All of our Sunday Success Stories serve as a living example that all of us average Americans can, indeed, see the world at prices we all can afford. We can do this by working together and sharing our stories. Send your story to me at rick@frugaltravelguy.com. Include your first name and last initial, along with your occupation and a photo, if you wish. - Rick
Hi Rick,
I stopped by your site a little over a year ago. My husband I are young, and were in the middle of planning (and saving for our wedding). It has been my dream to go to Europe for my honeymoon. Well, my husband and I just got back from a two week honeymoon in Italy. We paid for almost everything with points:
- 200,000 – Two Round-Trip Tickets from SFO-Rome/Milan-SFO (Continental/United Card sign-up bonuses)
- 200,000 – InterContinental Rome 4 nights – we were also upgraded and it was a great central location – (Priority Club 80,000 sign-up bonus)
- 80,000 – 6 nights at a bed and breakfast in Tuscany (we paid for this, but were reimbursed by the Captial One card match my miles reward from last year)
- 60,000 – Two nights at the Marriott Autograph collection in Venice (Marriott sign-up bonus)
- 50,000 – Two nights in Milan (Priority Club points)
In addition we were reimbursed for our rental car($200), the train($60), and other expenses with our remaining Capital One Card.
We had an amazing trip, ate like kings, and brought tons of stuff home. All told we spent around $1500-$2000 for this trip. (We ran into some issues with the rental car, but I believe the Capital One card is going to reimburse us, so I’m not sure on the final cost yet.)
Our friends kept asking us how we were able to afford such an amazing honeymoon after paying for our wedding – I just keep referring them to your site.
This was my first time planning a trip and we were less concerned about maxing out points, and more concerned with doing exactly what we wanted. However, I know I could have done some things differently. I’m about to plan our next trip, and I would love some feedback!
Thanks!
-Jill
Jill, the trip sounds wonderful and glad to help steer you in the right direction. Keep focus on what you want out of a trip and then look for ways to keep it frugal or free. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me again at rick@frugaltravelguy.com. Below are some pictures that Jill has shared with us.
