Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, Pam and Alex take us on a remarkable journey through Lisbon and the Azores, sharing every detail of their family vacation powered by points. From the charming streets of Lisbon to the breathtaking landscapes of the Azores, they reveal how to travel to these stunning destinations for nearly free!

The Planning Phase

Hear how Pam and Alex strategically used their points for flights and accommodations, making their dream trip a reality. They’ll walk us through their planning process, from choosing the best time to travel to selecting the perfect points strategy for each segment of their journey.

Lisbon: The City of Seven Hills

Explore Lisbon through the eyes of our travelers. Pam and Alex discuss their favorite spots, from the historic tram rides to the vibrant neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto. Learn how they maximized their points for experiences, dining, and tours in one of Europe's oldest cities.

The Azores: Nature’s Paradise

Next, the journey takes us to the Azores, where the landscapes seem to burst straight out of a fairytale. Discover how they explored this archipelago’s natural wonders, from volcanic craters and lush greenery to stunning coastlines.

Ready to Explore Lisbon and the Azores?

Hit play now to join Pam and Alex as they guide you through planning and enjoying a fantastic vacation on points. Whether you’re a seasoned points traveler or just starting out, their insights will inspire you to consider your next adventure to these Portuguese gems.

Links For This Episode:

• Hyatt Regency Lisbon: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/lishr-hyatt-regency-lisbon
• Cooking Lisbon: https://www.cookinglisbon.com
• Tuk Tuk Tour: https://www.itookatuktuk.com/tuktuktours
• Restaurant from Sintra Tour:​​ https://restaurantenortada.com/home_en
• Azores Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/ekAue0cJ
• Sensi Azores Nature & Spa:https://www.sensiazores.com

Beaches in Azores:

• Praia dos Mosteiros
• Praia Baixa d’ Areia

Links:

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 - Introduction to Pam and Alex’s journey to Lisbon and the Azores using points.
• 2:00 - Planning details: Deciding on destinations, flights, and hotels using points.
• 6:00 - Arriving in Lisbon: First impressions and top sights
• 12:00 - Local life and cultural experiences in Lisbon, exploring neighborhoods and local cuisine.
• 18:00 - Transition to the Azores: Expectations and preparations for island adventures.
• 23:00 - Exploring the natural beauty of the Azores, from volcanic landscapes to coastal excursions.
• 35:00 - Lessons learned from the trip and tips for families traveling on points.
• 40:00 - The impact of this trip on their approach to future travel with points.
• 45:00 - Final reflections on the experiences in Lisbon and the Azores.

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're diving into how you can use Southwest and Hyatt points for nearly free vacations. These are the most accessible programs and what we call “the sweet spots” to get the best start in the world of points and miles! Treat this episode as your go-to guide to the world of points and miles without being overwhelmed.

Simple Starts: Why Southwest and Hyatt?

Southwest and Hyatt are favorites for their ease of earning and redeeming points, making them perfect for beginners. Alex and Jess highlight how these programs fit seamlessly into family travel plans thanks to their straightforward points systems and valuable perks. With Southwest's generous baggage policy and flexible booking options, and Hyatt's wide range of properties and elite benefits, accumulating and using points is simpler than ever.

Efficient Travel Planning

Alex and Jess share how to maximize points through everyday spending and strategic credit card use, discussing how to navigate sales and special offers to stretch your points further. Whether you’re eyeing a beach resort or a city hotel, learn how to leverage points for memorable trips without overspending.

Ready to Jet Set?

Hit play now to start turning your travel dreams into reality with Southwest and Hyatt points. Alex and Jess offer practical advice and share personal stories that will inspire you to plan your next adventure efficiently.

Links:

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

Links For This Episode:

• Ultimate Guide to Hyatt: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt
• Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/southwestguide
• Alila Ventana Big Sur Review: https://travelmomsquad.com/alila-ventana-big-sur-review/
• Staying at the Miraval Austin on Points: https://travelmomsquad.com/staying-at-the-miraval-austin-on-points

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 - Unpacking the perks of Southwest and Hyatt points.
• 1:30 - The essentials of earning and using Southwest and Hyatt points effectively.
• 4:00 - Discussion on the flexibility and user-friendliness of booking with Southwest and Hyatt, including their generous cancellation policies.
• 7:00 - Deep dive into Alex's favorite travel sweet spot: Hawaii. She explains how she leverages Southwest for flights and Hyatt for stays to create perfect family vacations.
• 12:00 - Jess shares her top picks and experiences using Hyatt and Southwest for travel to Costa Rica, emphasizing the value and ease of direct flights and luxurious stays.
• 17:00 - The duo discusses the broader implications of using points for travel, including how to adjust strategies during peak travel times.
• 22:00 - Tips on monitoring point costs and rebooking to optimize point use.
• 27:00 - Alex and Jess chat about their wish list destinations for future trips using Hyatt and Southwest points.
• 35:00 - Closing thoughts: Encouraging listeners to start simple with Southwest and Hyatt, and how to access their comprehensive free guides linked in the show notes.

Welcome back, everyone! Today’s episode is a real treat—we’re catching up with Megan, our amazing digital business manager, who’s here to spill the details about her epic two-week European adventure with her family. And guess what? They even made it to the Paris Olympics! Whether you’re dreaming of a similar journey or just love gathering family travel tips, you’re in the right place.

Planning a European Adventure with Kids

Imagine planning a trip for five, including three kids, across Europe during one of the busiest events—the Olympics! Megan starts off by sharing the initial excitement of swapping their plans from Japan to Paris and snagging those golden Olympic tickets through a lottery. It’s a masterclass in flexibility and seizing opportunities.

Ready for Your Own European Tour?

Hit play now to dive into Megan’s journey across Europe to the Paris Olympics and discover how you can leverage points for your family’s next big adventure. From the logistical challenges to the joyous moments, this episode is filled with valuable insights and heartwarming stories.

Links:

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

• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free: https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/

• Rome Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9983342?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=cb56457d-961d-4ff0-a152-5a068c7e48a7

• Hotel Pendini in Florence: https://tidd.ly/3AytHDu (TMS affiliate link)

• Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace in Venice: https://tidd.ly/3X9rw1N (TMS affiliate link)

• Golf cart tour in Rome: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/uyvJJQxq

• Tuscany Day Trip: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/gjWSzuh9

• TMS Flytographer discount: https://flytog.co/TMS

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 1:30 - The Spark: How the Olympic plans shifted from Japan to Paris, including the process of securing Olympic tickets.
• 4:00 - Logistics Unpacked: Detailed strategies for booking flights and accommodations for a family of five, leveraging points for optimal value.
• 7:00 - Olympic Highlights: Megan shares her family’s experiences in Paris during the Olympics, describing the atmosphere and events they attended.
• 12:00 - Touring Europe with Kids: Megan talks about visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice, providing tips on engaging activities for kids and managing travel as a family.
• 17:00 - Point Tricks: Insight into how Megan utilized points for various aspects of the trip, including flights and hotel stays.
• 22:00 - Travel Challenges and Solutions: Megan discusses some of the obstacles they faced, such as navigating different languages and cultures with young children.
• 27:00 - Wrap-up: Megan shares final tips for families planning to travel for big events like the Olympics and reflects on the importance of such experiences for family bonding.
• 35:00 - Reflections on personal growth and the educational value of travel for her children.