The Traveling Tinsleys

Tag: adventure

  • 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 💛

  • 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.