95. Southwest and Hyatt: The Beginner's Guide to Nearly Free Vacations

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're diving into how you can use Southwest and Hyatt points for nearly free vacations. These are the most accessible programs and what we call “the sweet spots” to get the best start in the world of points and miles! Treat this episode as your go-to guide to the world of points and miles without being overwhelmed. Simple Starts: Why Southwest and Hyatt? Southwest and Hyatt are favorites for their ease of earning and redeeming points, making them perfect for beginners. Alex and Jess highlight how these programs fit seamlessly into family travel plans thanks to their straightforward points systems and valuable perks. With Southwest's generous baggage policy and flexible booking options, and Hyatt's wide range of properties and elite benefits, accumulating and using points is simpler than ever. Efficient Travel Planning Alex and Jess share how to maximize points through everyday spending and strategic credit card use, discussing how to navigate sales and special offers to stretch your points further. Whether you’re eyeing a beach resort or a city hotel, learn how to leverage points for memorable trips without overspending. Ready to Jet Set? Hit play now to start turning your travel dreams into reality with Southwest and Hyatt points. Alex and Jess offer practical advice and share personal stories that will inspire you to plan your next adventure efficiently. Links: Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Links For This Episode: Ultimate Guide to Hyatt: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/ultimatehyatt Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/southwestguide Alila Ventana Big Sur Review: https://travelmomsquad.com/alila-ventana-big-sur-review/ Staying at the Miraval Austin on Points: https://travelmomsquad.com/staying-at-the-miraval-austin-on-points Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Unpacking the perks of Southwest and Hyatt points. 1:30 - The essentials of earning and using Southwest and Hyatt points effectively. 4:00 - Discussion on the flexibility and user-friendliness of booking with Southwest and Hyatt, including their generous cancellation policies. 7:00 - Deep dive into Alex's favorite travel sweet spot: Hawaii. She explains how she leverages Southwest for flights and Hyatt for stays to create perfect family vacations. 12:00 - Jess shares her top picks and experiences using Hyatt and Southwest for travel to Costa Rica, emphasizing the value and ease of direct flights and luxurious stays. 17:00 - The duo discusses the broader implications of using points for travel, including how to adjust strategies during peak travel times. 22:00 - Tips on monitoring point costs and rebooking to optimize point use. 27:00 - Alex and Jess chat about their wish list destinations for future trips using Hyatt and Southwest points. 35:00 - Closing thoughts: Encouraging listeners to start simple with Southwest and Hyatt, and how to access their comprehensive free guides linked in the show notes.