When life gives you lemons, make some hard lemonade !!
We had originally planned on a trip to the Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands for the July 4th weekend this year. I was planning on staying at the Comfort Suites, Seven Mile Beach using Choice Privileges Points. Since the booking window for award stay in Caribbean properties for US residents opens 90 days out, by the time the booking window opened, the award flight availability using British Airways Avios points (MIA – GCM route operated by American Airlines) had completely vanished. That meant that we were going to spend our weekend in Fort Lauderdale for the entire weekend because I had already made non-refundable reservations for the domestic flight from LAX – FLL.
The one thing we definitely wanted to do in this trip was an Airboat tour in the Everglades. Maybe add in a drive to the Keys on another day. Rest we were going to play it by ear.
Our Itinerary:
- Flight: LAX – FLL red-eye (American Airlines)
- Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruiseport (1 night), Courtyard Fort Lauderdale North/Cypress Creek (2 nights)
- Day 1: Air-boat ride at the Everglades Holiday Park, Watch 4th of July Fireworks at the beach
- Day 2: Drive to the Keys and then relax at John Lloyd State park beach
- Day 3: Relax at Hollywood North Park beach
- Flight: FLL – LAX (Southwest Airlines)
Trip reports coming next !!
Here’s a sample …..
Cost (Total for 2 travelers):
- Hotel: $245
- Airfare: $429
- Rental Car (3 days): $107 (Budget)
- Gas for Rental Car: $42
- Parking for the beach: $14 (Hollywood Beach North Park: $8, John Lloyd Park: $6)
- Everglades Holiday Park Air-boat Ride: $47
Miles/Points/Certificates Redeemed:
- Southwest Companion Pass for Karen
Miles/Points/Cash-back Earned:
- Marriott Rewards Points (actual stay): 3967
- 1 Night Category 1-5 Certificate & 50% Progress towards another 1 Night Category 1-5 Certificate for Marriott Rewards Program under Marriott Rewards MegaBonus Promotion
- AAdvantage Miles (flight): 4684
- Southwest Rapid Rewards points (flight): 1866
- Chase Ultimate Rewards points for booking hotel stays through UR Mall: 735