Next week I’m traveling to Hawaii funded primarily by frequent traveler rewards. I know Christmas is peak tourist season in Hawaii, but the timing is unavoidable. My motivation for choosing Hawaii is to see my alma mater, Xavier University, play in the ESPN Diamond Head Classic. Who doesn’t plan their vacation around their favorite college basketball team??
Here is a breakdown of the frequent traveler points/miles redeemed to fund my 8-day trip:
Flight
Delta 130,000 SkyMiles for a first class round trip ticket (flight cost $2,862)
Departure: FLL>SLC>HNL
Arrival: HNL>LAX>ATL>FLL
Hotels
Kauai 4 nights: The St. Regis Princeville Resort
No points used, redeemed 4 SPG Getaway Free Reward nights (hotel room price$450/night)
Oahu 4 nights: Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
100,000 Marriott points (hotel room price $199/night)
Rental Car
Kauai National Car Rental 2 Free Rental Days (I have to pay for the other 2 days)
Not renting a car in Oahu
Diamond Head Classic tickets
FREE- I have a Xavier basketball hookup :)
When all is said and done, I’m paying out of pocket for a two-day car rental in Kauai and round trip flight from Honolulu to Lihue. I could have saved 40,000 SkyMiles on my Delta flight had I flown economy, but we all know that’s not happening. You can’t put a price on first class. The value of the points/miles I redeemed is roughly $5,500. All those days I cursed traveling finally make sense.
More to come from Hawaii!!
Comments
Wow that's a heck of a deal. I don't fly as much as you, but those are well worth the points! First class #boss
Don't forget for when you fly back to check if you can SDC to the HNL-ATL non-stop! That'll beat the craptastic domestic first class seats on the overnight.
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