For this week’s travel challenge, we whisk you away to the spooky marshes of New Orleans where a ghoulish couple yearn for nothing more than a gloomy Halloween spent amongst the the witches and warlocks who once cast shadows and spells on the residents of Salem, Mass. Yes, this ghastly couple wants to get themselves to Salem for All Hallow’s Eve!

The challenge: only one of them can apply for cards. He has a 718 credit score and only spend $1,500 per month.

Here’s how Howie makes their dreams come true for absolutely nothing!

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THE APS: Three cards – Chase Sapphire Preferred, Starwood Preferred Guest, US Airways Dividend Miles Premier Rewards Card

ITINERARY OVERVIEW: On October 29, the ghoulish couple leaves New Orleans, LA., on US Airways for Boston, Mass. They’ll pick up the rental car (though they wanted a hearse, they’re given a Honda mid-size) and drive out to Wakefield, 7.5 miles away from Salem’s city center. They’ll stay at the Sheraton Colonial Boston North through November 3, when they’ll hop back on US Air’s broomstick and return home.

TOTAL TRIP VALUE: $2,224

HERE’S HOW THEY DO IT:

October 29 – Round-Trip: New Orleans, LA – Boston, Mass.
Cost: $978 ($489 per person)
Method: Dividend Miles
Cards:

1. US Airways Dividend Miles Premier Rewards Card– 40,000 Miles
   1. 40,000 miles are awarded at first use

Explanation: Round-trip domestic award tickets begin at only 20,000 miles when you have the Chairman’s card (which you can apply for here). Two round-trip tickets from anywhere in the continental U.S. to Boston can be easily picked up with the 40,000 miles given on first purchase.
Out of Pocket Cost: $0

October 29-November 3 – Sheraton Colonial Boston North Hotel
Cost: $1,066 ($213.35 per day)
Method: 12,000 Starpoints
Cards:

1. Starwood Preferred Guest  – 30,000 Starpoints
   1. 10,000 points are awarded at first use
   2. 15,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first six months, which can be accomplished in the third through sixth month of spend.
   3. 5,000 points earned from spending the $5,000 minimum spend at one point per dollar.

Explanation: Though the Sheraton Colonial Boston North Hotel isn’t the pinnacle of SPG properties and isn’t in Salem proper, TripAdvisor gives it 3.5 stars, it’s only 7.5 miles outside the Salem city center, and it’s a Category 2 hotel and will only cost 3,000 points per night. Using Starwood’s 5th Night Free promotion, four nights at the Sheraton will cost 12,000 points and the fifth night is thrown in for free. Plus the macabre couple still has 17,000 Starpoints left to spend.
Out of Pocket Cost: $0

October 29-November 3 – Car Rental
Cost: $180
Method: Ultimate Rewards
Cards:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred  –  43,000 Ultimate Reward points
   1. 40,000 points are awarded after spending $3,000 within the first three months, which can be accomplished in the first two months of spend.
   2. 3,000 points earned from spending the $5,000 minimum spend at one point per dollar.

Explanation: This isn’t actually a very good way to use your points, but it’s an option: through the Ultimate Rewards store you can buy car rental certificates for Avis, Enterprise or National at a penny per point. If used correctly, Ultimate Reward points can be worth as much as 5.5 cents each, so cashing them it at a penny is a huge devaluation. But, should you wish to do Salem for free, this is certainly a way to do it! Six days of a rental car will cost $180 or 18,000 points.
Out of Pocket Cost: $0

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Next week, we’re helping out reader Justin P, who wants three round-trip tickets to Japan, two nights in hotels (he’s staying with family and friends the rest of the time), plus wants to cover $1,000 in train tickets. Can we pull it off? Find out next Wednesday!