Escape with Emily: Luxury Travel & Deals

01/13/2026

Fly Southwest? This credit card is a must. 💳

The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Credit Card just rolled out updated perks and it’s honestly one of the most practical travel cards out there right now.

Right now, new cardholders can earn 50,000–80,000 Rapid Rewards points after meeting the welcome offer. That can mean multiple flights or major savings on trips you were already planning.

Here’s why this card is worth a look 👇

✨ Checked bag benefits for you and up to 8 people on the same reservation
🪑 Complimentary seat perks like Standard or Preferred seating at booking, plus extra legroom upgrades when available
⭐ Earn points faster on Southwest purchases and everyday spending (categories vary by card)
🎉 Anniversary bonus points every year you keep the card
📈 Boosts toward A-List status and Companion Pass just for being a cardholder
💸 25% back on inflight purchases
🌍 No foreign transaction fees
🗓️ Flexible rewards with no blackout dates when booking flights with points

If Southwest is your go-to airline, this card makes everyday spending work harder for your travel.

I use it strategically and love helping others decide if it fits their travel style. Click below to sign up for your card today! (AD) ✈️💙

https://joylink.io/XpEu5S2

01/02/2026

🥰OOPS I DID IT AGAIN

This summer we’re spending 3 nights in Denver for the Zach Bryan concert and we are NOT paying downtown Denver event weekend hotel prices.

💸 Cash price: $2,834
✨ What we’ll pay: 48,000 points
🏨 Grand Hyatt Denver - Executive Suite

How this works:
• 48K Hyatt points
• Suite Upgrade Award
• Club access = free breakfast + snacks
• Free parking (because downtown parking is still a scam)

We’re saving over $3000 between the suite, breakfast, and parking. Plus we aren't just staying in their bottom of the barrel basic room, we are staying in a suite with skyline views instead. This is why I hoard points and refuse to pay cash for hotels when the math doesn’t math.

Concert tickets? Worth it.
Hotel? Never paying retail.

https://www.expedia.com/shop/escape-with-emily-luxury-travel/denver-done-right

12/30/2025

12/24/2025

🤯
Booked a $1,014/night room for $0 using a Hyatt Category 1–7 free night certificate and I will never emotionally recover from this math.

This is the Andaz Miami Beach.
Peak dates. Prime location. Cash rate over a grand. My out-of-pocket cost: nothing.

This is why I’m mildly obsessed with Hyatt points and certificates. Used right, they turn “that’s too expensive” into “we’re checking in.”

If you’re sitting on free night certs or points and letting them rot… please stop. Let me help you turn them into stays like this.

Luxury travel doesn’t require luxury cash.
Just strategy.
✈️🏨✨

12/08/2025

I am finally putting all my favorite hotel finds in one place!

I launched an Expedia storefront where I save luxury stays, romantic getaways, and trips I’d actually book myself. No back-and-forth, no inbox chaos — just click, browse, compare prices, and book when you’re ready.

If you like polished hotels, great locations, and travel that feels easy, this is for you.

👉 https://www.expedia.com/shop/escape-with-emily-luxury-travel

(Some links may earn commission, which helps me keep sharing the good stuff 🤍)

Escape with Emily Luxury Travel - Nurse. Business owner. Wife. Mom of two. Always planning the next trip. I share realistic luxury travel, smart hotel finds, and doable deals—balancing family memory-making trips along with "mom and dad only" vacations away to strengthen my marriage. - Miami Nights...

11/27/2025

Why I’m OBSESSED with Traveling on Points 🥰

Okay, picture this: 4 nights in an Ocean View Studio Suite with a private plunge pool at Alila Mayakoba — a luxurious, gated resort in Mexico. Floor-to-ceiling views, a private pool surrounded by jungle, spa-level design… STUNNING.

💸 Cash price for these 4 nights?
👉 $4,637.16 total (after a 15% off promo!)

Yes. For four nights.

But instead, I used 108,000 Hyatt points and a suite upgrade certificate. FINAL cash cost? $0

That means my points were worth ~4.3 cents PER POINT. Travel nerds know—that’s phenomenal. Hyatt points typically value around 1.7–2 cents each. This redemption is more than DOUBLE that.

🔥 Why I’m obsessed:
• I didn’t book a “points room.” I booked the plunge pool SUITE with a suite upgrade—no basic room here.
• This isn’t “free travel”—this is luxury travel I wouldn’t normally pay cash for.
• And because Hyatt lets you book premium rooms with points + upgrades, this exact type of stay is why learning points is SO worth it.

🌿 4 nights in a private plunge pool suite at a 5-star resort…
📉 $4,637 cash price
💎 108,000 points
🌟 Suite upgrade applied
💰 Effective nightly rate? About $1,159/night → I paid 27,000 points/night

Would I ever pay $1,159/night in cash?
Nope.

Would I pay 27K points for this?
EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. 😍

Next time you see me on vacation thinking I'm blowing money- know I'm smarter than that.

11/27/2025

✨ Big Exciting Update ✨

After a year of helping families book unforgettable vacations, I’m making a small — but important — shift with Escape with Emily.

As many of you know, our electrical company Wigal Electric has exploded with growth (in the BEST way!), and we’re also in the process of opening Wigal Hardware & Supply. Between helping to manage the businesses, designing the new store, raising two busy little girls, and still trying to make time for things like laundry and trash TV… something had to evolve.

➡️ So instead of traditional 1:1 travel agent services, Escape with Emily is transitioning into a travel blog-style page — where I’ll continue to share:

🌴 My personal trip reviews
🚢 Cruise walk-throughs (Yacht Club, Retreat, Rockstar, all the bougie things!)
🏨 Resort breakdowns for families & couples
💸 My BEST points/redemption deals
📎 And now… direct booking links so you can snag the exact deals I share!

That means:
✔ No waiting for quotes
✔ No back-and-forth planning
✔ No travel agency fees
✔ Just click, book, and go — just like you do with my Mama Makes Cents deals!

I will still be sprinkling in exclusive travel tips, luxury hacks, and behind-the-scenes access from my own trips — because that part I absolutely love and will never give up!

💛 Thank you all for trusting me with your vacations, cheering me on through business and family milestones, and allowing me to grow and pivot in a way that fits this season of life.

Here’s to making luxury travel more accessible, clickable, and real-life doable for busy families like ours. ✈️🌎

Stay tuned — the best content is coming.
– Emily

08/21/2025

✨ Dreaming of Greece? ✨

I’m so excited to share that I have helped book 2 suites on a 7-night MSC Sinfonia cruise with the Aurea Experience, departing May 12, 2026!

This incredible journey will take my clients through the beauty of Greece, blending history, culture, and stunning coastal views with all the comforts of MSC’s Aurea perks—priority boarding, spacious staterooms, exclusive sun deck, spa access, and more.

If you’ve been wanting to explore the Greek Isles in luxury, this is the perfect way to do it! Whether you’re craving ancient ruins, fresh Mediterranean flavors, or just relaxing on deck as the Aegean passes by, you’ll find it all on this sailing.

📅 Date: May 12–19, 2026
🚢 Ship: MSC Sinfonia
🌟 Experience: Aurea

Would you love to join this sailing or book a similar adventure? Drop a comment or message me—I’d love to help you plan your Greek escape! 💙

06/22/2025

✨ Coral Gables Vibes ✨

We had the best night exploring Coral Gables — starting with an incredible dinner at Doc B’s where the food was out-of-this-world (seriously, that mac & cheese 👏), and our waiter Gonzo went above and beyond to make our night unforgettable.

We checked in to the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables and wow — the accommodations were stunning, the staff was amazing, and the vibe was just perfection. From relaxing by the balcony with a view of the glowing pool to soaking in the charm of the architecture, this place was everything we needed and more. We had some computer issues this morning and Meylin at the front desk was SO helpful and got us all taken care of printing us our tickets. She was wonderful!

If you're needing a place to stay around Miami (especially before a cruise) 10/10 recommend this hotel and making the 10 minute walk to Doc Bs! Already planning our next trip back! 🌴

06/10/2025

Join Us for the Ultimate Luxury Escape! 🏝️

4-Night Cruise
Celebrity Beyond
November 18, 2026
The Retreat 🥂

Ready for a quick but completely unforgettable getaway? We’re setting sail on Celebrity Beyond for a 4-night retreat-style cruise to Mexico, and YOU are invited to join the fun — luxury-style!

Departure: November 18, 2026
Ports:
• Miami, FL (Embarkation)
• Cozumel, Mexico (Fun in the sun!)
• Perfect Day at Sea (Relaxation + indulgence)
• Miami, FL (Disembarkation)

Why You’ll LOVE The Retreat:
✨Private Suite with Butler Service
✨Access to Luminae at The Retreat — an exclusive suite-class restaurant
✨ Dedicated Retreat Sundeck & Lounge
✨ Premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included
✨ Priority boarding, dining, and shore excursions
✨ Personalized concierge and white-glove treatment
✨ Access to The Retreat-exclusive events

Whether you’re craving relaxation, celebration, or adventure — this mini escape delivers everything in just four nights. Perfect for couples, friends, or anyone needing a reset in style! PLUS if you book with me you will also recieve $200 ON BOARD CREDIT! Retreat level experience begins at $4400 per COUPLE, although more affordable accommodations are also available! Y'all already know I can't wait to come back and share ALL of our photos with you!

Comment below or DM me for cabin options and group perks! Let’s make memories in Mexico 🍹