Zarathuztra

My wife and I are planning a trip to Germany (likely Switzerland also) next year, in the early summer time frame. Just trying to get sense for the best way to make the most out of my current points. Also, looking for any good moves to make now, since I still have plenty of time, that can add useful points for the trip.

Breakdown...
When? ~June
How long? ~2 weeks
My current points?
AAdvantage: 107.8k
United MileagePlus: 19.9k
SPG: 32k
IHG: 31k
Chase: 50k
Amex: 24k
CapitalOne: 11k


(A) For Airfare:
Sitting on 107.8k AA miles. Based on the AA mile chart, it should be 30k per person per flight, so 120k total there and back... I expect I'll have to purchase the extra miles, which is 10k miles + 2.5k bonus at a cost of $295 plus bs fees.

(B) Hotels:
Haven't built up much since spending almost all my points this spring...
The plan is to go for 2 weeks, so a lot more will be needed. Based on what I have currently and what deals exist, what are the best cards/deals to target that can be useful in Germany/Switzerland?

(C) Regional Tips:
First time traveling to the region, so any tips from those familiar with the area will be helpful. I'll be checking Trip Adviser for all the things to do and places to see.. but if anyone knows something that might not be popular on TA but still very worth checking out, let me know. However, I am more so looking for those little tricks that can help save money/time/trouble that might be specific to that region.

Thanks for your tips in advance.

UpgradeMe

I only see one question. And it belongs here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/germany-626/
A moderator has been notified.

Mwenenzi

Have you looked at award availability? You may have issues finding 2 award seats on the same aircraft. For booking USA Eu awards flights you do not have "plenty of time". People start booking 330 days out.

AA may want to put you on BA via LHR, which will have high cash BA surcharges.

Yoshi212

You say next summer and that you have time to get more points & cards. Awards generally open up ~330 days ahead of travel, which has passed, and you're planning on a peak time to visit Europe. Start doing award searches to see what is available and be ready to book ASAP as others have the same idea as you at the moment.

What is your starting point?

For travel within Europe be sure to check out the ICE trains for longer distances as it is unlike US domestic train travel. Where in Germany are you planning on traveling? It is one of the larger European countries but has good transportation. Buses are also good for getting around. I'd definitely suggest using a train either into, out of or both ways when traveling to Switzerland as the scenery is quite nice. What are you intended activities while in Germany & Switzerland?

LondonElite

I think you might get better answers if you gave a bit more information about what you are planning on doing and where you are going. It�s a bit vague to help you. I�m sure there is some combination of available flights and hotels but probably not what you had in mind.

Zarathuztra

@LondonElite: I'll add some additional details soon, I understand it is a bit vague, but I wanted to post before things got too specific so that I could take some direction from the suggestions.
@Yoshi212: I understand, I checked and there are available flights, we will be booking very soon for that. It does appear that they are BA flights as Mwenenzi suggested they might be. What is the ball park for the "high cash BA surcharges" I can expect?

LondonElite

I guess the point is that Germany is a very varied country. The Bavarian southeast is quite different from the Baltic coast. To have a general idea would be useful

Yoshi212

The AA website will show you the taxes & fees but to give you an idea.

BA-BA flight via LHR 30k Miles +$198
AA-BA flight via LHR 30k Miles+$63
IB-IB flight via MAD 30k Miles+ $95
AY-AY flight via HEL 30k Miles+$12

beachmouse

What's your comfort level for hotels? If you're happy enough with a Holiday Inn Express or Hampton Inn level of service and amenities, Germany is cheap for that sort of hotel and you might be better off with a cash back card that you then can spend with Accor (Ibis, Inis Styles, Mercure, etc.) or the Motel One chain

StartinSanDiego

Welcome to FT, Zarathuztra. FT has a wealth of information, which is why some direction from you would be helpful.
@Yoshi212 gave you some nice samples of routing and fees. So you'll need to tell us what you like to do and where you're starting from.

For flights, you have AA miles. You're just a wee bit shy of r/t for 2 in coach at saver levels. However, if you have a co-branded AA credit card, you can do a little trick with the booking and get 10% off the award mileage price. The trick here would be to book outbound (60K points/6K returned) then your return tickets one at a time. Then you'd have 9K back in your account from the first (30+ 30+30 = 90,000 miles minus 10%) tickets. That's if you have the credit card. What is your originating city? Then we can tell you what's the most direct and cheapest way to get to a major airport in Germany from there. Somebody really nice might even look it up for you.

Then we'll want to know if you're renting a car. Or would you rather take trains? Munich is nice and pretty to drive up to Austria and Switzerland. You could see some famous castles, the Black Forest and part of the Romantic road if you head towards Switzerland from Munich.

Austria is nice, too. Take the train from Munich to Wein (Vienna). You'd go through Salzburg, too.

I like to look at famous tour companies, like National Geographic Expeditions, to get an idea of the highlights for an area. Nat Geo has a style that suits me, I also look at Scott Dunn tours or REI. They have a outdoor/nature/off the beaten path focus that appeals to me, so why reinvent the wheel? Maybe Gate1 travel or another mainstream company would suit you better for your first trip.

Mimicking a packaged tour will also give you an idea about pacing. Add a little time because you're a first timer.