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The tools I use every week to track our points, organize cards, and make sure we never miss a deal. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep it all straight, these are for you.
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I used to believe a dream trip to Kauai with our family of six would stay just that—a dream. Between flights, hotels, and food, we were staring at a price tag at around $15,000. Not exactly in the budget for a family of six. But once I discovered how to stack travel rewards, everything changed.
I used to believe a dream trip to Kauai with our family of six would stay just that—a dream. Between flights, hotels, and food, we were staring at a price tag at around $15,000. Not exactly in the budget for a family of six. But once I discovered how to stack travel rewards, everything changed.
You carefully booked the perfect flights for your family trip. Then weeks (or even months) later, that dreaded email hits your inbox:
“Your Southwest flight schedule has changed.”
Flying budget airlines with kids might sound like a disaster waiting to happen—but it doesn’t have to be. On one of our recent trips, I had all four kids, snacks, tablets, and backpacks in tow. We boarded a low-cost airline, and honestly? It was one of the smoothest flights we’ve ever had. The trick is knowing what to pack (and what not to), and which travel hacks and credit cards will help get you there without overspending.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. “How Are Families Affording […]
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. The Travel Mess […]
If you’ve spent any time in the points and miles world, you’ve probably heard that transferring points to travel partners usually gets you the best value—and that’s true. But as a mom booking travel for a whole family, I know that maximizing every cent per point doesn’t always work out in real life. Sometimes, using points to erase travel purchases or book through a travel portal actually makes more sense.
I used to think taking my entire family of six on a tropical vacation in the middle of winter would cost us $10,000 or more. Flights alone felt out of reach, especially when I started adding in food and two hotel rooms. Then I started using points the way they were meant to be used.
Hawaii is a bucket list trip for so many families—and for good reason. The beaches, volcanoes, and island adventures feel a world away, but you don’t need a passport to get there. The catch? Flights to Hawaii can be pricey, especially when you’re booking for a whole family. That’s why using points strategically can make this trip go from “maybe someday” to “booked!”
There’s something really satisfying about checking into a hotel where you’re staying for free—especially when it’s somewhere you’d never want to pay cash for. IHG One Rewards points can make that happen, and while they don’t always get as much attention as some other hotel points, they can still unlock great value—especially when you know how to get the most from IHG points with kids.
Not every credit card stays the right fit forever. Maybe the annual fee no longer makes sense, the rewards don’t match how you spend, or a better card has caught your eye. When that happens, you have a few options: downgrade to a no-fee version, change to a different rewards type/bank, or cancel and open something new. Each choice affects your credit history, your rewards, and your wallet differently, and knowing which move to make can save you real money.
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Ready to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable family travel? This 4-part course is your step-by-step guide to earning free flights and hotel stays using credit card points. Whether you're just curious and want to start with one section, or you're all in and ready for the full bundle, there's an option that fits your pace. Enroll once and get lifetime updates, plus access to a private Facebook group where moms just like you share tips, wins, and support. This isn’t just a course—it’s a total mindset shift for how your family travels.
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Not every credit card stays the right fit forever. Maybe the annual fee no longer makes sense, the rewards don’t match how you spend, or a better card has caught your eye. When that happens, you have a few options: downgrade to a no-fee version, change to a different rewards type/bank, or cancel and open something new. Each choice affects your credit history, your rewards, and your wallet differently, and knowing which move to make can save you real money.
