We’ve done some pretty complicated trip planing lately, but this week we’ve got an easy one that any newbie can take on. Bermuda. Just 640 miles off the coast of the United States, Bermuda is a great quick trip to a sub-tropical destination.

Here’s the challenge: a happy Cleveland couple want to celebrate their anniversary in Bermuda. The Mister has a 710 credit score and the Misses has a 715. They don’t have a business and they don’t want a business. They have a combined spend of $1,000. Can we get them the anniversary they want?

Of course we can! And we get it for only $190 plus tax!

__________

THE MISTER’S APS: Two cards – US Airways Chairman’s Preferred Dividend Miles Premier World MasterCard and Fairmont Visa Signature from Chase

THE MISSES’ APS: The same two cards – US Airways Chairman’s Preferred Dividend Miles Premier World MasterCard and Fairmont Visa Signature from Chase

ITINERARY OVERVIEW: On March 4 they take a US Airways flight from Cleveland for Bermuda via Philadelphia, with a return flight (also via Philadelphia) on March 8. They’ll spend four nights at the Fairmont Southampton.

TOTAL TRIP VALUE: $

HERE’S HOW THEY DO IT:

March 4 – Round-Trip: Cleveland, Ohio – Bermuda
Cost: $1,120 ($560 per person)
Method: Dividend Miles
Cards:

1. US Airways Chairman’s Preferred Dividend Miles Premier World MasterCard– 80,000 miles
   1. Mister receives 40,000 miles after first spend
   2. Misses receives 40,000 miles after first spend

Explanation: After first spend on this card, you receive 40,000 bonus miles. An awards ticket from the continental U.S. to Bermuda costs 35,000 miles, however with the Chairman’s Preferred card it only costs 30,000 miles. So after first spend on two cards, the Mister and Misses can easily get to Bermuda and have 20,000 miles to spare.
Out of Pocket Cost: $0

March 4-8 – The Fairmont Southampton
Cost: $1,156 ($289 per day)
Method: Fairmont Free Nights
Cards:

1. Fairmont Visa Signature  – 4 Free Nights
   1. Mister receives two free nights after spending $1,000 within three months, which he’ll accomplish in the second month.
   2. Misses received two free nights after spending $1,000 within three months, which she’ll accomplish in the second month.

Explanation: With the Fairmont card you receive two free nights to any Fairmont hotel. There are two great options in Bermuda – the Southampton or the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. The card has a $95 annual fee, so between the two cards Mister and Misses will spend $190 – which is less than the cost of a single night at the Southampton.
Out of Pocket Cost: $190

 __________

Next week, first time applicant and IB employee Katie will figure out her way to London.