why I love rewards cards or, I’m going to Boston!
My brother and I were talking last week about going somewhere for Labor Day: New York City, San Francisco, Providence or maybe Boston. We kept talking about it, throwing out ideas of what we could do in each place–what we wanted to see or visit or, mainly, eat. Finally we just decided: we’re going to Boston. I have always wanted to go to New England, but the closest I’ve gotten was Pennsylvania or New York City.
After we’d chosen the location, we began discussing pricing. There’d be the flight, easily a few hundred each. Then the hotel accommodations (unless we opted for a hostel–not as exciting in America as in Europe, I think; or a B&B–not exactly a sibling kind of trip). On top of those expenses, we’d have to pay for food and transportation within the city and not to mention shopping.
Then Brother and Dad got talking. They share a credit card–just the two of them, for a variety of reasons–that has been earning points for quite a while. Every now and then they’ve checked it, when Dad wanted to buy a new camera, for example, but have never used any of the points. Just for kicks, Brother checked flight options.
Chicago to Boston, round-trip for both of us: no cost. Yeah for rewards points! On top of which, we’ll get a free hotel night, at a great place in a ritzy neighborhood.
As if it couldn’t get better, my gracious father offered his points from another card. He has no plans to use them, and he’s happy to let us: another almost-free hotel night, at a place conveniently right by the airport.
If you’re keeping track, this means we will pay $40/each for the first hotel night, regular price for the second and nothing for the flight and third hotel. Let’s say the second night costs $200 ($100/each), which I don’t expect it to. That means I’d be paying $140 for a great weekend, plus food/shopping/subways. That’s the kind of vacation I like!
Filed under thrifty tips, travel |
5 Responses to “why I love rewards cards or, I’m going to Boston!”
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May I ask which card it is? I’m looking into getting a reward card for the first time and am looking for recommendations for a good one. Thanks.
Awesome! That was really nice of your Dad to kick in his points. What a fantastic (and really cheap) trip you’re going to go on! I’ve always wanted to go to Boston, if only to catch a ball game at Fenway Park.
M: My dad and brother use a citibank rewards card. The second card we are benefiting from is a fancy American Express.
The AE is nice because you don’t have to reach a certain point total to use them; you can redeem for partial savings.
Krystal: I know! I’m so excited.
Great job planning a frugal vacation! I wish I was able to do the same….however, I don’t reallly have any travel rewards cards…
You should consider getting one, SD! The savings really add up.
But yeah, this is an incredible deal. I’m so blessed!