Traveling the World on Points: How Our Family Scored Big with the Best Credit Cards

Mike Levin
Apr 9
4 min read

Updated: May 31

Traveling as a family is a cherished dream for many, but the expenses can pile up quickly. Flights, hotels, meals, and fun activities add significant costs that can make vacations feel out of reach. Fortunately, credit card rewards provide a pathway to affordable family travel. Our family journeyed to stunning locations using the points we earned, and I’m thrilled to share our insights on the best credit cards for family travel rewards.

Understanding Travel Rewards

To unlock the potential of travel rewards, it is essential to grasp how they function. Many credit cards award points or miles for each dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.

Families benefit significantly from cards that provide bonus points for common spending categories like groceries, gas, and restaurants. This means everyday purchases turn into exciting adventures without extra costs.

Family-Friendly Credit Cards

Here are some of the top credit cards for family travel rewards that helped us enhance our travel experiences:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a leading choice in travel rewards. With a robust sign-up bonus and versatile redemption options, it’s ideal for families seeking budget-friendly travel.

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. This is worth about $1,250 in travel through the Chase portal, according to Chase's evaluation.
Rewards Rate: 2X points on travel and dining, and 1X points on other purchases.

We successfully used points from this card to book a magical family trip to Disney World, covering both flights and a six-night hotel stay. The ability to transfer Chase points to various travel partners, such as United and Southwest, added incredible value to our rewards strategy.

High angle view of a family packing luggage

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card appeals to families wanting simplicity without compromising on rewards.

Annual Fee: $95
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. This bonus can cover an average round-trip fare for a family of four within the U.S.
Rewards Rate: 2X miles on every purchase.

This card allows us to earn miles on all our purchases, making it a great fit for families with varied expenses. For example, we booked an entire European vacation only using the miles we accumulated, covering flights and hotels effortlessly.

Tips to Maximize Your Rewards

Even high-quality travel rewards credit cards require careful management. Here are tips to help you optimize your rewards and ensure your family makes the most of your credit card benefits.

Track Spending Categories

Most credit cards offer specific categories where you can earn more points. Identify your family's spending habits. If your family eats out often or spends significantly on groceries, choose cards that provide higher rewards in these areas.

Pay Off Balances Every Month

While it might be tempting to accumulate points, always aim to pay your credit card balance in full to avoid interest charges. This way, you can enjoy your rewards without incurring extra costs.

Unforgettable Family Travel Experiences

The real magic of travel rewards lies in the unforgettable family experiences they enable. Let me share a couple of our cherished moments.

During our Hawaiian vacation, we redeemed points from our travel cards to cover our flights and accommodations. This transformed a potentially pricey trip into a budget-friendly adventure. The kids explored the rich culture, stunning beaches, and awe-inspiring hikes, all while we saved over $2,000 on travel costs.

Moreover, having points allowed us to indulge in exciting activities. We booked a family snorkeling tour, which turned out to be the highlight of our entire trip.

Other Considerations

While credit card rewards offer significant advantages, you should keep a few factors in mind before applying for a card.

Credit Score: Check your credit score to ensure it meets the requirements for the cards you are considering. Excellent credit generally opens up access to the best rewards.
Travel Habits: Assess your family's travel frequency. If you take trips infrequently, a card with no annual fee may be more beneficial than one with a high fee.
Redemption Flexibility: Opt for cards offering flexible redemption options, so you can plan trips that suit your family’s needs better.

Finding the Right Fit

Every family has different financial situations, and what works for one may not suit another. The key is to design a strategy that aligns with your spending habits and travel aspirations.

Involve the Kids in Planning

Involving the kids in travel planning has been invaluable for our family. Educating them about credit card points and rewards instills a sense of responsibility and excitement about future adventures. They help decide on destinations and activities, forging cherished family memories.

Making Your Dreams a Reality

Traveling the world on points is an achievable dream with the right credit card strategy. By carefully choosing family-friendly rewards cards and managing our spending well, our family has created unforgettable memories across the globe.

With options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards cards, families can embark on memorable journeys without the financial strain. So start planning, gather your loved ones, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—thanks to savvy rewards credit card choices.