Want to make more family travel memories without breaking the bank? Longtime travel journalist Lyn Mettler shares her top tips to help families quickly and easily travel for less using rewards points and inspires you with ideas of where to travel on your next vacation.
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Travel isn’t just for the rich. I teach people how to supercharge their credit card points so they can pay for entire family vacations every year. I've been redeeming miles and points to pay for travel for over a decade. Points have taken our family around the world. But one thing sets me apart -- our family flies economy because business class isn't worth the extra effort for us. But this podcast isn't about me and where I've been -- it's about you and your goals. I focus on "normal" and st ...
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A podcast dedicated to helping young achievers open their eyes to the world of possibilities and build the life of their dreams. Jared and Russell are two dudes who discuss topics centered around financial independence including investing, real estate, personal growth, tax optimization, travel hacking and more. Our goal is to inspire the younger generation to shoot for the stars and help them align their time, energy, and money with their goals. The life of your dreams is just a couple episo ...
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Sweet Spots for Booking Flights with Ultimate Rewards
27:19
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I am going to walk you through each airline partner that is available for you to transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to. I’ll explain the benefits of each one, point out any downsides, and tell you about a few sweet spots so that you can get the most out of you…
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Avoid These Mistakes Booking Flights with Points
28:35
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to take the complicated topic of booking flights with points and give you ways to keep it simple, save you time, and help you use your points for the things you value most. In addition to helping you understand the world of booking flights with points, I also have…
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Best (and most underrated) Ways to Use Ultimate Rewards to Book Any Flight, Hotel, or Cruise
22:38
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to cover some of the best and most underrated ways to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The exciting news is that there is a lot of flexibility, allowing you to book all kinds of travel options including, flights, hotels, cruises, Disney tickets, or Airbnb. If tr…
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Strategy Tips to Keep Earning Chase Points Forever
28:19
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’m going to introduce you to the three different families of cards within the Chase Ultimate Rewards universe. I’ll show you how to earn the most points over the long run and how to do this in single player or two player households. There are a lot of Chase cards available…
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Learn all about my favorite travel card, Chase Sapphire Preferred. I explain the offer, the card's features, how you can earn $1100+ in FREE travel, why it's my favorite travel card and walk you through how to fill out the card application. Thanks for using my affiliate link if you decide to apply in support of my small business and free podcast: h…
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Chase Sapphire Preferred Special Offer {Now Expired}
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures UPDATE: this offer has now ended. But even at it's standard offer, I think this card is still the best beginners card. Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I have an exciting bonus episode for you, because the Chase Sapphire Preferred currently has an even better welcome offer for you, and I’ve got all the det…
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Tips to Use Your Points for Hyatt (our favorite use for Chase points)
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I want to show you how I use my Chase Ultimate Rewards for Hyatt. I book Hyatt regularly to simplify my decision making process and to save me a lot of time! So let me introduce you to all the ways you can make the most of your points with Hyatt. If you’re worried about Hya…
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Best and Worst Ways to Use Ultimate Rewards Points for Hotels
23:38
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today I’ll be introducing you to the easiest way to use your Ultimate Rewards points! I’ll be talking about how to use points for hotels, how my family has used it, and how you can get the most out of your points. Remember that using points is most rewarding when you get to use i…
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Don't Ignore These Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits (Part 2: Travel Benefits)
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(Click MORE to see Ad disclosure) Welcome to Points for Normal People! Thanks for joining me again for Part 2 as I share about all of the great travel benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. I’ve read all of the details so that you don’t have to! Let me fill you in and help you get the most out of your card. If you missed Part 1, be sure to …
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161 | Teachers Can Fly Free Too With Monica Marino
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Monica Marino shares how implementing a simple system to use miles and points enabled her to visit her son as much as she wanted, as well as enjoy some vacations. She also explains how teachers can fly for free using travel rewards despite being on a traditional school schedule. Learn how to fly for free like Monica by joining Families Fly Free. Le…
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160 | Success Story: Free Flights for Life with Andrew and Kiana Joyner
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Andrew and Kiana Joyner share their journey from travel rewards beginners to getting free flights for life! The couple share their best tips, including what to watch out for when booking with third-party vendors and why you need TSA PreCheck, as well as how they use travel rewards to fly for free. Check out their YouTube channel at: https://www.you…
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Don't Ignore These Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefits! (Part 1: Shopping Benefits)
20:03
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! Join me today for a conversation about the shopping and purchase benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. It offers so much more than points, and I have all the details to help you make the most of your card. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on next…
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Mistake: Not staying organized (these tools help!)
19:14
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(Click MORE to see Ad Disclosures) Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’ll share mistakes I’ve made when I didn’t have a system to track my credit cards and points. Then I’ll give you the information and resources you need to stay organized, getting the most out of your points. ACTION STEPS: Set up a system to track your credit c…
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159 | Tips for Choosing the Right Tour Company for Your Family With Christine Sarkis
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Have you ever considered traveling with a tour company to a particular destination? Christine Sarkis, with TourScoop.com and FamilyVacationist.com, gives us some tips for how to decide if a tour is a good fit for your family and if so, how to choose among the many tour companies like Backroads, Road Scholar, Go Adventures, Intrepid, Wilderness Trav…
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Planning Trips with Points is Different: 3 Mindset Shifts to Make it Easier
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(Click "MORE" to see Ad Disclosure) Welcome to Points for Normal People! Today we're diving into mindset around booking trips. We'll explore the switch from cash bookings to points--and how some shifts in the way you think can help you plan your points trips with less stress. We'll also discuss how valuable tools like transfer partners and sweet sp…
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Navigating the Chase 5/24 Rule: Tips and Strategies
19:59
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this episode, I’m sharing everything you need to know about the Chase 5/24 rule, and teach you all the best tips on how to navigate it. If you’re getting started, understanding the Chase 5/24 rule will help you develop the best strategy to travel more with points. ACTION STEPS…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! If you’re wondering where to begin when it comes to picking the right credit cards for travel points, I am here to be your guide. In this episode, I help show you how to choose the right cards, tune out the marketing noise, and let you know exactly where to start. Choosing the ri…
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Myth: Opening credit cards will ruin your credit score
18:41
18:41
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! This episode has everything you need to know about credit scores and points. I share my credit scores, lay out key habits to keep your score high while opening cards for points, and help you understand the factors that influence your credit score. Enjoying the benefits of travel …
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In today’s episode, I share the benefits of opening multiple credit cards each year. I help you understand the time investment and I’ll give you an overall strategy to earn points the easy way. Opening multiple cards doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’m here to be your guide. Let…
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Click MORE to see Ad disclosures Welcome to Points for Normal People! In this very first episode, I'll be sharing more about what exactly I mean by "Points for Normal People," and some of the methodology I've developed in my past 13 years in the travel points and miles hobby. Points and miles isn't just for people flying business class -- it's for …
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158 | Success Story: The 80/20 Rule Applied to Travel With Jesse Brown
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The value of focusing on the most impactful travel rewards strategies to not only save you money, but tons of time, as well from someone who once flew free as an airline employee. Plus, he shares many great travel tips that we all should take to heart. Resources: Email Jesse about his Lake Tahoe vacation rental at bobalinresort AT outlook.com Want …
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157 | Tips for Traveling to Hawaii With Young Kids With Marcie Cheung
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Planning a trip to Hawaii but not sure about bringing young kids? Marcie Cheung of HawaiiTravelWithKids.com has taken her children, now 7 and 10, at least 10 times and shares how it's doable, along with some of her best tips to navigate Hawaii with kids. Check out Marcie's Hawaii Travel Guides: https://www.familiestravelfree.com/hawaii-travel-guide…
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Welcome to Points for Normal People! This podcast aims to teach you the easiest ways to earn and redeem points for travel. Because travel isn't just for the rich. And travel points can be used by normal people who just want to devote a few hours a month to this hobby -- and still pay for entire vacations every year. New Here? Hi, I’m Katie from Kat…
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It's a great idea for all couples to get away together without the kids from time to time. Here are 10 recommendations for fun romantic getaways for a couple's getaway. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... Lea…
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155 | Why You Should NOT Buy Discounted Southwest Gift Cards
10:34
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While discounted Southwest gift cards SEEM like a good deal, they're actually not. Here's why... Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... Learn more Download Lyn's FREE list of 7 INSIDER hacks she uses to personal…
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154 | Feeling Alone in Your Miles & Points Hobby? I've Got Some Tips
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Do you ever feel alone in your love of collecting miles and points and scoring a great travel deal? Lyn sees this a lot and shares some quick advice. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... Learn more Download Ly…
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153 | Listener Questions Part 2: Companion Pass Southwest Card Offer & Timing, Costco, Devaluing Points & More
20:49
20:49
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In Part 2 of listener questions answered, Lyn explains why the current Southwest personal card offer is NOT good, when and how you should use a Costco card, if devaluation of airline points is a problem, if shopping portals are key to her strategy and if it's too late to get a Southwest Companion Pass now. Want to get on the fast-track to always fl…
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152 | Listener Questions Answered: Flying Southwest From a Non-Hub Airport, Having Enough Points, Chase Freedom Unlimited
32:53
32:53
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Lyn answers some great questions from listener Jamie about options if you don't want to fly Southwest out of your home airport, how you really can pay 7,500-10,000 points per flight and if you should use Chase Freedom Unlimited for your everyday spend. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fl…
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151 | Success Story: Traveling to All 50 States With Amanda Sanfilippo
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Amanda's family of 4 has a goal to visit all 50 states before her daughters graduate high school. She shares how learning how to earn and use travel rewards has saved them thousands on trips to places like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Utah, Niagara Falls and more. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Famili…
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150 | Why You Should Not Be Intimidated to Visit US National Parks with Bryanna Royal
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Don't be intimidated to visit our National Parks for any reason, including crowds, knowledge, equipment or planning. Bryanna Royal of Crazy Family Adventure explains how you can enjoy the National Parks this year without overwhelm and make memories in some of America's most amazing landscapes. She shares some of her favorites and tips for making th…
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149 | Why I Don't Recommend Getting Chase Sapphire Reserve
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19:09
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Just a few years ago Chase Sapphire Reserve was THE luxury travel card to own, but these days, there are better options that offer the same perks for a lower cost. Lyn explains why she doesn't recommend getting Chase Sapphire Reserve, except for a rare group of people. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us insid…
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What's in store for us when it comes to travel in 2024? Lyn identifies 9 trends she expects to see this year including continued revenge travel, international travel, more and better travel rewards, better wifi, hotels versus vacation rentals and much more. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Famili…
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147 | Top Family US Destinations for 2024 with Lesli Peterson of 365 Atlanta Traveler
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51:55
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Where should you travel in 2024? Lyn together with Lesli Peterson of 365AtlantaTraveler.com share their picks for 6 great US destinations for families in 2024 including Colorado, Hawaii, Glacier National Park, Huntsville Alabama, Las Vegas and San Diego. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families …
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146 | Top International Destinations for 2024
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What international destinations should you consider visiting in 2024? Lyn shares her recommendations including Costa Rica, Paris, Grand Cayman, Ireland and Sicily. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... https://…
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145 | My 2023 Travel Rewards Savings Round-Up: 10 Free Trips to 8 Destinations
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How much did Lyn's family save flying and staying free in 2023? She totals up their savings across 10 trips to 8 different destinations for you in this episode and explains how you can do the same. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly fre…
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144 | How to Make Traveling the World Your Way of Life With Caroline Makepeace
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Caroline Makepeace has traveled the world since 1997, visiting nearly 60 countries and living in 5. She shares her inspiring story about how she got out of the "rat race" and opted for a different way of life for herself, her husband and her two daughters. Get ready to be inspired!By Lyn Mettler
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143 | Using Your Points However You Want With Pam Howard
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Travel blogger Pam Howard shares how she uses travel rewards for everything from weekend getaways to day trips and from Disney visits to travel sports for her family of 4 without ever running out of points. Check out Pam's blog at ouradventureiseverywhere.com Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Fami…
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142 | The 1 Mistake 99 Percent of Travel Hackers Make
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There's 1 mistake that Lyn sees travel hackers make again and again that complicates travel rewards and prevents them from taking as many free trips as possible. She reveals this very common mistake in this episode... Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to …
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Are you traveling as much as you could be or want to be? Lyn explains the concept of "under-traveling" and encourages you to truly consider this question. If you aren't traveling as much as you want, consider using travel rewards to bring your family up to the level you DO want to travel. She shares inspiring stories of families who have done that …
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140 | Talking Travel Rewards With Brad Barrett of Choose FI
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How do travel rewards fit into a plan to retire early and become financially independent? Brad Barrett of Choose FI, the largest financial independence community in the world, explains how he became interested in travel rewards, his thoughts on travel cards, considers the cost/benefit analysis of fees associated with travel rewards, explains the ta…
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What travel "hack" can save you the most possible points when flying that's simple and easy to do? Lyn shares her No. 1 airline points-saving hack in this week's episode. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... L…
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138 | How to Keep Traveling When the Budget Is Tight
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Are you tightening the "belt" this year? No need to stop traveling! Travel rewards can allow your family to keep traveling even when the budget is tight. Want to get on the fast-track to always fly your family free? Come join us inside the Families Fly Free membership, the BEST way to learn how to fly free using travel rewards... Learn more Downloa…
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137 | The Latest on Maui Travel With Leanne Pletcher of Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau
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Maui is open and ready for visitors after the tragic August wildfires. Leanne Pletcher with the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau joins us to share how you can visit Maui in a respectful way and why it's important to do so to support the island's recovery. Ready to jump to the finish line of flying your whole family for free, learn more about Famil…
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136 | Why I Love the Chase Ink Business Cards
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The Chase Ink Business cards can be a great way to build your flexible points balance for free travel. Lyn reviews the different options, how they work and why she thinks they are a great option. Ready to jump to the finish line of flying your whole family for free, learn more about Families Fly Free and how you can learn Lyn's simple Fly Free Form…
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135 | Why No Assigned Seats Is Not as Bad as You Think
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Lots of people shy away from Southwest Airlines because of their no assigned seats policy, but by doing so, they lose out on the EASY way to fly for free using travel rewards. In this episode, Lyn explains why this policy is different, but not as bad as you might think. Ready to jump to the finish line of flying your whole family for free, learn mo…
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134 | Earning a Southwest Companion Pass for 2024-2025: What You Need to Know
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It's the time of year to start earning your Southwest Companion Pass for 2024-2025, but the timing can be very difficult to get right! In this episode, Lyn explains some of the key things you need to know to get a Companion Pass in place to last almost 2 full years. Ready to jump to the finish line of flying your whole family for free, learn more a…
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133 | Success Story: How to Save $20,000 Flying Free for Travel Sports with Travis Boland
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How much can you save flying for free? The sky's the limit if you're traveling once a month for an activity like travel sports. Travis Boland shares his success story of saving almost $20,000 to fly his son to not only lacrosse tournaments and games, but also taking his whole family on fun vacations. Want to learn our simple system that Travis empl…
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Should you use your points for last-minute getaways? Lyn just did on a trip she planned a week ahead. She explains why you SHOULD do this and why it's not a problem. Ready to jump to the finish line of flying your whole family for free, learn more about Families Fly Free and how you can learn Lyn's simple Fly Free Formula, a simple system to collec…
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131 | Why You Need to Have Emergency Points
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While we usually talk about how to use travel rewards to fly for free to destinations for fun, it's a fact of life that at some point you'll likely need to get somewhere beyond driving distance in a hurry. If you aren't prepared with points ready to go, you could end up shelling out thousands of dollars for airfare. In this episode, Lyn shares how …
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130 | Using Travel Rewards vs Discounts to Save as Much as Possible on Your Disney Vacation
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In this free webinar, Lyn dives into the math of the potential savings of using travel rewards to pay for flights, accommodations, park tickets and more at Disney versus the various discounts you may be able to take advantage of. Confused about Genie Plus, Disney's FastPass replacement system? Download our Genie Plus Strategy Sheets FREE: https://f…
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