Just booked a trip to Austin, Texas! Guess how much I spent on hotels and flights? Literally…$0.
This is amazing because it’s been on my bucket list for a long time. Can’t wait to experience the live music and delicious BBQ that the city brags about! So how did I snag this trip for basically nothing?
1.) Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card: I gain points each time I spend money. I gain 2x the points when I spend money on travel. Over the past couple of months, I’ve gained 35,000 points, which actually means $350. The rewards program gives you the option of buying flights and hotels through your points on the site, and when you do, you save 20%. So my $350 actually was worth $439, and I bought two roundtrip plane tickets through that service – $0 out of pocket. This is why this is my favorite card I’ve ever had.
2.) Marriott Rewards: If you stay at enough Marriott Hotels, you build up points with each stay, and the occasional free night just for being a member. With one free night, and 30,000 points, we are able to stay for at the Springhill Suites, Austin South for two nights. The hotel has a free shuttle that offers 7-minute drives into downtown Austin – so I don’t even need to pay for a taxi! This means more $$$ to spend on food.
Now, just to figure out what to do in Austin. I’m going to go to the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau‘s website to see the top things to do in Austin.
Then, I’ll be sure to follow Austin-related Twitter accounts to get more of an inside-scoop. For example, Austin Food Bloggers, @atxfoodblogs. The Visitors Bureau also has a great initiative called True Austin, where they allow visitors to ask questions directly of the locals, using hashtag, @VisitAustinTX #TrueAustin.
I usually like to check out Afar.com, Conde Nast Traveler and T+L before I go on a trip, to see the most recent updates on Austin, and Fodors.com to see all the must-see attractions all on one page.
I’ll let you know how it goes. My trip isn’t until the end of February so I’ll take my time. Let me know if you’ve been to Austin and have something fun to recommend!!! @MaryinManhattan
Mary in Manhattan 