Family Trip to Yellowstone: The Road Trip That Isn't Happening (yet)

Travel Party of 5 | Points & Miles for Family Travel

Click here to apply for the Chase Sapphire Cards we refer to in this episode - we used these points to book all our Hyatt hotels.
And if you've already got one of the Chase Sapphire cards, you'll want to apply for these business cards, linked here.

All other best cards (including the Capital One Venture and Venture X cards which you can use to erase travel expenses) are linked here!
In this episode - Not all trips go as planned. In fact, some of them never even make it off the drawing room floor (so to speak).
In this episode we're sharing our thought process as we attempted to plan a family trip to Yellowstone, but (spoiler alert) realized halfway through we had to pivot and save Yellowstone for another time.

We get a lot of questions about how we plan our trips, and today, we're sharing our planning process for our upcoming family trip to Yellowstone.

First, we discuss the decision between driving and flying to Yellowstone. From Phoenix, driving takes about 15 hours, which can be broken up with an overnight stay in Zion National Park. Flying, on the other hand, offers the convenience of using points, but with no direct flights from Phoenix to Bozeman or Jackson, connections are necessary. We explore options like Southwest, United, and Delta, and share our experience applying for a United business card to cover the flight costs.

Next, we dive into lodging options within Yellowstone. Staying inside the park can save you the hassle of daily long drives, but accommodations like Mammoth Springs and the Old Faithful Inn fill up fast. We explain how to secure your reservations, including booking a year in advance and monitoring for cancellations.

Our Yellowstone travel itinerary also covers the challenges of using points for accommodations. We talk about balancing the use of points and cash, considering properties in West Yellowstone and Jackson. While finding points-eligible hotels like the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone and various Hilton and Marriott options in Jackson, we also emphasize the importance of having the right credit cards to earn those valuable points.

As we finalize our plans, we realize the need for flexibility. With two major international trips already planned for next year, we decide to shift our Yellowstone trip to 2026. This allows us ample time to open new credit cards, meet minimum spends, and earn the points needed for a more cost-effective vacation. Plus, we'll have the Southwest Companion Pass again by then, making flights even more affordable.

In the meantime, we pivot to an alternative plan: a road trip to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. This trip provides a mix of stunning natural beauty and relaxation by the lake, breaking up the summer heat with a memorable adventure.

Throughout this episode, we highlight the importance of early planning, being flexible with travel dates, and using points strategically. Whether you're looking to escape to Yellowstone or considering other family-friendly destinations, our insights and detailed Yellowstone travel itinerary will help you plan a trip that's both fun and budget-friendly.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges of planning a family trip to Yellowstone, from securing flights and accommodations to maximizing your points and miles. Don't miss our insider tips on making the most of your travel rewards and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for your family.
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