This post is about my roundtrip flight to Cancun for $72.60. I flew nonstop during Spring Break. Before I began my blog, I accumulated 31,835 Wanna Get Away points with Southwest Rapid Rewards. It is time for a free trip, and I will save money on the flight and accommodations.

International Timeshare Travel

I utilized my timeshare and booked accommodations at a property in the Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) portfolio for my trip to Cancun during Spring Break. The fee structure for this property is different. I paid the registration fee ($65), booked with 560 points, and paid $286 per night for a four-day stay. Fiesta Americana is an all-inclusive property providing access to specialty restaurants and cocktails. Do not worry about gratuity (included). Staff replenishes the room with water without asking, and complimentary refreshments are available at shops throughout the property.

Girls Trip Spring Break

There is a two-person per room limit for the studio. I invited my friend Cecelia to hang out with me. Because I had a roommate, we split the cost of the room ($286 per night). Although I found a nonstop roundtrip flight from Chicago to Cancun on Southwest for only $321, I had accumulated enough points for a free flight to Cancun for $72.60. Yes, I only paid taxes and fees. I intentionally applied for the Southwest Rapid Rewards card because I can travel, earn points, redeem points, and travel again. I booked a roundtrip fare on SuperShuttle for $20 to travel to and from the airport. Although the budget for this trip was $1200, my final cost was only $632.38 for the flight, resort, transportation, all meals, and cocktails. Can you say bargain?

The Accommodations

I read the reviews for Fiesta Americana before I booked. Even though there is a small window when food is only available in the main restaurant, there are enough options even for the fussiest eaters. On Day 2, we hung out at the mall stopping at one of the shops advertising temporary hennas. If you go to LA ISLA, someone will try to sell you something. Be prepared. We also stopped at a great souvenir shop where I picked up my souvenir Christmas ornament. I made dinner reservations and dined at the specialty Italian restaurant while my friends enjoyed a meal at the Mexican restaurant. The food was delicious at both places. On our last day, we participated in an event organized by the resort. While my roommate and friends were more adventurous, I just wanted to relax.

A Few Things You Need to Know

It is humid. If you wear extensions, do not leave any hair out. I think braids are more suitable for the weather. I only took a few pictures because my hair was a mess. It was so humid that my L’Oreal root cover-up would not stick to my hair. Do not forget your sunscreen. I use La Roche-Posay. Click on the Amazon link below if you need sunscreen. I hardly ever complain, but I need to share this too. I was not aware staff for Southwest does not report until three hours before the first flight. We arrived early because Super Shuttle scheduled the return trip to the airport. We could not check in because no one was at the counter. Cecelia and I had to wait 45 minutes.

Time to Head Home from my Flight to Cancun for $72.60

Because I enrolled in Priority Pass Select, Cecilia and I checked in and headed to the airport lounge. There was a photographer in the lounge taking pictures for a magazine spread. The amenities in this new lounge included sleep pods and a shower. We met Barbara and her daughter at the gate. The transport service they booked never arrived, and Barbara had to take a taxi. I would plan another trip to Cancun and book another relaxing vacation at Fiesta Americana. I earned 8,537 Amex Hilton Honors points and redeemed 16,224 Wanna Get Away points.