Spring break 2011 ideas?
Jan 3, 2011 | 8:45 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: Elite status everywhere, not enough time to enjoy
Posts: 255
Spring break 2011 ideas?
Not sure if I am posting this in the right area...however...I most familiar with the AA thread so I figured I would start here. I have been playing around tonight trying to figure out a good surprise trip for my wife this spring...however....this year I have a pretty good supply of points and miles and am hoping someone might have a great idea how to use them. Here's the key...we live in Chicago and require warm. My wife, as a teacher, also only has 1 week.
Dates: April 16 - April 24
AA Miles: 400k+
SPG: 100k+
Marriott Rewards: 250k+
Priorityclub: 200k+
Thanks in advance to anyone who proposes a good use of any of these points.
Dates: April 16 - April 24
AA Miles: 400k+
SPG: 100k+
Marriott Rewards: 250k+
Priorityclub: 200k+
Thanks in advance to anyone who proposes a good use of any of these points.
Jan 3, 2011 | 9:41 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: Elite status everywhere, not enough time to enjoy
Posts: 255
I am willing to spend as many as it takes to have a good time....however....given the 1 week time restraint, leaving this hemisphere probably isn't the best bet.
Jan 3, 2011 | 11:21 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Guess it depends entirely on what you consider a good time. A few years back I spent a week in Costa Rica during the spring -- the weather was perfect, lodging was inexpensive, and the snorkeling and hikes were among the best I'd ever seen. But if you're looking for more of a luxury or beach/resort experience, Hawaii might be a better bet. (probably easier to use your hotel points there, too)
Jan 3, 2011 | 11:47 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: May 2006
Location: HKG
Programs: A3, TK *G; JL JGC; SPG,Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,952
have you been to europe? paris or rome will have better weather than Chicago and you'll have plenty opportunity to blow your SPG/PC points on good establishments. you can even go to other parts of italy as well
Jan 3, 2011 | 11:55 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow
Programs: Airline Free Agent, Bonvoy Platinum, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,862
How about a place like Brazil?
Personally, I wouldn't try to use a lot of miles... If I were you I'd save those AA miles for a F redemption on CX... I'd also save some hotel points for a place like the Conrad, W Hong Kong, etc.
Personally, I wouldn't try to use a lot of miles... If I were you I'd save those AA miles for a F redemption on CX... I'd also save some hotel points for a place like the Conrad, W Hong Kong, etc.
Jan 4, 2011 | 6:27 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: EWN/OAJ/RDU/ILM (Formerly BTV)
Programs: HH D i a m o n d !!!
Posts: 356
...A few years back I spent a week in Costa Rica during the spring -- the weather was perfect, lodging was inexpensive, and the snorkeling and hikes were among the best I'd ever seen. But if you're looking for more of a luxury or beach/resort experience, Hawaii might be a better bet. (probably easier to use your hotel points there, too)
There is a Four Seasons Resort on the Pacific Coast in CR, which isn't too far away from the Liberia airport.
Best of all, travel to/from CR isn't too expensive, and things are very affordable once you arrive.
Just remember your sunscreen!
Jan 4, 2011 | 7:12 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA Platinum, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 345
I would avoid Brazil like the plague right now, especially if you are trying to do this trip on the cheap using points. The US dollar is extremely weak against the Real. All the money you save on airfare and hotel will be negated by sky high food and entertainment expenses.
Jan 4, 2011 | 9:09 am
#10
Formerly known as cagalindo
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MCO TPA
Programs: Citi AA/HH/TYP Amex SPG/HH & Chase SP/PC
Posts: 1,335
galapagos islands
ORD-LIMA LIMA-ISLANDS
Brazil is too far for 1 week I think.. you're looking at over 12 hours of flying for 6 days (you lose 1 pretty much when you arrive..)
Food isn't expensive actually... all you can eat meat for around 15$ at a nice place... a large plate of food 7$ at a por-kilo restaurant
ORD-LIMA LIMA-ISLANDS
Brazil is too far for 1 week I think.. you're looking at over 12 hours of flying for 6 days (you lose 1 pretty much when you arrive..)
Food isn't expensive actually... all you can eat meat for around 15$ at a nice place... a large plate of food 7$ at a por-kilo restaurant
Last edited by caGALINDO; Jan 4, 2011 at 9:14 am