We're not your typical homeschooling family. Actually, we never thought we'd even be standing here saying that we educate at home. But thanks to the world shutdown in 2020 and God's hand in it all, we have found something that allows all of us to thrive, both in the school setting and beyond. This podcast is for you if you're curious about homeschooling, want to learn how to travel hack so you can take your family on more trips around the globe for pennies, or if you just need some inspiration in your homeschooling journey. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and join in on the conversation!
Are you overwhelmed by the vast choices and noise around homeschooling resources? In this episode, Candace Crompton shares practical strategies for discerning what truly works for your family, helping you build a homeschool that aligns with your child's needs and your values.
The importance of discernment in choosing curricula and resources
How to filter options through your "why" and core values
Practical tips for evaluating curriculum quality and fit
The dangers of fear-based marketing and panic buying
How to incorporate literature and your child's interests effectively
The power of asking your child what they want to learn
Tips for avoiding overwhelm at homeschool conferences and sales
The significance of trusting yourself and trusting God in your homeschool journey
00:00 - Embrace unplugging: How Brick helps reclaim your time from phone distractions
00:28 - The importance of discernment in homeschooling choices
01:02 - Are you homeschooling with intention or reaction?
01:28 - How prayer guides our homeschooling decisions
01:58 - Filtering decisions through faith and personal values
02:26 - Starting with prayer when pivoting in homeschooling
02:56 - Addressing fears around public school comparison
03:26 - Developing your "why" and core values for homeschool planning
03:55 - Using a mission statement to guide decisions
04:24 - Creating decision filters: budget, curriculum length, curiosity, screen time
05:08 - The value of literature over curricula
05:37 - Trusting your intuition and God's guidance
06:05 - Do your homework: preview and research before buying
06:35 - How to evaluate publisher values and messaging
07:05 - Asking for honest reviews and testing resources firsthand
07:34 - Recognizing red flags in marketing and curricula
08:11 - The importance of transparency and making informed choices
08:41 - Avoiding costly or fear-based curriculum bundles
09:11 - Recognizing that each child's needs are unique
09:39 - Practical tips for avoiding impulse buying and flash sales
10:09 - The benefit of borrowing or previewing curricula
10:39 - Less is more: focus on quality literature and real engagement
11:09 - Trust yourself and lean on the Lord for guidance
11:38 - Involving your child in decision-making to boost engagement
12:07 - Customizing your homeschool to fit your child's current needs
12:37 - The benefits of asking your child what they want to learn
13:06 - Exploring how literature can serve as a curriculum foundation
13:36 - Avoiding fear-based marketing tactics and hype
14:06 - The importance of doing your own homework and previews
14:36 - Red flags: over-rigidity and exaggerated success claims
15:05 - The value of transparency in curriculum providers
15:35 - Embracing flexibility and changing course when needed
The Good and the Beautiful curriculum (https://www.thegoodandthebeautiful.com/)
Psalm 139 NIV (https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.139.3.NIV)
Brick Phone Alternative-Get 10% Off (https://www.getbrick.app/CANDACE63039)
Ladder app for strength training (https://joinladder.com/referral?utm_source=ios_app&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=96239cfe-89d0-4717-8776-124ea0ae0eee&utm_campaign=share&utm_content=referral_lp) - 30 Days Free
Instagram (instagram.com/unexpectedhomeschoolerspod)
Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedHomeschoolers)
TikTok (www.tiktok.com/unexpectedhomeschoolers)
30 Jan 2026
Travel Hacking 101
In this episode of Travel Hacking 101, Candace Crompton provides a comprehensive guide to travel hacking, focusing on credit cards, the companion pass, and essential tools for managing travel rewards. She emphasizes the importance of understanding credit card rules, planning strategically for travel, and utilizing apps like Travel Freely to simplify the process. The episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help listeners maximize their travel experiences while minimizing costs.
Travel Freely App (https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref=70918)
BRICK - Take 10% off your order (https://www.getbrick.app/CANDACE63039)
Cards I Recommend Getting Started With
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Southwest Cards
Podcasts About Travel Hacking: Here (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/0M7opLnBJ6SdEq6jP81fyE/details), Here (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/5fehFZFmldPyx8eSS5f7Aw/details) & Here (https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/1LWPFiO5jXpo6mEpDtlPu9/details)
Travel Freely App (https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref=70918)
Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/unexpectedhomeschoolerspod)
Tik Tok (http://www.tiktok.com/unexpectedhomeschoolers)
Watch on YouTube Here (https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedHomeschoolers)
Sign up for my Substack newsletter
recipe of the week
Weekly recap
https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing (https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing)
00:00 Introduction to Travel Hacking
01:50 Essential Rules for Travel Hacking
04:21 Tools for Successful Travel Hacking
05:50 Introduction to Travel Cards
08:26 Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass
11:54 Exploring Card Perks and Benefits
13:38 Managing Credit and Card Strategies
14:53 Strategic Planning for Travel Hacking
travel hacking, credit cards, companion pass, travel rewards, travel tools, budgeting, travel planning, financial tips, family travel, travel strategies
23 Jan 2026
Where Travel Hacking Has Taken Us in 2 Years
In this episode, Candace Crompton shares her journey into travel hacking, detailing how her family has managed to travel extensively using points and rewards. She discusses the strategies she employed to accumulate nearly a million points in a short time, the various trips they took, and the benefits of traveling as a homeschool family. Candace also highlights the importance of using resources like the Travel Freely app to maximize travel rewards and offers insights into future travel plans.
IN THE EPISODE:
Use the Travel Freely App to help manage credit cards and manage your points well - download here. (https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref=70918)
Watch on YouTube Here (https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedHomeschoolers)
Sign up for my Substack newsletter
recipe of the week
Weekly recap
https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing (https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing)
Travel hacking can significantly reduce travel costs for families.
Accumulating points requires strategic planning and understanding of rewards programs.
Using points for flights and accommodations can lead to almost free travel experiences.
Traveling during off-peak times can maximize point value and savings.
The Travel Freely app is a valuable tool for managing travel rewards.
Family trips can be both fun and economical with the right strategies.
Southwest Airlines offers great options for families traveling with kids.
Traveling as a homeschool family provides flexibility in planning trips.
Understanding the changes in credit card applications is crucial for maximizing points.
Creating memorable family experiences through travel is a key benefit of travel hacking.
travel hacking, family travel, points, Southwest Airlines, travel tips, budget travel, travel freely app, travel strategies, travel experiences, homeschooling
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
72
Social presence
91
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
Contact Unexpected Homeschoolers
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Unexpected Homeschoolers?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
