I realize we’re still in 2024 right now. And 2025 comes next. But, I’m already thinking about potential 2026 travel. Why? In this miles and points hobby, my #1 advice for families is to plan early (see this post). I’ve had the best luck finding the flight award availability I need when the flight schedules […]

This week, several credit cards have increased welcome bonuses. Yippee! Signing up for new credit cards when the welcome bonuses are high is the easiest way to earn big chunks of miles and points for free travel. If you’re new to miles and points travel, see my Beginner’s Guide: 7 Steps to Free Travel with […]

Researching destinations and booking trips give me great joy. But, not every trip I book ends up working out. My husband and I recently celebrated our 20 year anniversary. We had planned a short trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico as a couple. Unfortunately, some issues came up, and we were unable to travel. Cancelling […]

Last month, my husband and son traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio to watch the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament. They rented a car through Hertz for the duration of their trip. Unfortunately, while driving back to the airport on the last day, a rock hit their windshield and cracked it. Thankfully, my husband had booked the rental […]

After solidifying award flights for 6 people to and from Japan for our trip next summer (see this post), it was time for me to figure out lodging. Booking international hotels for large families is always a challenge since so many of them have low occupancy rules (many only fit 2 people). And, my kids […]

This is the next installment in a series of posts on my recent trip to Europe. See my previous posts: Back from another  family reunion: galloping through Europe and driving my husband crazy , 24 hours in NYC with kids (plus review of Hyatt Place New York Midtown South) and Our JFK-BRU economy flights on […]