Whether you’re just getting started with Hyatt or already earning points from your everyday spending, how to earn and use Hyatt free night certificates is something that is important to understand. Once you know how to earn them (and how to maximize them), they can turn an ordinary weekend into a nearly free family getaway.

I talk to so many moms who’ve done the work — signed up for the cards, tracked the bonuses, built up big balances — and then freeze when it’s time to actually spend them. Because what if you “waste” them? What if a better deal comes later?

Here’s the truth: those points were never meant to live in an account. They were meant to turn into memories.

We flew to Italy on points for our 17-year anniversary. Here’s how we booked business class using 60K points instead of $2,800 per ticket.

Last winter I was numbing out by scrolling on my phone, and I decided to look through flight prices for our family of six. Everything was SO EXPENSIVE. Out of frustration I typed “Anywhere” into Google Flights, and discovered its hidden Explore tab. Suddenly, I could see flights to places I hadn’t even considered, with live prices on a map. Using Google Flights explore to save has changed the way we plan.

We’ve all been there, you’ve had a long flight and everyone is tired. Instead of getting the keys and leaving the airport, you hit the dreaded line at the rental counter. It’s moving slower than the DMV, yet the drop in your patience level is accelerating. Then you remember that I taught you how to skip the rental car line with your credit card perks, and the the beginning of your trip becomes a breeze instead of a burden.

I still remember the first time I used a travel credit card to get my whole family into a lounge. My kids were munching on free snacks, my husband grabbed a crispy Diet Coke, and I finally got to sit in peace for five minutes. That little pocket of calm made the whole travel day easier all because I knew the best airport lounge access credit cards for families.

*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.* I’ve never loved paying cash for flights, and that’s a huge reason I dove headfirst into points and miles. But even with a good stash of rewards, […]

Learn how to rent timeshare condos without owning one—no presentations, no contracts. Get family-sized resort stays for less in Hawaii, Orlando, and more.

Hotels at Disney can really mean the difference between being able to take the vacation… and not. Here’s a list of great options for both Disneyland and Disney World.

Streamline your travel experience by holding the right credit cards to skip the line!