When we first started using points, I remember staring at our balance of 100,000 and wondering: how far can this actually take a family of six?

I had seen people use that many points for one first-class flight or two nights at a luxury hotel. But I knew there had to be a better way—especially if I wanted to stretch those points into real family vacations. And the good news? There absolutely is! We’ve used 100k points for a full week of hotel stays, roundtrip flights for four, or two rooms at a resort where my husband and I got our own room. That’s the magic of smart redemptions.

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.

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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!”

Frontier just launched a limited-time promotion they are calling ‘Divorce your old airline’ (ha ha) where you can book summer flights with a free carry-on bag and free seat selection—a rare deal for this ultra-low-cost airline.

If you’re here because you were trying to learn how to use Alaska Airlines miles, you are not behind — you’re just catching the middle of a big change.

Alaska’s loyalty program no longer exists under its old name.

The miles you used to earn through Alaska Airlines are now part of a new program called Atmos Rewards, which was created when Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines officially merged into one airline family.

Why I Always Save My Points for These Two Travel Programs One of the biggest frustrations with points and miles? Figuring out how to actually use them for good redemptions. Some airline and hotel programs make it unnecessarily complicated—blackout dates, unpredictable pricing, and sneaky fees can turn what should be a nearly free trip into […]

When I first started earning points for travel, I assumed booking flights with an airline’s own miles was the smartest move. Especially if you’ve been stockpiling Delta SkyMiles—it feels like a win, right? But the more I got into this world, the more I realized those miles aren’t always the best deal. In fact, Delta flights can often be booked for way fewer points through partner programs.

If you’ve ever had that moment where you’re staring at flight prices and wondering if your dream trip is even possible—been there. Especially with a big family, airfare can feel like the biggest barrier. That’s where the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club comes in. It’s one of the most underrated ways to stretch your points further—especially for international trips.