74. Exploring Korea and Japan on a Budget: Family Travel with Points and Miles

Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

Ever wonder how to tackle a family trip to Korea and Japan without breaking the bank? Buckle up because today's episode is a real treat! Our very own Digital Business Manager, Megan, joins us to share her savvy strategies for a dream family vacation on a budget. Imagine flying your family halfway across the world and navigating foreign cities, all made significantly more affordable through the magic of points and miles.

Megan and her husband, parents to three adorable kids (including seven-year-old twins!), took the plunge and orchestrated a memorable adventure to Korea and Japan. From finding flights from small airports with surprising connections to making strategic decisions about where to splurge and save, Megan’s approach is a masterclass in points and miles.

Starting in Seoul and journeying through Japan, Megan’s story is filled with fun, food, and family. Her tips on using points for different aspects of the trip will inspire you to consider how you can leverage your travel rewards for unforgettable family experiences.

Whether you’re dreaming of neon-lit nights in Tokyo or serene mornings in Seoul, this episode will show you that such a grand adventure is within reach. Ready to learn how you can give your family the world without emptying your wallet? Hit play and join us for a journey through Korea and Japan with Megan’s travel savvy insights. Remember, this is just the sneak peek, so listen to the full episode for all the gems Megan has to offer!

Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Links For This Episode:

• Grand Hyatt Seoul: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/south-korea/grand-hyatt-seoul/selrs
• Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West: https://tidd.ly/4dbzgqj (affiliate link)
• Hyatt Place Kyoto: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/hyatt-place-kyoto/kyozk
• Hyatt Regency Tokyo: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/hyatt-regency-tokyo/tyoty
• Hilton Tokyo Bay: https://tidd.ly/49Hw02G (affiliate link)
• Hyatt Regency DFW: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/dfwap-hyatt-regency-dfw-international-airport

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 2:30 Details on booking Delta flights through Air France from Rochester, NY to Seoul
• 4:16 Arrival in Seoul and first impressions; navigating from the airport
• 5:52 Staying in Seoul at the Grand Hyatt: How Megan managed hotel bookings on points and the unexpected benefits they enjoyed.
• 7:34 Moving from Korea to Japan, including flight details and using points for a short regional hop.
• 8:48 Experiencing Osaka and Universal Studios Japan, discussing both the logistics and the highlights of their visit.
• 10:27 Kyoto adventures: Staying at Hyatt Place and how Megan made the most of hotel points and category changes.
• 12:15 Cultural experiences and navigating with kids in Kyoto, including a day trip to Nara.
• 14:03 Final leg in Tokyo: Navigating the city, enjoying local attractions, and managing accommodations at the Hyatt Regency.
• 16:22 Discussing the unique offerings at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, including how they used park tickets and what set DisneySea apart.
• 18:40 Wrapping up the trip: Megan’s reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and how the trip impacted their family.
• 20:15 Final thoughts and takeaways on using points for large family travel and a teaser for what’s next for Megan and her family!