Traveling the world for nearly free may sound like a far-off fantasy, but when done right, miles and points can unlock once-in-a-lifetime experiences that would normally cost a fortune. In 2024, Brendan redeemed over 1,000,000 points for more than $60,000 worth of flights and hotels, covering 15 new countries, luxury stays, business class flights, and even an overwater bungalow in the Maldives.
Let’s break down how it happened, how much was saved, and how these strategies can help you turn your points into unbelievable travel experiences.
How the Points Were Used
Throughout the year, Brendan and Erin booked flights and hotels using points from Chase, American Express, Hyatt, Virgin Atlantic, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the most impressive redemptions:
Punta Cana (January) – $5,000 Vacation for Pennies
✔ 4 nights at a luxury all-inclusive Hyatt resort – 108,000 points
✔ Flights with Southwest Companion Pass – 18,000 points + $127
💰 Total cash value: $5,000
✅ Out-of-pocket cost: Just taxes and fees
Disney World (April) – Free Flights to Orlando
✔ Round-trip Southwest flights – 38,500 points
💰 Total cash value: $1,500
✅ Paid $0 for flights, but Disney tickets? That’s another story…
British Virgin Islands – A Private Island Invitation
✔ Flights to Puerto Rico – 12,000 Southwest points
✔ Hyatt hotel stay while waiting to depart – 12,000 Hyatt points
💰 Total cash value: Priceless (literally, a billionaire’s island)
Scotland & Ireland (June) – A Castle for 12,000 Points/Night
✔ Edinburgh flight using Virgin Atlantic companion seat – 6,000 points
✔ 3-night castle stay in Scotland – 36,000 points
💰 Total cash value: $2,700
✅ Luxury castles > regular hotels, confirmed
Virgin Atlantic Business Class to the U.S. – $17,700 Seats for 43,000 Points
✔ Business class flights home from London – 43,000 Virgin Atlantic points
💰 Total cash value: $17,700
✅ But beware: insane taxes and fees were nearly $2,000
How These Points Were Earned
Earning over 1,000,000 points in a year isn’t about spending a ridiculous amount of money—it’s about strategy. Here’s how it happened:
✔ Credit Card Welcome Bonuses – Easily the fastest way to rack up points
✔ Business Credit Cards – Great for earning on everyday purchases
✔ Retention Offers – Asking banks for bonus points to keep a card
✔ Transfer Bonuses – Using promotions to get more value when moving points
✔ Daily Drop Pro – Finding the best possible redemptions
Most of these points weren’t earned through spending alone but rather welcome offers, promotions, and smart redemptions—which anyone can take advantage of.
More Insane Redemptions From 2024
Hawaii – Luxury for Cheap
✔ Flights to Hawaii with Southwest points – 14,000 points
✔ $820-per-night Grand Hyatt Kauai – 25,000 points per night
💰 Total cash value: $4,000+
✅ Island hopping flights for under $50 made this an even better deal
Paris Olympics & Greek Islands – A Dream Summer
✔ Flights to Athens with Air France – 44,000 points
✔ 3-day stopover in Paris for free
✔ Virgin Voyages Greek cruise – 123,000 points
💰 Total cash value: $6,500+
✅ Luxury cruises? Yes, points can cover those too.
Air France Business Class Home – A $5,300 Flight for 87,000 Points
✔ Business class from Athens to the U.S. – 87,000 points
💰 Total cash value: $5,300
✅ Best business class experience of the year.
The Ultimate Finale: The Maldives
Every points collector has that one trip they dream about. For this journey, it was the Maldives, and the redemptions did not disappoint:
✔ Round-trip flights on Etihad & Virgin Atlantic – 23,000 miles
✔ 5 nights at a luxury overwater villa – 100,000 Hyatt points
💰 Total cash value: $6,400
✅ If there’s ever a time to use points, it’s here.
Grand Total: What 1,000,000 Points Covered
In 2024, 1,094,257 points were redeemed for over $60,000 worth of travel, resulting in an average redemption value of 4 cents per point—well above industry standards.
While taxes and fees were still a factor (especially on premium flights), using points strategically meant keeping cash spending as low as possible while experiencing luxury travel at a fraction of the cost.
✔ Total flights and hotels: $60,000+
✔ Points used: 1,000,000+
✔ Out-of-pocket cost: A fraction of the retail price
Final Thoughts: How Anyone Can Do This
This kind of extreme travel hacking may not be for everyone, but learning how to leverage miles and points can help anyone book incredible trips for way less money.
Start by signing up for a great travel credit card (welcome offers = free flights!)
Use transfer partners wisely (a little research = huge savings)
Stack bonuses and free night awards (fifth-night free perks are a game-changer)
Use tools like Daily Drop Pro to find the best redemptions without endless searching
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, understanding how to use points effectively can make travel cheaper, easier, and way more luxurious. Want to start planning your own bucket list trip? Check out Daily Drop Pro and start maximizing every point. Happy travels!
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