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. The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks for families who travel, giving your designated companion unlimited free flights (just pay taxes and fees) […]

Paying taxes is the actual worst, but if you play your cards right (ha! get it?), it can actually bring you an extra benefit. If you’re already sending a big chunk of money to the IRS, why not use that expense to earn a sign-up bonus, rack up points, or get closer to elite status so you can take that trip?

Vacation rentals can be a game-changer for families—more space, kitchens for cooking in, and room for everyone to relax. But one of the biggest questions I get is: Can you book these kinds of stays with points?

Planning a trip to Hawaii with a big family can feel like a dream—and a challenge. I remember the first time we looked into visiting, the hotel prices alone made me pause. But once we started using points, things changed. We booked five nights at a beachfront resort, skipped the resort fees, and still had money left for shave ice and snorkeling. That’s the kind of family trip I want every mom to know is possible.

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best travel perks available, letting you bring a companion on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. No blackout dates, no limits, and you can use it as many times as you want while it’s active. But what’s the best way to earn […]

The first time we flew Southwest Airlines as a family, I had no idea what to expect—and no clue that there wouldn’t be assigned seats. We had four little kids, a diaper bag explosion in the security line, and by the time we boarded, I was sweating and crossing my fingers we’d even get to sit together. Since then, we’ve flown Southwest more times than I can count—and I’ve learned a few tricks that have completely changed the experience.

When you’re traveling with kids, the little things—like legroom, snacks, and not paying a ton in fees—can make a huge difference. That’s why JetBlue has quietly become one of my favorite airlines for family travel. If you know how to use points and choose the right seats, JetBlue can be a great mix of comfort and value.

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.

Feeding a family on vacation can feel like a juggling act, and an expensive one at that. While staying at luxurious 5-star resorts booked with points is an incredible feeling, the sky-high food prices can quickly drain the budget. The great news? With a little planning, you can stretch your food budget a lot farther […]

Here’s the good news: once you understand how to transfer points to travel partners—like airlines or hotels—you unlock a whole new level of value. It might sound intimidating at first (I used to feel that way too), but once you do it once, it becomes second nature.