Traveling with family is always an adventure, but let’s be real: it can get expensive. Flights, hotels, rental cars, meals—everything adds up quickly. But this time, I was able to take my kids, my mom, and myself on an unforgettable trip to Sedona, Arizona without breaking the bank. How? Points and miles, baby!

Let me walk you through how I made it happen, and why you should consider using credit cards to rack up points for your next trip.

Pro Tip: If you missed my previous trip to Arizona and Utah National Parks + Sedona using points, check out my Arizona and Utah National Parks + Sedona on Points and Miles blog post for more tips on saving on travel! Plus, if you’re looking for some great swimming hole and hike suggestions for your next hot summer trip to Sedona, you’ll want to check out my post on The Best Swimming Holes in Sedona + How to Save Money with Points & Miles and the Red Rock Pass and Discover Family-Friendly Hikes Around Sedona, AZ: Exploring Coconino National Forest & Beyond .

Day 1: The Journey Begins—KC to Phoenix

Our adventure kicked off right after school when we boarded a Southwest flight from Kansas City to Phoenix. The best part? I used points and my Southwest Companion Pass to cover my flight, as well as the flights for my son, daughter, and mom. That’s four flights for the cost of one (plus taxes)! Without points, this family trip simply wouldn’t have been possible.

What’s the Southwest Companion Pass? It’s one of the best deals in the travel world. By earning a certain number of points in a calendar year, you get a free companion ticket for any Southwest flight. So, I’m not paying for my family’s flights – just taxes and fees. It’s a total game-changer.

Pro Tip: If you fly Southwest often, getting the Companion Pass should be a top priority. Earning points through credit card sign-ups or everyday spending will unlock free travel for you and a loved one.

Want my exact Southwest Companion Pass strategy? Grab my blog post here!

Car Rental Adventure: Points to the Rescue (Mostly)

When we arrived in Phoenix, I quickly realized my car rental wasn’t exactly where I thought it would be. I had booked with NU Car Rental, which was listed as an airport pickup, but we had to take a shuttle to a separate location. Not a huge deal, but it did add an hour of travel time, and the neighborhood seemed a bit sketchy.

Still, it didn’t stop us from hitting the road for Sedona. Without my Capital One Venture X business card, which offers an awesome travel credit, I don’t know how I would’ve covered the car rental. The travel credit is a great way to offset the card’s annual fee, and it helped make this trip even more affordable.

Hyatt: Free Nights, Big Savings

Once we arrived in Sedona, we checked into Hyatt Pinon Point, using three free night certificates I earned last year with my Hyatt Personal Card. That’s right—FREE nights!

These free night certificates are one of the best perks of the Hyatt card. Not only can you use points for flights, but you can also earn free hotel nights at beautiful properties like this one. We had a cozy room with a king bed, pull-out couch, and a small kitchen—perfect for our family. If you’re planning to stay at Hyatt properties, signing up for this card can help you earn free nights and maximize your travel rewards.

Ready to book your next Hyatt stay using points? Learn how to get $0 stays here.

Day 2: Exploring Sedona and More Freebies

Sedona is all about outdoor adventures, and we took full advantage of that! The kids and I took a shuttle to Cathedral Rock for a 2.5-hour hike, soaking in the stunning views and making priceless memories. Tip: Sedona offers a free trailhead shuttle service, which made parking much easier and saved us time!

After the hike, we stopped for ice cream at Rocky Roads (a hidden gem in West Sedona). Not only was the ice cream amazing, but I was thrilled by how affordable things were when you get away from the touristy areas near the resort. Another benefit of booking my stay with points? I saved money on food and drinks.

Looking for more fun activities in Sedona? Check out some of my favorite Viator tours including hiking adventures, jeep tours, and horseback riding to make the most of your trip!

Day 3: More Fun, More Free Stuff

By day three, we were fully embracing the Sedona vibe. We hit up The Coffee Pot for breakfast (huge, delicious meals for about $70 for four people), which perfectly demonstrates how free breakfast at your hotel can save you tons while traveling with kids.

We also hiked Devil’s Bridge, which involved a lot of uphill scrambling. My son loved it, but let’s just say Devil’s Bridge definitely gave me a workout. Afterward, we spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool, taking advantage of the free kids’ activities at the resort, and even playing pickleball with rackets provided by the hotel.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to tacos at Sedona Organic Taco Co., and let me tell you—they were amazing!

Wrapping Up: How Points Made This Trip Possible

By the end of our trip, I had used points and miles for everything from flights and hotels to car rentals and meals. Here’s a quick recap of how I made it all happen:

• Flights: I used Southwest points + Companion Pass for free flights (minus taxes and fees).
• Hotel: I redeemed Hyatt Free Night certificates (earned with the Hyatt Personal Card) for three nights at a beautiful Sedona property.
• Car Rental: A mix of points and travel credits from my Capital One Venture X card helped cover the car rental costs.
• Food: Free breakfast at the hotel saved us a lot of money, and we enjoyed free activities at the resort, like the pool and pickleball.

None of this would have been possible without points and miles. If you’re not already collecting points, you’re missing out on incredible travel opportunities. It’s not about spending more; it’s about spending smarter and earning rewards that let you travel for less.

How You Can Get Started:

The best part is that you don’t have to be a frequent flyer to start earning points! Consider signing up for credit cards that offer solid welcome bonuses. Many cards will give you hundreds of dollars in free travel just for meeting a minimum spending requirement. Plus, if you’re strategic, you can earn free nights at hotels, flights, and more!

Want to learn how to start earning points and travel for less? Grab my FREE beginner’s guide to maximizing points and miles here!

Bonus: Hot Summer Sedona Tips

If you’re heading to Sedona during the hot summer months, don’t miss my guide to Sedona’s best swimming holes! It’s packed with hidden gems where you can cool off and relax with the family. From quiet creekside spots to natural water slides, these places are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Happy travels!

Thank you!

As you plan your incredible Sedona adventure, remember that using my affiliate links when booking activities I recommend or opening credit cards helps support Points and Miles Teachers at no extra cost to you. Ready to open you next card? Send me a DM on IG or visit my best offers page located at the top of my site.

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