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 stunning view of Providence Canyon shows steep cliffs with red and tan layers, surrounded by dense trees and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
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Hiking Georgia’s Great Little Grand Canyon (aka Providence Canyon) with Kids

ByMari

If you’re dreaming of the Grand Canyon but it’s just out of reach, Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia, often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” might be the perfect alternative for your next family adventure. Located just two hours south of Atlanta, this national park offers a chance to explore stunning canyons without having to travel out west. It’s an excellent destination for families looking to experience nature, get a little muddy, and enjoy a day of adventure.

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.

A Southwest plane wing flying over a blue sky with clouds
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Southwest Companion Pass Guide: Your Ticket to Free Flights for Family Travel

ByMari

The Southwest Companion Pass is a must-have for anyone who loves to travel with a friend or family member—especially if you’re looking to stretch your budget further. With this pass, a designated companion flies with you for free—you just cover their taxes and fees, which are typically only $5.60 each way on Southwest. As you can see, getting BOGO (buy one, get one) tickets on every flight for the duration of your companion pass can drastically reduce the cost of family vacations.

Family standing in Aloha sign at the Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui
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How We Planned Our Hawaii Family Vacation for Almost Free — And How You Can, Too!

ByMari

Aloha! If you’ve been dreaming about taking a Hawaii family vacation but feel held back by the cost, I’ve got great news: you can make that dream a reality by using points and miles! My family traveled to Hawaii this year, visiting both Oahu and Maui, for an unbelievable grand total of only $67.20 in taxes and fees. Yes, you read that right!

Close-up of a U.S. passport, Chase Sapphire Preferred® card, and a laptop on a desk, representing essential tools for travel planning and rewards.
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The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: The Ultimate Family Travel Tool We Love

ByMari

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the perfect starter card for families looking to dive into the world of rewards travel. It offers easy-to-use benefits, flexible points, and exceptional transfer partners that make it ideal for family vacations. It was the first card that my husband and I both opened when we started out as rewards travelers, and we both still hold it in our wallets today! Here’s why it’s the card you need in your wallet.

A festive wooden stall decorated with Christmas lights, wreaths, and holiday crafts at a European Christmas market. Best Christmas Markets in Europe
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Best Christmas Markets in Europe for Families

ByMari

For years, visiting a Christmas market in Europe has been on my bucket list. It is a magical experience I’ve always wanted to have. There’s just something about twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and rows of charming wooden stalls selling festive treats and handmade crafts that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Now that my kids are a little older, I finally feel ready to make this dream a reality and explore the best Christmas markets in Europe as a family. We’re currently planning it for the holiday season in 2025, and now is the time to start planning it with how competitive and pricey flights and hotels can be for this popular tourist season.

A family of four posing in front of Ruby Falls, with the tall waterfall and colorful lights in the background. Ruby Falls cave walk, Chattanooga, Tennessee
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Ruby Falls Cave Walk: The Most Unique Family Experience in Chattanooga, TN

ByMari

If you’re planning a family road trip between Nashville and Atlanta or find yourself near Chattanooga, there’s one activity that should absolutely make your list: Ruby Falls. It’s not just another tourist attraction, but rather a breathtaking underground waterfall housed in a cave system that’s only been known to people for less than 100 years. A fun outing for the whole family and great stop to break up time in the car or other activities, Ruby Falls is kid-friendly and weather-proof. Let’s dig in.