A large family stands in front of a HomeExchange in Miramar Beach, Florida
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HomeExchange: The Budget-Friendly Way to Travel Like a Local

ByMari

Traveling as a family is magical—but let’s face it, travel expenses can pile up faster than your kids can dump their entire suitcase in the middle of the living room. Enter HomeExchange, a clever way to swap homes with other travelers and enjoy cozy accommodations without the hefty price tag. It’s budget- and family-friendly, and offers an authentic travel experience that’s hard to beat. In this post, I’m sharing all about HomeExchange and our experience, plus expert tips after being a member for the last three years.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card
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Capital One Venture Rewards Card: Easy Rewards for Family Travel

ByMari

The Capital One Venture Rewards Card is a top-tier travel rewards card that makes earning and redeeming miles incredibly simple for families. Whether you’re planning a road trip with the kids, flying to visit relatives, or booking a spacious Airbnb for a family vacation, this card offers generous rewards, flexible redemption options, and valuable perks to help you maximize rewards for every trip.

An envelope shows a pre-approved offer for a business credit card
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How Business Credit Cards Boost Travel Rewards, Even if You’re Not a Traditional Business Owner

ByMari

When it comes to earning travel rewards, business credit cards might seem out of reach. If you’re thinking, “I don’t own a business, so I can’t apply for a business card,” you’re not alone. I used to feel the same way! But here’s the good news: you don’t need a registered business to qualify. In fact, opening business cards could be one of the easiest ways to supercharge your rewards. Let’s break it down.

A close-up of various credit card application forms and promotional materials spread out on a table. Credit Card points
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Credit Card Points: Understanding Category Multipliers to Unlock Travel Potential

ByMari

There are more ways to earn credit card points than just with sign up bonuses. Our family takes advantage of category multipliers, also known as bonus categories, which can help us earn 2X, 3X, 4X, or more points in certain categories if we use the right card. Whether you’re ordering takeout, booking flights, or buying groceries, knowing which cards to use for specific purchases can help you maximize points and make your dream trip a reality.

A couple, wearing flower leis, share a warm moment while standing in front of a beautiful ocean sunset. Te Au Moana Luau, Maui, Hawaii.
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Earn More Travel Rewards with Two Player Mode: Doubling the Fun by Working with Your Partner

ByMari

Traveling with a family means you need even more points to get anywhere—for us, it’s flights and lodging times four, which can deplete our hard-earned rewards rather quickly. Enter two player mode, where I can tap my husband, so our family can earn more faster. Two player mode is one of the most powerful strategies you can use to exponentially increase your rewards. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what two player mode is, when and how to use it, and how to take advantage of credit card and travel programs that allow you to pool your points. Assemble your team, and get ready to earn more travel rewards faster than ever before.

Hyatt Regency Dubai United Arab Emirates
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Why Hyatt Hotels Is the Best Brand for Family Rewards Travel

ByMari

When it comes to finding the perfect hotel for our family vacation, Hyatt consistently stands out. With an amazing rewards program, family-friendly accommodations, and unbeatable perks, Hyatt hotels makes it easier to travel with our family for way fewer points than other hotel brands (sorry, Marriott and Hilton!). When it comes to rewards travel, brand loyalty always pays off. Here’s why Hyatt has consistently been the best hotel brand choice for our family, for redeeming points at the best value, earn rewards, and stretching our travel budget.

How to prepare toddlers for new experiences
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How to Prepare Toddlers for New Experiences

ByMari

Let’s be honest, change is hard for anyone. But when you’re experiencing the world for the first time, like babies and toddlers, different can be downright scary. Since toddlers lack the verbal skills to communicate their fears, new experience can be riddled with tears and tantrums… unless you prepare them ahead of time. As a…