As a family of 5, it takes a lot of points to go well, anywhere.  And it goes without saying, but I’m always looking for more opportunities to earn points. 

Umrah can definitely be an expensive trip and journey.  But in come points and miles for the win

Capital One is my second favorite bank after Chase, and it helped me save just under $3,000 for Umrah travel last year.  Yes, I said it – I love my Chase Ultimate Rewards.  But diversifying your wallet with cards that earn different types of points and miles is key in award travel.  I used Capital […]

Credit card welcome bonus offers are the fastest and easiest way to earn a good chunk of points from your regular, everyday spend. 

Current Transfer Bonuses for November 2025   Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.  Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers.  Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however some of our partner offers may have expired.   What is […]

American Airlines miles have always been very valuable, and generally speaking, harder to earn for reward flights.  American Airlines is part of the Oneworld airline alliance, which allows you to book flights on partner airlines making for some great international redemptions. 

Umrah travel is expensive, simply put.  If you’re traveling with a family, it can easily add up to $7k – $10K, and this is booking travel yourself and not through a group.  (I’ve booked Umrah travel for my family without using points and miles so I know how quickly it adds up.)  Last fall, we […]

“Chasing” hotel status is not for everyone.  I get it.  For us, award travel is about saving money, being able to travel more (and smarter), and minimizing other travel-related costs as much as we can.  Part of that strategy includes hotel loyalty because it saves our family on costs such as breakfast, taxes/fees, parking, and […]

Holding hotel status isn’t (just) a flex.  Yes, it sounds nice, but it can be a means to save money, and reap additional perks and benefits.  I wasn’t always one who “chased” hotel status.  But once you taste the Globalist life (the highest status you can hold with World of Hyatt), there’s no turning back.  […]

Booking in a bank’s travel portal.  Ahh, such mixed feelings on this one. I recently booked flights through Capital One’s travel booking site, and I had to cancel.  Now, I’m not going to say don’t ever book flights in a bank’s travel portal because sometimes that’s just what works best.  And if you’re using cash, […]