Author: Kate
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Grand Hyatt Barcelona Review: Hidden Gem for Travelers
In June of 2025, I embarked on my most ambitious and complex points-and-miles trip yet: an adults-only European getaway for me and my partner which involved nine flights in a period of just 11 days. You can read about how I booked this trip here, but in this three-part series, I’m reporting out on our…
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Points and Miles Luxury in Lisbon: A Two-Day Itinerary
In June of 2025, I embarked on my most ambitious and complex points-and-miles trip yet: an adults-only European getaway for me and my partner which involved nine flights in a period of just 11 days. You can read about how I booked this trip here, but in this three-part series, I’ll report out on our…
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Iberia Business Class Review: A321XLR Experience
I flew Iberia business class on the new A321XLR from Boston to Madrid for 34,000 Avios in June of 2025. (You can read about how I booked this trip here.) Overall, I found this to be a really good value and a positive experience. My ticket granted me access to the British Airways lounge, which…
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Trip Report: A Long Weekend in Washington
My family recently spent a three-day weekend in Washington, DC, using points and miles. I think DC is one of the best destinations for families because it’s such an easy trip and there’s so much to do that’s free! You can read about how I booked this trip here, but in this post, I’m recapping…
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A Budget Family Weekend Trip to Washington, DC
I lived in Washington, DC with my partner for five years, and both of my children were born there. We moved away in 2021, but because both of my kids were so young, neither of them remember the city. I loved living there, because the city is highly walkable and has great public transportation, and…
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How Credit Cards Can Help When Travel Goes Wrong: My Experience Using Chase Travel Insurance
In February of 2025, I used points and miles to take my 7-year-old son on a bucket list trip to Paris. We had a totally magical trip, including a dreamy stay at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile. Although I booked our trip for four nights, it turned into five when our flight home was canceled…
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Run, Don’t Walk, to Get This Incredible Welcome Offer
I don’t usually write about individual card welcome offers, since they change all the time, but this offer is so good, it merits a public service announcement. The Chase Sapphire Preferred currently comes with a jaw-dropping 100,000 Ultimate Reward points for spending $5,000 in three months. We haven’t seen an offer this high on this…
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How I Booked a Luxury Trip to Spain and Portugal for 94% Off
In my junior year of college, I spent my fall semester studying abroad at the University of Barcelona. I had no intentions to do this. One of my friends was interested in studying abroad, so I accompanied him to the International Programs office on campus one day. He never went. I did. I fell immediately…
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Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile: Value, Convenience, and Comfort
I recently completed a five-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, located in Paris’s 17th arrondissement, and I absolutely love this hotel. I found this to be a convenient and pleasant place to stay with my seven-year-old. This property is ideal for visitors looking to conserve both cash and points, and although not the…
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How to Write a School Excuse for Travel
I have been an educator for over 20 years, so let me just start by saying how much I value school and education. I believe that consistent school attendance is important. I also believe that travel is an educational experience. Travel presents SO many opportunities for learning; kids get exposure to different languages, geography, modes…
Kate's on a Plane 