Valdez doesn’t end up on most first-time Alaska itineraries. It sits at the end of its own highway, tucked between mountains that make the American Rockies look like foothills, and getting there means deliberately driving away from the places everyone else is going. That’s exactly what made it worth it for us. We spent four […]

We just spent 8 days in Alaska as a family of four. Two teachers, two kids, no cruise ship, and the biggest costs covered with points and miles. We watched orcas and fin whales from the deck of a boat in Kenai Fjords National Park. We kayaked across Resurrection Bay to a remote beach and […]

My husband and I are teachers in the Kansas City area. For a long time, a trip like this — Zion, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona — felt completely out of reach. But points and miles changed everything, and this is the exact trip we took our family of four on […]

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If you’ve ever priced out a national park trip and thought, “Wait… how is this supposed to be the affordable vacation?” you’re not alone. National parks feel like they should be simple. But once you add flights, a rental car, and lodging near the park entrance, the cost climbs fast—especially for families. I’m Nicole, a […]

Seattle marked both the beginning and end of our 10-day Washington road trip. We flew into Seattle, drove straight to Mount Rainier National Park, spent several days exploring Olympic National Park, and finished our trip back in the city. Our final stop was everything we needed — a comfy stay at the Hyatt Place Seattle […]

There’s something magical about seeing Mount Rainier for the first time — that massive, snow-covered volcano rising out of the clouds doesn’t look real until you’re standing at its base. For our family’s 10-day Washington adventure, we flew into Seattle, spent a few days exploring Mount Rainier National Park, crossed the ferry to Olympic National […]

Bar Harbor is the ultimate home base for exploring Acadia National Park. This charming seaside town blends cozy small-town energy with incredible access to hiking trails, lighthouses, and ocean views. Whether you’re walking the Bar Harbor Shore Path, watching the sunset from Cadillac Mountain, or eating popovers at Jordan Pond House, this 3-day Bar Harbor […]

Looking for a Santa Barbara family getaway with a unique twist? Combine a stay at a beachfront Hyatt, a ferry ride packed with marine wildlife, and sea cave kayaking at Channel Islands National Park for an adventure you’ll never forget. This trip was extra special because we booked most of it using points and miles […]

Are you looking for a road trip that’s packed with outdoor adventures, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly fun, all without breaking the bank? Rapid City, South Dakota, is the perfect base for exploring the Black Hills region, with tons of activities that are easy on your wallet. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, spotting wildlife, or enjoying […]