Traveling to Europe using points and miles - Lonely Planet

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Ever since COVID-19 travel limitations have been lifted, many visitors have been traveling to Europe throughout the summer season. Although traveling to bustling cities such as London, Rome, and Paris during the summer has forever been a favorite among tourists, this sudden rise in travel demand is like no other. Therefore, when planning a trip to Europe this year or next, it' sessential to indicate the considerable hike in hotel and airline expenses. However, there is a practical solution for dealing with these inflated prices in the form of collecting miles and points.

Using your points and miles for your next European trip not only enables you to cut down on travel expenses, but also allows you to avail of the luxurious amenities offered in the top-notch premium cabins of airlines and world-class hotels. You can indulge in such extravagant experiences yet still spend less compared to a budget holiday. In this blog, we’ll show you all the helpful tips and tricks to maximize your points and miles and make your European travel dreams a reality.

In connection with: Generating a travel plan cost estimate by using reward points and miles

Budget-friendly Flights To Europe's Top Destinations

Travelling to Europe by air can cost you a lot, but you can cut down on the expenses with points and miles. You can save a significant amount of money if you're open to shifting your travel schedule. The off-peak travel season, which usually falls in winter and early spring, offers the most inexpensive award flights to Europe. Popular airlines like American, British Airways, and Air France provide discounted award tickets at these times, which helps you to save both money and points.

If you are planning to travel during summertime, you may still be able to book a good deal using your reward points if you plan early. Additionally, Lufthansa may offer reward spots for business and first-class travel within a short span of 1-2 weeks before the flight. Knowing these tips can help alleviate the stress of booking flights to Europe using your reward points.

Take a glance at the most economical flight awards heading towards Europe and learn how to gather sufficient miles for a redemption.

The amount of award space available to travel to London is usually quite abundant, but this is mainly due to a bothersome issue caused by fuel surcharges. When airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways plan flights through UK airports like London Heathrow (LHR), they tack on extra charges for fuel, which can be quite exorbitant for business and first-class tickets, with fees occasionally exceeding $1,500 for a round-trip journey. Fortunately, the fuel surcharges aren't too much of a burden for economy flights or flights originating from cities beyond the UK.

A well-known method to escape fuel surcharges is to travel to London and come back from Paris, where the taxes are considerably lower. Virgin Atlantic proposes the most economical roundtrip economy flights to London, requiring only 20,000 miles.

If you're looking to switch to business class, ANA Mileage Club has an offer of 88,000 miles for a round-trip. However, if you're aiming for first-class, you'll need to cough up 165,000 ANA miles. In terms of value, it might be wiser to stick with business class which provides a comfortable flatbed for your transatlantic journey. Check out the following rates by class for trips to London:

"Get Miles For A London Flight: Tips"

It's simple to acquire Virgin Atlantic miles since they collaborate with various brands such as American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and the Citi ThankYou rewards. Currently, until August ends, members of Bilt enjoy a bonus of up to 125% when they transfer their Bilt points to Virgin Atlantic.

In case you don't own a Bilt card, you still have the option to transfer points to Flying Club with a 1:1 ratio using the credit cards listed below:

In the meantime, it's worth noting that ANA Mileage Club solely collaborates with Amex Membership Rewards. You have the option to convert the points accrued from Amex Platinum, Gold and Green cards.

Alternative: Insider's Tips for Exploring London If you're planning a trip to London, it's always handy to have a local's inside knowledge to make the most out of a visit to the city. While there are the expected landmarks and attractions, there are also so many hidden gems that only a Londoner may know, and that are worth checking out. Here are a few options to explore during your next visit. Instead of simply visiting the London Eye, why not catch a breathtaking view of the city from the top of the Shard, Western Europe's tallest building? Or if you're looking for a drink with a view, hit up the Sky Garden, a rooftop bar with stunning landscapes over the city. For another bird's eye perspective, stride along the walkway on Tower Bridge and see the panorama of the Thames surrounding you. For those who love art, a trip to the Tate Modern is essential - the gallery boasts a staggering collection of modern and contemporary works as well as bold, site-specific exhibitions. But if you fancy something less mainstream, you should stop by the street art mecca of Leake Street Tunnel, located underneath Waterloo Station. For those who want to treat themselves to something special in London, there is no better place than afternoon tea. Tradition defines this classic British experience and several hotels offer lavish teas; however, there are many alternative places to try that won't ruin your wallet. For example, indulge in a dim sum afternoon tea at the trendy Yauatcha in Soho, or head to the National Theatre for a charmingly British afternoon overlooking the Thames. Lastly, if you're looking for a unique day out, gather your friends and head to the interactive theatre experience of Secret Cinema. These immersive events bring movies to life, allowing you to act out a scene from classics like Star Wars, Romeo and Juliet, or Rogue One. Regardless of whether you're into mainstream or alternative activities, there are plenty of things to discover in London if you know where to look. Have fun exploring the city with a local's tips and tricks!

Spain has endless possibilities for adventurers, from the vibrant Barcelona art scene to the picturesque sandy beaches of Majorca. Iberia Airways provides a top-notch points and miles system for those seeking to travel to Spain, offering convenient direct flights to both Madrid and Barcelona.

Iberia Airways provides excellent discounts on flights to Spain during low tourist season. Even reward tickets are highly cost-effective, as a round-trip business class costs the same as what most airlines charge for a single-way business class reward.

Get Miles For Madrid Flight

The Iberia Plus scheme acquires Avios, and these can be moved from your British Airways or Aer Lingus membership account. This gives you the chance to tap into a wide range of transferable currencies, enabling you to accumulate those miles. Iberia Plus has a partnership with Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, where the transfer ratio is 1:1. Therefore, you have the opportunity to earn points using credit cards like the Amex Gold or Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Iberia has its own Visa Signature® Card known as the Iberia Visa Signature® Card. It comes with a yearly fee of $95 and provides 75,000 Avios after you have made purchases worth $5,000 within the first three months of opening the account. Upon spending $20,000 within the first 12 months of opening the account, you can earn an additional 25,000 Avios.

If you're longing to visit a stylish city, embark on an adventure through a gorgeous countryside, and take a sip from a beautiful historic fountain (just joking, don't really do that!), then Rome is certainly the perfect choice to begin your European journey. With the ANA Mileage Club, you can now fly to Rome using a Star Alliance carrier, like United or Lufthansa, starting from just 55,000 miles round-trip. When it comes to traveling in style, your best option would be to choose to fly business class, which can be redeemed for 88,000 miles. Keep in mind that ANA Mileage Club does not allow one-way award redemptions, meaning that you have to accumulate the full amount of miles for a round-trip to redeem your flights.

Earn Miles For Rome Flight

If you transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to ANA MileageClub, you will accumulate sufficient miles for a round-trip flight to Rome. The ratio is 1:1. The good news is that if you get The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you might be able to handle the costs of two economy class round-trip tickets or one business class ticket using the welcome bonus.

With the cooperation of Air France and KLM's partnership in the Flying Blue loyalty program, it's a breeze to use your points to fly to popular destinations such as Amsterdam and Paris. Depending on the distance, the cost of award flights varies, however, it's not a significant difference between the West and East Coasts. The rates offered by Flying Blue are already reasonable, but utilizing the Promo Rewards option will offer even greater savings. These discounted airfares are updated each month and can provide as much as a 50% reduction in costs.

"Get Flight Miles To Amsterdam And Paris: Here's How!"

Collaborations for transferring offer an opportunity to accumulate Flying Blue miles that can be used for getting free tickets to Amsterdam or Paris. Basically, Flying Blue has a partnership with other reward programs such as Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou rewards, and for every point earned on these programs, one point is transferred to Flying Blue. By using specific credit cards, you can gather enough points to pay for one or even two flight tickets without spending money.

Relevant: Is it better to pay for your travels with cash or points?

Book Iconic Hotels With Points

After sorting out your airplane tickets, it's time to shift your attention towards accommodations. Europe is home to an abundant hotel market, making it highly likely that you'll find something that fits your budget and travel preferences. If you have points to use, it's best to opt for IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, or Marriott - these hotel chains boast numerous properties worldwide, including some of the continent's most well-known hotels. By signing up for a new hotel credit card, gaining access to these hotels becomes particularly feasible.

If you desire a luxurious adventure but don't want to spend a fortune, there are many outstanding hotels that you can consider. Check out some of the most elegant hotels in Europe that can be booked using points and miles:

Luxury Stay At St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is a really famous hotel that first opened up in 1873. It's got a really grand and impressive design, while also being in a really handy location for accessing everything that the city has to offer. The hotel is actually inside the same building as St. Pancras station, so you can easily jump on a train to loads of other major European cities like Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. It's a perfect place to stay if you'd like to explore Europe without having to go through the hassle of getting to an airport.

Visitors can relish in luxurious facilities like the gym, spa, pool, sauna, and steam room that this place offers. You can reserve a Deluxe room in the Barlow House section that has soundproof windows and beds with down mattress toppers and Egyptian cotton sheets for 44,000 Marriott points per night.

Get Points: A Beginner's Guide

To increase your Marriott points, you have the option to transfer them from Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. In addition, Marriott provides six distinct credit cards that provide a generous welcome bonus of up to 150,000 bonus points.

Relevant: Top credit cards for global travel in the year 2023 As the world becomes more interconnected, traveling abroad has become a common practice for many people. Whether it's for business or pleasure, having a good credit card that's widely accepted around the globe can really come in handy. With so many credit cards available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, some credit cards stand out, offering a range of benefits and features that make them ideal for international travelers. In this article, we'll look at the top credit cards that should be on your radar if you're planning to travel abroad in the year 2023. First on the list is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which comes with a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. This card also doesn't have any foreign transaction fees and offers a valuable transfer-partner program. Another great option for international travel is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. This card comes with a 100,000-mile sign-up bonus and offers double miles on all purchases. That means you can earn points twice as fast, which can be redeemed for travel expenses. For business travelers, the American Express Business Platinum Card is a great option. This card offers a range of benefits, including airport lounge access, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a $200 credit for airline fees. Additionally, the card comes with a variety of travel-related insurances that can come in handy in case of an unexpected event. In conclusion, having an excellent credit card when traveling overseas can make your experience much smoother, and the cards listed here are some of the best options available in 2023. Remember to always do your research and evaluate your options before choosing which card to apply for.

If you're looking for a luxurious hotel in Rome that's fit for a queen, the St Regis Rome might just be the perfect choice. This award-winning hotel was built in 1894 and boasts elegantly furnished rooms with stunning marble bathrooms, as well as nightly turndown and butler service. Although it may seem expensive at first glance, rates start from 80,000 points per night. However, by utilizing Marriott's fifth-night free benefit on award stays, you can save a whopping 20% on your overall cost.

The hotel is situated a short walk away from the National Gallery of Ancient Art and is in proximity to noteworthy tourist destinations such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum.

Hyatt offers amazing hotel choices in Madrid that are available at affordable prices. You should consider the Principal Madrid Hotel as it is a superb selection, with its rooms starting at only 21,000 Hyatt points each night. The rooms may seem petite, with an area just above 200 square feet, but they provide an ample amount of natural light. Moreover, the Principal holds the honor of being the initial 5-star hotel on Gran Via, a well-known district in Madrid, where you can readily access shopping centers and tourist spots.

"Get Hyatt Points: Tips For Earning"

Getting Hyatt points for staying at The Principal Madrid is simple - just convert your Bilt or Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can also supplement your account by using a Hyatt credit card, which can pay for up to three nights at the hotel.

The Waldorf Amsterdam has achieved a remarkable balance by blending the city's famous allure with luxurious amenities. Situated within six palaces originating from the 17th and 18th centuries, this hotel is situated on the UNESCO heritage site of Herengracht Canal. Its great location provides visitors with close proximity to major tourist attractions like the Hermitage Museum and not forgetting with its two Michelin-starred restaurants, guests will have the chance to experience the finest culinary experience. With only a 12-minute tram ride to the city's Centraal Station, getting around the city and to the airport is a breeze.

The pricing for an award begins at 110,000 Hilton points per night if you are looking to book a Superior Room. In comparison to European standards, this type of room is quite spacious, measuring around 301-355 square feet. Inside, you will find luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, a marble bathroom, and expansive windows that allow for plenty of sunshine.

Earn Hilton Points Easily

The Hilton Honors initiative is a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards, however, it might not be worth your while transferring points here. Instead, you can increase the value of your Hilton points by getting hold of one of the Hilton credit cards. By doing so, you can accumulate several nights through the attractive welcome bonus, annual spending bonus and the excellent earning rates on regular expenditure. Additionally, you will gain elite status perks that can lead to upgraded rooms, breakfast on the house, and other improvements to your travel adventure.

When it comes to getting the most out of your road trips, having the right credit card can make all the difference. With the best credit cards for road trips, you can earn rewards for gas purchases, save money on dining and hotel stays, and enjoy travel perks like rental car insurance and emergency assistance. One of the top credit cards for road trips is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. This card earns 2x points on travel and dining, making it a great choice for those who love to explore new places and try new foods. Plus, the card offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 points, which can be worth up to $1,000 in travel. Another great option is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. This card offers 2x miles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for travel expenses like flights, rental cars, and hotel stays. Plus, the card comes with a sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles, which is worth $600 in travel credits. If you’re looking for a credit card that offers travel perks and rewards for road trips, the American Express Gold Card is a great choice. The card earns 4x points on dining and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines. Plus, cardholders receive up to $120 in dining credits and $100 in airline fee credits each year. No matter which credit card you choose for your road trips, be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the card. With the right credit card in your wallet, you can hit the open road with confidence and earn rewards for every mile traveled.

"Parisian Luxury At Intercontinental Le Grand"

There are plenty of amazing hotels in Paris that offer luxurious and comfortable accommodations. If you are searching for an old-fashioned grandeur experience that has a historical significance, you cannot miss out on the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand. The hotel has been around since 1862 (before being named Intercontinental) and is famous for the Café de la Paix, the popular gathering spot of famous authors such as Ernest Hemingway and Victor Hugo.

The Intercontinental Paris Le Grand is a well-known hotel that offers accommodation at a starting rate of 66,000 IHG One points per night. You can enjoy a pleasant stay in a 215 sqft. "Cozy room" that features a beautiful view of the courtyard. Its location across the street from Palais Garnier makes it an ideal choice for tourists who want to see the sights of The City of Lights, such as the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre since they are just a short walk away. Regardless of whether you are visiting Paris for the first time or have been there several times before, the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand is a fantastic option for a point stay.

Earn IHG Points: A Guide

If you're hoping to accumulate a sufficient number of IHG points that will cover your sojourn at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, you have a couple of options. Firstly, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt points to IHG at a rate of 1:1. Alternatively, you can apply for an IHG card, which will grant you 140,000 points and exclusive status benefits. Moreover, IHG cardholders are entitled to a fourth-night-free promotion on their award stay, as well as other advantageous perks.

Visiting Europe has become extremely pricey, however, it's possible to cut down the expenses by redeeming your points and miles. No matter what your financial situation may be, you can plan a European getaway by redeeming just 20,000 miles for a round-trip flight and stay at high-end hotels such as the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand.

Obtain additional information and contrast the cards discussed in this piece.

Conditions are attached to the benefits and offers provided by American Express. Certain American Express benefits and offers may need to be registered for in order to participate. For more information, please check out americanexpress.com.

The author of this blog section is solely responsible for the expressed opinions and thoughts, which do not reflect the views of any bank, credit card company, airline or hotel chain. These entities have not given their approval or endorsement of any content on this post.