Best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana, with kids

This December, we spent a few days in New Orleans, Louisiana. When planning our trip back in July, we pictured ourselves having café au lait in a historic courtyard of the French Quarter, the girls enjoying sunny southern days, and checking off a list of fun things to do in New Orleans with kids, from steamboat rides to beignets in Jackson Square.

Can you imagine December of 2022 being one of the coldest winters in New Orleans’ history? On some days, the temperature dropped to 20°F (-4°C), and it got quite chilly with wind gusts. That said, we layered up and did what we could to explore this beautiful, resilient city.

Although the weather forced us to skip a few outdoor activities, the girls (and we!) still managed to pack in plenty of adventures, and we can’t wait to share some of the best family-friendly experiences with you.

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How to find award availability with the World of Hyatt program

The World of Hyatt Loyalty Program is a free loyalty program that offers rewards and benefits for guests who stay at Hyatt hotels. As a member, you’ll earn points on your eligible stays, which can then be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, dining, and more. Plus, you’ll enjoy perks such as complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and more at participating hotels.

If you have been a member of the World of Hyatt program for a while, then you know that one of the keys to maximizing your rewards is finding award availability for your desired hotels and dates. Here are some tips for finding award availability with the World of Hyatt program:

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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, the Hotel Review

The view of the Grand Hyatt Kauai in the background of the saltwater lagoon on the property

The island of Kauai, known as Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” is famous for its lush mountains, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear beaches, truly one of the most breathtaking destinations in the state. In this Grand Hyatt Kauai review, we’re sharing how we made the most of our stay at one of Hyatt’s most beloved oceanfront resorts, all booked on points.

Visiting Hawaii has become a yearly tradition for our family, and with views like this, we’re not complaining. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is one of Hyatt’s oceanfront properties that could be booked on points and is perfect for a family getaway!

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Best 5 Hyatt hotels in California to stay with kids

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort private beach
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort’s private beach

California is a top destination for families, thanks to its stunning beaches, national parks, and iconic attractions. If you’re looking for family-friendly Hyatt hotels in California where you can stay using points, you’re in luck. Hyatt has one of the most valuable loyalty programs for travelers with kids.

With more than 104 properties across the Golden State, including many family-friendly resorts in California, you’ll find options that suit every type of vacation, from coastal getaways to city adventures.

In this post, we’re sharing the five best Hyatt hotels in California where we’ve stayed with kids on points and made lasting family memories.

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Maximizing credit card rewards: cashback vs transferring to travel partners

Redeeming credit card points for cashback or transferring them to travel partners are both popular options for using your credit card rewards. Which is the better choice for you?

In this blog post, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which method is right for your spending habits and travel goals. Redeeming points for cashback is a simple and flexible way to use your rewards, but transferring them to travel partners can often offer higher value.

We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option in detail to help you make an informed decision.

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Best kid-friendly things to do in Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and stunning natural beauty, making it one of the best kid-friendly destinations in Hawaii. When planning a family vacation, finding the best kid-friendly things to do in Kauai ensures an unforgettable experience for everyone.

As the northernmost and oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, Kauai’s volcanic activity ended 3.8 million years ago. This rich geological history has created a unique blend of natural wonders, from dramatic cliffs to hidden waterfalls.

On our recent trip, our girls had an amazing time discovering all the island has to offer. Let’s dive into the top family-friendly activities and attractions that make Kauai a must-visit with kids!

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How to get an American Airlines status without flying?

An American Airlines plane flying over San Juan, Puerto Rico.

American Airlines is one of the biggest airlines in the world, and it flies to more than 235 destinations on six continents, including Europe, Asia, and South America. This airline is also top-rated in North America to get to the Caribbean or the Pacific destinations.

Like all airlines, American Airlines has a frequent flyer program. The American Airlines Frequent Flyer Program is called “AAdvantage,” and it is the most popular frequent flyer program in the US! It is important to mention that It is linked to the Oneworld Alliance loyalty program.

In 2022, American Airlines completely revamped the method of qualifying for an AAdvantage status. Before the update, you were required to keep track of three status metrics: EQM (Elite Qualifying Miles), EQS (Elite Qualifying Segments), and EQD (Elite Qualifying Dollars).

In the update, the carrier has changed how its status is calculated. And now, instead of the three status metrics, it uses one: Loyalty Points.

This update made earning an AAdvantage status much easier for people who aren’t frequent fliers. So, let’s dive into a few methods that can help you fast-track your status with American Airlines and get an American Airlines status without flying.

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Best things to do in Paso Robles, California

Looking for the best things to do in Paso Robles on your next family trip? This small Central California town may be famous for its vineyards, but it’s also packed with fun and unique experiences for families.

Just 2.5 hours from San Jose or 2 hours from Monterey, Paso Robles makes for an easy and rewarding weekend getaway. From dazzling outdoor art displays to hands-on museums and scenic parks, here are five kid-friendly things to do in Paso Robles that your whole crew will enjoy.

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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids

What comes to your mind when you think about visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks? It should be mountains, canyons, waterfalls, and of course, a forest with magnificent ancient giants, the largest living things on Earth, sequoias.

Representing two of the nine National Parks in California, these parks spread across thousands of acres of land (including 808,000 acres of designated wilderness). Here is everything you need to know about visiting Sequoia National Park with kids.

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The Cape, a Thompson Hotel Review

There’s nothing like a quick tropical escape to recharge, sunshine, warm ocean waters, delicious food, and uninterrupted views. If you’re looking for a stylish and luxurious beachfront retreat, this Cape Thompson review is for you.

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, part of the Hyatt brand, is a Category 6 property in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, set where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Built in 2015, this modern five-star resort features 161 sleek rooms, suites, and villas, plus a stunning infinity pool, a swim-up bar, an oceanfront spa, and some of the best sunset views in Los Cabos.

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