Before heading to Acadia National Park, spend a day or two soaking up the charm of Portland, Maine. This coastal city shines in fall with cobblestone streets, cozy coffee shops, and some of the best seafood in New England. From the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse to the food stalls and breweries downtown, Portland is the […]

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 […]

Planning a Lake Tahoe family getaway? If you’re anything like me, you don’t have time to spend hours scrolling through Pinterest, TripAdvisor, and a dozen blogs just to figure out what’s actually worth doing with kids. That’s why I put together this Lake Tahoe itinerary for families—complete with scenic hikes, bike rides, local eats, and […]

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 […]

In December, my family of four headed to New York City for a festive holiday getaway — and get this — we paid less than $50 out-of-pocket for our flights and hotel thanks to points and miles! From the nostalgic window displays at Macy’s Herald Square to the twinkling lights at the Columbus Circle Holiday […]

When I first started planning our family trip to Europe, one country took priority above all others—Switzerland. Its alpine charm, turquoise lakes, and fairytale towns have long called to me, and I knew everything else on our itinerary would have to revolve around it. Thanks to strategic use of points and miles, we experienced the […]

If you’ve spent time in Kansas City (or live here like me), you know how special this place is. But did you know you can use points and miles to experience it all without breaking the bank? Whether you’re visiting or exploring KC for the first time, you can enjoy everything from BBQ to cultural […]

For my husband’s 40th birthday, we decided to throw together a last-minute trip to Napa Valley—and wow, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made! Napa is the perfect destination if you love great wine, delicious food, and scenic views. And the best part? I was able to use points and […]

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, but let’s be honest—it’s not cheap. Flights, hotels, and activities can add up quickly. But what if you could visit Hawaii for a fraction of the cost using points and miles? With the right credit card strategy, you can book flights and hotels for […]

The Island of Hawaii, or the Big Island, is a place like no other, where adventure, culture, and natural beauty come together to create unforgettable experiences. From pristine beaches to volcanic landscapes, there’s something for everyone. During our stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, we had the perfect home base to explore it all. Let […]