# 156. Making Large Family Award Travel Actually Work with Dr. Alison Curfman (Part 2)

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/point-me-to-first-class-6237146/156-making-large-family-award-travel-actually-work-with-dr-alison-curfman-part-2.md
Podcast: [Point Me To First Class](https://stenobird.com/podcast/point-me-to-first-class-6237146)
Published: 2026-02-23T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/award-travel-large-families-part-2/
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/971afa5f-caf9-4235-9445-9b18164a0a4c/PMTFC_-_Ep156_-_Final.mp3?dest-id=3917916
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Duration seconds: 2231

## Resource

Today we're picking up where we left off last week with Dr. Alison Curfman—and diving into what happens after the flights are booked. Part 1 covered how Alison finds award flights and books hotels for her family of six to eight people when they travel. In Part 2, we're talking about execution—the systems and strategies that make those trips actually run smoothly. Listen in as Alison shares her approach to managing overnight flights with kids, minimizing food costs, and keeping complex multi-city itineraries organized across dozens of bookings. What makes this conversation different is how much it goes beyond a typical points strategy. We discuss Alison's framework for daily family meetings that give kids a voice and reduce meltdowns, her intentional approach to fostering independence by putting kids in charge of navigation and planning, and the creative ways she uses AI to enhance learning experiences on the ground. We also explore the career and mindset shifts that made her location-independent lifestyle possible, and how she's designed flexibility into both her work and family travel. Whether you're planning your first big family trip or looking to refine your system for regular international travel, this episode offers practical strategies you can apply immediately. Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/award-travel-large-families-part-2/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

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## Transcript

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