Saving $20K in summer award travel to Europe

  

Slathered in sunscreen, Val and I set off for a week-long odyssey in the land of ancient philosophers, the cradle of the Olympic Games, and the birthplace of democracy.

Romantic Reveries of Rustic Ruins and Santorini Sunsets 

How we did Athens in 3 days:

• Day 1 began at the Acropolis
• Theater of Dionysus, Odeon of Herodus, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Arch of Hadrian, Panathenaic Stadium
• Day 2 began at the Ancient Agora
• Temple of Hephaestus, Hadrian's Library, Roman Agora, Plaka
• Day 3 focused on shopping and fine dining
• Hellenic Parliament: Syntagma Square, National Garden, Souvenir Shopping at Monastiraki Market 
• Michelin Experience Dinner at Hytra with a view of the Acropolis

How we did Santorini in 3 days:

• Day 1 was mostly a 6-hour ferry ride to Santorini
• Day 2 was immersed in the beauty of the island
• Photo Shoot in Imerovigli Three Bells
• Hiking Trail Fira to Three Bells
• Bus to Black Sand Beach in Perissa
• Sunset Swim with Caldera View
• Day 3 was a delight for the senses
• Gold Suites Spa Experience
• Wine Tasting at Sigalas Winery
• Bus to Oia and sightseeing

How we did Brussels in one afternoon:

• Take a self-tour of Grand Place
• Triangulate Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis, and Het Zinneke
• Taste local waffles, chocolate, and beer

Check out our vlog recap to see some of our favorite moments captured on this trip.



Photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XshxKGbMrNg4f2rW9.

Show me the savings!

In this round, my points hobby netted us $20,831.88 USD in added value for this season of summer travel. As I mentioned in my Maldives post where I saved over $40K USD, the formula I use to calculate cent per point is:

• CPP = 100 * (Cash Prize - Expenses) / (Award Prize)

Flights for two people (113,000 total AmEx MR transferred 1:1 for Flying Blue Air France flight; 132,000 total Chase UR points transferred 1:1 to United Mileage Plus Rewards):

• Business class on Air France from JFK to CDG retailed for $6,755.
• Redeemed via 113,000 Flying Blue Miles (and $417.60 in taxes and fees)
• CPP = 100 * (6,755 - 417.60) / (113,000) = 5.61 CPP
• Business class on United Polaris from ATH to EWR retailed for $12,070.
• Redeemed via 132,000 United MileagePlus Rewards (and $166.94 in taxes and fees)
• CPP = 100 * (12,070 - 166.94) / (132,000) = 9.02 CPP (amazing value!)

Hotel for two people (24,000 total World of Hyatt points) as a Globalist member:

• 3 nights in Grand Hyatt Athens retailed for $810.29 (or €777 purchased on June 15, 2022).
• Redeemed via 2 free night certificates (Category 3 property worth 12,000 points) and a free suite upgrade and access to the Club Lounge upon check in.
• CPP = 100 * (810.29 - 270.10) / 24,000 = 2.25 CPP
• 3 nights in Gold Suites retailed for $1,786.82 (or €1,665 purchased on May 30, 2022)
• Redeemed via 105,000 World of Hyatt points (and $0 in taxes and fees)
• CPP = 100 * (1,786.82 - 0 ) / 105,000 = 1.70 CPP

Leveraging my Globalist perk came clutch for covering free breakfast buffets and unfettered lounge drinks for two people at our Hyatt accommodation. We also took advantage of a free photoshoot (the Airbnb experience was valued at $264.41) that we fully waived with my Capital One Venture X travel credit.

I’m including my receipts here:

As we reflect on this incredible voyage, we're reminded that travel, made both affordable and unforgettable, is the ultimate treasure.