102. A Points-Fueled Italian Adventure with Pam and Her Sister

Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad

In this episode, Pam takes us on a journey through Italy, sharing how she and her sister made the most of credit card points to explore some of the country’s most iconic spots. From the excitement of snagging business class seats on Turkish Airlines to their adventures in Rome, Lake Como, and Cinque Terre, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a few surprises.

Flying in Style with Turkish Airlines Pam kicks things off by describing how she and her sister flew business class round-trip for just 90,000 miles each! Although they traveled on Turkish Airlines’ older plane configuration, Pam found the seats spacious and comfortable. With quality food, incredible service, and even tea lights during dinner, Turkish Airlines left a lasting impression.

Exploring Chicago’s Park Hyatt Before heading overseas, Pam and her sister spent a day in Chicago, staying at the luxurious Park Hyatt. With a stunning view of the city, a Viator tour, and some quality time on the Navy Pier, their Chicago stay set the tone for a relaxing trip.

Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como is Pam’s favorite Italian destination, and staying at the Grand Hotel Victoria felt like a dream come true. Despite a minor hiccup with their limo service, she describes the hotel’s new beach club and the serene beauty of Lake Como’s small towns. A day trip to Varenna made this part of the trip unforgettable.

Wandering Through Cinque Terre Pam and her sister finally made it to Cinque Terre, a place they’d planned to visit on a past trip. Staying at Hotel Pasquale in Monterosso, they explored the charming coastal villages by train, enjoyed the local gelato, and took in the stunning coastal views. Pam notes that, while crowded during the day, Cinque Terre transforms into a peaceful, magical place once the cruise crowds leave.

Wrapping Up in Milan The sisters ended their Italian adventure with a stay at the Sheraton Malpensa before flying back. Pam shares a final tip for using points on international trips, especially when navigating multiple cities and modes of transportation. For Pam, Italy is a place she’ll never tire of, and her love for the country and its culture shines through in every story.

If you’re dreaming of an Italian getaway or curious about how to make the most of points and miles, this episode is a must-listen! Hit play now to hear the full story!

Links For This Episode:

• Park Hyatt Chicago: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/park-hyatt-chicago/chiph
• Grand Hotel Victoria: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bgyhvlx-grand-hotel-victoria-concept-and-spa-lago-di-como/
• Hotel Pasquale: https://www.hotelpasquale.it/en/index.php
• Sheraton Malpensa Airport: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/milmp-sheraton-milan-malpensa-airport-hotel-and-conference-centre/overview
• Itailarail: https://www.italiarail.com

Links:

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

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Pam’s Love for Italy and Setting the Scene
• 01:37 – Scoring Business Class Seats on Turkish Airlines
• 06:00 – Exploring Chicago and Staying at the Park Hyatt
• 15:26 – Arriving at Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Victoria
• 24:17 – Wandering Through Cinque Terre
• 35:30 – Wrapping Up the Trip in Milan and Travel Tips