Points Too Paradise

by Megan Lanford

Welcome to Points Too Paradise, the podcast that shows you how to turn your everyday spending into unforgettable vacations—all using credit card points and travel rewards! Hosted by Megan Lanford, a travel points expert and mom who went from barely affording one vacation a year to taking six+ luxury trips annually—saving over $20,000 a year on travel.

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • The Secret to Stress-Free Travel & Work-Life Balance for Busy Women

    The Secret to Stress-Free Travel & Work-Life Balance for Busy Women

    In this episode, I'm joined by a special guest Michelle Gauthier who works with overwhelmed women to help them create more freedom and balance in their lives. We dive into how to book vacations without feeling paralyzed by decision fatigue, how to juggle work, family, and travel, and how to make planning your next trip simple and fun—even with kids in the mix! She shares her personal experience from her recent trip to Europe, what it cost her, and how she could have saved thousands by using travel points (don't worry, we talk all about how to avoid that mistake in the future). We also chat about involving older children in the vacation planning process and how it can actually help reduce your mental load. If you're ready to finally take that trip you’ve been dreaming about—without the stress—this episode is for you! 🎧 In this episode: ✔️ How to plan trips without overwhelm or burnout ✔️ Finding a healthy work/life/travel balance ✔️ How my guest’s Europe trip could’ve been cheaper with points ✔️ Easy ways to involve older kids in vacation planning ✔️ Why mindset shifts around travel can lead to more freedom ✨ Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom or entrepreneur who could use a little less overwhelm and a little more adventure! ✨

  • Ep 58 Destination Day: Phoenix, Arizona

    Ep 58 Destination Day: Phoenix, Arizona

    Thinking about a trip to Phoenix, Arizona? Whether you're planning a fun family getaway or a romantic escape, this city has something for everyone! In this episode, I’m taking you through some of the best luxury resorts to book with points, must-do activities, and why Phoenix should be on your travel list. I'll be sharing my experiences staying at three top-tier properties: 🏜 Grand Hyatt Scottsdale – A beautiful desert oasis with world-class amenities 🌵 The Phoenician (Marriott Property) – A luxurious stay with stunning views of Camelback Mountain Arizona Biltmore (Hilton Property) – A historic and elegant retreat with incredible pools and dining Plus, I’ll cover things to do in Phoenix—from breathtaking desert hikes and Old Town Scottsdale to spa days and unforgettable dining. Whether you're looking for a relaxing resort escape, outdoor adventures, or the perfect mix of both, Phoenix has it all. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ Which luxury resorts in Phoenix are the best for points redemptions ✅ Why Phoenix is a great destination for both families & couples ✅ The best activities & must-visit spots in the area ✅ Insider tips for making the most of your stay Ready to plan your trip to Phoenix? Tune in now for all the details! 🎧 Listen now and start planning your next adventure! Links & Resources: 📌 Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise 📌FREE GUIDE

  • Ep 57: Best Credit Card Offers Right Now & How to Pick the Perfect One for You

    Ep 57: Best Credit Card Offers Right Now & How to Pick the Perfect One for You

    With so many credit card companies offering elevated sign-up bonuses right now, it’s the perfect time to grab a new card and fast-track your way to free travel. But with so many choices, how do you know which one is right for you? In this episode, I’m breaking down the top elevated offers available right now, what each card is best for, and—most importantly—how to choose the one that will actually help you book the vacation of your dreams. Whether you're aiming for a tropical getaway, a European adventure, or a luxury hotel stay, I’ll walk you through how to decide which card makes the most sense based on your travel goals. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ The top credit cards with elevated welcome offers right now ✅ How to determine which card aligns with your dream trip ✅ Which points transfer best to airlines and hotels for max value ✅ The pros and cons of each card so you can make an informed choice ✅ My personal strategy for picking the best travel card If you've been waiting for the perfect time to get a travel card, this is it! Tune in and let’s find the right card to get you on your next trip—without breaking the bank. 🎧 Listen now and start planning your next free vacation! Links & Resources: 📌 Capital One Venture: Capital One Venture Rewards | Travel Freely Southwest Airlines: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card Hilton Honors AMEX Surpass: American Express Hilton Honors Surpass | Travel Freely Hilton Honors AMEX: American Express Hilton Honors | Travel Freely American Airlines: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard | Travel Freely Chase Sapphire Preferred: Chase Sapphire Card Collection | Chase.com United Miles: United Credit Cards | Chase.com 📌 Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise

  • Ep 56 Travel Smarter: Positioning Flights & Points Strategies for Affordable International Trips

    Ep 56 Travel Smarter: Positioning Flights & Points Strategies for Affordable International Trips

    Are you overpaying for international flights? If you’re booking directly from your home airport every time, you might be! In this episode, we’re diving into positioning flights—a game-changing strategy that can help you save thousands of dollars (or points!) when booking international travel. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✈️ What are positioning flights? How flying out of a major hub can save you big. 💳 How to book them using points to maximize savings and avoid unnecessary costs. 🌎 Best third-party websites to find international flight deals and mistake fares. 🔄 How to connect flights efficiently and avoid common mistakes. Resources Mentioned: Capital One Venture: Capital One Venture Rewards | Travel Freely Travel Points Academy: Travel Points Academy | Points Too Paradise This is one of my favorite hacks for getting to dream destinations affordably—so don’t miss out! 📢 Have you used positioning flights before? Let’s chat! DM me on Instagram @pointstooparadise and share your experiences. ✨ If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs to hear this!

  • Ep 55: Top 10 Family Friendly Destinations for Spring Break

    Ep 55: Top 10 Family Friendly Destinations for Spring Break

    Spring break is the perfect time for families to relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 10 family-friendly destinations and resorts for spring break! Whether you’re looking for tropical adventures in Mexico or the Dominican Republic or planning to stay stateside for a beach getaway or theme park fun, I’ve got something for everyone. I’ll cover: ✨ The best resorts for families in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica ✨ U.S. destinations offering fun for all ages—beaches, theme parks, and beyond ✨ Tips for finding the best deals using travel points ✨ How to book family-friendly accommodations and experiences with points to save big Whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive resort or an adventurous destination full of kid-friendly activities, this episode is packed with travel inspiration! Mentioned Resources: My Travel Points Academy to help you book your next family vacation using points Grab the Free Travel Points 101 Guide: FREE GUIDE 💬 Have questions or want to share your family spring break plans? Reach out to me on Instagram @pointstooparadise or drop me a message! Don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow travel lovers, and leave a review if you’re enjoying the show! 😊