Episode Details

Airfare is up, Hyatt's award chart is changing, TSA lines are about to get longer, and your passport might expire sooner than you think. Here are five things savvy travelers are doing right now — and why each one matters for your family.

These travel tips cover a mix of time-sensitive moves and things you've probably been meaning to do. Some apply to everyone; at least one is pretty niche (I'll tell you upfront if it's probably not for you). But if even two or three of these strike a chord, this episode is worth your time.

In this episode:

• Why World of Hyatt members should book award stays before May 20th — and what the award chart changes actually mean
• How to book flights right now without locking yourself into a bad deal
• What credit card protections, travel insurance, and EU261 can do for you when things go wrong — and what happened when I had none of the above (episode 33)
• Why summer 2026 airport lines are going to be brutal — and how TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR can get you through faster
• How to audit your family's passports and set smart calendar reminders so you're never caught off guard

Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome
00:49 #1 Lock in Hyatt Stays
06:04 #2 Book Flexible Flights
08:36 #3 Protect Yourself
13:11 #4 Beat Summer Security Lines
20:19 #5 Audit Your Passports
23:00 Quick Recap & Farewell

Family-friendly Hyatt stays to book now
Andaz Papagayo
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point

Booking flexible flights
Four Reasons I LOVE Award Travel (Other Than Free Stuff)
United Explorer card
Alaska Atmos Ascent card

Travel insurance
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Skipping security lines
Discounted CLEAR+ membership
IHG Premier card (cheapest TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit)
Amex Platinum card (CLEAR+ credit)

Don't miss this inspiring, practical travel with kids podcast hosted by family travel expert Melissa Conn, founder of The Family Voyage, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and mom of two who proves family travel is achievable for everyone.

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