After a few action-packed days exploring San Francisco, we slowed things down for the most peaceful stretch of our California road trip — three nights in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. This was the midpoint between the big-city buzz up north and the theme-park energy waiting for us down south. It ended up being our favorite part […]

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 […]

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 […]

Planning a family getaway to Maui can seem like an expensive dream, but let me show you how my family of four, along with my mom and aunt, made it a reality using points and miles! We had an unforgettable 5-day adventure, filled with epic hikes, snorkeling, incredible food, and luxury accommodations—all without breaking the […]

If you’ve ever dreamed of a luxurious vacation where you can relax in style without breaking the bank, I’m about to show you how you can make it a reality. What if I told you that staying in beautiful resorts and enjoying unforgettable experiences in the Florida Keys could be yours—all by using points and […]

Traveling on a budget is all about smart strategies, and rental cars are one area where you can save big! Whether you’re going on a family vacation, or a road trip with friends, rental cars can quickly become one of the priciest parts of your trip. But with a little know-how, you can reduce—or even […]

Acadia National Park in fall is a bucket-list destination for families—think golden forests, crisp air, and views that stretch from the ocean to mountain peaks. Whether you’re hiking the Jordan Pond Path, watching waves crash at Thunder Hole, or catching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, this guide highlights the best things to do in Acadia […]

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 […]

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Pacific Northwest’s towering forests, misty beaches, and mountain peaks all in one trip — Olympic National Park delivers. My mom, my two kids, and I explored it as part of a 10-day semi–road trip through Washington, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We flew into Seattle, […]

Rental cars can be an expensive part of travel. Some sites like Autoslash and companies like Costco and AAA offer discounted rates. The NEA is a teacher union that provides up to 30% discounts on rental cars. Your company or industry may have something similar. Using your Capital One Venture X card, you can also use […]