Real Trips. Real Numbers.
Here’s How We Did It.
From Disney resorts and beach vacations to cruises and family getaways, I break down the trips we actually take — where we stayed, what we loved, how we booked it and how we made it cost less.
Steal My Family Vacation Ideas
Start with a trip that sounds good to you. I'll show you how we did it.
Disney Without Paying Disney Resort Prices
One of my favorite ways to do Orlando: a beautiful resort near Disney that you can book with World of Hyatt points.
Inside: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress • points vs. cash • resort review • booking strategy
See the Disney Trip →Spring Training + Resort Stays on Points
Baseball, sunshine and two very different resort stays — both booked using points or free-night certificates.
Inside: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale • Marriott at the Buttes • spring training • what we saved
See the Scottsdale Trip →How We Do the Gulf Coast for Less
This one isn't about points. It's about timing. Fall break lets us enjoy one of our favorite beach destinations without peak-summer prices.
Inside: Rosemary Beach • off-season strategy • where to stay • realistic trip costs
See the 30A Trip →Our First Carnival Cruise
We went in as cruise skeptics and came home with kids asking when we could go again. Here's what surprised us and what was worth the money.
Inside: Carnival Vista • Family Harbor • family cruise experience • what I'd book again
See the Cruise →Points Aren't Always the Answer.
Sometimes points get us a hotel that would have cost hundreds of dollars a night. Sometimes an off-season cash rate is the better deal.
I don't travel just to use points. I look at points, cash prices, deals and timing and choose the option that makes the most sense for the vacation we actually want.
That's what you'll find in these trip breakdowns — not just where we went, but how I decided to pay for it.
The Trip Library Is Growing
I'm adding more of our real family vacations — including San Antionio, TX, Hawaii, Disney, cruises and other family getaways.
New to Points & Miles?
Start with the basics and learn how I use points and miles as one tool to help our family take better vacations for less.
Learn Points & Miles →