[macyoder]

This year I spent 10 days in Costa Rica (completely free) , 7 nights on a Caribbean cruise (air, pre and post hotel free) but cruise was only $400 per person to Belize, Honduras and Cozumel  plus a week in Texas (air Free) 

My next trip to Hawaii has a value of over $7,000.00. 

4 nights at Fairmont Kea Lani all suites @$860 per night plus $200 towards breakfast - using the Fairmont card by Chase. We both get 2 nights each. 

3 R/T to Maui on American using points from Citi and American airways before the merge. I still have 160K to go some place else, maybe Europe.

I have 43K points  ($430)  for my Capital One and 53K ($530) on Citi Prestige. 

After 17 years I have decided to do upgrades on our home so I timed the cards with this trip in mind. Every penny I spend I do with my next vacation in mind. I don't spend a penny if it could jeopardize my next vacation. With 7 months to go until my next real vacation I have time to get 2017 plans on the way. I am thinking about the Hyatt all inclusive in Jamaica or Mexico for 4 nights with their card . 

[oldtimer]

WOW !!!!!

[Westenders]

Omg and bloody hell
So envious!!

[macyoder]

Some of these cards you can get every 18 months. Two years ago we were at the Grand Hyatt Regency in Kauai so we can get the Hyatt card ($1K in 3 months) again for another stay at one of their properties. Alaska Airline flies to Hawaii and Mexico with a companion ticket. I  can purchase one ticket and have the second one for $99. This benefit you receive upon approval with 25K miles (free domestic flight) with no  purchase necessary. 

Greece is on my to do list . 

[Westenders]

When you go to Greece, make sure you take cash, given their current economic crisis the banks and banking system is a mess and has had shutdowns.
Things may be better when you go but if the EU bail out dose'nt happen it will be worse.

Brits holidaying in Greece this summer are being told to take cash. This will also help their economy.
Credit cards are a wash at the moment there.

I'm sure you will do your research before travel, but wasn't sure if the Greek financial crisis is covered on US news.

[macyoder]

Thanks West

Greece is my BIG dream but doing the wait and see. Maybe we will wait off for a few years and do it for our 25th wedding anniversary.  We have known to jump on unbeatable deals. 

American Airlines will be flying non stop from LAX to Jamaican, starting in December, so planning a trip back next year. 

[kylake]

Macyoder, you are one slick lady when it comes to using the cc cards for points and travel !!

[macyoder]

I have decided to do to the 2 weeks Mediterranean Greek Isles cruise. It's 14 days with stops in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey. This might be our second family vacation in Europe so we will be spending real money for a part of it. 

[rootswoman]

Macy - you never cease to amaze me!

[Flutterby]

Macyoder - I don't know how you can keep track of the charging, paying, spending thingy!! I just got a Venture Rewards card with a 40,000 bonus after the first $3,000 charged. I've been charging everything and paying it from my checking account as soon as I get home. So far I have $500 I can use for travel. Let me tell you - it feels like a part time job!!! Lol! My goal for now is free flights to JA next summer (around $1000-$1500 all in) but honestly I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with it after that! Mad props to you! I am humbled by your skills!!