The Traveling Tinsleys

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  • How We Booked a Dreamy Airbnb in Sámara, Costa Rica

    Our trip to Costa Rica was magical. I’m going to break down each part of our stay and how we used points and miles to make it happen.

    🌊 The Airbnb of my dreams

    First of all…this Airbnb was everything. Think: insane ocean views, a private pool, and the kind of peaceful jungle vibes that make you forget what day it is.

    It’s perched up on a hillside overlooking Sámara, and we were obsessed from the moment we walked in.

    Picking a mango from the tree the house was built around

    A quick heads up for families:
    This property is not designed for young kids. There’s a steep cliff, open spaces, and it’s definitely not kid-proof. If you’ve got older kids, you’ll be fine—but I’d be cautious with littles.

    That said, my kids still had the BEST time:

    • They lived in the pool
    • Loved the boogie boards provided
    • And were all about our daily golf cart rides down to the beach
    Not included with the house but Blazing buggys drops it off and picks it up
    Kids and adults never wanted to get out
    The kitchen opens up the backyard when all the doors are open. And against what I thought, there really weren’t any mosquitos
    Views are just ridiculous

    💳 How We Paid for It (Without Paying Full Price)

    Here’s where the magic happens.

    Option 1: Use a Travel Card to “Erase” the Cost

    We love using a card like the Capital One Venture X for Airbnb stays because you can:

    • Earn a big signup bonus
    • Then go back and erase travel purchases

    👉 Apply here.

    At current bonus levels, you can cover around $750 of your Airbnb stay just from the welcome bonus alone. That’s a huge chunk gone.

    Option 2: Our Favorite Hack (What We Actually Did)

    This is one of my favorite strategies for Airbnb stays 👇

    We used our Ink Cash card to:

    • Buy Airbnb gift cards at office supply stores
    • Earn 5x points on those purchases
    • Hit the signup bonus (currently 75,000 points)

    👉 Apply here and click down to Ink Cask

    Why this works so well:

    • You’re earning points fast
    • You can budget ahead of time by buying gift cards gradually
    • You’re essentially turning a big expense into a points-earning machine

    We used the signup bonus + points earned from gift cards to offset a big portion of this stay—and it made the whole trip feel way more doable.

    And if you think you don’t qualify for a business card, message me and I can share how you probably do. Sell things on FB marketplace? Have any side hustle no matter the size? You probably qualify. Have a larger business, then applying should be straight forward. Message me and I can walk you through the process.

    🌴 Final Thoughts (And the Airbnb Link 👀)

    We absolutely fell in love with Costa Rica. Sámara was the perfect mix of laid-back beach town + adventure, and this Airbnb made it unforgettable.

    Was it the most kid-friendly place ever? No.
    Would we stay there again in a heartbeat? 1000% yes.

    👉Book it here

    If you’ve been wanting to travel more with your kids, this is your sign—it is possible. You just need the right mix of planning, points, and a little creativity.

    Have questions about booking trips like this or using points for Airbnb stays? Send me a message—I’m always happy to help 💛

  • How to make travel days smoother

    Spring break chaos + wild weather + TSA staffing shortages = travel days not so smooth lately 😵‍💫🥴😵‍💫

    But here’s the hack most people sleep on 👇
    The right travel card can completely change your airport experience.

    ✔️ TSA PreCheck = skip the long lines
    ✔️ Lounge access = calm, comfy, and FREE snacks/drinks

    Trust me… these two perks alone make flying 10x smoother 🙌

    Comment “TSA” and I’ll send you my full guide to stress-free travel days ✈️💼

    How to Survive Travel Chaos (and Actually Enjoy the Airport)

    Between spring break crowds, unpredictable weather, and TSA staffing shortages, flying lately can feel like a full-contact sport. Long lines, delays, and packed terminals are becoming the norm—but your travel experience doesn’t have to match the chaos.

    The difference? Using the right credit card benefits strategically.

    The Two Benefits That Change Everything

    If you do nothing else, prioritize these:

    1. TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry)

    This is your fast pass through security.

    • Shorter lines
    • Keep shoes, belt, and laptop in your bag
    • Typically saves 20–40+ minutes

    When airports are overwhelmed, this is the single biggest time-saver.

    2. Airport Lounge Access

    This is the upgrade most people underestimate.

    Instead of fighting for a seat at a crowded gate, you get:

    • Quiet, clean space to relax
    • Free food and drinks
    • Wi-Fi and charging stations
    • A much calmer environment during delays

    When flights get pushed back, lounge access goes from “nice to have” to essential.

    The Card I Use: Venture X

    Venture X + Priority Pass

    To really level up your travel setup, I also recommend the Capital One Venture X.

    What makes Venture X so powerful:

    • ✔️ Includes Priority Pass membership
    • ✔️ Access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide
    • ✔️ TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit
    • ✔️ Capital One lounge access (at select airports)

    Why Priority Pass is clutch

    It gives you:

    • Access to lounges across different airlines and airports
    • Options internationally and domestically
    • A backup plan when your primary lounge isn’t available

    👉 Apply for the Venture X here

    Pro Tips for Smoother Travel Days

    • Arrive earlier during peak seasons (spring break gets wild)
    • Enroll in TSA PreCheck ASAP
    • Check lounge access rules before arriving
    • Use lounges during delays—not just before boarding
    • Keep both physical and digital copies of your cards/memberships

    Want Help Picking the Right Card?

    If you’re not sure which card fits your travel style, I’ve got you.

    There are plenty of great options that include:

    • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits
    • Lounge access (Priority Pass, airline lounges, or both)

    👉 I’m happy to recommend the best cards based on your travel habits—just reach out or drop a comment and I’ll point you in the right direction.

  • The 3 Rules You Must Understand Before Starting the Points & Miles Game

    So you want to start earning free flights, hotel stays, and finally take that dream trip with your family?

    I love it. You’re in the right place.

    But before you start applying for every shiny credit card you see online… let’s slow down.

    At Get Them Points, we play this game smart. And there are three rules you absolutely need to understand before diving in.

    Because done right? This strategy can help everyday families travel more than they ever thought possible.

    Done wrong? It can cost you money and add stress.

    Let’s do it right.

    My family taking a cooking class in Italy. All thanks to points & miles.

    Rule #1: If You Don’t Pay Your Credit Cards Off in Full — This Is Not for You

    I’m going to say this with love.

    If you carry a balance month to month… the points and miles game is not for you (yet).

    This strategy only works if:

    • You pay your credit cards off in full
    • Every. Single. Month.
    • On time.

    Interest cancels out any value you gain from points. Period.

    The magic of this strategy is earning large welcome bonuses — not paying interest.

    Here’s what most people don’t realize:

    👉 When done correctly, earning credit card welcome bonuses can actually increase your credit score.

    Why?

    • More available credit lowers your utilization ratio.
    • On-time payments build strong payment history.
    • Responsible usage shows lenders you can manage credit.

    My husband and I both have 800+ credit scores, and they’ve actually gone up since we started strategically earning points.

    But that only happens because we treat our credit cards like debit cards — we never spend money we don’t already have.

    If you’ve mastered that habit? You’re ready.

    Rule #2: Space Out Your Applications (30–90 Days Apart)

    This is not a sprint. It’s a long-term family travel strategy.

    Banks don’t love seeing multiple credit inquiries all at once. A bunch of applications in a short period can:

    • Lower approval odds
    • Trigger denials
    • Slow your momentum

    Instead, space your applications 30–90 days apart.

    Points and miles isn’t about grabbing one bonus. It’s about building a plan that helps you:

    • Visit grandparents more often
    • Take that Europe trip you’ve been dreaming about
    • Book spring break without draining your savings

    Slow and strategic always wins.

    Rule #3: Understand the Chase 5/24 Rule

    Before you apply for anything, you need to understand one of the most important rules in this game:

    The Chase Bank 5/24 rule.

    Here’s what it means:

    If you have opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any bank) in the past 24 months, Chase will likely deny you for most of their cards.

    And Chase offers some of the most valuable beginner-friendly travel cards.

    So if you’re just getting started, it’s often smart to:

    • Start with Chase cards
    • Be intentional about what counts toward 5/24
    • Keep track of your applications

    I recommend using the Travel Freely app to track your 5/24 status. It’s free and makes it easy to stay organized.

    We’ll talk about business cards soon (because they can be a powerful part of your strategy and change how 5/24 impacts you), but for now — focus on understanding your personal card count.

    Final Thoughts: This Is for Real Families

    The points and miles world can feel overwhelming at first.

    But if you follow these three rules:

    1. Pay your cards off in full.
    2. Space out applications.
    3. Respect 5/24.

    You’re already ahead of most beginners.

    If you are ready to get started, we recommend starting with this card so you can:

    • Say yes to trips
    • Show your kids the world
    • Create memories without wrecking your finances

    You don’t need to open five cards tomorrow.

    You just need to start smart.

    And once you do?
    Travel starts to feel a whole lot more possible.

  • The Florida Keys

    Sun, salt air, fishing lines, and island time.

    The Florida Keys aren’t about flashy resorts or powdery Caribbean beaches. They’re about laid-back island vibes, world-class fishing, chill waterfront happy hours, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and (in our opinion) the best damn Key Lime Colada you’ll ever taste.

    Our favorite Key? Islamorada — the perfect mix of relaxed and lively.

    How to Get There

    You’ll definitely want to rent a car. The Overseas Highway drive is half the experience — ocean views on both sides, charming roadside stops, and bridges that feel like you’re floating over turquoise water.

    Here’s a quick airport breakdown:

    ✈️ Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

    • About 1.5–2 hours to Islamorada (≈ 90 miles)
    • Often the best balance of flight prices and convenience
    • Easy rental car pickup

    ✈️ Miami International Airport (MIA)

    • About 1.5 hours to Islamorada (≈ 80 miles)
    • Great flight availability
    • Slightly busier airport experience

    ✈️ Key West International Airport (EYW)

    • About 1.5 hours south of Islamorada (≈ 80 miles)
    • Smaller, easy airport
    • Often higher airfare

    No matter which airport you choose, the scenic drive down the Overseas Highway sets the tone for your trip.

    What the Keys Are Known For

    •  🎣 World-class fishing (Islamorada is the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”)
    • 🦞 Incredible fresh seafood
    • 🍹  Waterfront happy hours
    • 🌅Unreal sunsets
    • 🏝 Island vibes — not manicured Caribbean beaches

    You won’t find long stretches of white sandy beach here. What you will find are tiki bars, boat days, live music, and a pace that forces you to slow down.

    Where to Stay

     Sunset Inn

    We’ve stayed here for the past six years, and it holds so many family memories.

    • Heated saltwater pool
    • Walkable to our favorite restaurants
    • Quiet, tropical courtyard feel

    What we don’t love? The price jump — from around $200 a night to nearly $800 a night. No thanks.

     La Jolla Resort

    Next year we’re planning to stay next door here. It has a similar Old Florida charm with a great waterfront location.

    Vacation Rental

    • A great option for families who want space + a kitchen

    Where to Eat & Drink

    We plan our Keys trips around food.

    My favorite drink

    🐟 The Fish House

    A must-stop in Key Largo on the drive down.
    Fresh fish, casual vibes, and the perfect way to kick off vacation mode.

      🍹 Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar

    Our #1 spot.

    • Amazing happy hour
    • Live music
    • Sunset views
    • Magician Michael Trixx (our kids LOVE him)
    • And the best Key Lime Colada in the Keys

    🌊  Lazy Days Restaurant

    Great views. Great vibes. Fresh seafood right on the water.

    🎣  Wahoo’s Bar & Grill

    Perfect place to watch charter boats come in with the day’s catch.

    🏝  Hideaway Cafe

    Our favorite date-night spot.
    It’s in Marathon — and absolutely worth the drive.

    A mother-and-son team runs this cozy little gem, and the food is truly incredible. It’s intimate, romantic, and feels like one of those “how did we find this place?” restaurants you never forget. If you’re looking for a special night out away from the tiki-bar scene, this is it.

    Breweries to Check Out

    • Florida Keys Brewing Co.
    • Islamorada Beer Company

    Local beer + island air = perfection.

    Things To Do

    🐬 Theater of the Sea

    A family favorite. You can:

    • Swim with dolphins
    • Meet sea lions
    • Snorkel in a lagoon
    • Watch marine animal shows

    🐚 The Shell Shack

    Souvenir heaven for shell lovers.

    🐟 Robbie’s of Islamorada

    Feed the tarpon right off the dock — a total must-do.

    ☀️ Islamorada Sandbar

    Boat day essential. Anchor up, float, relax.

    • Rent a boat
    • Book a snorkeling tour
    • Pull up to floating boat food trucks (!)

    There’s nothing like standing in crystal-clear waist-deep water with music playing and boats all around you.

    🏝  Bahia Honda State Park

    If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the Keys, this is it.
    Clear water, soft sand (by Keys standards!), and incredible views of the old railroad bridge.

    🌊 Sombrero Beach

    One of the best public beaches in the Middle Keys.
    Great for families, swimming, and sunset walks.

    🌴 Founders Park Beach

    A hidden gem in Islamorada.
    Calm water, picnic areas, and a great option if you want a laid-back beach day close to town.

    🤿 History of Diving Museum

    We finally visited this on our last trip — and it was so much cooler than we expected.

    This museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of diving equipment and artifacts, showcasing the evolution of underwater exploration from ancient times to modern scuba. You’ll see:

    • Vintage dive helmets (including those massive old-school hard hats)
    • Early underwater gear and air systems
    • Rare artifacts and global diving history
    • Interactive exhibits that explain how diving technology evolved

    It’s part museum, part educational experience, and surprisingly fascinating — even for kids. If you’ve ever snorkeled, scuba dived, or just love ocean history, this stop gives you a whole new appreciation for what it takes to explore beneath the surface.

    Definitely worth an hour or two, especially if you want a break from the sun.

    Final Thoughts

    The Florida Keys aren’t about luxury. They’re about memories.
    Salt in your hair. Kids jumping in the pool. Live music at sunset. Fresh fish tacos. And one more Key Lime Colada before calling it a night.

    If you love relaxed destinations with character, Islamorada will absolutely steal your heart.

    Want More Trips Like This?

    Follow me on Instagram @get_them_points to see more of our family adventures and learn how we travel for nearly free using points and miles.

  • Getting Started With Points & Miles

    Award travel looks complicated from the outside.
    But it really comes down to two simple steps:

    1. Use your credit card like a debit card and earn points from the spending you already do.


    2. Pick the right rewards card so one good signup bonus can cover a flight or hotel night.

    That’s it.

    That’s how I started — and it’s still how I book so much of my travel today.

    This simple strategy makes travel more affordable and a lot more fun.

    First — The Foundation Matters

    Before we go any further:

    You need good credit and you need to be able to pay your cards off in full every single month.

    If you’re carrying balances or working on your credit score right now — that’s okay. Start there. Build that foundation first. This hobby only works if you’re not paying interest. Points are never worth going into debt for.

    The Biggest Beginner Misconception

    A lot of people think:

    “I should just get the airline I fly most.”
    “I’ll get the hotel card for the hotel I like.”

    And while those cards can make sense later…

    If you only use one airline or one hotel card for everyday spending, it can take years to earn enough points for a free trip.

    You might earn:

    • 1–2 points per dollar
    • Slowly building toward a redemption

    Meanwhile…

    One strong signup bonus from a flexible travel card can earn you enough points for a free flight or hotel stay in just a few months.

    That’s the difference.

    Instead of slowly earning toward a trip over years, one strategic bonus can get you there much faster.

    Why I Love Flexible Points

    When you’re just getting started, I strongly recommend earning flexible points instead of locking yourself into one airline or hotel program.

    Flexible points give you options.

    You can:

    • Book travel through a bank portal
    • Transfer to airline partners
    • Transfer to hotel programs
    • Or redeem for simple travel purchases

    That flexibility is everything when you’re new — and it protects you from being stuck with points you can’t use.

    My Favorite Starter Card: Chase Sapphire

    If I were starting over today, I would begin with the Chase Sapphire.

    Why?

    • Strong welcome bonus
    • Flexible points that transfer to valuable travel partners
    • Easy-to-use travel portal
    • Beginner-friendly ecosystem

    One good signup bonus alone can easily cover:

    • A roundtrip domestic flight
    • Multiple short-haul flights
    • Or a couple of hotel nights

    That’s the power of one card done strategically.

    We have stayed at a few all inclusive resorts by transferring flexible points

    Apply here.

    What About Capital One Venture X?

    I also love the Capital One Venture X — and I actually think it’s a great early card to consider.

    Yes, it has a higher annual fee.

    But here’s what comes with it:

    • Large welcome bonus
    • Annual $300 travel credit
    • Anniversary bonus miles each year
    • Airport lounge access
    • Simple 2x earning on everything
    • Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

    When you factor in the travel credit and anniversary miles, the annual fee can effectively offset itself if you travel even a little.

    Another reason I often suggest getting it earlier rather than later:
    Capital One can be tougher with approvals. If it’s on your radar, it may make sense not to wait too long.

    Apply here.

    One Card = One Trip

    This is the part people don’t realize:

    You don’t need 10+ cards.
    You don’t need complicated strategies.

    One solid signup bonus can equal:

    • A family flight
    • A long weekend getaway
    • A beach trip
    • A few nights at an all inclusive resort

    That’s how most people should start.

    Simple. Focused. Strategic.

    Over the Next Few Weeks…

    I’ll be breaking down:

    • How to choose your first card
    • How to redeem points without getting overwhelmed
    • Beginner-friendly airline and hotel partners
    • Mistakes to avoid early on

    If you need help planning a trip, figuring out how to use your points, or building a strategy to earn them — message me.

    I genuinely love this stuff, and I’m always happy to help.

    Let’s make travel doable.

    Get Them Points ✈️