We just returned from a dream second honeymoon trip to Australia using a combination of miles, points, and our timeshare. We explored amazing sights, got pampered at luxury hotels and in business class flights & lounges, and met some wonderful Aussies.
In This Post
Booking Flights
We booked our flights last year using 110,000 US Airways miles each roundtrip. Our Business Class flight left LAX on Asiana Airlines for a stopover in Seoul, South Korea, then continued on to Sydney, Australia.
We took a side trip up to Townsville to visit the Billabong Sanctuary and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef using 10,000 American Airlines miles each way per person.
Our flight home was in Business Class from Sydney to LAX on United Airlines as part of US Airways redemption.
Booking Hotels
Our first nights were at the Wyndham Vacation Resorts South Pacific Sydney. We used our Worldmark by Wyndham credits to book our stay. It was a great 1-bedroom unit with a micro kitchen just a couple blocks from the metro station.
We flew to Townsville, Australia for a couple of days and stayed at the Holiday Inn Townsville using points for 2 nights, then paid cash for the 3rd night. We booked it on Pointshound to earn airline miles on our reservation. We were upgraded to a higher floor room with a balcony and a nice view of Castle Hill.
When we returned to Sydney, we stayed two nights at the Radisson Blu Sydney using 50,000 points. My US Bank Club Carlson Visa provides a benefit which enables you to get your last night free when staying 2 or more nights, so this meant we only had to use points for one night. With this card, you also receive Gold Status. Because of our status, we were upgraded into a Suite.
We saved the best for last. Our last night was at the Park Hyatt Sydney, which normally runs between $800 and $1,000 per night. I can now personally vouch for all the accolades that this property receives by bloggers. The location and the service were phenomenal!
The Sights
Because we saved so much money using points, miles, and our timeshare for our flights and lodging, it allows us to have TONS of fun when we travel.
We climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Visited the Billabong Sanctuary and got to hold a wombat, koala, and a baby saltwater crocodile!
We attended the Australian national team Kangaroos vs. the New Zealand national team Kiwis rugby match and witnessed the Hakaa dance. It was pretty terrifying and awe-striking at the same time. We’re definitely glad we were able to see it in person.
Conclusion
Anna and I enjoyed a fantastic trip to Australia using airline miles, hotel points, and our timeshare. The amount we spent in cash for taxes, fees, 1 hotel night, etc. was far less than what it would cost for 1 person to fly Economy to Australia from Los Angeles. We were able to fly Business Class and get pampered by luxury hotels and timeshares for less. Making dreams like this come true is the reason why I participate in the miles and points game.
