Best Alex Pam And Jess Podcasts (2025)

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151. Battle of Premium Cards: Value vs. Cost and Our Top Picks (Part 2) 35:25

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6d ago35:25

35:25

Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week’s episode, The Travel Mom Squad digs into the true value behind four of the most popular premium cards. They look beyond the price tags to compare how these cards perform when you factor in credits, perks, and everyday usability. From easy-to-redeem travel…

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150. Battle of Premium Cards: Rewards, Earning Power, and Perks (Part 1) 43:40

13d ago43:40

43:40

Which premium credit card is really worth it for your travel style and spending habits? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad put four of the top-tier cards head-to-head. They break down the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the brand-new Citi Strata Elite℠, exploring the earning potential, perks, …

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149. Micro-Trips: Short Getaways With Mega Value 29:54

16d ago29:54

29:54

By Travel Mom Squad: Travel on Credit Card Points

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148. Break These Popular Award Travel "Rules" 30:39

26d ago30:39

30:39

The world of points and miles can feel overwhelming when everyone has an opinion on the “right” way to do things. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad break down common travel rewards advice and show why it doesn’t always apply to every traveler. From what counts as smart redemptions to how to prioritize your points, they give you permission to ig…

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147. Staying at the Miraval Arizona All-Inclusive Wellness Resort on Points 40:30

1M ago40:30

40:30

Does a getaway to a wellness resort seem like an unattainable luxury? Alex and Jess recently stayed at Miraval Arizona. In this episode, they’re sharing their experience from booking their flights and room to their favorite activities, and everything in between. While Miraval is known for its premium wellness experience, they’re here to show you ho…

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146. One Card From Each Bank: Our Top Picks 45:14

1M ago45:14

45:14

Which credit card would you choose if you could only pick one from each major bank? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares their top picks and explains why each card works best for their individual travel habits, home airports, and spending priorities. While there isn’t a single right answer for everyone, their discussion gives you a behind-t…

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145. How To Earn the Southwest® Companion Pass for Free Flights 34:24

2M ago34:24

34:24

Ever wondered how you can fly someone for free on all your Southwest® flights for the next year or two? The Southwest® Companion Pass® is one of the most valuable perks in travel rewards, especially for families who travel frequently. It allows a companion to fly with you for just taxes and fees, giving you the chance to maximize your trips without…

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144. First-Time International Travel Made Easy: Top Destinations and Practical Tips 44:45

2M ago44:45

44:45

Are you feeling overwhelmed about planning your first international trip? From excitement about exploring a new destination to concerns about currency exchanges, language barriers, and navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, there’s a lot to consider. But whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned domestic traveler, the good news is t…

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143. Europe Travel with Kids: Traci's Hotel Booking Strategies for Families 49:39

2M ago49:39

49:39

Do you struggle to find hotel rooms in Europe that can accommodate your entire family? Many European hotels limit occupancy to just two guests per room, leaving families either piecing together multiple bookings or endlessly searching for those rare properties that actually sleep four or more. And because of strict occupancy rules, you can’t just s…

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142. Chase Ultimate Rewards®: Key Updates & Our Favorite Earning Cards 39:18

2M ago39:18

39:18

Are Chase Ultimate Rewards® still the best points for travel? The Travel Mom Squad certainly thinks so. These points offer unmatched flexibility and value, making them a cornerstone of any serious travel rewards strategy. With recent changes to Chase’s offerings, this episode is your guide to the essential updates in 2025. In this episode, the Squa…

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141. Bora Bora on Points: Flights, Hotels, and Upgrades 1:07:03

2M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora might seem like a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but what if you could experience it more than once? The crystal-clear lagoons and breathtaking Polynesian sunsets are even sweeter when you know how to make this dream destination a reality without breaking the bank. Points and miles turn this exclusive getaway into a re…

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140. Maximize Hotel Free-Night Certificates: Comparing Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

No one loves the annual fees of credit cards, but what if they could save you hundreds on travel? Free-night certificates are one of the most valuable perks you can earn from hotel credit cards, and with the right strategy, they can easily pay for themselves year after year. While many travelers cancel their cards after claiming the welcome bonus, …

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139. Travel Light: Carry-On Only Packing and Essential Tips 48:59

3M ago48:59

48:59

Dragging multiple suitcases through cobblestone streets in Europe while trying to catch a train is the moment many travelers realize they've packed too much. The struggle of navigating airports with excessive luggage, waiting at baggage claim, and worrying about lost bags can turn what should be an exciting journey into a stressful ordeal. The Squa…

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138. The BEST Hotel Chain for Using & Earning Points 41:19

3M ago41:19

41:19

When choosing where to spend your hard-earned hotel points, the options can feel overwhelming. Each major hotel chain promises value, but the reality often falls short when you discover that dream property costs triple what you expected in points. This week, the Travel Mom Squad takes a dive deep into why one hotel program stands head and shoulders…

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137. Iceland & Ireland with Points: Jess's 10-Day Family Adventure 48:45

3M ago48:45

48:45

Planning a bucket-list trip to Iceland and Ireland might seem out of reach for a family of five, but what if you could score flights and hotels using mostly points and miles? Jess recently returned from this exact adventure, navigating the tricky world of Iceland flight bookings and European hotel room occupancy limits with strategic planning and s…

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136. Solo Travel Tips & Points Strategies with Kelsi from PointSisters 43:29

4M ago43:29

43:29

In this episode, Jess and Alex are joined by Kelsi Sullivan, one half of PointSisters on Instagram, who has mastered the art of solo travel using points and miles. Kelsi brings a unique perspective shaped by her international upbringing and her discovery of the financial independence community. Her journey from casual miles collector to strategic p…

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135. Where to Stay in Maui: Are Timeshare Presentations Worth It? 1:00:15

4M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Getting a discounted stay at a luxury Maui resort sounds too good to be true, especially when the catch involves sitting through a timeshare presentation. After receiving a letter from Marriott Vacation Club offering a discounted five-night stay at a Westin property, Alex decided to see if the savings were worth the 90-minute sales pitch. In additi…

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134. 2025 Points & Miles Changes You Need to Know 37:14

4M ago37:14

37:14

Major 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 signific…

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133. Travel to Spain Using Points: TMS Takes Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca 52:21

4M ago52:21

52:21

Planning a trip to Spain on points and miles? It’s all about the strategy—especially when you're juggling travel for multiple people! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into their recent Spanish adventure, navigating last-minute flight changes and uncovering the best of Madrid, Barcelona, and Mallorca—all while maximizing points and miles.…

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132. Greece and Croatia with Kids: Megan's Points and Miles Strategy 55:58

5M ago55:58

55:58

Taking your family with young kids to Greece and Croatia might seem daunting, but with strategic use of points and miles, it can become an unforgettable adventure. Travel Mom Squad's Director of Operations, Megan, shares how she planned an ambitious spring break trip that included iconic destinations like Santorini's blue domes and Croatia's stunni…

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131. Agree to Disagree: Best Lounge Access, Hotel Loyalty Programs, and More 42:05

5M ago42:05

42:05

If you love points and miles, you know there’s no shortage of opinions on how to get the most out of credit card rewards and travel programs. In this fun and honest chat, Alex, Jess, and Pam share their unique takes on some hot topics in the points world. They dive into everything from which credit cards score you the best lounge access, to whether…

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130. American Southwest with Kids 48:18

5M ago48:18

48:18

In this episode, Jess and Megan walk us through their recent family getaways to two standout Hyatt properties in the American Southwest: the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale in Arizona and the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in New Mexico. From flights on Southwest® using Companion Passes to family-friendly resort and cultural activities, they break down exactly how th…

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129. Costa Rica Spring Break 1:05:24

5M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In this episode, Jess, Pam, and Alex break down their recent spring break trips to Costa Rica—highlighting three unforgettable resorts, two different travel styles, and one shared love for how easy (and affordable!) this country is to explore with points and miles. Flights on Points Alex and Jess both flew Southwest—Jess from Houston and Alex from …

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128. Pam’s Return to Thailand 31:57

6M ago31:57

31:57

In this episode, Pam shares her full itinerary from her recent return to Thailand—a dream trip she’s been wanting to repeat since her very first adventure on points and miles years ago. From business-class flights on Singapore Airlines, to luxury stays at the Conrad, Ritz-Carlton, and Banyan Tree—and of course, daily massages for $12—Pam takes us t…

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127. Would You Rather!? – Points Talk Edition 42:48

6M ago42:48

42:48

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, per…

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126. Jess’s Family Trip to Japan on Points—Spring Break for $200?! 47:44

6M ago47:44

47:44

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 tr…

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Sneak Peek Inside Points Talk Premium: Ask Us Anything 6:34

6M ago6:34

6:34

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. Subsc…

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125. TMS Heads South of the Border—Points-Powered Trips to Mexico & Honduras 48:03

6M ago48:03

48:03

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 …

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124. All About the IHG Hotel Program 31:26

6M ago31:26

31:26

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 s…

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123. Behind the Magic—Ways to Save at Disney World This Summer 52:29

7M ago52:29

52:29

In this episode, Jess and Alex are sharing all the magic, insights, and travel tips they brought back from a recent media event at Walt Disney World. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to exciting new ticket and resort updates, they’re joined by Megan—Travel Mom Squad’s Disney expert—to talk about how to make a Disney trip more affordable, less…

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122. Pam's Trip to New Zealand Using Points and Miles 41:52

7M ago41:52

41:52

New Zealand has been high on so many of your travel wish lists—and for good reason! In this episode, Pam shares details from her recent two-week adventure on the North Island of New Zealand, including how she booked business-class flights, multiple free hotel nights, and even covered rental cars and excursions—all using points and miles (and one fo…

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121. Top 3 Ways to Use Each Flexible Points Currency 40:36

7M ago40:36

40:36

Not sure how to maximize your points? In this episode, we break down the top three ways to use each of the four major flexible points currencies—our favorite points currency (IYKYK), American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, and Citi ThankYou® Points—so you can book travel smarter. Our favorite points: Best for Hyatt & Flight…

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120. How Megan Used Points & Miles for the Ultimate Harry Potter Family Trip 43:17

7M ago43:17

43:17

What’s better than throwing a Harry Potter-themed birthday party? How about taking your child on a real Harry Potter adventure across Scotland and London! That’s exactly what Megan did for her daughter’s 10th birthday—making the magic come alive with points and miles. In this episode, Megan explains how she made this trip happen for her family of f…

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119. Sexy vs. Unsexy Award Redemptions 22:09

8M ago22:09

22:09

We all love talking about luxurious, over-the-top award redemptions—think first-class flights, overwater villas, and five-star resorts. But let’s be real—some of the best uses of points and miles are not Instagram-worthy. In this episode, we break down the difference between sexy and unsexy redemptions, why both are important, and how they each pla…

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118. Going For the Gold or Picking Up Platinum: All About American Express Cards 41:40

8M ago41:40

41:40

If you've been eyeing an American Express card but aren’t sure which one to get, you’re in the right place! In this episode, we break down two great personal cards—the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express—and two great business cards—the American Express® Business Gold Card and The Business Platinum Card® from Am…

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117. How to Book Family Flights to Europe Using Points and Miles 40:49

8M ago40:49

40:49

Dreaming of taking your family to Europe without draining your wallet? In this episode, we sit down with our team member and resident Europe travel expert, Traci Siegel, to share her tried-and-true tips for flying a family overseas using points and miles. These strategies will help make your dream a reality! Family Travel 101: The Big Differences F…

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116. Everything You Need to Know About Flying Blue 42:58

8M ago42:58

42:58

If you’ve been looking for a go-to points and miles program for international travel, let us introduce you to Flying Blue, the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM. In this episode, we’re diving into why this program has become one of our absolute favorites. Why We Love Flying Blue Pam kicks things off by breaking down the basics, including …

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115. Our Honeymoons—Then vs. Now! Get Your Honeymoon for Nearly Free Using Points and Miles 33:04

9M ago33:04

33:04

For Valentine’s Day, we’re taking a trip down memory lane! In this episode, we’re sharing all the details about our honeymoons—how we booked them before we knew about points and miles, what we spent back then, and what we'd do today now that we’re points-savvy. Spoiler alert: our original honeymoons were not nearly as luxurious (or strategic!) as w…

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114. All About Transfer Bonuses: What They Are and How to Use Them To Get Even More Points 26:17

9M ago26:17

26:17

Transfer bonuses are one of the best ways to stretch your points further, and in this episode we’re breaking down everything you need to know about them. From understanding how they work to sharing the bonuses we’ve taken advantage of, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize your rewards and travel more for less. What Are T…

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113. Inside Our Hawaiian Holidays – How We Spent the Holidays in Hawaii on Points and Miles 1:08:43

9M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

The holidays are magical no matter where you celebrate, but spending them in Hawaii? That’s next-level. In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad shares how we used points and miles to pull off unforgettable trips to Maui and Kauai over the Christmas and New Year holidays. We’re giving you all the behind-the-scenes details so you can start planning you…

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112. You’re NOT As Bad At Points As You Think You Are! Conversation with Devon Gimbel 47:52

9M ago47:52

47:52

Feeling overwhelmed by points and miles? You’re not alone! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Devon Gimbel of Point Me to First Class to discuss the psychology of learning points and miles—and why you’re probably doing better than you think. Whether you’re new to the game or feeling stuck, Devon shares her expertise and encouragement to ke…

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111. Looking Ahead to 2025—Our Cards, Trips, and Goals! 33:35

9M ago33:35

33:35

It’s never too early to plan for your next adventure! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad team looks ahead to 2025, sharing the trips we’ve already booked, the credit cards we’re eyeing, and our goals for the year. From Bora Bora to Spain, and everything in between, we’re setting the stage for another year of nearly free travel—powered by points …

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110. The Best of 2024—Our Favorite Hotels, Flights, and Offers 41:14

10M ago41:14

41:14

2024 was a year to remember! In this episode, we’re sharing our best of 2024 awards, from unforgettable hotel stays and flights to top credit card offers that helped us turn big dreams into reality. If you’ve ever wondered what points and miles can do, this episode will inspire you to dive in and start planning your own adventures. Pam’s Picks: Bou…

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109. Our 2024 Points and Miles Recap—Cards We Opened, Closed, and the Trips We Took 40:21

10M ago40:21

40:21

As 2024 comes to a close, the Travel Mom Squad is reflecting on an incredible year of points and miles. In this special episode, we’re breaking down the credit cards we opened and closed, the strategies we used to rack up points, and the unforgettable trips we took along the way. If you’re curious how points and miles can transform your travel, thi…

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108. What Type of Points and Miles Traveler Are You? 28:55

10M ago28:55

28:55

Ever wonder what kind of points and miles traveler you are? In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad dives into the different types of travelers and how your personal travel style can shape your points strategy. From planners to luxury travelers to earn-and-burn enthusiasts, we break down the styles that work best for different lifestyles and goals—an…

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107. Meet the Team Behind Travel Mom Squad: Megan, Traci, and Claire! 56:52

10M ago56:52

56:52

You’ve heard us share our travel stories and tips, but today we’re introducing you to three incredible women who help make Travel Mom Squad possible. Megan, Traci, and Claire aren’t just our teammates—they’re passionate travelers and moms with their own inspiring journeys in the world of points and miles. In this episode, we dive into how they got …

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106. How to Get Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® for Your Family 31:51

11M ago31:51

31:51

Tired of long lines at immigration or security when traveling? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, the Travel Mom Squad revisits a favorite topic—Global Entry and TSA PreCheck®—but with a twist. While we’ve covered these programs before, there are important updates you need to know to make family travel even smoother. Whether you’re flying inte…

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105. The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Points and Miles 31:42

11M ago31:42

31:42

Thinking about diving into points and miles but feeling overwhelmed by annual fees? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re breaking down our favorite no-annual-fee credit cards and those with annual fees waived for the first year. These cards are not only budget-friendly but also offer incredible rewards to help you travel more for less. Chase Fr…

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104. How Alex Took Her Family of 6 to Europe: Amsterdam and London on Points and Miles 43:14

11M ago43:14

43:14

Traveling internationally with kids might sound daunting, but Alex proves it’s absolutely doable—and affordable—using points and miles! In this episode, Alex shares how she made an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam and London with her husband and four boys, all while keeping costs incredibly low. From flights to accommodations and even transportation…

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103. All Things Hilton Honors Program: Our Tips For Points, Perks, and Dreamy Stays 39:11

11M ago39:11

39:11

If you’ve ever wondered whether Hilton Honors deserves a spot in your points and miles strategy, this episode is for you! We’re diving into everything you need to know about Hilton’s award program, from earning points and using free night certificates to snagging unforgettable stays like Bora Bora and Santorini—all without breaking the bank. Why Hi…