I know, it’s kind of early for April. But I really have booked and planned a lot recently so I figured I’d get this out of the way.

What I’ve Learned

Reddit is so underrated. Most importantly in travel but honestly for everything in life. Half the time when I google questions, I’m led right to Reddit. I’ve mentioned previously about my credit card referral hack and within this last month, I’ve gotten 2 referrals most likely from that sub (unless it’s from one of my 4 readers here) for my Capital One Venture card worth $400 if I used cash back. $400! Just for using Reddit. Mind blown! Sorry, just had to mention that hack once more.

I’ve also learned how friendly hotel staff are if you just ask. I’ve mentioned before using an email script to get upgraded from a regular room to a junior suite at a Marriott property. Last month, my husband moved up to the second highest Hyatt status (pats self on back) which is supposed to come with upgrades to the best possible room excluding suites.

We had a Staycation night booked at the Hyatt Centric (which I owe you on blog on) in Austin and originally it wanted me to pay to upgrade (deny). When our room was finally assigned, sure enough it was still a regular room on the 6th floor. Instead of walking straight to our room, we went to the front desk at check in and asked if they had a room available with a city view. The front desk agent asked “You’re an Explorist right?” “Why yes, yes I am” (okay I really just said “Yes” while still crossing my fingers). Endless typing later, we are given a key for room 1810, a Deluxe (much larger room) city view room on the 18th floor (worth $515 when I checked prices the week prior). I’d be lying if I said I didn’t do a happy dance in the elevator. Usually I like to avoid talking to people but I’ve definitely made it my mission to now stop at the front desk with a hopeful smile everytime.

I’ve also established from a new Facebook group that on top of using my Chase Ink Cash card to purchase Airbnb gift cards, Delta also has a portal in partnership with Airbnb to earn 1 mile for every $1 spent. I know they work with Starbucks and Lyft too, but they’re also at the bottom of my preferred airlines list. But hey, free miles are free miles.

What I’ve Planned

Now you may have heard that the best travel deals are the spontaneous last minute ones. Even though my son is in school, this honestly still wouldn’t work for me because I literally have like 2 years of travel planned already. I just get so excited planning trips, I start planning new ones before I’ve even finished the ones I have half-booked.

Because there have been protests in Peru, I’ve decided that will probably be one of the last Wonders of the World I book until all of that settles. But my in-laws have offered to watch the kids long term (about a week), so to take full advantage, I want to take an international long flight trip. So I’ve chosen Dubai for summer 2024. It’s been on my bucket list, but it’s also a bit pricey where having two less plane tickets would be super beneficial. I’ve already mapped out the Hyatts to stay out (which are actually quite luxurious and “points cheap” compared to US properties), and mentally made a list of the things I already want to do (dive in the deepest underwater pool, a fancy car rental for TeVan, the world’s fastest roller coaster which is actually in Abu Dhabi so that calls for a moving cities and hotels). I’ve already glanced at business class seats on Emirates which aren’t cheap points wise, but considering I’m a year out and have already gotten like 4 credit card sign up bonuses, I’m not worried. (Plus I also got approved and having been working on a bonus for the Chase Ink Unlimited card. They approved me and I couldn’t turn down 90,000 points. That will literally pay for my business class seat to Dubai) PS another thing I’ve learned, all the points redemptions are better on Aeroplan… but don’t tell too many people.

With a lot of points going to flights and hotels, I’m not too concerned with spending money on the actual excursions. It’ll still be a cheaper vacation then most people who don’t use points and miles.

Because of the Peru trip likely not happening, I know for Europe next year that I for sure want to visit another Wonder of the World AKA I’m going to Italy. Ideally after subjecting my kids to a long flight like that, I’d love to visit another country in Europe, but I can’t decide which. I want to save London and Paris to be done together so I can take the train between but there’s still plenty of exciting countries to choose from.

I’d also like to go somewhere for my son’s Spring Break next year but somewhere where me and my husband can still work during the day to save our coworkers from being too annoyed with my constant travel. I’m considering a national park most likely.

I’ve also decided to go to Singapore next year as well. I know, it’s insane to plan for something so far in advance, but how else am I going to find motivation to get up for work everyday.

What I’ve Booked

I’ve booked a lot honestly. I had the spontaneous trip to Hyatt Centric Austin that I mentioned early. Plus, thanks to Reddit, I’ve learned that The Driskill hotel is an aspiring hotel in Austin so I’ve planned another 1 night Staycation at the end of summer (that was literally the only free weekend available) right before the points cost went up on that property. Another bucket list Austin property is the Miraval Austin however from the research I’ve done, that’s more of a relax/spa kind of property which is the exact opposite of what I enjoy. If you’ve learned anything about me from the 10 posts I’ve done so far, I like adventurous and jam packed.

I booked EVERYTHING for Chicago in June including flights (Free with the remaining Southwest points I have), hotels (Free Hyatt Night certificate at the Thompson Chicago and Free Marriott Night certificate plus points to Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk) and a City Pass (purchased with one of my many Staples gift cards) to use on 3 Chicago activities. As the top Hyatt status, we should get upgraded to a suite. At Marriott, I plan to just say “please” for at least a river view. For the most part it is almost a free trip, although I plan to eat some deep dish pizza and whatever else is popular according to Yelp.

I also booked more of my Guatemala trip. 2 out of the 4 accommodations I’m staying at are booked (I know, I’m insane). 1 isn’t booked due to the fact they only open up rooms 3 months in advance (ugh, don’t they know I like to plan 2 years in advance). The other, I am waiting for my husband to again reach that top Hyatt status so that I may book a guest of honor visit and receive his benefits. Even though it will literally just be for a place to lay my head, I’ve become addicted to this potential suite life. I also found a tour to take me from the airport to the Tikal National Park without worrying about flight times. The ironic part is that I found the tour group from Viator, but saved $50 booking direct. Another travel hack I have mastered.