Empowering Families to Explore More for Less
How I Got Started with Points & Miles
Discover how our family of four turned everyday spending into unforgettable adventures. From our first points-funded trip to Portugal and Germany to launching Unfading Voyages Academy, I share how we learned to travel for a fraction of the cost using credit card points and miles — and how you can too.
UNFADING VOYAGES ACADEMY: FREE TRAVEL COURSE
Alija Lozano
8/12/20252 min read
How I Got Started with Points & Miles
We are a family of four with an insatiable love for travel and adventure. Long before our kids came along, my husband and I were avid travelers — hopping on planes whenever we could to explore new countries and cultures.
Then COVID hit, and like many families, our travels came to a complete stop. For two years, our passports sat untouched. When travel finally became possible again, we were eager to get back out there… but with two kids, the cost of family vacations had skyrocketed.
That’s when I discovered points and miles.
At first, I was skeptical. Could a few credit cards really pay for flights and hotels? I decided to test it for myself. I chose a travel credit card that fit our everyday spending — groceries, gas, dining — and started earning points without spending a dollar more than we normally would.
In just a few months, I had enough to plan a bucket-list family trip to Portugal and Germany.
Flights? Booked with points.
Hotels? Paid for with rewards.
Out-of-pocket? Just a fraction of what the trip would have cost in cash.
That trip was a turning point. I realized points and miles weren’t just a way to save money — they were a tool to make travel a regular part of our family’s life. And that’s why I started Unfading Voyages Academy — to help other moms and families experience the same freedom.
Action Step: Your First Move Toward Free Travel
1. Choose Your Dream Destination
Write down one trip you’ve always wanted to take with your family — be specific about the location, time of year, and how long you’d stay.
2. Look at Your Everyday Spending
List your top 3 monthly expenses (groceries, gas, dining, etc.). This will help you choose a card that earns the most points for your current lifestyle.
3. Pick One Starter Card
Choose a travel rewards card that fits your spending habits (examples: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X, or Southwest Rapid Rewards for family flyers).
Remember: You don’t need to change what you buy — just how you pay for it.
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