Over the years, we’ve had many readers share their success stories with us. Folks for whom traveling domestically once a year was a luxury are now traveling the world with just a few credit card sign-up bonuses. And the best part? They are sharing their stories with us and others who benefit from knowing that it is possible to see the world at prices we can all afford.

If you have your own success story to share, please email us and if it gets published, we’ll send you a $25 Amazon gift card as a thank you.

Over a year ago, my family decided to plan a trip to Cancun, Mexico with miles and points so we could enjoy a big family vacation together. Our family group included my two parents, my sister and her boyfriend, my husband and I and our two kids (ages 3 and 5), totaling a party of 8!  After rescheduling a couple of times (coordinating group travel is much tougher than solo!), we finally made the trip happen this past January and it was amazing! Just what we all needed during the January deep freeze in Utah. And we made fantastic memories together to last a lifetime!

We used Southwest points to fly six of us roundtrip from Utah to Cancun. My sister and her boyfriend live in Houston, TX, and used United points for their direct roundtrip flights.

We all used Wyndham Rewards points to stay four nights in Playa Del Carmen at the Viva Wyndham Azteca all-inclusive, for only 15,000 points per room, per night. It was amazing! The beach front location was fantastic, as was the resort, the rooms, and the food. We explored the ruins at Tulum, spent an amazing day at Xcaret, spent an afternoon shopping in downtown Playa, got massages on the beach, and enjoyed plenty of beach time.  We all thoroughly enjoyed our four days in Playa at the Viva Wyndham Azteca.

After four days in Playa Del Carmen, we moved north and used SPG points to stay at the Westin Lagunamar in Cancun for two nights. The Westin Lagunamar Resort blew us all away! The huge suites, the balconies, and the in-room washer/dryers were serious luxuries we are usually never afforded. We spent most of our time in Cancun just enjoying the beach and the resort’s infinity pools and amenities. But we did take a Sunday evening trip into Downtown Cancun for a local street fair, enjoying authentic tacos, churros, empanadas, horchata, and marquesitas. It was a delicious night and so much fun for everyone!

A trip like this would have been possible before we discovered miles and points. Now, with all of my family involved in the game, there are plans for many more exotic family vacations in our future. Thank you Frugal Travel Guy for showing us the way!

-Tina M.

[Image via Getty]