Family travel on points and miles
The question we always hear is how to earn a million credit card points every year and take multiple family trips as we do. The main strategy is not to spend more money. It’s opening the right cards at the right time, earning welcome bonuses, using referrals, taking advantage of business cards, and redeeming flexible points well. We only do this because we have good credit, stay organized, and pay every card off in full every month.
Amazon Prime Day 2026 is officially here, and this year’s sale is bigger than ever. From June 23–26, you can shop some of the best Amazon Prime Day travel deals, including 20 travel essentials under $30 that are actually worth adding to your cart.
These simple, useful finds can make packing easier, save space, and help you feel more prepared for your next trip, without spending too much.
It is almost July 1, 2026, which means it is a good time to check your credit card benefits before some of them reset.
Many premium travel cards come with statement credits that are divided by month, quarter, or half of the year. These credits can be valuable, but only if you remember to use them before the deadline.
I like to do a quick credit card benefits check at the end of June and again at the end of December. It helps me make sure I am not leaving easy value unused on cards where I have already paid the annual fee.
July 1 is a big reset date for many semiannual and quarterly credit card credits. Check your Chase, Amex, Hilton, and other card benefits before June 30 so you do not let easy statement credits expire.
Just like two years ago, we decided to spend a few days in Scottsdale, Arizona, in February. It’s close to San Francisco, and honestly, who doesn’t love giant cactuses? Last time we stayed at the Andaz Scottsdale, and this time we tried the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Scottsdale.
Did it live up to the hype? From the moment we arrived, with the desert sunset and sprawling pools, it was clear this property has big family-friendly energy.
If you have the American Express Platinum Card or are thinking about getting one, the hotel credit is one of the easiest ways to get real value back every year.
Now, when used strategically, the Amex Platinum hotel credit can cover luxury hotel stays, free breakfast, upgrades and on‑property credits, all while helping offset the annual fee.
In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly how the Amex Platinum $600 hotel credit works, how often you get it, which cards qualify, how to redeem it step by step and how to combine it with hotel loyalty programs like Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton.
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare, also called the Atmos Companion Fare, is one of the most valuable ways families can save on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights. This benefit lets you book a second ticket for a fraction of the price, but the rules, pricing, and redemption terms can feel confusing.
This guide breaks down exactly how the Alaska Companion Fare works, how to earn it, how much you actually pay, and when it’s worth using.
Palm Springs has long been a favorite desert escape for design lovers and sunshine seekers, and it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. On our recent trip, we stayed at the new Thompson Palm Springs, part of Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle brand.
If you’re considering a stay at this stylish property, here’s the Thompson Palm Springs review. I will share everything you need to know about this property: from booking on points to what it’s like to stay here with kids.
If you’re looking to travel more using points and miles, one of the best ways to start is with American Express credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points. These points are incredibly valuable for booking flights, especially international business class redemptions.
We’ve used Amex points to book flights valued at thousands of dollars while paying only minimal taxes and fees. If you’re looking to earn Membership Rewards points efficiently, these are the most effective strategies, because there are far more ways to earn than simply using your card for everyday purchases.
If you’re traveling to Alaska with kids and want to make the most of your time and money, this guide is for you. We visited Juneau, Seward, Anchorage, and Denali with our 2 daughters, and these are the best Alaska tours for families that we highly recommend.
Use this list to plan and book your Alaska family itinerary, whether you’re cruising, road tripping, or flying in for a summer adventure.
Amazon Prime Day 2026 is officially here, and this year’s sale is bigger than ever. From June 23–26, you can shop some of the best Amazon Prime Day travel deals, including travel essentials under $30 that are actually worth adding to your cart.
These simple, useful finds can make packing easier, save space, and help you feel more prepared for your next trip, without spending too much.