134. 2025 Points & Miles Changes You Need to Know
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Release Date: 06/24/2025
161. Looking Forward to 2026: New Cards and Our Travel Plans
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
What are your travel plans for 2026, and how are you using points and miles to make them happen? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess share their exciting plans for the upcoming year. From safaris in Tanzania to river cruises in France, they break down how they’re using credit card rewards to book these dream trips and maximize their points. The Squad dives into their strategies for the year, discussing the cards they plan to open and which ones they’ll be canceling. You’ll also hear about their 2026 trips already booked, including luxury stays and...
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160. 2025 Year in Review: The Cards We Opened and Our Points-Fueled Trips
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
What were the highlights this year for award travel for the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess take you through their year of points and miles. The Squad walks through their card openings, closures, and the strategies they used to earn millions of points. They also share how they used those points for family vacations, girls' trips, and more. From Bora Bora to Iceland to Japan, the Squad discusses the destinations they traveled to and how they turned their points into memorable experiences. Tune in hear who opened nine new credit cards, who...
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159. Three Disney Cruises, Three Perspectives: Which Ship is Right for You? (Part 2)
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
What should you consider when choosing between Disney’s newest Wish class ships? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to continue their comparison of the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. After sharing first impressions in part one, they now dive into the experiences that shape your trip once you’re onboard, from pool decks and waterslides to room locations, ship layouts, and how the itineraries differ. You will also learn about Disney Cruise pricing, how to plan the travel around your sailing, and which strategies can help reduce...
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158. Three Disney Cruises, Three Perspectives: Discovering the New Disney Ships (Part 1)
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
What should you expect when you step onto Disney’s newest Wish class ships for the very first time? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Megan to compare their recent sailings on the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. They share their first impressions of each ship and explore how the theming, atmosphere, and design shape the experience from the moment you enter the grand hall. They highlight the major elements that stood out during their sailings, including the overall vibe of each ship, the stateroom layouts, the dining options, the...
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157. Traveling With Toddlers vs. Teens on Points and Miles
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Have you ever wondered whether it is easier to travel with toddlers or teens when you are using points and miles to explore the world as a family? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Traci as they share what they have learned from years of traveling with kids at every age. They talk honestly about the joys and challenges that come with each stage, from managing nap schedules to giving older kids more independence on the road. You will hear real stories about tantrums in beautiful places, long flights with little ones, and the practical benefits of traveling...
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156. All About Marriott Bonvoy®: Earning Points, Free Nights, and Luxury Stays
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Is Marriott Bonvoy® the secret to luxury hotel stays, or just another confusing points program? In this episode, Alex and Pam break down how to earn, redeem, and maximize Marriott Bonvoy® points. They simplify the complex credit card options and eligibility rules, covering strategies for earning points, using free-night certificates, and enjoying luxury hotel stays. Alex and Pam walk through each Marriott credit card option, explaining the value of free-night certificates and why they often provide better returns than simply accumulating points. Whether you’re...
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155. End-of-Year Checklist: Credits, Perks & Expiring Rewards
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Have you used all your card credits and perks before the year ends? With the holidays approaching and schedules getting busier, it’s easy to forget about valuable benefits waiting to be redeemed. From shopping and dining credits to free night certificates and travel perks, there’s still time to make sure nothing goes unused. In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess walk through an end-of-year checklist to help you review the benefits and rewards that often expire on December 31. They share strategies for maximizing annual, semi-annual, and quarterly credits, tips for...
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A Special Announcement...
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
This short bonus episode comes with an important update from the Squad. After an unexpected curveball and a lot of behind-the-scenes work, Alex, Pam, and Jess share what’s been happening and why this moment marks the start of a new chapter. You’ll hear why they made this decision, what it means for the podcast and the community, and what isn’t changing as they move forward. Press play to hear the full story and the official announcement. You can find the updated Points Talk Squad website here: Points Talk is also on YouTube! You can...
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154. Top Destinations for Girls’ Trips on Points
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Do you need help planning a girls' trip that feels luxurious but doesn’t drain your wallet or your points balance? Whether you picture spa days in the desert, shopping weekends in big cities, or a European escape filled with good food and laughter, The Points Talk Squad shares their favorite types of getaways and how to make them happen using points and miles. In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess talk about how they plan and book their own girls' trips, from choosing destinations and coordinating flights to dividing hotel stays and keeping things simple when friends have...
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153. Switzerland on Points: Jess’s Jungfrau & Zurich Adventure
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to visit Switzerland without spending a fortune? From business-class flights booked on points to scenic train rides through the Alps, Jess shares how she planned a stunning mother-daughter trip that balanced comfort, adventure, and strategy in one unforgettable experience. In this episode, she breaks down how she used points and miles for flights and hotels, navigated Switzerland’s complex train and cable car system, and found smart ways to save on food and transportation. Whether you’re planning your first trip to...
info_outlineMajor shifts in lounge access, baggage fees, and loyalty programs are reshaping the landscape of travel rewards in 2025. With summer travel quickly approaching, the Travel Mom Squad is here to break down what these changes mean for solo and family travelers planning their vacations.
In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the most significant changes announced so far this year. You will learn which credit cards are still worth keeping despite the changes, how to make the most of the new restrictions, and the strategic moves travelers should make before key deadlines arrive. The Travel Mom Squad shares their personal decisions on which cards they’re keeping, canceling, or adding to their wallets, along with insider tips on navigating the evolving world of airline loyalty programs.
You can find links to the hotels, tours, and other resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: travelmomsquad.com/134
Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: travelmomsquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/
The Travel Mom Squad is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@travelmomsquad
Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/travelmomsquad