One of my favorite travel tips takes five minutes and costs nothing: send the hotel a friendly email before you arrive. I usually send 2-3 days before we arrive.
We’ve done this before special trips, and it’s gotten us treats, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and other thoughtful extras. It doesn’t work every time, but sometimes a simple email makes a stay feel even more special.
You don’t need to be celebrating something to ask for a room preference. But if you’re traveling for an anniversary, birthday, or another occasion, tell them! Just keep it honest, friendly, and appreciative.
I usually start with the hotel’s concierge or guest relations team. Include your confirmation number so they can easily find your reservation, and mention your loyalty status if you have it. ChatGPT can help you find the contact information for the hotel.
Here’s an email you can copy, paste, and personalize:
Subject: Upcoming Stay | [Dates] | [Special Occasion, if applicable]
Hello [Hotel Name] Team,
My [husband/partner/family/friend] and I are looking forward to our stay from [check-in date] to [check-out date]!
We’re visiting for [reason for your trip or special occasion], and we’re especially excited about [something you’re looking forward to at the hotel].
If a complimentary room upgrade or a room with [a better view/a higher floor/your preferred feature] is available, we would be so grateful to be considered. I understand it depends on availability, but it would make our stay even more memorable.
[Optional: I’m a member of your loyalty program, with [status level], and always enjoy staying with [hotel brand].]
My biggest tip? Ask nicely and keep your expectations flexible. An upgrade is never guaranteed, and breakfast may depend on your booking or loyalty benefits. We’ve also had stays where the extra was simply a sweet note or a little treat waiting in our room and those touches count, too.
Save this template for your next trip, and follow @the_traveling_tinsleys for more ways to make family travel easier and get more out of your stays.
We travel a lot as a family, and these are the stays that became part of the story of the trip. I remember the mango tree in Costa Rica, the “mansion” in Seville, and waking up to views I couldn’t believe were ours.
A quick note on how I book: The card links in this post are my referral links. If you apply through one, I may receive a bonus. For eligible Airbnb vacation home bookings, I now use my Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earns 3X points at select vacation rental brands. I also love my Capital One Venture X for its 2X miles on everyday purchases and the option to use miles to cover eligible recent travel purchases.
Samará, Costa Rica
This was the house where everyone gravitated toward the infinity pool. We had ocean views, space to hang out together, and our own mango tree. It felt like a place where we could slow down and actually enjoy being on vacation.
Our kids called this three-floor townhouse “a mansion,” and the bunk beds sealed the deal. For us, the location was the magic: we could walk to the cathedral, restaurants, and just about everything we wanted to see. There was even a gelato shop downstairs, which became a very popular daily stop.
We walked into this apartment and stopped at the window. The Alhambra looked like a painting, except it was our actual view. The kids could relax inside while we soaked up one of the most memorable sights of the trip.
Matera already feels like stepping into another era, and this home let us stay right in that feeling. We had plenty of room, a central location that still felt private, and views over the old stone city that made us linger before heading out each day.
The view alone made this stay special. We could walk into Portree for restaurants, and having the Co-op nearby made feeding the family easy. On a trip where the landscape is the main event, it was wonderful to come home to more of it.
This one gave us the Puglia days I had pictured: time on the rooftop, great meals within walking distance, and the beach close enough to make it an easy family outing. We didn’t have to overplan to have a really good day.
Capital One Venture X — my referral link: 2X miles on everyday purchases. I love the Capital One Dining access (it has helped me snag restaurant reservations), and I can redeem miles to cover eligible recent travel purchases. Its $300 annual travel credit applies to bookings through Capital One Travel.
Card benefits and eligibility can change, so check the current terms before applying or booking. The card links above are referral links, and I may receive a bonus if you use them.
One thing that stood out to me the whole week: our ship was split almost evenly between families with little kids and retirees celebrating milestones. Two totally different life stages, same dream trip. And I think more and more people are realizing they don’t have to wait for “someday” to make it happen — you just need a plan. So today I’m breaking down exactly how we paid for ours, and all the other ways you can stack points, miles, and a little strategy to make an Alaskan cruise happen sooner than you think.
What We Actually Did
Here’s how we paid for this trip:
Flights: covered w/ points. We used Alaska Airlines via Atmos Rewards (if you didn’t know, Alaska merged with Hawaiian and rebranded their loyalty program to Atmos Rewards, and it’s genuinely one of the better programs out there right now).
Hotels: covered w/ points. We used World of Hyatt points via Chase (I would get this Ink bonus if you haven’t already!). We did the southern passage and needed a night in Anchorage and a night in Vancouver. Hotel cash rates in both cities spike hard during Alaska cruise season (May–September), so this is exactly the kind of trip where points punch way above their cash value. We used Hyatt points for both stays and paid $0 out of pocket for lodging.
Cruise: a monthly payment plan. This is the one people don’t talk about enough. Most major cruise lines let you put down a deposit and then spread the rest of the fare out over monthly payments instead of paying it all upfront. We did exactly that, and it made a genuinely bucket-list-sized trip feel very doable on a normal budget.
Is it worth all this planning?
10000% yes. We didn’t wait until every last dollar was sitting in savings — we used points for the flights and hotels and chipped away at the cruise fare with monthly payments. Was it worth it? Absolutely, without question.
That’s honestly the bigger takeaway from this whole trip: watching that ship full of families and retirees made me realize this dream trip doesn’t have to sit on a “someday” list. People are figuring out how to make it happen sooner — a mix of points, a payment plan, and a little bit of “we’re doing this now” energy. If Alaska has been on your list, I hope this gives you a real, doable roadmap to get there.
If you have questions about any of this — Atmos Rewards, Hyatt redemptions, the Purchase Eraser, any of it — drop them in the comments. I’ll answer all of them. 🐋
—
Have you been to Alaska, or is it on your bucket list? Hit reply or leave a comment — I’d love to hear where you’re dreaming of going next.
The best family vacations are the ones where parents enjoy themselves too.
I love my kids, but I don’t want to spend an entire vacation coordinating meals, entertaining bored children, or feeling more exhausted when I get home than when I left.
That’s why I’m picky about resorts.
When I’m looking for a family resort, I want:
✔️ Great kids clubs
✔️ Family-friendly rooms
✔️ Easy dining options
✔️ Pools and activities for all ages
✔️ Enough downtime that mom isn’t working the entire trip
After researching, touring, and staying at resorts throughout Mexico, these are some of my favorite family-friendly options.
Xcaret Mexico
If your family loves adventure, Xcaret is hard to beat. This one is very high on our list to visit!
What makes it special:
Unlimited access to Xcaret parks Your stay includes admission and transportation to multiple adventure parks, including Xplor, Xenses, Xel-Há, and more.
Unique nature experiences Think underground rivers, caves, wildlife encounters, and eco-adventures you won’t find at a typical beach resort.
Family suites designed for larger groups Many rooms comfortably accommodate families without squeezing everyone into one small hotel room.
Best for:
Families who want more than just pools and beaches and love active vacations.
Finest Playa Mujeres
This resort consistently gets recommended by families for one reason: it makes traveling with kids easy.
What makes it special:
Excellent kids club and teen club Activities are organized and engaging, giving parents a chance to relax.
Large family suites Many room configurations work well for families who want extra space.
Calm beaches The Playa Mujeres area tends to have calmer water than many Cancun resorts.
Best for:
Families with kids of different ages who want a traditional all-inclusive experience.
Club Med Cancun
Club Med is one of the most activity-packed resorts in Mexico.
What makes it special:
Included sports and activities Sailing, trapeze lessons, tennis, archery, and more are included.
Fantastic children’s programming Kids clubs are available for a wide range of ages.
Beautiful location The resort sits on a peninsula with gorgeous water views and multiple beach areas.
Best for:
Active families who want to stay busy all vacation long.
Dreams Playa Mujeres
Dreams Playa Mujeres checks a lot of boxes for families looking for an upscale all-inclusive experience.
What makes it special:
Water park with slides A huge hit with kids and older children alike.
Family suites Many rooms are designed specifically with families in mind.
Access to neighboring amenities Guests can enjoy additional dining and entertainment options nearby.
Best for:
Families wanting a balance of relaxation and activities.
Why it’s my favorite points-and-miles option
This is currently my favorite beach resort to book using points.
One of the best parts is that Dreams Playa Mujeres participates in Hyatt’s all-inclusive portfolio, which means you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points directly to Hyatt and often get incredible value.
Current points strategy:
➡️ Chase Sapphire Preferred currently has an all-time-high 100,000-point offer. Apply here.
➡️ Chase Ink cards are currently offering 100,000-point bonuses as well. Apply here. And if you think you don’t qualify for a business card, you are probably wrong. See my Biz Guide on how to apply using a side hustle like selling on Ebay or FB marketplace.
Those welcome bonuses alone can go a long way toward helping your family book a Mexico resort vacation for a fraction of the cash price.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Hyatt Ziva Cancun is one of the most popular family resorts in Cancun for good reason.
What makes it special:
Prime beachfront location The resort sits on a peninsula with water on multiple sides.
Great food For an all-inclusive, the dining options are consistently rated among the best.
Family-friendly without feeling kid-focused There are plenty of activities for children, but adults still feel like they’re on vacation.
Best for:
Families who want a resort that appeals to both parents and kids.
Nickelodeon Riviera Maya
If your kids love Nickelodeon characters, this resort creates a truly memorable experience.
What makes it special:
Massive Aqua Nick water park One of the biggest draws for families.
Character experiences Meet beloved Nickelodeon characters throughout your stay.
Swim-up suites Many rooms feature direct pool access, which kids absolutely love.
Best for:
Families with younger children who want a highly themed vacation experience.
Which Mexico Resort Is Right for Your Family?
If your family loves adventure: ➡️ Xcaret Mexic
If you want a classic luxury all-inclusive: ➡️ Finest Playa Mujeres
If your kids never stop moving: ➡️ Club Med Cancun
If you’re maximizing Hyatt points: ➡️ Dreams Playa Mujeres
If you want a balance for both parents and kids: ➡️ Hyatt Ziva Cancun
If your kids love characters and water parks: ➡️ Nickelodeon Riviera Maya
At the end of the day, the best family vacation is the one that gives everyone something to look forward to—including mom.
As a points-and-miles family, I’m always looking for ways to make these resorts more affordable, and many of our favorite trips have cost a fraction of what most people think they should.
Ready to Start Traveling More for Less?
Grab my free guide to earning points and miles and learn the exact strategies our family uses to travel 10+ times per year without paying full price.
If I had to sum up our stay at the Westin Bora Bora in three words, it would be:
The views. The views. The views.
Every morning we woke up to jaw-dropping views of Mount Otemanu rising out of the turquoise lagoon. It’s one of those places where you find yourself constantly stopping to take another photo because you can’t believe it’s real.
While Bora Bora is famous for its overwater bungalows, what really made this trip special was how easy it was to relax. We spent our days soaking in the scenery, enjoying the lagoon, and taking advantage of everything the resort had to offer.
Our Favorite Things About the Westin Bora Bora
1. The Incredible Views of Mount Otemanu
No matter where you are on the property, the views steal the show.
Whether we were lounging by the pool, biking around the resort, sipping cocktails, or sitting on our deck, Mount Otemanu was always front and center. If you’re looking for that classic Bora Bora postcard view, this is it.
2. The Free Bikes
One of my favorite little touches was the complimentary bikes.
The resort is large enough that having bikes makes it fun to explore, and we found ourselves riding around every day. It’s a great way to take in the scenery and get from one side of the resort to the other.
3. The Lagoon-Style Infinity Pool
The infinity pool overlooking the lagoon was one of our favorite spots to spend the afternoon.
Between the stunning views and the calm atmosphere, it was easy to lose track of time here.
4. The Food and Drinks
The pool and beach menu was surprisingly good.
A few favorites:
Shrimp roll
Tuna poke bowl
Tropical cocktails
The cocktails were excellent, and the resort even offered complimentary rum tastings during our stay. We discovered several local rums that we probably never would have tried otherwise.
5. The Beach and Water Activities
If sitting and enjoying the views isn’t enough, the resort also offers:
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Stand-up paddleboards
We spent plenty of time enjoying the lagoon right from the resort.
Don’t Skip an Excursion
As relaxing as the resort is, I highly recommend getting out on the water at least once.
We booked a snorkeling excursion through and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
Not only did we get to snorkel in crystal-clear water, but I also got to:
Hold a stingray
Swim with sharks
Yes, actual sharks.
It’s one of those experiences we’ll be talking about for years.
The Best Meal We Had in Bora Bora: Villa Mahana
If you’re staying at the Westin, make a reservation at Villa Mahana.
Trust me.
The Westin helps arrange transportation, which includes a boat ride followed by a short bus ride. It sounds like a lot of effort, but it was absolutely worth it.
The restaurant is incredibly intimate, with only a handful of tables, creating a truly special dining experience.
Chef David prepares an unforgettable meal, and his mother creates much of the artwork displayed throughout the restaurant.
Everything we ate was exceptional, and it ended up being our favorite meal of the entire trip.
If you’re celebrating something special—or simply want an unforgettable dinner in Bora Bora—put Villa Mahana on your list.
How We Ended Up in Bora Bora for 423,000 Marriott Points
Here’s the funny part.
This trip actually started because I was trying to take my daughter to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
When Marriott announced a promotion allowing members to redeem 500,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for Eras Tour tickets, my husband and I went into points-earning mode.
We opened several Marriott cards and started building our balances as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, the ticket redemption opportunity didn’t work out.
But the story has a happy ending.
We still made it to the Eras Tour thanks to Capital One cardholder ticket access—and we were left with a huge stash of Marriott points.
Instead of using them for concert tickets, we used 423,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for an incredible stay at the Westin Bora Bora.
Honestly, I think we came out ahead.
The Easiest Ways to Earn Marriott Points
If Bora Bora is on your bucket list, Marriott points can make it much more attainable.
Marriott Bonvoy Cards
One of the fastest ways to earn enough points for a luxury redemption like this is through Marriott credit card welcome bonuses.
100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points become 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
200,000 Chase points become 310,000 Marriott points
300,000 Chase points become 465,000 Marriott points
That means a welcome bonus that earns 100,000 Chase points could potentially become 155,000 Marriott points during the promotion.
That’s a substantial boost toward a bucket-list redemption like Bora Bora.
Final Thoughts
The Westin Bora Bora exceeded our expectations.
The views of Mount Otemanu are unforgettable, the resort strikes the perfect balance between luxury and relaxation, and there are enough activities and excursions to keep things interesting without feeling busy.
Would I return?
Absolutely.
And thanks to a failed attempt to redeem Marriott points for Eras Tour tickets, we discovered one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited.
When Chase announced the new $795 annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the internet collectively lost its mind.
And honestly? I get it.
At first glance, $795 sounds wild for a credit card. But after looking closely at the benefits, I realized something important:
For families who already travel, dine out, and use points strategically… this card can actually pay for itself fast.
For our family, this is one of those rare cards where I know we’ll organically use the credits without changing our habits.
The Credits I’ll Actually Use
$300 Annual Travel Credit
This one is basically automatic for us.
Flights, parking, hotels, rental cars, tolls — Chase applies the credit automatically to eligible travel purchases. Since we travel regularly as a family, I know we’ll burn through this almost immediately.
That immediately brings the “real” annual fee down to $495 in my mind.
$300 OpenTable Dining Credit
Chase now offers up to $300 annually toward Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables through OpenTable.
As parents who already love date nights when we travel, this feels incredibly usable for us — especially in cities we’re already visiting.
Apple TV+ + Apple Music Included
This benefit alone is valued at about $288 annually.
We already pay for Apple TV+ and Apple Music, so this is another “money I was already spending anyway” credit.
So… Is the Fee Already Covered?
For our family:
$300 travel credit
$300 dining credit
~$288 Apple subscriptions
That’s already $888 in value before even touching the other perks.
And that doesn’t include:
$750 hotel credits
Airport lounge access
Priority Pass
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
DoorDash credits + DashPass
Lyft credits
Hyatt transfer partners
Strong travel protections and insurance
The huge welcome bonus
Why This Matters for Family Travel
One of the reasons I love Chase points is the flexibility.
We recently used Hyatt points for an incredible Costa Rica vacation that would’ve cost thousands out of pocket — exactly the kind of trip that reminds me why points matter so much for families.
If you know how to maximize transfer partners like Hyatt, a strong welcome bonus alone can easily cover multiple nights at luxury resorts.
And that’s where this card really shines.
My Take
This absolutely is not the right card for everyone and not for those new to the points game.
But if you:
already spend on travel and dining,
value airport lounge access,
use streaming subscriptions,
and want to travel more as a family using points…
…I actually think the new Sapphire Reserve is one of the most compelling premium travel cards out there right now.
If you’ve ever looked at flight prices for a family and thought, “How is this even possible?”—you’re not alone. Flights add up fast when you’re booking for kids, especially if you like to travel more than once a year.
That’s exactly why the Southwest Companion Pass has been an absolute game-changer for our family.
Flying over Turks and Caicos on one of our many Southwest flights
What Is the Southwest Companion Pass?
For the past two years, we’ve had two Companion Passes in our household—and it’s allowed us to fly our kids over and over again while paying only about $5 in taxes per flight. Yes, really. It’s allowed us to take our kids to Mexico and Florida multiple times as well the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos and so many more places.
In simple terms: When you earn a Southwest Companion Pass, you can choose one person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) every time you fly Southwest—whether you pay with cash or points.
That means:
We book our flights using Southwest points
Our kids are added as companions
Their tickets cost around $5–$6 each way
No blackout dates. No complicated rules. It just works.
How We Actually Use the Companion Pass
This isn’t one of those “sounds good on paper” travel hacks—we use these passes constantly.
On average, we use our Companion Passes close to 10 times a year. Some of our favorite trips include:
Our annual family trip to the Florida Keys
Cancún, Mexico
Dominican Republic
Turks and Caicos
Because Southwest flies to so many popular vacation destinations, we’re able to plan trips around school breaks, long weekends, and random “let’s go somewhere warm” moments—without stressing about airfare costs for the kids.
Why This Works So Well for Families
The real magic happens when you combine:
Southwest points for your ticket
Companion Pass for your child (or spouse, parent, friend—your choice)
Instead of paying hundreds (or thousands) for flights, we’re paying:
Points we earned from credit card bonuses and everyday spending
About $5 in taxes per companion flight
That’s it.
If you live near a Southwest hub, this strategy is even more powerful. More nonstop routes, better schedules, and more flexibility when plans change (Southwest’s no change fees is a huge bonus for families).
(I always recommend applying when the bonus is high, especially if your goal is the Companion Pass.)
Is the Southwest Companion Pass Worth It?
For us? 1000% yes.
If you:
Travel with kids
Live near a Southwest hub
Want to take multiple trips per year without paying full airfare
…this is one of the most valuable travel perks out there.
We’ve made memories in the Florida Keys, explored beautiful beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, and said “yes” to trips we probably would’ve skipped if we had to pay full price for everyone.
Final Thoughts
I’m all about travel that feels doable, not stressful—and the Southwest Companion Pass has made that possible for our family in a huge way.
If you’re even thinking about traveling more with your kids, I highly recommend looking into this offer while it’s available.
It would mean so much if you use my link when applying.
Our annual family trip to the Florida Keys
Cancún, Mexico
Dominican Republic
Turks and Caicos
