Best Raya & Duane Podcasts (2025)

1
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa...and Water Park?! (Summer Staycation Series Part 2!) 37:13

2d ago37:13

37:13

[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here! And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 In this episode we take you through our recent stay at the Arizona Grand Hotel in Phoenix, exploring their impressive water park and sharing our experience as a family of five. • All-suite hotel with space for families …

1
The Reality of Opening 8 Credit Cards in 6 Months 43:11

9d ago43:11

43:11

[WAITLIST] 1:1 Points Travel Strategy Session - get on the waitlist here! Travel Freely App - How we keep track of all our cards! And make sure to follow us on Instagram! @travelpartyof5 Contrary to popular belief, opening multiple credit cards doesn't automatically tank your credit score. I'm living proof – with eight new cards in just six months …

1
Cancelling or Changing Award Travel in 2025 31:12

16d ago31:12

31:12

We dive into the complex world of changing and canceling award travel, sharing real experiences and practical strategies to help save your trip when plans change. • Domestic carriers like American, Alaska, and Southwest generally don't charge fees for award ticket changes • International airlines like Air France/Flying Blue, British Airways, and Si…

1
Phoenix Staycation: Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs (Summer Staycation Series Pt 1!) 26:59

23d ago26:59

26:59

CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!) Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5 Discover our first episode in the Summer in Phoenix staycation series where we visit the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs to determine if it's worth your points or dollars for a family getaway. • Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs is nestled in the mount…

1
Positioning Flights for Families – What You Need to Know! 32:37

1M ago32:37

32:37

RideSafer Vest CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!) Follow us on Instagram @travelpartyof5 Positioning flights are a strategic tool for families who want to access better award flight availability and save money when traveling. These flights take you from your home airport to another airport where you'll begin your main …

1
1 Day in Chicago (On Points!) 22:21

1M ago22:21

22:21

CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!) We spent 24 hours in Chicago before flying to Paris using points and miles, staying at the Intercontinental Magnificent Mile and exploring the city with our three kids. This strategic positioning flight saved us points while giving us an exciting mini-vacation in Chicago with deep dis…

1
Don't Sleep on Premium Economy! 14:48

1M ago14:48

14:48

CHASE SAPPHIRE 100K OFFER!!! (major thanks for using our links!) Premium economy offers a valuable middle ground between business class and economy, giving families significantly more comfort without the high price tag of business class tickets. • Premium economy on Air France features better seat recline and footrests • Cabin arrangement is typica…

1
Lessons Learned from 2 Weeks in Europe with Kids! 43:10

2M ago43:10

43:10

CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED 100K SIGNUP BONUS!!! (THANK YOU FOR USING OUR LINK!!!) $40 off Away Luggage (we have the "Bigger Carry On" in 4 different colors!) Duane's shoe bag Raya's Carryon backpack (affiliate link) Duane's Men's Crossbody (affiliate link) Raya's crossbody bag (affiliate link) Raya's toiletry bag (affiliate link) Raya's mini backpack…

1
Madrid on Points and Miles, as a Family of 5! 44:21

2M ago44:21

44:21

The activities we did in Madrid (Food Tour and Flamenco show!): vi.me/1T9xd If you're planning a trip to Europe using points and miles or have questions about traveling as a family of five, follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyofFive where we share highlights and tips from our adventures. In this episode: We travel to Madrid as part of our two-week E…

1
Barcelona with Kids, Using Points and Miles! 46:01

2M ago46:01

46:01

The tour we did (churros and chocolate) and the tour we almost did (dragon tour!): vi.me/bWWul Barcelona captivated us with its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine while we strategically used Hyatt points and upgrade awards to minimize travel costs. We navigated rainy weather by pivoting our plans, discovering indoor treas…

1
Paris on Points as a Family of 5! 44:17

2M ago44:17

44:17

Paris Macaron Class: vi.me/mTi2C Bespoke Family Tours of Paris with Zoe at The Petit Guide (we did the Montmartre tour) Photo shoot: Flytographer! If you've never used them before, use my link to get $25 off your first photo shoot! In this episode, we're sharing how we took our family of 5 to Paris using travel points, showing how we explored Paris…

1
How We Booked 2 Weeks in Europe on Points as a Family of 5! 23:42

3M ago23:42

23:42

We break down exactly how we booked our entire family of five for a two-week European adventure across Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid using points and miles. This trip demonstrates how strategic credit card usage, elite status benefits, and advance planning can transform an expensive dream vacation into an affordable reality. • Booked 5 economy seats…

1
What's With all the Credit Card Denials?!?!?! 33:39

3M ago33:39

33:39

We explore strategies for handling credit card denials and share insights on navigating bank-specific rules to improve approval odds while discussing recent Hyatt award chart devaluations affecting popular properties worldwide. • Cancellation strategies for point bookings when plans change, including leveraging elite status for fee waivers • Compre…

1
Trip Planning for Families: My Entire Process, Start to Finish! 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

Link to my entire trip planning checklist for FREE! Planning a family trip can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Our discussion revolves around creating a structured timeline to help you earn points and maximize your travel experience. - Sharing a detailed planning timeline starting 18 months prior - Discussing how to choose travel destinati…

1
Airline Alliances: Book Smarter, Not Harder 30:29

3M ago30:29

30:29

Airline alliances are essential to maximizing your points and facilitating family travel. By understanding and utilizing these partnerships, families can find better availability, save points, and streamline their travel experiences. • Explanation of airline alliances • Importance of booking through the correct airline system • Discussion of major …

1
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale - The BEST Scottsdale Family Resort 34:00

4M ago34:00

34:00

This episode celebrates a memorable surprise anniversary staycation at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, showcasing the couple's enriching experiences with their family. Insights into hotel amenities, dining options, and spa highlights deliver practical tips for families considering this luxury getaway. • Surprise staycation for anniversa…

1
Last Minute Spring Break Ideas in the US (with Points Availability!) 25:26

4M ago25:26

25:26

With spring break approaching, today’s episode focuses on last-minute travel destinations within the U.S. that can be booked using points. We share insights on family-friendly locations, tips for booking on points, and emphasize the importance of using travel rewards before they lose value. • Discussing the growing trend of last-minute spring break…

1
Discussing the Anxiety of Traveling (No Highlight Reel here!) 34:43

4M ago34:43

34:43

Family adventures often come with an unseen layer of stress and anxiety, especially for parents. Through candid discussions about personal experiences, Raya and Duane explore the realities of family travel, mental health, and managing anxiety, reinforcing the message that feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of the journey. • Tackling the stress of…

1
Montreal in...January?!?! 30:21

4M ago30:21

30:21

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Alternate title - Points for Poutine! :) In this episode Raya is sharing …

1
What's Coming in 2025 - Credit Card Strategies, Trips, & Life Updates! 26:56

5M ago26:56

26:56

This episode shares our travel plans for 2025, including family trips to Europe, new puppy challenges, and credit card strategies for maximizing travel. We discuss life updates, budgeting tips, and our adventures in making travel a family affair. • Life update: introducing our new puppy, Maui • Upcoming trip to Christmas markets in Europe, explorin…

1
The Best of 2024: Our Annual Travel Highlights! 19:01

5M ago19:01

19:01

2024 was filled with memorable travel experiences, from top hotels and flights to unforgettable vacations. The episode focuses on sharing the best moments, while highlighting family-friendly options and personal favorites that made the year special. • Best couple's hotel at the Kempton Seafire in Grand Cayman • Top family hotel was the Park Hyatt A…

1
Visit Arizona: The Polar Express & Bearizona in Williams, AZ 19:45

5M ago19:45

19:45

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5By Raya & Duane

1
2024 Recap: 15 Credit Cards & 1.4 Million Points (Without Wrecking Our Credit Score!) 25:51

6M ago25:51

25:51

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we refer to in this epis…

1
Hyatt Globalist Status: Do you need it?!?! (And how/why we got it!) 21:04

6M ago21:04

21:04

In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how we earned Hyatt Globalist status without staying 60 nights in a hotel. Hyatt Globalist is the top-tier status that comes with incredible perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts, and waived resort fees. We’ll walk you through the steps we took, including how we used credit card spend,…

1
Andaz San Diego: Our first Globalist Stay! 26:25

6M ago26:25

26:25

In this episode, we’re diving into our recent stay at the Andaz San Diego. If you’ve been eyeing this Hyatt property or planning a trip to San Diego, we’ve got you covered. We’ll tell you everything about our experience at the Andaz San Diego, from the upgraded suite we got with our Globalist status to the rooftop pool and prime location in the Gas…

1
Chicago Athletic Association: A Hotel Review (And how we Manage Work Travel) 19:44

7M ago19:44

19:44

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 The Suite I stayed in (Founder's Suite) In this episode of Travel Party o…

1
Booking a Trip to Japan on Points as a Family of 5 28:34

7M ago28:34

28:34

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 If you’re planning family travel to Japan, this episode is a must-listen!…

1
Visit Arizona: Ride With Us on the Verde Canyon Railroad! 15:48

7M ago15:48

15:48

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 All aboard for a journey through Arizona's hidden gem, the Verde Canyon! …

1
Hyatt Regency Tamaya & the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! 39:08

7M ago39:08

39:08

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 In this episode of the Travel Party of Five podcast, hosts Raya and Duane…

1
Replay: How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass 34:06

8M ago34:06

34:06

In this episode, we’re revisiting one of the most valuable tools for frequent family travelers—the Southwest Companion Pass. If you've been wondering how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, or you're looking to maximize your travel savings, this episode is for you. We share our personal experiences as a family of five, highlighting how earning th…

1
Things to do in Kauai (with Young Kids! Part 2 of 2) 34:55

8M ago34:55

34:55

Chase Sapphired Preferred - ELEVATED OFFER (OCT 2025) World of Hyatt Personal Card - ELEVATED OFFER (OCT 2025) All other best cards for October 2025 Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Want amazing family photos? Use our Flytographer Referral Link and Get $50 OFF YOUR FIRST SHOOT! (Valid 10/1-10/31/2024. After that, it's $25 off your first shoot…

1
Grand Hyatt Kauai - Booked on Points as a Family of 5! (Part 1 of 2) 41:06

8M ago41:06

41:06

Flytographer Referral Link - Get $50 OFF YOUR FIRST SHOOT! (Valid 10/1-10/31/2024. After that, it's $25 off your first shoot). Chase Sapphired Preferred - ELEVATED OFFER (OCT 2025) World of Hyatt Personal Card - ELEVATED OFFER (OCT 2025) All other best cards for October 2025 Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Tune in to learn: How we used point…

1
How We've Earned 1 MILLION POINTS Already in 2024 (Without spending $1 Million Dollars) 17:24

8M ago17:24

17:24

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Link: The Travel Freely app we use to keep track of all our cards (IT'S C…

1
Places to Visit in Arizona (& Where to Use Points): Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff 41:29

8M ago41:29

41:29

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using credit card points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we love for earning Hyat…

1
Visit Arizona: Where to Stay in Phoenix/Scottsdale Using Points! 31:25

9M ago31:25

31:25

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card welcome offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards - we use these points to book…

1
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort - Review from a Family of 5! 45:04

9M ago45:04

45:04

GIVEAWAY WINNER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AND NOTIFIED! Thank you all for the reviews, we appreciate it so so much. In today's episode we are sharing all the details of our Labor Day road trip to Huntington Beach, California! Our family stayed at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach for the first time on this trip. It's a category six hotel beloved by the p…

1
Family Travel Q&A - How to know when your kids will appreciate a trip? And MORE! 37:21

9M ago37:21

37:21

Flytographer referral link - you can use our link to save $25 off your first booking! Thank you in advance for supporting our free content <3 This is the tripod we have for our cell phones - comes with a bluetooth shutter. Q&A Style episode today! We are answering questions like - What types of rooms do we book to make one hotel room work for a fam…

1
Shopping Portals: How to Earn a TON of Points Without Opening More Credit Cards! 38:56

9M ago38:56

38:56

Our Rakuten Referral Link - Use our link for an extra 10% cashback on top of current rates until 9/30/2024! Curious how to earn more points without opening yet another credit card? In our opinion, this is the best way to earn a lot of points, besides opening yet another credit card. ENTER: Shopping Portals! This is a full beginner's guide to shoppi…

1
Can You Rent a Car using Points? Our Best Tips for Affordable Car Rentals (& A GIVEAWAY!) 27:56

10M ago27:56

27:56

Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 **GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED** Details were: Giveaway ENDS 9/7/24! We raffled off ONE $50 gift card of your choosing (must be able to be sent via email). Ideas: Starbucks, Target, Southwest, Walmart, you name it. FOR A CHANCE TO WIN: Leave us a review on itunes, screenshot your review and email it to us at travelparty…

1
Kimpton Seafire: Couples Trip to Grand Cayman using Points! 36:20

10M ago36:20

36:20

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Click here to apply for our favorite points - we used these points to book our flight…

1
Air France Business Class Review (& Why We Recommend AF for Families!) 28:34

10M ago28:34

28:34

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Click here to apply for our favorite points - we used these points to book our flight…

1
Our Points & Miles Toolbox - How We Manage 20+ Credit Cards! 20:09

10M ago20:09

20:09

Cardpointers MaxRewards Travel Freely Rocket Money Max My Point Point.me PointsYeah.com Ever felt overwhelmed by the world of credit card points and miles? Me too! It can be A LOT. Fortunately we've found some apps to help us manage this hobby and they've really made it super easy. This episode is all about getting yourself organized in the world o…

1
Road Trip Tips - Your Guide to Roadtripping with Kids! 26:58

11M ago26:58

26:58

All of our favorite cards and links are here: https://beacons.ai/travelpartyof5 We think road trips are the EASIEST way to get started using points and miles!!! It's so low risk and can have big rewards. If you've ever wondered how to make family road trips less stressful and more fun, this is for you. We're giving you all of our best tips for road…

1
Family Trip to Yellowstone: The Road Trip That Isn't Happening (yet) 28:15

11M ago28:15

28:15

Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we refer to in this episode - we used these points to book all our Hyatt hotels. And if you've already got one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you'll want to apply for these business cards, linked here. All other best cards (including the Capital One Venture and Venture X cards which you can use to eras…

1
Phoenix to San Diego for July 4th (Family Road Trip on Points!) 36:30

11M ago36:30

36:30

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles (often called travel hacking) and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford to travel more with all five of us. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Car…

1
Scottsdale Staycation (On Points and Miles!) 25:29

11M ago25:29

25:29

Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we refer to in this episode - we use…

1
3 Days in Paris on Points and Miles 39:27

12M ago39:27

39:27

Credit Cards we recommend Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Want to use credit card points and miles to visit Paris?!?!…

1
The Amalfi Coast & Luxury Beach Clubs: 3 Days in Sorrento, Italy 35:42

12M ago35:42

35:42

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles (often called travel hacking) and we share how we leverage new credit card offers to earn a lot of points and miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Follow us on Instagram @TravelPartyof5 Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Card…

1
Vespa Mishaps and Wine Tours: 3 Days in Florence, Italy using Credit Card Points! 55:24

12M ago55:24

55:24

Thanks for finding our podcast! We are a family of 5 who does most of our travel using points and miles (often called travel hacking) and we share how we leverage credit card offers to earn a ton of points/miles so we can afford travel as a larger family. Vespa Tour we did (or tried to do?) Tuscany Chianti Wine Tour - the incredible wine tour we ta…

1
Fun Restaurants and a Cool Hotel in Portand Oregon 32:07

1y ago32:07

32:07

In this episode of Travel Party of 5, we dive into the vibrant and diverse food scene of Portland, Oregon. Join us as we explore one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon, starting with the stylish Hyatt Centric. This hotel offered a fantastic experience, even allowing me to check off another brand from my Hyatt bingo card. Situated in the hear…

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Raya & Duane Podcasts

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