s Upgrade Template: How to Request a Hotel Room Upgrade​

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Flights, airport tips, and how we booked on points
• 05:00 – Rental cars vs. shuttles
• 13:00 – Andaz Papagayo
• 33:00 – Rio Perdido
• 40:00 – Tabacón
• 53:00 – Activities: Ziplining, wildlife, and rainforest excursions
• 1:01:00 – Comparing all three resorts