01/24/2026
I just woke up from my 4 hour nap on my flatbed on Virgin Atlantic and thought I'd do a summary of my 2 week trip and how I use my points to travel. I'd say my cash layout was approximately $3000 total for the 2 weeks with almost all top notch hotels and flights, transportation and meals! I'll do a little summary of how I cover flights and hotels mostly on points. It's crazy the caliber of all my travels and really all due to credit card spends and signing up for credit card bonuses.
Started off on United for 80,000 points business class and $33 USD taxes. Points were low bc I have the United Explorer credit card. Flight would've been 244k points if I didn't have United credit card that gives discounted redemption rates for their credit card holders.
Stayed in Cyprus for 3 nights for free at IHG Indigo hotel on points and annual free hotel night from IHG credit card.
Then flew onEL AL אל על using my flying blue points- it was 15,000 points. Was a cheap cash price of only $150 but I have so many points I chose to book on points.
Stayed in Jerusalem Mamilla Hotel which was fantastic and best location in Jerusalem right at the entrance of Mamilla mall and the old city of Jerusalem . I used my Chase Saphire card which I paid for 2 nights for $1000 but included $300 chase credit back on my card (2x a year), free breakfast for 2, upgrade to much larger room and $100 credit I used at their gorgeous rooftop restaurant where you have a view of jerusalem and the old city plus 6pm checkout! Even if you don't stay at this modern luxury hotel
I highly recommend rooftop for the views, elegance and phenominal dining. Hotel service, location, luxory top notch!
TelAviv next and I used Marriott Bonvoy points for 3 free nights. I personally have lifetime elite status with Bonvoy Marriott which gets me free breakfast for 2, upgraded room ( I got suite), late 4pm check out and a lounge full of delicious food 24/7. We ate dinner at a restaurant in Tel Aviv first night but 2nd and 3rd night we ate for free in lounge with full on multiple course meal that was excellent. We were also able to invite outside family to eat with us in the lounge for free too and meal and desserts were all awesome and delicious!! Also by coincidence Michael Rapaport the comedian/ celebrity was staying at our hotel the Sheraton Grand Tel Aviv and we spoke with him 3 nights in a row. He couldn't be nicer! The staff was exceptional as well and they treat their customers so well- especially with our own designated team and lounge access. If you don't have Bonvoy elite status you can get it by signing up for the Bonvoy Brilliant credit card which gives you elite status like I have. It's pricey $650 a year but also gives you a 85,000 certificate at one of their properties annually and upgrades whenever you stay at their properties plus free breakfast for 2, unlimited water so I feel the $650 annual fee pays for itself. Also gives you $25 a month restaurant/fast food credit plus $300 travel credit annually so the card pays for itself
Next we flew to Venice Italy for one night and using my Hyatt points ( which I transferred from my Chase card ) stayed in a 5 star stunning hotel in Venice. Hotel name was Palazzina Grassi and was just gorgeous and very Venitian right on the Grand Canal included breakfast so FREE again!
Next took train to Florence and stayed The St. Regis Florence which was elegant beyond imagination. Overlooking Ponte Vechio and FREE with my annual 85,000 Bonvoy certificate. Came with a butler, 5 star customer service, free buffet breakfast, upgraded to a suite, snacks in the room, would've packed/unpacked our clothes if we wanted plus would wash and press our clothes. Cant tell you enough about this hotel... especially when FREE.
Lastly took a flight to London using BA points which are super easy to get from American Express, Capital One,and Chase.
Stayed in a new area for me called Shortidge and we loved the Aethos hotel which is a new brand to me. It was $650 for 2 nights through luxory hotels using my American Express Platinum credit card which gave me $300 hotel credit 2x a year plus $100 food credit at the hotel which covered dinner and breakfast. Food excellent and service outstanding. So hotel basically cost me $100 a night!
Lastly currently flying home on business class for 75,000 points booked using my credit card points transferring them to Flying Blue which partners with Virgin. Had to pay taxes plus 75,000 points but my favorite lounge and they treat you like royalty!
This is how I'm able to travel so often and for little out of pocket cash. I normally could never afford such luxury in travel !
I wont lie- it's a lot of work and time to coordinate but worth it to me!
