Acadia National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder situated along the rugged coast of Maine. The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including rocky beaches, dense forests, soaring peaks, and tranquil lakes. To explore this stunning destination, you can start by flying into Portland, Maine, which offers a picturesque arrival. From there, you can […]

Palm Springs is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s equal parts relaxation and adventure. For more details, check out my saved highlights on IG @pointsandmilesteachers Flights / Transportation: Roundtrip Kansas City (MCI) to Palm Springs using our Southwest Companion Passes and points. The cost for the 4 of us to […]

Glacier National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, offering crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking views. If you’re planning a trip to Montana, visiting Glacier National Park should be on your must-visit list. Last summer, my family and I decided to take a road trip from Kansas City to explore this beautiful place, and it was a trip to remember. We stayed at Homewood Suites in Kalispell using Hilton points, which turned out to be a great choice as our room had a separate bedroom and a full kitchen. We went on some fantastic hikes, including the 3.1-mile out-and-back trail near Siyeh Bend, Montana, The Trail of the Cedars, and Avalanche Lake. We also enjoyed kayaking on Lake McDonald and Flathead Lake, watching wildlife, and taking the Two Medicine Lake boat tour. We wrapped up our trip with a night of car camping at St. Mary’s Campground, which provided us with an in-nature experience and a chance to appreciate the park’s beauty.

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Known for its geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, Yellowstone is a must-visit destination for any traveler.  If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, here are five sites you shouldn’t miss and tips on how to do it on points. […]

I love taking my family on National Park trips, whether via a road trip or flying into the nearest hotel. Using points to cover your hotel stay is a great way to decrease the cost of your trip extensively. Here’s a list of properties from Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott located near various national parks, […]

If you’re a Marriott fan, you’ll be excited to know about the new American Express Marriott co-branded offer. This offer awards you with 5 free night certificates that you can use for a night up to 50,000 points per night. But how can you best utilize this offer and get the most out of it? […]

This is part of a 10-day semi-road trip in Washington. My mom, two kids, and I flew into Seattle. We stayed just outside Mt. Rainier National Park, in Seattle, and Olympic National Park. This will cover the Olympic National Park portion. Flights / Transportation: Roundtrip MCI to Seattle-Tacoma International using our Southwest Companion Passes and […]

We recently returned from an epic road trip through Arizona and Utah. Along the way, we stopped at Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks, tons of little state parks, and National Forest spots near Sedona, and on our way back to Las Vegas to catch our flight, we made a pit stop at the […]