Our approach to traveling intentionally, making everyday spending work for us, and seeing more of the world with our babies.
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’m going to find a way to romanticize my life. And if that involves a cappuccino in Paris, a sunset in Mallorca, or watching my babies experience a new country for the first time, even better.
But here’s the thing: traveling as a family of four is not cheap. Especially when two of those travelers require approximately 47 snacks, multiple outfit changes, and emotional support croissants.
And while I love a beautiful hotel and a good European adventure, I also love being intentional with our finances.
So today, we’re talking about something I’ve become increasingly interested in: travel points and miles.
Not because we’re spending thousands of extra dollars to earn rewards, but because we’ve learned that some of the money we’re already spending can help us get closer to our next family adventure.
And I’m sharing what we’re learning along the way!
First Things First: We’re Not Spending More to Travel More
I think this is probably the most important thing I can share. The goal of using travel rewards isn’t to spend money you wouldn’t otherwise spend. It’s to make the money you’re already spending work a little harder for you.
Think about it.
Groceries? We’re buying them anyway.
Gas? Unfortunately, yes.
Household essentials? Always.
Business expenses? As a photographer and small business owner, absolutely.
Instead of viewing those expenses as completely separate from our travel goals, we’ve started looking at how certain purchases can help us accumulate points toward future trips.
The key is paying our credit cards in full, avoiding interest, and never making purchases just to earn rewards.
Because no amount of airline miles is worth unnecessary debt. And that’s on being financially responsible, mi gente. 😂
1. Our Favorite Way to Earn Flexible Travel Points
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that not all travel rewards are created equal.
Some credit cards earn miles with a specific airline, while others offer flexible points that can potentially be transferred to different airline or hotel loyalty programs. That flexibility is especially valuable when you’re traveling with children. Because when you’re coordinating flights for four people, sometimes the best option isn’t your favorite airline. It’s whichever itinerary has the right schedule, reasonable connections, and availability for your family.
We’ve been exploring the Chase Sapphire family of cards because of the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Depending on your card and the current program rules, those points may be redeemed through Chase Travel or transferred to eligible travel partners.
✈️ Explore Chase Sapphire (My personal Referral link)
One thing I always recommend is comparing the annual fee, current welcome offer, earning categories, and benefits before applying. A card is only valuable if it actually makes sense for your lifestyle. And remember, a referral link doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best available offer. Always compare!
2. Airline Miles: Why We Still Love American Airlines
Living in Miami has its perks, and one of them is having access to so many American Airlines flights. For years, we’ve used an American Airlines Citi card for many of our everyday purchases. The appeal of airline-specific miles is pretty straightforward: you’re working toward rewards within an airline loyalty program.
But something I’ve learned is that having airline miles doesn’t automatically guarantee an inexpensive flight. Award availability, taxes, fees, and the number of miles required can vary significantly. That’s why I like the idea of having both airline-specific miles and flexible travel points available.
It gives us more options when planning trips.
My biggest tip? Before using miles, compare the cash price of the flight with the number of miles required.
Sometimes paying cash and saving your points for another trip is actually the better decision.
(Still prefer Chase Sapphire though)
3. Hotel Loyalty Programs Are Worth Exploring
Can we talk about hotels for a second?
Because as much as I love exploring a new city, there’s something about returning to a beautiful, comfortable hotel after a full day of traveling with children.
Especially when everyone is tired, somebody needs a nap, and somebody else has mysteriously lost a shoe.
We’ve enjoyed exploring hotel loyalty programs, particularly Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
Both programs allow eligible members to earn points on qualifying stays and redeem points for eligible hotel nights.
Depending on your membership status and the property, you may also have access to additional benefits.
🏨 Marriott Bonvoy
🏨 Hilton Honors
I truly love Marriott Bonvoy. We have been using it for years! To be honest, we still have a Hilton Honors card but I still prefer Marriott a hundred times over. One thing I love about hotel loyalty programs is that joining is generally free. You don’t necessarily need a hotel credit card to start participating.
And while earning points is wonderful, I always compare the actual price of booking directly, booking with points, and using other available rates before deciding.
Because sometimes the best travel hack is simply doing the math.
4. The Secret Is Planning Ahead
Here’s something I wish more people talked about when discussing points and miles. It’s not always about having the most points. Sometimes it’s about knowing how and when to use them.
For example, when planning family travel, I like to think about:
Where do we actually want to go?
Not just where there’s a good deal.
When can we realistically travel?
Especially now that we’re homeschooling, having more flexibility with our calendar can open up different travel opportunities.
Which airline or hotel programs could help us get there?
This is where researching rewards options becomes helpful.
Are we actually getting good value for our points?
A redemption isn’t automatically a good deal just because it uses points.
And finally:
Does this trip make sense for our family financially?
Because the goal isn’t to travel constantly.
It’s to travel intentionally.
5. My Favorite Travel Resources
I’m putting some of my favorite resources here so you can explore them for yourself!
✈️ Travel Rewards & Credit Cards
Chase Sapphire: HERE
Marriott Bonvoy: HERE
Hilton Honors: HERE
I’ll continue updating this section as we discover more things we genuinely love and use.
Disclosure: Some links in this post may be referral or affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission, points, or other benefits if you use them, at no additional cost to you. I’ll always aim to share resources that I personally find valuable. Credit card terms, eligibility requirements, and offers can change. Please review the issuer’s official terms before applying.
6. A Little Reminder: The Goal Isn’t Just to Travel
Something motherhood has taught me is that the experiences we share with our children are such a beautiful gift.
And no, I don’t think you need to take your babies across the world to give them a beautiful childhood. Some of our sweetest memories happen right here at home. But I also believe that if God has given us the opportunity to explore, learn, experience different cultures, and see more of His creation, there’s something really special about stewarding that opportunity well.
I want my children to grow up appreciating the beauty of the world. I want them to understand that different cultures, languages, and traditions are things worth learning about. And I want them to remember a childhood filled with curiosity, gratitude, and adventure.
Not necessarily luxury.
Not extravagance.
Just a life intentionally lived.
And if being a little smarter with our everyday spending helps us create some of those memories, I’m all for it.
Because at the end of the day, the points aren’t the destination. They’re simply one of the tools that can help us get there.
And that’s something worth sharing.
With love,
Coco 🤎
P.S. Have questions about traveling with little ones or getting started with points and miles? Come find me on Instagram! I love connecting with other families who want to see more of the world together.
