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 […]

There’s a new transfer bonus available for a limited time! Through November 6, 2025, Chase is offering a 25% bonus when you transfer Ultimate Rewards® points to Southwest Rapid Rewards®. That means every 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points becomes 1,250 Southwest Rapid Rewards® points. Transfers generally process within one business day, though they can take […]

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 […]

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 […]

One of my favorite parts of this hobby? Helping my family travel like they deserve—without paying full price. My sister and her husband recently took a long weekend to Philadelphia, and thanks to smart points strategies, they paid just $22 total for flights and hotel. Here’s how they booked it—and what made it one of […]

If you want to unlock incredible travel savings for nearly two full years, this guide will walk you through the process of earning and maximizing the Southwest Companion Pass, including the newest changes. Why Fly Southwest? Before diving into the Companion Pass, here are some standout perks of flying Southwest Airlines: Important 2025 Update: Basic […]

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 […]

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 […]