In this episode, I’m joined by Irina from On Points with Kids, who just returned from an incredible family trip to French Polynesia — exploring Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Moorea with her kids. Irina shares how her family made this dream destination affordable using points and miles, along with practical tips for planning, choosing family-friendly resorts, and keeping travel days smooth. We chat about kid-friendly activities, favorite experiences on the islands, and how to make a bucket-list trip like this both memorable and attainable for families. 🌴✈️

Irina's Website: On Points With Kids

Instagram: @OnPointsWithKids

Today I’m talking all about traveling with kids during the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, or both—and how to keep your family traditions alive even when you’re far from home. I’m sharing our Christmas in Puerto Rico with 12 family members (yes, Santa still found us!), how we recreated the magic with stockings, pajamas, a mini “felt” Christmas tree, cookie decorating, and games, plus what it looks like to celebrate Christmas in places like Tulsa with extended family while still protecting our own core traditions. You’ll hear practical tips for making any holiday away from home feel special, ideas for what to pack, how to plan ahead with groceries and gifts, and a simple checklist to help your family enjoy the season—whether you’re around the tree at home or opening presents after a morning at the beach.

✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode15

Felt Christmas Tree (travel friendly)

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✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass so you can fly a child or family member for nearly free for up to two full years. I’ll walk you through what the Companion Pass is, why timing is everything, and the exact strategy I recommend— with step by step instructions. I’ll also share how my husband and I both earned it, how we used it so two of our kids flew free for almost 2 years, and extra ways to top off your points using shopping portals, flights, hotels, and rentals. If you’ve ever wanted to hack Southwest for big family savings, this episode is your step-by-step game plan.

Southwest Credit Card Sign Up (referral link)

✨🧳 Family Travel Made Easy
A step-by-step travel-agent-in-your-pocket planning system

📌 Show Notes

🔗 Episode page: https://www.happylittletraveler.co/podcast/episode14

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

✈️ TRAVEL DEALS & SERVICES

🔥 Thrifty Traveler — Flight Deal Alerts
Get $20 off your first year

📸 Flytographer — Vacation Photos
Get $25 off your first session

🎒 Happy Little Traveler Activity Kits (Amazon)
Screen-free entertainment for flights & travel days

🎁 FREE TRAVEL RESOURCES

📱 Must-Have Wi-Fi Free Apps + Travel Apps Guide
Stress-free travel days for everyone

💸 Get Your Next Vacation for (Almost) Free
Beginner points & miles guide for families

🧠 101 Sanity-Saving Tips for Traveling With Kids
Packing, flights, hotels & routines made easier

📚 SIGNATURE FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDES

🖍️ Printable Kids' Travel Activities
65+ screen-free pages to keep kids happy on flights & on-the-go

🌎 SHOP & FOLLOW

🛍️ Amazon Store Front: Our Travel Favorites

Website: HappyLittleTraveler.co