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Welcome to the Chasing Memories Blog — your go-to resource for stress-free travel tips, safety advice, and smart planning inspiration. Here, you’ll find practical guides on travel insurance, passenger rights, and confidence-boosting strategies to help you explore the world without worry. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned adventurer, these articles are designed to make every journey smoother, safer, and filled with memories worth chasing.


How to Travel Free with Points & Miles
Beginner's Guide to Earning Free Travel with Credit Card Points Your Quick-Start Strategy for Opening New Credit Cards and Racking Up Points Why Use Credit Cards to Earn Travel Points? When used wisely, credit cards with welcome bonuses are one of the fastest and smartest ways to earn nearly-free flights, hotel stays, and unforgettable adventures for your family. Instead of slowly earning 1 or 2 points per dollar on everyday spending, welcome offers allow you to instantly rac
Apr 73 min read


Do You Need Travel Insurance for Your Next Trip?
The Ultimate Guide to Deciding on Travel Insurance: Domestic vs. International When planning your next vacation, travel insurance might not be the first thing on your mind—but it should be! The right policy can save you money, reduce stress, and provide peace of mind. Whether you're traveling domestically or internationally, the purpose and benefits of travel insurance can vary greatly. Below, we’ll break down the key differences and help you decide if travel insurance is the
Jan 86 min read


Family Guide to Norway: Fun Activities for Kids
Traveling with kids can feel like an adventure in itself, but choosing the right destination can make your family trip a breeze. Norway, with its spectacular landscapes, friendly people, and wide range of kid-friendly activities, offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling to witness the Northern Lights in winter, hiking under the Midnight Sun in summer, or exploring cultural sites, Norway provides a magical playground for families. Here are t
Oct 21, 20245 min read


Is Great Wolf Lodge Overrated? Our Disappointing Experience in Cincinnati
Great Wolf Lodge Cincinnati: A Disappointing Mid-Week Adventure When you think about family vacations, you dream of comfort, fun, and lifelong memories—especially when staying at a renowned resort like Great Wolf Lodge. However, our recent experience at the Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati left my 10-year-old and me both disappointed and frustrated. It felt more like an endless barrage of upsells rather than a place for quality family time. Here’s a breakdown of why Great Wolf
Sep 30, 20244 min read


Unique Benefits of Traveling with Just One Child at a Time
Have you ever considered taking a trip with just one of your kids instead of the entire family? Traveling without the whole crew may seem unconventional, but there is a unique magic in one-on-one adventures. These special getaways allow for deeper connections, quality bonding, and cherished memories—things that sometimes get lost in the shuffle of big family vacations. Not only do these trips help strengthen individual relationships, but they can also make traveling far more
Sep 30, 20245 min read


London Family Travel: The Best First International Trip
Why London is Perfect for First-Time International Traveler s 1. Easy and Efficient Public Transportation London's public transportation system is one of the best in the world. The iconic Underground (Tube), extensive bus network, and charming double-decker buses make navigating the city a breeze. The Oyster card system simplifies payments, and children under 11 travel free on buses and the Tube, making it budget-friendly for families. 2. World-Class, Free Museums London boas
Sep 2, 20249 min read


How We Stayed 13 Nights in Australia for Just $105
In March 2024, we took advantage of an incredible flight deal and extended our school spring break to embark on an incredible 13-night adventure across Australia. We managed to stay in luxurious accommodations while keeping our total lodging expenses to just $105. Here’s how we did it. Travel Dates and Locations Our journey spanned three key destinations: Business Class Flight to Sydney: 1 night Sydney:  5 nights Surfers Paradise:  3 nights Brisbane:  4 nights Flights and Fir
Jun 29, 20245 min read


Unlocking Unlimited Adventures: Exploring the New Southwest Companion Pass Offer
**This post contains referral links that allow you to receive the same offer and help me continue to keep this site free to you! In the realm of travel perks and rewards, few offerings stand as enticing and game-changing as the Southwest Companion Pass. This golden ticket allows travelers to bring along a companion on their journeys, practically doubling the value of every flight. Now, Southwest Airlines has upped the ante with an exclusive credit card offer that not only gra
Feb 8, 20243 min read


Vienna's Concert Con: Beware of Mozart Jackets and Dubious Deals
Vienna, with its rich cultural history, is a city that attracts music enthusiasts from around the world. However, amidst the grandeur of iconic landmarks like the Spanish Riding School, unsuspecting tourists may fall prey to a deceptive musical experience orchestrated by individuals donned in Mozart jackets. Here's a cautionary tale about our regrettable encounter and some tips on avoiding such tourist traps. On a chilly morning in Vienna, we were strolling near the Spanish
Dec 9, 20234 min read


Vienna Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Highlights Unveiled!
Vienna, the cultural heart of Austria, isn't just for adults seeking history and art; it's a fantastic destination for families too! If you're planning a trip with your little ones, this guide to the top things to do in Vienna with kids is a must-read. Marionette Puppet Theater at Schönbrunn Palace One our favorite experiences was at the Marionette Puppet Theater, Schloss Schönbrunn, which is located in the grandeur of Schönbrunn Palace. As marionettes danced to whimsical tun
Dec 6, 20234 min read


Budget-Friendly Salzburg Family Guide: Day Trips, Mozart, and More!
Renting a Car for Budget-Friendly Day Trips One cost-effective way to explore the beautiful surroundings of Salzburg is by renting a car for day trips. There are many great day trips within an easy drive of Salzburg. Our favorites included driving to Hallstatt and experiencing the enchanting beauty of this picturesque village. While there we toured the salt mine and delve into the intriguing history of salt production. Lake Kongissee in Germany was a great trip from Salzburg,
Dec 3, 20233 min read


Budapest for Families: Unforgettable Travel Adventures
Embarking on a family adventure in Budapest unveiled a city rich in history, culture, and delights that catered to the curiosity of our children. From playful afternoons at Nagyjátszótér playground to the contemplative visit to the Shoes on the Danube memorial, every experience left an indelible mark. Our travels were in November and incorporated Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest. We lucked out with fantastic weather, little rain, no snow, and mild temperatures. Budapest was a
Dec 2, 20234 min read


Planning a Low-Cost Family Vacation: Tips for Budget Travel
Planning a family vacation can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also be daunting when you're working with a budget. The good news is that with some strategic planning and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy a fantastic family vacation without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll explore a variety of tips and strategies to help you plan a low-cost family vacation that offers both fun and savings. Believe it or not, we've had vacations to places like Hawai
Oct 26, 20234 min read


Teaching Financial Responsibility with Capital One Teen Money Accounts
Teaching your children how to handle money responsibly is a crucial life skill. Capital One's Teen Money Accounts provide an excellent platform for this, and they can be especially beneficial when traveling. In this post, we will explore the advantages of these accounts, emphasize how they can be handy during trips, and provide insights into how they help your child learn to budget and manage money wisely. The Benefits of Capital One Teen Money Accounts First off let me just
Oct 26, 20233 min read


Mastering Positioning Flights for Budget-Friendly Travel
In the world of travel, finding the perfect deal often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Flight prices fluctuate, and the cost of reaching your dream destination can vary significantly depending on where you depart. But what if we told you that you could unlock a world of savings by mastering the art of positioning flights? Positioning flights, often considered the unsung heroes of budget travel, are flights you take to reach a major airport or hub from which y
Oct 26, 20234 min read


5-Month Family Adventure: Embracing Wanderlust and Flight Deals Abroad
"Are we really doing this?" That was the question that echoed through our minds as we embarked on a 5-month adventure abroad with our family. We were the stereotypical travelers, bitten by the wanderlust bug, always seeking the next adventure. But this journey was different; it was a leap into the unknown, fueled by a flight deal and a deep love for travel. The stars aligned when an opportunity to relocate came our way. With my husband Dan working remotely we were relocating
Oct 19, 20234 min read


CHASING MEMORIES: OUR FAMILY'S JOURNEY THROUGH TRAVEL
Hello, I'm Lisa, and I'm here to share our family's extraordinary journey, one that has been inspired by a deep-seated love for travel...
Oct 12, 20232 min read
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