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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

I’ll guide you through how these cards help you earn points for free Hyatt stays, how to combine your points, and how to transfer them to Hyatt for booking—with tips specifically tailored for families on a budget. Why Hyatt Is Great for Families Hyatt is an excellent choice for families looking for comfort and value […]

If big trips feel out of reach — international flights, multiple hotel rooms, or family vacations during school breaks — these cards are one of the most efficient ways to earn a large balance of Chase Ultimate Rewards points — even if you don’t have what you consider a traditional business. Chase Ink Business cards […]

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 […]

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, […]

Getting outside and enjoying America’s National Parks is one of the best ways to explore nature and connect with your family. In order to use points and miles, flexibility and variety are key when booking accommodations. Check out a few of my favorite options below. As well as a way to save on National Park […]

This past May, my family of four went to Hawaii with my mom and aunt. We used points and miles to pay for our hotels, rental cars, and flights. It was an epic outdoor adventure! Flights / Transportation: I booked a set of one-way flights for this trip. We flew KC to Maui, Maui to Kona, […]