Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

• 127. Would You Rather!? – Points Talk Edition

  This week’s episode is a little different—and a lot of fun. Jess, Pam, and Alex are joined by Traci for a special game of Would You Rather!? – Points Talk Edition. Traci challenges the squad with a lineup of delightfully diabolical travel questions designed to reveal where they really stand when it comes to their points and airline preferences, personal travel quirks, and loyalty trade-offs. From Business Class Woes to Economy Wins The episode kicks off with a tough one: would you rather have a lie-flat seat in business class next to an annoying stranger, or an entire economy row to yourself? At least one of the squad's answers will probably surprise you! Individual Perks vs. Points Value: Globalist or the Award Chart? Next, Traci challenges the group with Hyatt’s ultimate tradeoff: would you rather have lifetime Globalist status or a guaranteed fixed award chart for 20 years? Is there dissent or do Alex, Jess, and Pam all come down on the same side on this one? Real-Life Dilemmas and Points Preferences From there, the questions get personal: Learn about Alex's secret grocery-store card confession. Would Jess rather stay at a Park Hyatt in a city she doesn't like (Venice) or a Holiday Inn Express in a city she loves (Tokyo)?  Would Alex rather have her beloved Southwest® Companion Pass or 600,000 Hyatt points?  Would Pam choose only domestic luxury travel or international budget travel if she could only choose one?  Tough Transfers & Redemption Realities The squad also weighs in on (and disagrees about) transferring highly valued points with or without bonuses. Nice Problems to Have They also daydream about future loyalty-program changes they'd love to see, like new Citi cards, United partnering with a second bank, and Capital One adding Alaska as a partner. (A girl can dream!)   The Great Collectibles Debate: Ducks or Houses? The episode ends on a light note, with the squad picking which flight souvenirs they'd rather have (rubber ducks or Delft houses) and which ones they'd be more likely to try to get permission to pinch.  This episode is full of laughs, strong opinions, and lots of travel daydreaming. Hit play now and see which “would you rather” choices you agree with—and which ones you totally wouldn’t! 🎙️✈️   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute by Minute: 00:30 – Welcome + how the game works 01:00 – Business class vs. economy row showdown 04:00 – Globalist vs. award chart test 07:00 – Grocery points dilemma 10:00 – Jess’s hotel showdown 12:00 – Pam's domestic luxury or international budget stays 14:00 – Companion Pass or Hyatt points? 16:30 – Pop-up jail vs. 7/24 status 19:00 – 100K airline-only points or 60K flexible points? 20:00 – Business class: food or bedding 23:00 – Dream program changes 26:00 – Fun fantasy airline partnerships 31:00 – Transfer bonus dilemma 36:00 – KLM vs. Lufthansa souvenirs 39:00 – Turkish Airlines vs. Virgin Atlantic souvenirs

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• 126. Jess’s Family Trip to Japan on Points—Spring Break for $200?!

  In this episode, Jess takes us step-by-step through her family’s spring break trip to Japan—a points and miles masterpiece that cost just $200 total out of pocket for four round-trip flights and multiple hotel stays. From first class flights to washer/dryers in hotel rooms, this trip had it all. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, bullet trains, or Hello Kitty cafés, this episode is packed with tips for making Japan happen—without breaking the bank. Flying to Japan in Style with AA Miles Jess booked her family’s flights using American Airlines miles, flying on Japan Airlines from Chicago to Tokyo, and shares her tips for snagging first-class saver award seats, business-class seats, and also premium-economy seats.  Staying in Tokyo, Family Style For the Tokyo leg, Jess chose the Hyatt House Shibuya, a new property that has quickly become her top recommendation for families.  Kyoto on a Budget with Hyatt Place After Tokyo, the family took the bullet train to Kyoto and stayed at the Hyatt Place Kyoto, a Category 2 gem offering amazing value.  Activities included exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine, tasting local snacks at Nishiki Market, and spending several hours with deer at Nara Park—Molly’s favorite part of the trip! Luxury Final Night at the Conrad Tokyo For their final night, Jess used Hilton free-night certificates to stay at the Conrad Tokyo, a luxury property with top-tier service. From Hello Kitty water bottles at checkout to executive-lounge cocktails, it was the perfect way to end the trip. Jess doesn’t recommend it for the location alone, but if you’ve got free night certificates, she says it’s 100% worth it. A trip to Japan for a family of four with flights and hotels for $200? This is the power of points and miles. Hit play now and hear how Jess pulled it off—and how you can too. Links: Points Talk Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free: How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free - https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/ Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-house/en-US/tyoxs-hyatt-house-tokyo-shibuya Hyatt Place Kyoto Review: Hyatt Place Kyoto Review - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/hyatt-place-kyoto-review/ SmartEx App (for Shinkansen tickets): Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Internet - https://smart-ex.jp/en/app/download/index.html Reservation Service | Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Internet Reservation Service - https://smart-ex.jp/en/app/download/index.html Voice Map app: Walking Tour App » VoiceMap - https://voicemap.me/walking-tour-app Cat rescue cafe: Home | 宿木カフェ＆レストラン - https://www.yadorigicafe.com Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Flights to Japan: AA miles, upgrades, and flight tricks 07:00 – Booking first class seats and handling premium economy changes 12:00 – Transportation in Tokyo and using transit cards for kids 16:00 – Hyatt House Shibuya: why it’s perfect for families 23:00 – Favorite Tokyo experiences: TeamLab, shopping streets, latte art & cat cafés 29:00 – Kyoto stay at Hyatt Place + must-dos like Nara Park and local markets 36:00 – Final night at Conrad Tokyo with Hilton free-night certificates 42:00 – Recap of highlights, family takeaways, and why Jess is ready to go back

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• Sneak Peek Inside Points Talk Premium: Ask Us Anything

  In this sneak peek from Points Talk Premium, we’re giving you a taste of one of our monthly  “Ask Us Anything” episodes—where we answer real questions from our subscribers about using points and miles to travel smarter. Subscribe to Points Talk Premium for full access to monthly deep-dive tips, behind-the-scenes content, and personalized Q&As. Subscribe Now: https://pointstalk.supercast.com

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• 125. TMS Heads South of the Border—Points-Powered Trips to Mexico & Honduras

  In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad is heading south! Jess shares her birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Pam and Alex walk us through their tropical getaway to Roatán, Honduras. From charming colonial cities to vibrant beachside resorts, both of these escapes were powered by points and miles—and they’re breaking down exactly how you can do it, too. Jess’s San Miguel de Allende Birthday Getaway For her birthday, Jess wanted a trip that was cute, walkable, and filled with culture—and San Miguel de Allende checked all the boxes. She used points to book her flights and free nights at a boutique hotel that had cash rates of $800/night—a steal!  Jess shared how San Miguel felt totally different from places like Cancun—more Spanish-speaking, with rooftop restaurants, cobblestone streets, and an artsy vibe. She loved practicing her Spanish and appreciated how kid-friendly the town was (though leave the stroller at home). Highlights included a rooftop pool, the hotel’s mascot dog Pancho (who even has his own Instagram), and a standout breakfast. Pro tip: order the San Miguel–style eggs! Roatán with Pam & Alex: Direct Flights & Island Vibes Pam and Alex flew to Roatán using United miles and IHG points. They started their stay in a bungalow—secluded, rustic, and quiet—then upgraded mid-trip to a Premium Ocean View room in the newer building.  Beach Time, Dining, and That Sweet Island Energy Roatán was a totally different vibe—bustling but beautiful. From colorful buildings to locals selling snacks on the beach, Pam and Alex loved the laid-back charm. Highlights included hotel spa visits, hospitality hours, and free snorkel gear and kayaks, plus great dining spots in town. Even when the resort was at maximum capacity, it still felt relaxing and fun. Alex and Pam both liked this resort even better than the Kimpton Grand Cayman, which is high praise! If you’re dreaming of warm weather and want a new destination to add to your points wish list, this episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and a few laughs. Tune in and start planning your own tropical escape! ☀️🌴   Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Webinar: https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation/ Numu Hotel: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/numu/bjxub Kimpton Grand Roatán: https://www.grandroatanresortandspa.com/us/en   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Intro: Why we love heading south in the winter with points 01:00 – Jess’s birthday trip to San Miguel de Allende 04:00 – Booking with Aeroplan and staying at Numu Boutique Hotel 07:00 – Tips for families, babywearing, and rooftop culture 13:00 – Room service prices, local food, and practicing Spanish 15:00 – Pam & Alex’s flight and IHG hotel booking for Roatán 21:00 – Room types: bungalow vs. ocean view 27:00 – Resort highlights, spa, and food options 34:00 – Beach-chair drama and family-friendly vibes 42:00 – Comparing Kimptons 46:30 – Why we’d go back—and why you should go!

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• 124. All About the IHG Hotel Program

  In this episode, we’re diving deep into IHG One Rewards—a hotel program that often flies under the radar but has serious potential. From practical Holiday Inns to luxury Kimptons and InterContinentals, we’re sharing our experiences using IHG points and free-night awards, how we earn them, and why buying IHG points (yes, buying!) can actually be a smart move. What Even Is IHG? Before diving into points and miles, most of us didn’t even know IHG was the brand behind properties like Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, and InterContinental. Jess shares how she earned free IHG stays back in the day by mailing in 90 index cards, and Pam tells how she thought Crowne Plazas were the height of luxury before she knew the full IHG lineup. IHG Credit Cards: What to Know Alex breaks down the three different IHG credit card options and how their benefits stack up so you can decide which one might work best for you.  She also outlines two of the unique benefits that make two of these cards a great deal: getting a fourth night free on award stays and earning free-night certificates you can top up. Buying IHG Points Can Actually Make Sense Pam shares why she regularly buys IHG points—especially during 100% bonus sales—for heavily discounted stays at high-end IHG properties. She calls it a “no-brainer,” and Jess agrees—IHG is one of the only programs where buying points often makes sense. Where We’ve Used IHG Points and Awards From a Kimpton in Barcelona, to airport Holiday Inns, to a Crowne Plaza in Bruges, we share how we’ve stretched our points and free-night certificates. Jess highlights how easy it is to top off a 40k free-night certificate online, and Alex reminds everyone about the best ways to book longer stays for couples. We also discuss: IHG status levels Using certificates online (a breeze!) The IHG brands we love most Our dream stays: Six Senses, Kimpton in Sydney, and Hotel Indigo Galápagos Links: All About IHG Credit Cards: All About IHG Credit Cards - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/ihg-revamps-credit-cards Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? Purchasing IHG Points: Does It Make Sense? - Travel Mom Squad - https://travelmomsquad.com/purchasing-ihg-points-does-it-make-sense/ Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Our intro to IHG 03:00 – What cards we’ve had and what we recommend 06:45 – The best perks and status levels with IHG cards 09:30 – Why we buy IHG points (and how it saves $$$) 13:30 – Free-night certificates and how to use them wisely 18:00 – Where we’ve stayed using IHG points and awards 21:00 – The brands we love: Kimpton, Indigo, InterContinental 26:00 – Favorite past stays + the IHG hotels we want to try next If you’ve been sleeping on IHG, take another look. Whether you’re after practical one-night stays or a luxury resort getaway, there’s more value here than you think. 🎧 Tune in now and start planning your next points-powered stay.

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