Points and Miles Travel Chats
Welcome to the Points and Miles Travel Chats podcast. I'm Michele from Fancy Travel Pointers, and I believe your everyday spend is the secret to extraordinary travel.
If you’ve ever worried that points are too complicated, or wondered if a busy family with public school schedules and competitive sports could really travel with points — I’m here to show you it’s absolutely possible.
Here’s what I know for sure: it’s not about spending more, and keeping my credit score sky-high is always front and center. I’ll give you actionable steps and teach real, repeatable strategies that transform the way you earn points and the value you get from them.
Points and Miles Travel Chats
Using Southwest/Hyatt Points to Visit Hawaii on Repeat + Maui Hotel Reviews
Hawaii is the dream vacation — but that $10K+ price tag? Hard pass.
The good news: Hawaii is actually one of the easiest places to use your points.
We’ve been using the same Southwest + Hyatt combo points strategy for years — and it’s taken us to Hawaii five times since 2019, with next year’s trip already booked. 🏝️
This is my favorite rinse & repeat strategy for family travel — simple, realistic, and crazy rewarding.
Today, we're chatting about...
- The Southwest + Hyatt combo we use for 90% of our domestic trips — including Hawaii.
- 4 tips to always get the best Southwest deals.
- The magic of the Southwest Companion Pass (my son flies for $5.60 each way!).
- Why I love Hyatt redemptions in Hawaii — no resort fees, lower point prices, and easy-to-earn transferable points.
- Our Maui trip recap — hotel reviews, favorite restaurants, and top excursions you’ll love.
- Why luxury doesn’t have to mean spending big — how we stayed at the Andaz Maui for 45K points a night instead of $1K cash.
📋 FROM THIS EPISODE
How we earn so many points to transfer to Hyatt
📋 READY TO LEVEL UP YOUR POINTS TRAVEL?
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👋 Hi! I'm Michele!
A points and miles expert, using points for family vacations to Japan, Hawaii, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, theme parks and so much more.
I don't believe in spending more to earn more points. The key is knowing how to earn the best points and getting massive value from them.
With a teenager in competitive sports & public school, traveling during the busiest of times is our family's norm. I'll show you my best tips & strategies to use points for making incredible family travel happen.
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