Michael sent us a reader success story about how he went to Aruba on points and miles. This got my attention as I had a trip planned for November doing the same. We are using different points and miles but the end result is the same – fun in the sun for next to nothing!

 

Michael’s Story

I came across your account and wanted to share a recent success story about a trip I just took with my sister to Aruba. This trip to Aruba was paid for completely by points and miles.

First, for the flights, I used Jet Blue points I accumulated using the Jet Blue Plus Credit Card by Barclay.  I earned 60,000 points for opening the card and spending $3,000 in the first month. (Currently, the offer is 70,000 points after a $1,000 spend.) The flights in all were around 61,000 points for round trip. These were direct flights from Boston to Aruba (which included a free checked bag for each of us since we used the JetBlue plus card).

For the hotel, I opened up an IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. This card got me 100,000 IHG points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. (The current offer is for 125,000 IHG points after spending $3000.)  I used those points to book the Holiday Inn Resort in Aruba for 4 nights (using points to redeem 3 nights you get the 4th night free). In addition to booking the room completely with points, the IHG card gives you Platinum Elite Status. This allowed us to get a free palapa for the entirety of our stay, a free room upgrade to a partial ocean view, welcome drinks, and a bunch of other little perks.

It was an amazing trip that cost me $0 out of pocket.

 

 

Bottom Line

Great job Michael! I am a huge fan of using hotel status as you did with the IHG card for extra perks. I find IHG to be generous with its upgrades, especially in foreign countries! Thanks for sharing your story about Aruba on points and miles!