78. European Getaways: How to Fly for Less Using Points and Miles

Ever wonder how you could wander through the romantic streets of Paris, explore the ancient ruins of Rome, or cruise the canals of Amsterdam without the steep price of airfare hanging over your head? Well, buckle up, because today's episode is all about making those European dreams a reality for pennies on the dollar! Join us, the Travel Mom Squad—Alex, Pam, and Jess—as we delve into our treasure trove of tips for using points and miles to jet off to Europe. In today’s chat, Jess spills the beans on how she's hopping across the pond multiple times this year (hint: it's all about those points!), and Pam shares her seasoned strategies for snagging those luxurious long-haul flights to visit her daughter in London. We’re peeling back the curtain on the mystical world of traveling on points, showing you that with a bit of savvy planning and the right credit cards, those chic European getaways can be more attainable than you think. From leveraging airline alliances to maximizing credit card rewards, we're not just talking about scoring a seat on a plane; we're upgrading you to a lifestyle where globe-trotting to Europe becomes as routine as a road trip to the next state. We'll guide you through the best cards for travel points, how to snag that elusive business class upgrade without breaking the bank, and why sometimes, the best travel strategy involves a simple train ride through stunning landscapes. So, whether you're plotting your first escape to Europe or you're a seasoned flyer looking to stretch your miles even further, this episode is your first-class ticket to smarter travel. Ready to soar into the skies without the hefty price tag? Hit play to join our journey and maybe even discover how to make Europe your second home, one point at a time! Links For This Episode:  Transfer Partner & Airline Alliance Master List: https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet Our Favorite Search Engines To Book Award Travel: https://travelmomsquad.com/our-favorite-search-engines-to-book-award-travel/    Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad   Episode Minute By Minute: 1:49 Starting Points - Pam shares why Europe is a top destination and tips on using points for flights. 3:09 Cheap Carriers & Trains - Pam explains how to travel cheaply within Europe once you arrive. 4:12 Typical Costs - Pam outlines what to expect in terms of points for economy and business class. 6:22 Favorite Airlines - Pam and Alex discuss their preferred airlines and strategies for booking. 9:54 Booking Tips - Alex offers advice for beginners on booking with United and other carriers. 14:12 Air France Benefits - Alex highlights the perks of booking with Air France, especially for families. 20:30 Real Booking Examples - Alex shares recent bookings and Jess talks about flying Singapore Airlines. 24:11 Avianca LifeMiles - Pam discusses using Avianca for flying Star Alliance to Europe. 27:00 Chase Travel Portal - Alex suggests using the Chase portal for booking when rates are low. 32:00 Upgrading Tickets - Alex and Jess talk about upgrading flights and when it’s worth it.