The Savvy Travel Moms

If you want more travel without a bigger budget, this episode will change how you think about family travel.In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, we sit down with Anna Haakenson to talk about how families can travel more while spending less using slow travel, strategic budgeting, and smarter planning. If you are looking for ways to afford family travel, stretch your travel budget, or make long term travel more realistic, this episode breaks it down in a practical way.We cover how Anna and her family approached travel from a financial perspective, including saving intentionally, living below their means, and making decisions that allowed their travel budget to go further. You’ll learn how slow travel can actually reduce costs by lowering transportation expenses, allowing for better Airbnb rates, and creating more flexibility with daily spending.We also talk about using points and miles for flights, how to choose budget friendly and family friendly Airbnbs, and why communication with hosts is key when booking longer stays. Anna shares practical tips like documenting rentals to avoid issues, managing healthcare while traveling, and how to plan and budget for extended travel without overspending.This episode also highlights how traveling slower allows families to get more value out of each destination, while giving kids meaningful experiences through culture, language, and everyday life abroad.If you are a mom looking for budget friendly travel strategies, ways to travel more without increasing your spending, or practical tips for making family travel more affordable, this episode will give you a new way to think about what is possible.🔗 Resources & ConnectAnna Haakenson’s website:👉 https://wanderlusthaaks.comFollow Anna on Instagram:👉@wanderlust.haaksConnect with us on Instagram:👉 Joy - @savvytravelmamas👉 Michelle - @jetsetwithjohnsonsFor questions:👉 [email protected] Moms. Real Travel. Real Strategies.

Planning a family trip to Dallas and wondering what to do and how to save money?In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, Joy shares her Dallas family trip itinerary and exactly how she used points and miles to make this short getaway affordable. If you are looking for things to do in Dallas with kids, planning a weekend trip to Dallas, or want to learn how to use points and miles for family travel, this episode walks you through her full experience.We cover how she chose Dallas as a destination based on simple travel parameters, how she booked flights using points, and how they kept costs low while still having a fun and memorable trip. You’ll hear what they did each day, including visiting the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, exploring parks, and finding family friendly dining options.We also share how to find free and budget friendly activities in a new city, plus how airport lounges and kid friendly spaces can make travel days smoother. From planning a short trip to maximizing your points, this episode gives you a realistic look at how to travel more without overspending.If you are a mom looking for a Dallas itinerary with kids, short family trip ideas, or ways to use points and miles to make travel more affordable, this episode will give you practical ideas you can start using right away.🔗 Resources MentionedRecommended credit cards for earning points and travel perks:👉 Capital One Venture Card: Michelle's Link | Joy's Link👉 Chase Sapphire Reserve: Michelle's Link | Joy's LinkConnect with us on Instagram:👉 Joy - @savvytravelmamas👉 Michelle - @jetsetwithjohnsonsFor questions:👉 [email protected] Moms. Real Travel. Real Strategies.

Want to travel more with your family without overspending? In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, we share practical ways to save money on family travel using simple strategies that make a big impact.We break down how families can take advantage of the National Park Pass for fourth graders, which provides free access to national parks across the United States. You’ll learn how to find hotels where kids stay free or eat free, along with how choosing destinations with built-in free activities can significantly lower the overall cost of your trip.We cover creative ways to access free and discounted theme park tickets through local library programs, plus why beach destinations can be one of the most cost effective family vacations. From hidden gem beach towns to outdoor adventures, these trips often offer entertainment without the high price tag.If you are looking for budget friendly family vacation ideas, ways to save money traveling with kids, or simple strategies to stretch your travel budget further, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using right away.Real Moms. Real Travel. Real Strategies.

In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, we break down how to earn more points and miles without constantly opening new credit cards. If you’ve ever wondered how frequent travelers keep earning travel rewards year after year, this episode shares practical strategies for maximizing everyday spending to earn more points.We explain how to use airline dining programs, shopping portals, and everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and rideshare services to earn additional rewards. These simple strategies allow you to stack points on purchases you are already making, helping you build up travel rewards without chasing new credit card welcome offers.We also discuss how strategic spending can significantly increase the number of points and miles you earn each year. By understanding which programs to use and how to layer rewards, families can earn free flights and hotel stays through their normal daily expenses.If you are looking for ways to earn travel rewards faster, maximize your credit card points, or learn how everyday purchases can help fund future trips, this episode shares simple and practical tips you can start using right away.Real Moms. Real Travel. Real Strategies.Contact Us: [email protected]'s IGJoy's IG

Hyatt just made a major change to how many points you need for free hotel stays. So what does it actually mean for your points and miles strategy?In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, we break down the latest Hyatt award chart changes and what they mean for travelers who use World of Hyatt points for hotel stays. If you collect Hyatt points, transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt, or frequently book Hyatt hotels with points, this episode explains how the new pricing updates may affect your future redemptions.We discuss which Hyatt properties are increasing in points cost, which ones are becoming better value, and how these changes impact the overall value of Hyatt points compared to other hotel loyalty programs. We also talk about booking strategies, including when it might make sense to book before the changes take effect and how to find alternative Hyatt properties that still offer great redemption value.You’ll also learn how to continue earning Hyatt points through credit card rewards, transfer partners, and everyday spending, plus tips for maximizing your points before future loyalty program changes happen.If you’re planning upcoming Hyatt stays, trying to decide whether to book now or later, or learning how to maximize the value of hotel points, this episode will help you navigate the new Hyatt award pricing and adjust your travel strategy.Real Moms. Real Travel. Real Strategies.🔗 Resources Mentioned in This EpisodePrevious episode: How Points and Miles Work👉 How we travel for (almost) freeDetails on Hyatt award chart changes👉 Link to articleEarn cash back and points through Rakuten👉 Joy's Link👉 Michelle's LinkRecommended credit cards for earning Hyatt points👉 Chase Sapphire Preferred - Joy's Link👉 Chase Freedom Unlimited/Chase Freedom Flex - Joy's Link👉 Chase Sapphire Preferred - Michelle's Link👉 Chase Freedom Unlimited / Chase Freedom Flex - Michelle's Link

In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, Michelle shares what it was really like taking an RV road trip through Norway with kids. If you are planning a Norway family vacation, researching a camper van itinerary through the fjords, or wondering whether camping in Norway is worth it, this episode breaks it all down.We cover how she planned her Norway road trip, why she chose a camper van for family travel, and how this gave them the flexibility to explore Oslo, the Norwegian fjords, scenic mountain roads, and small towns at their own pace.We also share what surprised her about Norwegian campgrounds, including the cleanliness, family friendly amenities, and stunning waterfront camping along the fjords.You’ll hear practical travel tips for grocery shopping on the road, budgeting for a Norway RV trip, and navigating long scenic drives. We talk about visiting stave churches, exploring Hardangerfjord and Geiranger, camping in Olden, and experiencing outdoor adventures like the Briksdal Glacier and the Loen Skylift.If you are dreaming of a Norway camper van itinerary, planning a fjords road trip, or looking for family travel tips for Norway, this episode is packed with real life insight to help you plan your own outdoor adventure.Full Norway Camper Van ItineraryFor the complete day by day Norway road trip itinerary, campground details, and exact stops, read the full blog post here:👉 Norway BlogContact us: [email protected]'s IGJoy's IG

In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, we break down exactly how we save money on flights using points, miles, transfer bonuses, and strategic flight booking. If you are wondering how to book cheap flights, how to use credit card points for flights, or how to maximize airline miles for international travel, this episode walks you through the strategy step by step.We talk about the best time to book flights, how to use airline award calendars to find saver availability, and why planning ahead is one of the most important ways to save money on airfare. We also explain how transfer bonuses from flexible points programs can significantly reduce the number of points needed for flights, especially for long haul international travel.A major focus of this episode is flight positioning and how booking a separate positioning flight can unlock better award availability and cheaper long haul redemptions. If you have ever searched for award flights and found nothing from your home airport, this strategy can change the game. We share how repositioning flights work, when they make sense, and how they can save thousands of dollars on international airfare.We also dive into how airline credit cards and travel rewards credit cards help you earn free flights faster. From welcome bonuses to companion passes and built in travel perks, we explain how the right credit card strategy can drastically reduce your out of pocket flight costs.If your goal is to travel more while spending less on airfare, this episode will give you a practical framework to book smarter, use transfer bonuses strategically, and stretch your points further.Real Moms. Real Travel. Real Strategies.🔗 Helpful Links and Resources MentionedVirgin Airlines reward seat checkerTransfer bonus history pageFlightConnections.com flight route mapSouthwest Companion Pass credit card offer:Joy's Link | Michelle's LinkRoame.travel affiliate linkSeats.aero award search toolCapital One Venture elevated offer:Joy's Link | Michelle's LinkDelta credit card referralAmerican Airlines flight attendant offer: Use code 896864

In this episode, Joy shares a detailed recap of her family’s Harry Potter inspired trip to London, Scotland, and Ireland, including exactly how they planned this bucket list international adventure with kids. If you have ever dreamed of visiting real Harry Potter filming locations in the UK or taking your family on a magical literary-themed vacation, this episode walks you through what it is really like.Joy talks about planning a multi-country European itinerary, booking repositioning flights, and arriving in London before visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour London. She shares her favorite rooms and interactive exhibits, practical tips for visiting the studio tour with kids, and why this experience is a must for any Harry Potter fan traveling to England.The episode also covers exploring London’s iconic landmarks before heading north to Scotland. Joy shares what it was like chasing the Jacobite train through the Scottish Highlands, visiting Fort William, taking a wildlife cruise, and touring castles in Glasgow. She discusses how the scenery brings the Harry Potter world to life and why the Highlands are an unforgettable stop for families.The journey continues in Ireland with a visit to Dublin, including a stop at Marsh’s Library and other historic sites. Throughout the episode, Joy shares family travel tips, lessons learned from unexpected changes, and how staying flexible made the trip even better. She also reflects on the warmth of the Scottish people and how planning travel around a favorite book series can create meaningful and memorable experiences for the whole family.If you are planning a Harry Potter trip to London and Scotland, researching filming locations in the UK, or looking for ideas for a family vacation in Ireland, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to help you make it happen.Real Moms. Real Travel. Real Strategies.Places mentioned in this episode:WB Studio Tour LondonThe Jacobite (Hogwarts Express)Contact us: [email protected] on IGMichelle on IG

*There is a technical glitch about halfway through this episode. The conclusion of the podcast ended up in the middle of the episode during editing by accident.In this episode of the Savvy Travel Moms Podcast, we’re breaking down the 4 repeatable steps we use to score nearly free travel, again and again. If you’re new to points and miles or looking for a practical system to start saving thousands on family trips, this is your roadmap.We’re sharing how to set yourself up for success, the exact order to follow, and what not to skip if you want real results. Whether you’re bougie like Michelle or all about that budget life like Joy, these steps work no matter your style.Whether you’re brand new or just ready to stop guessing, these 4 steps are the foundation of every trip we take. And the best part? You can start today.Links & Freebies:Grab Joy’s free guide to getting started with points & miles: 4 Super Simple Steps to Nearly Free TravelRead Michelle’s free guide for luxury travel on points: Jet Set with JohnsonsOur favorite credit card links to get you started (and earn those bonuses):Chase Sapphire PreferredJoy's Link | Michelle's LinkCapital One VentureJoy's Link | Michelle's LinkApps:Travel FreelyCardPointersEmail: [email protected]: Joy | Michelle

The podcast episode features a discussion between Joy and Michelle about their 2025 travel experiences. They reflect on the cost vs. value of their trips and share insights on using points and miles to save on travel expenses. Additionally, they discuss their plans for 2026 trips and the impact of points on making travel accessible.TakeawaysCost vs. value comparisonImpact of points on making travel accessibleJoy @savvytravelmamas on InstagramMichelle @jetsetwithjohnsons on Instagram

The first episode of the Savvy Travel Moms podcast introduces Michelle and Joy, two moms with different travel styles but the same savvy mindset. They share their origin stories, first redemption experiences, and discuss the differences in their travel styles. The episode also explores chaotic moments while traveling with kids, providing valuable insights and lessons learned. The conversation covers various aspects of budget travel, credit card programs, loyalty to rewards programs, debunking points and miles myths, memorable travel redemptions, the purpose of starting a podcast, and travel goals and aspirations. The speakers share personal experiences, insights, and advice related to these topics, emphasizing the simplicity of budget travel.TakeawaysDifferent travel styles: bougie vs. practicalFirst travel experiencesChaotic moments while traveling with kids Budget travel doesn't have to be complicatedFollow us @savvytravelmomspodcastFollow Joy @savvytravelmamasFollow Michelle @jetsetwithjohnsons