The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseIf I had to start from zero with travel rewards today, here’s exactly what I’d do — and what I’d skip. Fresh off a Families Fly Free member meetup in California wine country 🍷, I’m sharing the simple, real-time strategy my Families Fly Free members use to keep flying free without juggling 20 cards or chasing outdated advice. You’ll learn why narrowing your focus is the fastest win: master flying free first, stick to one flexible ecosystem (hello, Chase), fly one primary airline (yes, Southwest still works when you know how) ✈️ and skip high-fee lounge cards and hotel cards until year two.I’ll show you how “simple equals successful” and:Which cards to actually put your spending onHow to adapt to airline changes without paying moreWhy you can stop nickel-and-diming every little credit. If you’re overwhelmed or short on time but want to travel more for less, this is your roadmap 🎯.Interested in Families Fly Free? Attend my Open House on Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT 11am PST and hear from current members, learn more about membership and ask your questions live! Register at FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouse.Families Fly Free is where I walk beside you — with live Q&As, texting, small groups and 1:1 support — so you stay current as things change. The price is going up soon, so now’s the moment to jump in and lock it in: FamiliesFlyFree.com/join.
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseBooking hotels through travel portals can be a brilliant points-saver, but there are also downsides to booking this way. In this episode I break down when portals like Chase Travel and Capital One beat transferring points to Marriott, Hilton or IHG, the risks of these bookings and the simple steps I teach my Families Fly Free members to mitigate any issues. We’ll also cover the powerful Hyatt exception—why transferring Chase points to Hyatt often costs fewer points and avoids third-party headaches—plus real stories from listeners and my own trips.You’ll learn:Why to compare portal prices vs. transfers in 2 minutes and pick the cheaper optionThe biggest pitfalls with third-party hotel bookings and how to avoid themMy confirm-confirm-confirm, validate-validate-validate strategyWhy Hyatt is the go-to sweet spot for fewer points and direct-booking peace of mindWant my swipe files, step-by-step Stay Free Formula™ and real-time help and community support as things keep changing? Join Families Fly Free to stretch your points further with fewer cards and less hassle, so your family can make more travel memories together: https://www.FamiliesFlyFree.com/join
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseCapital One Venture X is changing this popular perk that made it one of my favorite travel cards! Find out what's changing and WHEN and my strategy for what to do next...To stay on top of the lastest and ever-changing strategies in the world of travel rewards + learn my simple Fly Free Formula, join me inside of my hallmark Families Fly Free membership. Learn more at https://www.familiesflyfree.com/joinRELATED EPISODES:87 | The Chase 5/24 Rule Explained86 | All About Capital One Venture X
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseIs this the end of travel rewards as we know it? 😱 Staying successful with miles and points in 2025 means keeping up with nonstop change — and that’s where I come in. In this episode I break down the biggest shifts I’m seeing right now from banks tightening approvals to pricey lounge access to Southwest’s new complexities — and offer 5 things you need to know as a result to keep flying free. I’ve spent 10+ years in this space and coach hundreds of families day in and day out, so you’ll hear the simple, real-time strategies that are actually working today 🔄.Listen in to learn:How to adjust when banks tighten, bonuses become limited and fees increaseWhich cards to keep vs cutHow to shift your strategy so continual card bonuses aren't necessary (because that's no longer going to work!)If you want ongoing, up-to-the-minute guidance you can trust — plus monthly live Q&As, real-time community-tested tips, and my step-by-step Fly Free Formula™ — join my Families Fly Free membership. I stay on top of the changes so you don’t have to 🧠.Ready to simplify and always travel free? Join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/join.Related Episodes:193 | 🎯 Southwest Changes Simplified: New Fares, Assigned Seats, Bag Fees - Oh My!68 | Stop Applying for Too Many Travel Cards! There's a Much Simpler Way...
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseReady to add a little spooky fun to your travels this fall? 🎃 In this episode of the Families Fly Free podcast, I’m joined by Heather Alexander, author of Haunted USA, to uncover eerie—and family-friendly—ghost stories from all 50 states. From haunted hotels and mysterious lighthouses to tap-dancing ghosts and legendary pirates, you’ll discover plenty of places to explore this Halloween season without the gore. Whether you’re planning a fall getaway, looking for unique history lessons for the kids, or just love a good ghost story, this episode will spark ideas for memorable (and slightly spooky!) adventures.Want to fly free to haunted hotels or pumpkin-filled fall destinations? Join Families Fly Free and I’ll show you my simple formula to make it happen: FamiliesFlyFree.com/joinRelated Podcast Episodes:Episode 42: My Favorite Family Halloween Travel "Treat": Disneyland at HalloweenEpisode 43: Yikes! Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights: Your Guide From a Mom's PerspectiveEpisode 76: 5 Fun Halloween Getaways for the Spookiest Season⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thanks for leaving me a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this podcast episode! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseSouthwest has made a flurry of changes in 2025 — from charging for bags and introducing assigned seats to rolling out brand-new fare types and tweaking credit card perks, including increasing their annual fees. And they’ve managed to make things very complicated. But here’s the good news: I’ve cut through the clutter to get to the heart of what actually matters in my trademark "keep it simple stupid" approach 😉.In this episode, I’ll show you the few simple adjustments you need to make so you can:Keep flying Southwest for the same cost (or less) as before (yes, really!)Make only slight changes to the way we’ve always flown Southwest for free Understand how to KEEP getting free bags, as well as free assigned seating and navigate the new fare rulesYou’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do to keep your Southwest travel FREE, easy and smooth.💡 Free Bonus: Get my one-page cheat sheet that explains all the changes in plain English — plus the exact tweaks you need to make to your own Southwest strategy, including how to change a Basic Fare (yes, it's possible!):👉 SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com/ChangesJoin Families Fly FreeSouthwest — and travel rewards in general — can get complicated fast. But inside Families Fly Free, I show you how to skip the confusion, ignore the noise and use my simple Fly Free Formula™ to get maximum travel with the minimum number of cards.I’ve been flying my family of 4 free 6x a year on Southwest (and beyond) since 2015, and I’ve boiled it down to a clear, repeatable plan that anyone can follow. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a spouse, friends or solo, this formula works. Let me make it simple for you.👉 Join Families Fly Free: FamiliesFlyFree.com
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseEver stood in front of a famous painting and wondered, “What am I supposed to do here?”In this first episode of my new Wander in Wonder series, I dive into how to truly appreciate art — even if you don’t consider yourself an expert (I certainly don’t!). Inspired by a class I took at Notre Dame on Theology, Art and Beauty and my professor Dr. Sarah Maple (https://sarahelizabethmaple.academia.edu/), I share simple, thoughtful ways to engage with a work of art beyond just snapping a photo and moving on.You’ll learn:A powerful question to ask beauty itselfHow to slow down and see a painting (including what to look for)The difference between what the artist intended and what the piece says to youHow to turn a museum visit into a deeper, more meaningful experience — solo or with your kidsMy favorite immersive art experience and why you should try one near youPlus, I walk you through how I’ve put these tips into practice — from the Louvre to my local museum with my 21-year-old son — and how it changed the way we both see art.RELATED:VIDEO: THE LUME Indianapolis at Newfields: Van Gogh Starry Night Immersive Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dq9MF9JL7YEpisode 176 | How I'm Learning Italian Inspired by My Travels👉 Grab my free checklist of what to look for the next time you visit a museum: SecretsOfATravelJournalist.com/art✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseIn Part 2 of my conversation with Chad Pennycuff (My DVC Points Podcast), we’re diving deeper into Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park: Epic Universe — and there’s so much more to explore! After attending the Grand Opening event for media, I share my insight on the parks along with Chad's an Orlando local and "theme park junkie."This episode covers:🍕 The best food in the park (hello, truffle pizza, mango cornbread & that Frankenstein pretzel)🧛♂️ The incredible Dark Universe land featuring Universal Monsters — and why Monsters Unchained might be the most underrated ride in the park🐉 Chad's favorite land, Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon), plus the family-friendly Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and must-see live show🎢 What we thought of Donkey Kong: Mine Cart Madness, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and whether Yoshi’s Adventure is worth the wait🧢 Why the Power-Up Bands matter — and how Universal turns Super Nintendo World into a real-life video gameWe also share final thoughts on:Express Pass strategyTouring tips for different agesWhy this park truly is epic — and may even deserve an entire trip on its own🎁 Grab my free Epic Universe ride + dining guide: secretsofatraveljournalist.com/epicResources: My DVC Points PodcastRelated Episodes:Episode 43: Yikes! Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights: Your Guide From a Mom's PerspectiveEpisode 111: Universal Studios Orlando 101Episode 116: How Katie Blumhorst Saved $4,000+ With Travel Rewards at Universal Studios Orlando
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseIn this episode, I’m joined by Chad Pennycuff of the My DVC Points podcast to break down everything you need to know about Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe — starting with where to stay, what to skip and how to save. I share my experiences attending the Grand Opening event for media.We also recap Chad’s incredible theme park tour across Asia, including Shanghai Disney, Universal Beijing, Tokyo Disney and more. Hear what Disney is doing next level overseas and how it compares to the new Epic Universe experience.Then we shift to:Hotel options at Epic (including pros/cons of Stella Nova, Terra Luna & the ultra-pricey Helios Grand)A deep dive into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic — the ride, the land, the queue and the details you don’t want to missTips on wait times, Express Pass strategy, early entry and how to use points to cover your Universal tripWhat we loved (and didn’t) about Celestial Park and its headline coaster, Stardust Racers🎁 Grab my free Epic Universe ride + dining guide: secretsofatraveljournalist.com/epicWant the full Epic Universe breakdown (plus my photos + member Q&A)? It’s inside the Club. Join --> SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com/Club Resources: My DVC Points PodcastMy Video Tour: Stella Nova Resort - https://youtu.be/BvQIJ3Vjs9gMy Video Tour: Cabana Bay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIJOUCSLx1gRelated Episodes:Episode 43: Yikes! Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights: Your Guide From a Mom's PerspectiveEpisode 111: Universal Studios Orlando 101Episode 116: How Katie Blumhorst Saved $4,000+ With Travel Rewards at Universal Studios Orlando
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseJoin me for an insider’s journey to London as I share my favorite travel tips, hidden gems and even a few things I wish I’d done differently. In this episode, you’ll hear how I flew to London for (almost) free, where we stayed (and why it mattered), the must-see spots I recommend and how to get around the city stress-free — all from the perspective of a professional travel journalist.From Big Ben to Oxford, Harry Potter to historic pubs, I’ll walk you through the highlights of our trip and the lessons learned along the way.🎧 Want the full London webinar replay, a detailed itinerary and a member-led London webinar and guide? They’re all waiting for you inside the Families Fly Free --> https://www.familiesflyfree.com/joinJoin the my email list at https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/emailGot questions about Families Fly Free? Email info AT secretsofatraveljournalist.com or text 844-403-2263Resources:Episode 183: London Trip - Top 5 Tips - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/183-london-trip-top-5-travel-tips/id1540642046?i=1000703049415Living Rooms UK - https://www.living-rooms.co.uk/The Tour Guy Tower of London Legends & Lore Tour - https://secretsofatraveljournalist.com/tourguylondon (this is an affiliate link, but they are my favorite tour company!)
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseCollege visits, auditions, move-in weekends and campus drop-offs — they’re all part of the college journey… and they can get really expensive, really fast. But what if you didn’t have to stress about the cost?In this episode, I share how I recently visited Notre Dame using points and stayed right on campus without spending a dime — plus how Club members like Heather, Amylee and Yolanda have used my system to fly their kids to and from college, tour campuses across the country and show up when it matters most — all without blowing their budget.You’ll hear:How one mom booked 7 college audition trips using her Companion PassWhy flying kids home from college — even on short notice — can be stress-freeHow I used points to fly my son to UCLA for a summer program and internshipA smart strategy to erase campus hotel costs using a Chase transfer bonusThe emotional (and financial) payoff of having points ready when college travel callsIf college is anywhere on your family’s horizon, this is one of the smartest ways to use your miles — and I’ll show you how to make it happen.👉 Ready to plan smarter travel for college and beyond? Join the Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseChase Sapphire Preferred is my FAVORITE Travel card — and right now, it’s offering a limited-time 100,000-point bonus (worth at least $1,250 in free travel) that ends May 15 at 9am ET. Thanks for using my personal affiliate link to support the podcast if you decide to apply for the card: https://www.familiesflyfree.com/favorite-cardBut beyond the big bonus, this card quietly packs in some powerful perks that most people overlook.In this episode, I’ll break down the lesser-known features that make this my #1 recommended travel card — including a $50 hotel credit, hidden travel protections, a way to “erase” any purchase with your points and more. Whether you already have the card or are thinking of applying before the offer ends Thursday at 9am ET, you’ll learn how to get the most value from every benefit it offers.🎧 Tune in to find out:How to use the $50 hotel credit (most people forget this!)What Chase Pay Yourself Back REALLY is — and why it’s a game-changerTravel insurance protections that could save you thousandsThe overlooked bonuses you earn just for keeping the cardThanks again for using my affiliate link to apply for this card to support the podcast & my small business: https://www.familiesflyfree.com/favorite-cardGot a question about it? Text it to me at 844-403-2263. ✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.Music Credit:Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseSouthwest Airlines is shaking things up—starting with assigned seating in January 2026 and a new policy that could mean paying for checked bags. 😲But don’t panic! In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s changing, what’s not changing, and most importantly—how you can still get your checked bags free and snag a great seat without paying extra.We’ll cover:✈️ How to navigate the new bag fee rules🧳 The trick to keeping your checked bags FREE💺 What assigned seating really means—and how to get the best spot💡 My insider tips to make the most of Southwest’s evolving policiesIf you love flying Southwest (like I do!) and want to keep the perks you’ve always enjoyed, this episode is a must-listen.Want to travel more—without the stress, the endless Googling or overpaying for flights and hotels?Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club ✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.RESOURCES:See the complete list of Southwest's changes here: https://www.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating/
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseEver feel like travel is more stressful than it should be? You’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it.In this episode, I unpack the real reason travel feels overwhelming: No one ever taught us how to do it well. From not knowing if you passport will pass muster to panicking when a flight gets canceled, most of us are just guessing our way through trips — and that leads to stress, wasted money and missed experiences.But it doesn’t have to be that way.I share how 25+ years as a travel journalist led me to create a simple system to help you plan confidently, avoid costly mistakes and actually enjoy your travels. You’ll discover the tools, tips and insider strategies that take you from confused to confident — no matter your destination. If you’re ready to stop winging it and start traveling smarter, it’s time to go behind the curtain.Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseUnfortunately, it's commonly recommended to open a lot of travel cards in order to earn the "sign up bonus" (SUB), but this can quickly lead to overwhelm, getting banned by banks and cause you to miss out on the truly great deals and a simpler system that could save you thousands on travel. In this episode, I outline the problems with opening too many travel cards and what the alternative is. Want to travel more—without the stress, the endless Googling or overpaying for flights and hotels?Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseFresh off my family’s trip to London, I’m sharing 5 travel insights you can use on your next international adventure. These simple but powerful tips helped make our trip smoother, more memorable — and more fun!You’ll learn:My #1 strategy to beat jet lagWhy flexibility can be your travel superpowerHow to stay on top of major travel news (and why it matters!)When it’s worth splurging — and how to do it guilt-freeThe mindset shift that will help you savor every momentJoin me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.RELATED EPISODES:Episode 28 | Oh the Places We've Gone! My Family's Top 15 Bucket List Adventures Flying FreeEpisode 32 | The Quickest Way to Learn a Language Slowly: How I'm Learning Italian Inspired By My TravelsEpisode 67 | First-Timer's Guide to Europe: Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth 1st Trip Across the PondEpisode 106 | Don't Make These Passport MistakesEpisode 117 | Europe Is Bonkers This Summer: What You Need to Know With The Tour Guy's Sean Finelli
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseIf you love shopping at Costco (who doesn’t?), you might be missing out on a hidden travel perk. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to make your Costco spending — and even your Costco credit card — work harder for your travel goals.Whether you’re earning points or planning your next trip, I’ll show you how Costco fits into a smart travel rewards strategy.✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseNo one loves writing a check to the IRS — but what if it could help fund your next vacation? With the tax deadline approaching, I’m sharing smart ways to earn valuable travel points when paying your taxes. If you owe money this year, don’t miss this chance to turn a painful payment into free flights!💡 It’s one of my favorite creative ways to rack up rewards — and it might just change how you look at tax season.✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.CARD AFFILIATE LINKS:Chase Sapphire PreferredCapital One Venture XIHG Business PremierSouthwest Personal CardsRESOURCES:IRS Card Payment OptionsRELATED EPISODES:4 | You Can Earn Free Travel While Holiday Shopping! Here's How...86 | All About Capital One Venture X178 | The Benefits of Banking With Chase for Travel Rewards
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseWe continue our discussion with more information now available about Southwest's big changes announced on March 11, 2025. We discuss the answers to questions like:Is there an easy way to still get my checked bags free? Yes!Do these changes affect flights I've already booked or will book before May 28?Should I stop booking the cheapest Southwest fare?Would I get points back if I canceled a Basic fare booked with points since it’s nonrefundable?What does "variable points pricing" mean?And more!Here is the link to Southwest's page with additional information on the changes:https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/policy-changesHere is a link to a YouTube video Southwest shared March 20, addressing several of these questions:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SUkyTdvWT8✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.Music Credit:Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
The price of the Families Fly Free membership is going up very soon! Join now at the lowest price you will ever see membership again and get all the value I added in 2025, including a brand new app so help is just a tap away, at the current price. Now's the time to plan your family's 2026 travels and put traveling with your family back at the top of your to-do list. Learn more and join at FamiliesFlyFree.com/Join.🧑🧑🧒🧒 Attend our Families Fly Free Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2pm ET, 1pm CT, Noon MT, 11am PST to learn more about membership, ask me and current members all your questions, as well as win fun travel prizes like a Hyatt Suite Upgrade, Southwest points and more!Register --> FamiliesFlyFree.com/OpenHouseSouthwest ends free checked bags and announced other MAJOR changes recently, including a new "Basic" fare. While much of these changes are very disappointing, in reality, they only requires a few minor adjustments for those of us flying Southwest using travel rewards. I explain the changes and what shifts you need to make in this episode.After recording this podcast, Southwest did confirm that they will "introduce variable redemption rates across higher-demand and lower-demand flights." My best guess is that points will be worth less for higher demand flights, pushing the points prices higher, and points will be worth more for lower demand flights, pushing the points price lower. I think it means more variability in the value of the points, so it will cost more points to book high-demand routes and less points for low-demand routes.✨ Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.Music Credit:Inspiring Optimistic Upbeat Energetic Guitar Rhythm by Free Music | https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US