A Paris Birthday Dream: How I Took My Daughter to France Using Points & Miles
There are moments in motherhood that feel like they belong in a storybook—the kind you wish you could bottle up forever. For me, one of those moments was watching my daughter turn ten… beneath the sparkling lights of Paris.
And the best part? It was all made possible with points and miles.
From Chicago to Paris in Business Class
If you’ve ever thought international business class was out of reach, I’m here to tell you—it’s not.
Using 70,000 points each, I booked us business class flights from Chicago to Paris using Aeroplan miles, flying Lufthansa. What could have been a long, exhausting journey turned into part of the adventure itself.
And before we even boarded? The Polaris Lounge at O’Hare, which was AMAZING.
✨ Our Paris Home: A Room with an Eiffel Tower View
We stayed four nights at the Hyatt Regency in Paris—and this is where the magic really settled in.
An Eiffel Tower view.
For 23,000 points a night. I transferred my Chase points to Hyatt.
🥐 Wandering, Wondering, and Soaking It All In
We didn’t over-plan. We let the city carry us.
We saw the iconic sights, yes—but the real magic was in the in-between moments.
This is what travel can be as a mom—not stressful, not overwhelming—but soft, joyful, and deeply connecting.
✈️ Flying back
For our return, I used 30,000 KLM points each for a direct economy flight back home.
Simple. Easy. Done.
Because the truth is, not every part of the journey needs to be luxury. It’s about knowing where to use your points to create the most impact—and for us, the magic was in the journey there and the stay.
🌺 Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
If you’re curious about how to begin your own points and miles journey, I’ve got you. Start Earning flexible points (the key to make this work!). My favorite ones below.
Chase Sapphire (A no brainer and my recommended starter card. Transfers to so many credit travel partners)
Capital One Venture X (the annual fee pays for its self with a $300 travel credit and 10,000 miles each year. Plus free TSA Global Entry if you need it and lounge access)
These are the exact tools I used to make this trip happen—and they can help you start creating your own unforgettable memories.
Because one day, your child will look back and remember more than just a birthday.
They’ll remember how it felt to explore the world with you.
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 outThe 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 theCapital One Venture X for Airbnb stays because you can:
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.
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 💛
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
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 appto 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:
Pay your cards off in full.
Space out applications.
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 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.
The Traveling Tinsleys 