Point Me to Vacay: Travel Tales & Tips

🗽🍎Big Apple, Small Budget: How We Did NYC Without Breaking the Bank In this episode, we’re breaking down our New York City trip and exactly how we travel hacked it—from affordable flights to where we stayed, ate, and explored in the Big Apple 🗽✈️If NYC feels overwhelming or expensive, this episode proves it doesn’t have to be.✈️ FlightsFlew Southwest AirlinesPaid cash (sometimes cheap cash beats points!)~$100 per person round tripRoute: Denver (DEN) → LaGuardia (LGA)🏨 Where We StayedLa Quinta – Times SquareCentral location, walkable, and budget-friendly for NYCBooked using Wyndham points🌮 Food We Ate (No Skipping This Part)Los Tacos No. 1 – lived up to the hypeKings of Kobe – quick bites done rightCarmine’s – family-style Italian🎭 Things We Did9/11 Memorial & Museum – powerful and movingStatue of Liberty Ferry – classic NYC experienceBroadway: SIX – SO good (and surprisingly fun even if you’re not a theater person)Bert Kreischer Comedy Show – laughed the entire nightHop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – perfect for first-timers and getting the lay of the landWhether you’re planning your first NYC trip or looking to do it smarter, this episode is packed with real-life travel tips and honest reviews.🎧 Listen now and start planning your own NYC adventure—without the NYC price tag.Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

Raising Little Travelers: Greer Talks Travel In today’s BONUS episode, I’m joined by one of my favorite travel buddies — my son, Greer! 🧳✈️I sit down with Greer to hear what travel looks like through his eyes. From his favorite places we’ve been, to where he wants to go in the future, this episode is a sweet reminder of why we prioritize traveling together and making memories along the way.We talk about:Greer’s favorite trips and destinationsHis favorite part of family vacationsWhy he likes to travelWould he rather have toys or travelThis episode is equal parts fun, heartfelt, and honest — and a reminder that kids don’t need extravagant trips to make meaningful memories. Sometimes, it’s just about being together.If you’ve ever wondered what travel feels like from a child’s perspective, you’re going to love this one 💙Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

Oahu, Hawaii First-Timers: The Stay, the Food & Oahu Highlights — All Thanks to PointsOahu has been on our bucket list forever, and we finally made it happen — using points 🙌 In this episode, we’re sharing a full, honest review of our first trip to Oahu, Hawaii, including where we stayed, what we ate, and the activities that were actually worth it.If you’re planning your first trip to Oahu or wondering if Hawaii is really doable with points, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:🏨 Where we stayed in Oahu (and whether we’d stay there again)🍽️ Where we ate — must-tries, overrated spots, and family-friendly wins🌴 Oahu highlights & activities we loved as first-timers✈️ How we used points to make this trip affordable❌ What we’d skip or do differently next timeWe’re sharing the good, the “meh,” and the worth-it moments, so you can plan smarter and get the most out of your Hawaii vacation — without blowing your budget. How we booked Hawaii on points: Flights:   American Airlines - Denver to Honolulu - 25,000 points/ person*Opened American Airlines Co-Branded CardUnited Airlines - Honolulu - Denver - 100,000 points/ person (1st class)*Transferred points from Chase - Thanks to the Sapphire Preferred Hotel:Hyatt Place Waikiki - 15,000 points/ night*Transferred points from Chase - Thanks to the Sapphire PreferredWho this episode is for:First-time travelers to Oahu, HawaiiCouples planning a Hawaii tripAnyone curious about booking Hawaii with pointsTravelers who want honest hotel, food, and activity reviews🎧 Press play to hear our full Oahu breakdown and learn how points turned a dream trip into a reality.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone planning a Hawaii trip!Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

Katie Spills the Travel Tea: Minimum Spends Explained (And How We Hit Ours)Credit card minimum spends don’t have to be overwhelming—and they definitely don’t mean spending money you don’t have.In this mini episode of Point Me to Vacay, I break down exactly what a credit card minimum spend is, why it matters, and how everyday expenses can help you unlock massive travel rewards.☕ Real-Life Travel Tea: Our Latest Minimum Spend WinI also share a real-life example from our own family’s most recent win—including how Tom and I each earned 100,000 Southwest points and secured the Southwest Companion Pass for nearly two full years using normal household spending.If you’ve ever thought travel hacking sounded confusing or out of reach, this episode will change that.✈️ What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat a credit card minimum spend actually isCommon mistakes people make with minimum spendsTips to hit a higher minimum spendTiming your card applications can unlock years of free travel💳 Favorite Travel Credit Cards We Love and current favorite card offers here:(These are the cards we personally use and recommend—always apply when the offer makes sense for you.)✈️ Southwest CardsSouthwest Rapid Rewards® PlusSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business💎 Chase Cards (Great for Beginners)Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Reserve®Chase Business Ink Unlimited® or Cash®Chase Freedom Flex® 💛 AMEX CardsAmex Personal Gold🏨 Hotel CardsWorld of Hyatt Credit Card⚠️ Important ReminderTravel hacking works best when you:Pay your balance in full every monthAvoid interest and unnecessary spendingOpen cards with a plan and purposeFree travel should never come with financial stress.🎧 Listen, Share & ConnectIf this episode helped you:Share it with a friend who thinks travel hacking is “too complicated”Subscribe so you never miss a new episode of Katie Spills the Travel Tea📲 Follow along for daily travel tips & real-life wins:@PointMetoVacaySend us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

💳 What’s In Our Wallets: The Credit Cards We Actually Use Daily (and Why)Ever wonder what credit cards we actually use every day? In this episode, we’re opening our wallets and breaking down the exact cards we use for everyday spending—and why.We’re sharing:Which cards earn us the most value on daily purchasesHow we keep things simple (even with multiple cards)Which card we use when buying groceries vs gasIf you’re overwhelmed by credit card options or trying to figure out which card to use right now, this episode is for you.What We Cover in This EpisodeOur current “daily driver” credit cardsWhat categories we use each card for (groceries, gas, bills, etc.)Why we don’t put everything on one cardHow our wallet changes depending on travel goalsHow to decide what should be in your walletWho This Episode Is ForTravel hacking beginnersFamilies trying to earn points without stressAnyone wondering “Which card should I actually use?”People who want nearly free travel without juggling 10 cardsLet’s Connect If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who’s always asking how you afford your trips ✈️ And if you have a trip in mind, DM us—we’ll help you figure out which points to earn first.Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

Point Me to Vacay = Christmas Edition 🎄🎅It’s almost Christmas — and if you’re a mom feeling the end-of-year chaos (like me), this episode is your permission to pause for a few minutes and dream.In this Christmas Edition episode, I’m counting down my top five places I’d spend Christmas, from bucket-list destinations to the place that will always win no matter what. We’re talking Christmas markets, iconic cities, theme-park magic, tropical escapes — and more...This episode is perfect for listening while wrapping those last minute gifts, driving to one more school event, or hiding in the bathroom for five quiet minutes.In this episode, I count down my TOP 5 places I'd spend Christmas!Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying close to home, this episode is a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.🎄 From our family to yours — Merry Christmas and thanks for listening!Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

 NFR Las Vegas Trip Recap: Rio Hotel Review, Points Travel & the Chaos We Didn't Expect 🎰 Vegas always delivers… just not always how you expect. 😅 In this episode, we’re recapping our latest Las Vegas trip for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR)—from staying at the Rio on points, to navigating crowds, chaos, and a little unexpected drama along the way. We’re sharing the real behind-the-scenes of traveling during one of Vegas’s busiest weeks, what worked, what we’d do differently, and why using points made this trip possible (and way less stressful on the budget). If you’ve ever wondered: What Vegas is really like during NFRWhether the Rio is worth it on pointsOr why “what happens in Vegas” isn’t always glamorous…this episode is for you.  What We Cover in This Episode: ✨ Our experience traveling to Las Vegas during NFR 🏨 Staying at the Rio on points – the good, the bad, and the honest truth 🎟️ NFR vibes, crowds, and what surprised us most 🎭 The chaos we didn’t plan for 🤍 Full breakdown of our trip to Las Vegas - where we ate and what we did. Listener Takeaway: Vegas will always be loud, bright, and chaotic—but traveling on points gives you flexibility, freedom, and way less financial stress, even when things don’t go perfectly. Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

This week’s episode is a little different than usual — we just got back from Vegas and Tom had to head straight back to work on the railroad, so our full Vegas + NFR + Cowboy Christmas breakdown is coming next week.For today, we’re sharing a quick mini episode focused on exactly how to travel hack Vegas — because this is one of the easiest cities in the U.S. to book using points and miles.In this episode, we cover:✈️ How to Hack Flights to Vegas with SouthwestHow easy it is to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards pointsWhy the Companion Pass is a total game-changerTransfer Chase Ultimate Rewards → Southwest (1:1)🏨 How We Booked the Rio on PointsOption 1: Booking the Rio through Hyatt using Chase pointsOption 2: Booking the Caesar's properties by transferring from Wyndham using Citi pointsHow transfer partners unlock multiple hotel options🔮 Coming Next WeekOur full Vegas spending vs. points breakdownWhere we saved, where we splurged, and what we’d do differently — including Cowboy Christmas damageIf you’ve ever thought, “I want to go to Vegas but the prices are insane,” this episode shows you how to do it smarter using points.🔗 Ready to Start Travel Hacking?If you’re brand new, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of our favorite beginner cards for:Southwest transfersHyatt hotel staysEveryday flexible points👉 APPLY HEREDisclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

 Katie Spills the Travel Tea: Our 2026 Travel Plans & Card Strategy In this mini episode, I’m spilling all the travel tea on what our 2026 calendar actually looks like—from a bucket-list Hawaii trip with our kids, to a big multigenerational Outer Banks vacation, a moms-only Disneyland week, and Tom’s 40th birthday trip at the end of the year. But the real behind-the-scenes magic?Planning and strategizing...This episode is a real-life look: Our 2026 Travel PlansThe 2026 card strategy that will help us achieve our 2027 travel goalsThe framework of our strategy so you can do it tooA 2026 timeline for nearly free travel in 2027 ✈️ Our 2026 Travel PlansHere’s what’s officially on the calendar:🌴 Hawaii with our kids – March 2026🏖 Outer Banks multigenerational family trip – June 2026🎢 Moms-only Disneyland week with my best friends🎂 Tom’s 40th birthday trip – December 2026 (destination TBD - but probably Las Vegas) 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to copy this framework in your own life—without copying our destinations 💳 Our Favorite Flexible Beginner Card If you’re building your own 2026 → 2027 strategy and want a strong flexible foundation, this is one of our go-to cards for beginners: 👉 Chase Sapphire Preferred 🔗 Apply Now Why we love it:Flexible airline & hotel transfer partnersExcellent beginner travel protectionsEasy redemptionsStrong long-term points value⚠️ FTC Disclosure Some of the links in this episode may be referral links. This means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only share cards and tools we personally use and genuinely recommend.  🪜 How to Use This Strategy in Your Own Life Pick your 2027 TripsOpen cards (Intentionally)Earn the SUBLet normal spending do the workYou don’t need more money. You just need earlier timing.  🎁 Free Resources ✨ Free Beginner Travel Hacking Guide Learn exactly how to earn your first points and book your first nearly-free trip. 🔗 Start Now Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

✨ Viva Las Vegas: Rodeo Nights, Neon Lights… and a Haunted Surprise? 🎰👻We’re taking you behind the scenes of our adult-only Vegas trips — from the glitz of neon lights to rodeo thrills, and yes… a spooky hotel experience we won’t forget.💥 Spoiler: Vegas isn’t just slots and shows — there’s a little haunted chaos in the mix.🎯 What We CoverThe best (and worst) restaurants we tried — where to eat and what to skipIconic Vegas sights you can’t missOur favorite things to do in Sin CityA haunted hotel story from The HorseshoeTips for planning your own adult-only Vegas tripTravel Hacking tips to get your Vegas trip for nearly free🗒️ Our Vegas HighlightsNeon LightsClassic Vegas Strip experiencesHidden gems off the main stripHaunted SurpriseA spooky encounter at The Horseshoe hotel💡 Key TakeawayVegas is more than the glitz and glam — with a little planning, you can have the perfect mix of food, fun, and unexpected thrills.🗣️ HomeworkRate & review the show ⭐Share this episode with a friend who loves travel, rodeos, or spooky storiesFollow us on Instagram → [@pointmetovacay]Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

✨ Katie Spills the Travel Tea: Real Trip Cost Breakdowns — Points VS Cash 💳Ever wonder how much our “free” family trips actually cost? In this mini episode, it just me, Katie, flying solo spilling the travel tea on two of our real vacations — the full cash price vs. what we paid using points — and how we saved thousands along the way.Spoiler: this is why we’ll never go back to paying full price for travel again.🎯 What I CoverTwo of real family trips: full cash vs. points cost breakdownsHow we earned those points from everyday spendingWhat transferable points actually are (and why they matter)Our favorite beginner-friendly cards for familiesHow you can start saving thousands on your next trip🧾 Real Trip BreakdownTrip #1: DisneylandCash price: $ 3,800Points price: 122,000 points + $56 taxes + $1050 park ticketsSavings: $2,694 🎉Trip #2: HawaiiCash price: $6,494.20Points price: 325,000 points + 1 Hyatt FNC + $56 taxesSavings: $6,438.20🙌TOTAL SAVINGS FOR BOTH TRIPS:  $9,132.20  🤯🥳🙌🎉These are real numbers from our family trips — not theoretical math!💡 TakeawayYou don’t need to be rich or fly business class to make points work for your family. You just need the right cards and a strategy that fits your everyday spending.💳 Our Favorite Beginner CardsThese are the exact cards we started with — and the ones we still use today 👇👉 Chase Sapphire Preferred® Great all-around beginner card with flexible transferable points Apply here: Referral Link👉 Amex Gold® Card Perfect for families — big bonuses on groceries & dining Apply here:  Referral Link🗒️ FTC DisclosureSome links in these show notes are referral or affiliate links. We may earn a bonus, commission, or points when you use them — at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and love.🗣️ HomeworkRate & review the show ⭐ Share this episode with a friend who wants to travel more — and spend less. Follow us on Instagram → [@pointmetovacay]Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

🎙️ Black Hills Bound:  Buffaloes to Brothel ToursTwo trips. Same destination. Totally different vibes.In this episode, we’re heading to the Black Hills of South Dakota — but not just once! We’re comparing our two very different adventures:🐃 A small, laid-back family getaway complete with a water park, some car trouble, and great family time around Rapid City.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 And a big, multigenerational trip where we stayed at a cabin with extended family and checked out the area around Deadwood and Lead.🌄 What you’ll hear:Our favorite stops and can’t-miss sights in the Black HillsHow trips were both great but totally different The unexpected highlights that made both trips special💬 Whether you’re planning a quiet family adventure or wrangling a full caravan of relatives, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and lessons learned from the land of buffaloes, badlands, and brothel tours.🎧 Tune in and see which trip style fits your travel crew best!Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

 ✨ Bonus Episode: Breaking Down Business Credit Cards 💳 Think business credit cards are only for corporations? Nope. In this mini episode, I'll break down who actually qualifies (hint: probably you), how to apply without an LLC, and which beginner business cards can unlock huge points and miles. 🎯 What I Cover Do you really need an LLC?What qualifies as a “business”What to enter on the applicationRed flags that cause denialsBest beginner business cards 💼 Do You Qualify? If you’ve ever earned (or intended to earn) income outside a W-2, you may already qualify as a sole proprietor 👇 Examples: Facebook Marketplace flipsEtsy/craftsTutoring/babysittingDoorDash, Uber, RoverPhotographyContent creationAirbnb/TuroProfit is not required — intent counts.  🧾 Application Tips Business Type: Sole ProprietorLegal business name: Your NameUse SSN (EIN optional)Estimate revenue honestlyYears in business: 0–1 is fineDon’t overcomplicate it! 🧠 Why Business Cards Matter Bigger welcome bonusesOften don’t report to personal credit (Key to staying under 5/24)Keeps utilization on personal cards lowNew bonus categories + ecosystems 🚫 Common Mistakes Avoid:Inflating revenueApplying for too many cards 🔥 Our Favorite Beginner Business Cards (These are referral links — thank you for supporting the show!) 🗒️ FTC DisclosureSome links in these show notes are referral or affiliate links. We may earn a bonus, commission, or points when you use them — at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and love. 👉 Chase Ink Business Cash® Huge welcome bonus + great everyday spend categories Apply here: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21w/IG4FULE41A 👉 Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Flat earning rate & big intro bonus Apply here: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21w/IG4FULE41A 👉 Amex Blue Business® Plus 2x on everyday purchases, no annual fee Apply here: Referral Link🗣️ Homework Rate/ Review the show!  We'd love to hear from you! Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

🎙️ Tacky or Hacky? The Travel Hack DebateIs that “travel hack” actually genius… or just plain tacky? 🤔In this episode, we’re putting some travel hacks to the test! From money-saving tricks to questionable etiquette moves — we’re deciding once and for all what’s hacky (smart!) and what’s just tacky (please don’t).✈️ What you’ll hear:The travel hacks we actually use and swear byThe ones that make us cringe 😬Surprising gray areas — when “it depends” really does apply💬 Play along and tell us: Which hacks are your travel must-dos, and which ones should stay on TikTok?  DM our social media @PointMetoVacay🎧 Listen now and join the great travel hack debate — you might just learn a few clever (and classy) ways to upgrade your next trip!Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

🌍 ✈️ Welcome to another Point Me to Vacay mini episode of Katie Spills the Travel Tea! These short bonus episodes are just me, Katie, giving you the inside scoop on points, miles, and travel hacks.Today we’re taking it back to the very beginning of your travel journey: figuring out your vacation style and using it to plan smarter. Because before you start opening credit cards or chasing points, you need to know where you want to go and how you like to travel.In this episode you’ll learn:How to find your vacation style (spoiler: it’s different for everyone!)Why picking a destination first makes your points strategy way easierMy favorite ways to research and dream-plan tripsHow to start earning points with intention, so every swipe gets you closer to that dream getaway✨ Don’t forget: These Katie Spills the Travel Tea minis are quick bonus episodes where it’s just me, flying solo—sharing the secrets to help you travel more for less.Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

🎙️The Happiest Place on Earth… With PointsPack your Mickey ears, because we’re talking Disneyland! 🏰✨ In this episode, we talk about using points and miles to make a Disneyland trip way more affordable (because those churros aren’t cheap, y’all).We’ll share:🎢 Our favorite (and not-so-favorite) Disney rides✈️ How points and miles can cover flights + hotels near the park😂 The real-life chaos of doing Disney with kids💡 What’s worth the splurge and what you can skip (sorry, $30 balloons)Grab your Mickey ears, hit play, and let’s sprinkle some pixie dust on your next vacay!  ✨Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

✈️ Welcome back to another Point Me to Vacay mini episode of Katie Spills the Travel Tea! These short bonus episodes are just me, Katie, giving you the inside scoop on points, miles, and travel hacks.Today’s tea? ☕️ The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks in all of travel. If you’ve ever dreamed of flying 2-for-1 almost anywhere Southwest goes, this is the golden ticket.In this episode you’ll learn:What the Southwest Companion Pass actually isHow you can earn itHow long it lasts (hint: it’s better than most people realize!)Why timing your strategy is everythingIf you’ve been curious about how couples, families, or friends make their points stretch further, the Companion Pass might just become your new favorite travel hack.✨ Don’t forget: These Katie Spills the Travel Tea minis are quick bonus episodes where it’s just me, flying solo—sharing the secrets to help you travel more for less.Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

🎙️ Points and Miles 101: Quiz Time with TomI am putting Tom in the hot seat for a crash course in points and miles lingo 🔥✈️ Will he crush it or completely flop? (Spoiler: there are some hilarious guesses along the way.)In this episode, you’ll hear: 🎓 The basics of points and miles explained without the boring jargon 😂 Tom’s unfiltered answers to my quiz questions 💡 Tips for beginners who want to start earning free travel without feeling overwhelmedWhether you’re brand new to this whole “travel hacking” thing or just here for the laughs, this episode is the perfect starting point.👉 Hit follow so you don’t miss our next adventure!!  Episode 3 is taking us all the way to Disneyland 🐭 🏰✨Send us Fan MailMake every vacation memory count! Flytographer pairs you with local photographers so everyone is in the shot, smiling and stress-free.  Grab our affiliate link for a special deal and help support the show!    Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Flytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

Welcome to our very first Point Me to Vacay mini episode— Katie Spills the Travel Tea! These short bonus episodes are just me, Katie, giving you the inside scoop on points, miles, and travel hacks.Today we’re diving into one of the most important rules in the world of travel credit cards: the 5/24 rule. If you’ve ever wondered why people talk about this rule like it’s the golden ticket—or the gatekeeper—to your points and miles journey, this is the episode for you.You’ll learn:What the 5/24 rule actually meansWhy it matters for beginners getting into credit card pointsHow it impacts your card strategy and approvalsOur strategy for staying under 5/24If you’re just starting out, understanding the 5/24 rule is one of the smartest moves you can make to maximize your future points and miles.✨ Don’t forget: These Katie Spills the Travel Tea minis are quick bonus episodes where it’s just me, flying solo—sharing the secrets to help you travel more for less.Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

🎙️ Episode 1 – Welcome to Point Me to Vacay!We’re Tom and Katie—a regular small-town couple who figured out how to turn credit card points and airline miles into almost-free family vacations. No, we’re not travel experts or Instagram influencers—we’re just two parents who were tired of saving vacation for “someday.”In our very first episode, we’re sharing how we got started in the world of points and miles: what our travels looked like before, the mistakes we made as total beginners, and the lightbulb moment when we realized this stuff actually works.We’ll also give you a sneak peek at what’s coming your way on the podcast—real stories, honest reviews, and practical tips to help you plan amazing trips without draining your wallet.✨ What’s Inside This Episode:Meet Tom & Katie: our travel backstoryHow we discovered the world of points and milesLessons from our early wins (and fails)Why we launched Point Me to VacayWhat you can expect in future episodes✨ What You’ll Take Away:Inspiration to start using points and miles—even if you’re brand newProof that you don’t need to be an expert (or rich) to travel moreA behind-the-scenes peek at how real families make this workMotivation to start planning your next dream tripSo buckle up, press play, and let’s point you to your next vacay! 🌴✈️Send us Fan MailFlytographer: Stress-free vacay photosBook a local professional photographer with Flytographer—perfect vacay photos, zero awkwardness.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.

🎙️ Point Me to Vacay – Teaser Trailer Hey travel friends 👋 We’re Katie & Tom, and welcome to Point Me to Vacay! Think of us as your travel buddies who don’t have it all figured out… but have just enough points, miles, and funny stories to keep things interesting. In this teaser, you’ll hear a little taste of what’s coming: ✈️ Travel tips that don’t sound like a math class 😂 Stories of when things went very un-vacay-like 🌴 Ideas to turn your points into real trips (and maybe a margarita or two) New episodes land every other Tuesday—so buckle up, because we’re about to make planning your next getaway way less boring. 👉 Follow us now so you don’t miss our first episode (trust us, your future vacation-self will thank you). Send us Fan MailSupport the showLet’s Connect:📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @PointMetoVacay💌 Share your wins, questions, or dream trips—we’d love to feature you on a future episode! DM our social links!📸. Family trip? Couple getaway? Don’t settle for selfies or awkward shots. 😅 We’re now Flytographer Affiliates! Local photographers capture beautiful, stress-free vacation memories—so everyone’s in the photos, even the parents.- Book your session:  https://flytog.co/POINTMETOVACAY✈️ Thanks for listening to Point Me to Vacay! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more families can learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel.