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It’s almost July 1: Did you use all of your Credit Card benefits?

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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.

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Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: A Family-Friendly Hotel in Arizona with a sandy pool and a 3-story water slide

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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.

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How to use the Amex Platinum $600 Hotel Credit: A Smart Alternative to Points

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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.

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Alaska Airlines Companion Fare guide

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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.

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Thompson Palm Springs Review

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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.

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How to earn Amex Points: 7 easy ways to maximize Membership Rewards

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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.

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Best family-friendly tours in Alaska

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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.

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Amazon Prime Day 2025 Travel Deals for Families

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If you’re planning a family trip, you’re probably already juggling flights, hotels, packing lists, and a budget. The good news? Your Amazon Prime membership can help lighten the load. In this post, I’m sharing our favorite Amazon Prime Day travel deals for family travel, from compact gear and kids’ accessories to practical items that make flying, road-tripping, and hotel stays easier.

Everything is Prime-eligible, so it ships fast (perfect for last-minute planners!) and has been tested on our own family adventures.

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10 Best Hotel Pools for Families in the U.S.

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Looking for the best hotel pools for your family? Whether you’re chasing sunshine in Hawaii or planning a spring break trip to Florida, these family-friendly hotels deliver next-level pool days, with lazy rivers, splash pads, and waterslides that kids never forget.

We’ve stayed at many of these spots ourselves, and despite long flights or forgotten stuffies, these pools somehow made the trip “the best ever.” From luxury resorts in Maui to points-friendly hotels in Palm Springs and Texas, here are the top family resorts with epic pools that are actually worth the hype.

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Best Hyatt hotels to use a Free Night Certificate in 2026

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If you have a Category 1–4 Hyatt free night certificate and are wondering where to use it, this guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up the best Hyatt hotels to use your free night certificate in 2026, including family-friendly resorts, boutique city stays, and hidden gems, each falling within Hyatt’s Category 1–4 limit.

Whether you’re eyeing Lisbon, Hawaii, Mexico City, or a storybook castle in Scotland, these hotels deliver exceptional value and unforgettable experiences. From personal picks like Hyatt Regency Tamaya to European favorites like Hyatt Regency Lisbon and Schloss Roxburghe, these are the stays that make your certificate feel like a true reward.

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