160. 2025 Year in Review: The Cards We Opened and Our Points-Fueled Trips
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Release Date: 12/23/2025
166. Airport Lounge Access for Families in 2026
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
How are you navigating the new rules for airport lounge access? With major changes impacting families in 2026, this episode breaks down what you need to know about the evolving lounge access landscape. The removal of free guest access and the introduction of fees for authorized users could significantly affect your travel experience. While the loss of free guest access is a tough pill to swallow, there are still options to make the most of your lounge access. In this episode, we explore which cards are still family-friendly, the impact of these changes on your travel...
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165. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of 2025 in Points and Miles
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Do you feel overwhelmed by the constant changes in the points and miles world? In this episode, we break down everything that happened in 2025, from exciting new card releases to some challenging policy changes. Whether you're feeling discouraged by the negative headlines or wondering if this hobby is still worth it, we’re here to reassure you that there are still plenty of opportunities to earn points and travel nearly free. We’ll share our personal experiences with the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2025. You’ll learn which new cards are worth keeping, how...
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164. Cards That Have a Permanent Spot in Our Wallets in 2026
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
How do you decide which credit cards actually earn a permanent spot in your wallet? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess break down the cards they plan to carry daily in 2026 and the thinking behind those choices. Instead of chasing every new offer, they focus on what truly supports their real-life spending, travel habits, and priorities. The Squad walks through the factors that matter most when choosing everyday cards, like whether they are working on minimum spend, earning flexible rewards, or keeping things simple with no-thinking options. Whether your goal...
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163. Booking Award Travel and Business Class Deals with Thrifty Traveler
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
Do you get overwhelmed booking award travel, especially business class flights? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Gunnar Olson and Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler to talk through what really goes into finding great award opportunities. They share how they each got started with points and miles, how they approach finding strong redemptions today, and how deal alerts can support trip planning without requiring you to constantly search on your own. The conversation explores the types of routes, programs, and business class products that still tend to offer...
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162. Our Stories and First Trips on Points
Points Talk®: Your Travel Dreams, Made Possible by Points
How did Alex, Pam, and Jess go from confusion about points and miles to becoming the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, they each share their personal journeys into the world of award travel. From initial curiosity to their first unforgettable trips, they discuss how discovering points and miles changed the way they travel. You’ll hear how each of them navigated the learning curve, discovered the thrill of maximizing rewards, and shaped their travel experiences in a new way. Listen in for their stories of overcoming confusion, finding the right strategies, and...
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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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You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/160
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