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Can I visit three states in nine days during Spring Break? In 2023, I spent $1,334 when I visited Maine, Tennessee, and Kansas. In 2024, I visited New York, Arizona, and Florida. How much did I spend this year? You can review my budget at the end of this post. My flights were more expensive in 2023, but I spent more on meals in 2024. It is all about balance.
I booked the New York flight in August and flights to Arizona and Florida in February. Do not be afraid to book a flight early on Southwest. The fare for New York dropped twice and Arizona once, but the fare to Orlando continued to increase. Remember, if you find a lower fare on Southwest, you can cancel and rebook the cheaper fare. You will receive a credit on your Rapid Rewards account. I used the flight credit from New York as partial payment for the flight to Arizona and the credit from Arizona to book Orlando. I also redeemed a $50 SWA gift card for the Phoenix flight and a $100 LUV Voucher for Orlando. As an A-List member, I always choose the window seat because there is no assigned seating.
I last visited New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022. Please remember there are two Hilton New York Times Square locations. I made a reservation at the wrong brand because I did not specify Tempo, or the reservationist did not hear me. Because I redeemed a Free Night Reward, I had to call Hilton. Luckily, I changed my reservation before traveling.
On my first stop to visit three states in nine days, I redeemed 83,000 Hilton Honors points and a Free Night Reward. In addition, I earned 500 Bonus Points and received an $18 Food & Beverage Credit per day. Although I wanted a king bed, a standard room at Tempo is two queen beds. I liked the architectural view overlooking Times Square activities.
Rideshare was $34, but I would only arrive seven minutes earlier than taking public transportation. However, I could purchase a 7-Day MetroCard for $35 and use the transit system to get around. Here are a few things to do.
7 Things to do in New York
I charged most of my meals to Tempo, so I headed to the airport lounge for complimentary pre-flight food and beverages on my last day in New York. When I arrived, I caught the end of breakfast and the beginning of lunch. The French Toast Loaf was delicious!
Of course, I had to see the grandbaby during my visit to three states in nine days. Yes, this is my third trip to Arizona in 2024. We enjoyed a family dinner from Cheddars Scratch Kitchen. Although the beer-battered shrimp were tasty, you must try the honey butter croissants. I spent more money on one dinner in Arizona than on meals in New York.
I redeemed a Free Night Award as a World of Hyatt member for Hyatt House North Scottsdale. A standard room redemption includes two beds. However, when I arrived, the Front Desk Clerk upgraded my room to a king bed. Unlike my room in New York, this room was 485 square feet with a full kitchen and a view of the mountains. The hotel offers complimentary hot or cold breakfast, but there is a fee for overnight parking.
I headed to the airport lounge for complimentary pre-flight food and beverages. When I arrived, I caught the end of breakfast and the beginning of lunch. Sounds familiar. The same thing happened in New York.
As I mentioned in prior posts, I am a HGV Max owner. When I checked the portal, I saw a reduced rate for a property in Orlando. I had bonus points to redeem before April and booked a studio. When I researched the property, I noticed the room had a tub. Yes, I bring cleaning supplies when I travel. Oh, don’t forget your sunscreen.
I finally reached my last stop to visit three states in nine days. The property was easy to find, check-in a breeze, and the staff friendly. I received an updated room because of my status with HGV Max. According to the front desk, we have first choice when rooms are available. As a bonus, the clerk found a studio on the ground level. There are no elevators at this property. I signed up for the Wine Tasting at Grand Villas. As a guest of Cypress Pointe, I also had access to the sister property, Grand Villas.
Even though the front desk clerk offered a late checkout, I declined because my flight was at 11:00AM. I dropped the rental car off at 8:00AM and went to a Priority Pass Lounge in Terminal A for breakfast. There is a lounge in Terminal C (Gates 70-129), but I wanted to try a different lounge. My AMEX card got a workout this week. Check your credit card benefits.
If you don’t believe you can travel, change your mindset. There is one caveat. I had to fly back to Chicago each time. Multi-flights were more expensive. My 2024 Spring Break journey was slightly more expensive than 2023, but I also visited popular spring break states. I spent $1874 visiting three states in nine days. Less than half of my expenses were for transportation, and I did not spend money on accommodations. As always, my budget is below. Click on $1334 for the link to the 2023 post. Visit my website for more tips and tricks about using rewards programs to travel.
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