I mentioned last week, this will be my blast from the past blitz trip reports, in the fewest possible words. I will try to tailor it to a middle class family with kids, even if the trip was before we had ours. Most of the info is still relevant today.
Photos on this page: 2004. Maui, before kids. The most popular Hawaiian island. Flew on award tickets from Florida on Northwest airlines, with multiple connections. But hey, gift horse, right? Had a 4 hour layover in Honolulu on the way back. Left the airport and took a bus to tour Pearl Harbour memorial. Like Stefan from “Rapid travel chai” blog , I travel fast, linger only in memories.
Stayed in a cottage on Maui, found on VRBO. Excellent choice for families, much cheaper than resorts or hotels. Car rental was through Hawaiicarrentals, but check using Ultimate rewards points through Chase, if your credit card participates in that program.
Most travel sites recommend road to Hana. We found it overrated and scary. Instead, these are top 4 things to do on Maui, from photos above:
1) Haleakala crater, 100000 feet altitude. Very unique scenery, similar to Moon (not that I’ve been there). You may be able to see Big Island from the top on a clear day.
2) Luau. Do it at least once. Corny? Yes! But fun.
3) Anything water related. It’s Hawaii, ya’ll! Whale watching from December to May, quite a sight.
4) Iao Needle park. Underrated, but spectacular scenery.
Eat, where locals do and avoid overpriced beachfront restaurants. Buy “Maui revealed” guidebook. Its a wrap.
Miles and points for family segment.
1) Chase Aitran credit card 2 roundtrip flights sign-up bonus ends October 19th. I strongly recommend, you read my post about it CLICK This offer may supersede Southwest 50000 points sign-up for some. It may be your last chance to get this high of a bonus on this particular card. It pays me no commission.
2) If you have an Amex credit card, you can get a 10 dollar credit per card by supporting a small business on November 30th. Used to be 25 dollars. Still, free money for things, I would buy anyway? Sign me up! CLICK for details.
3) If you make a hotel booking with Rocketmiles, there is a way to possibly get as much as 5000 miles, which is a good way to top off your account for an award CLICK
4) Choice hotels is running a promotion: when you stay 2 nights, you can earn a free night. CLICK
5) US Airways has a special promo of a 100 percent bonus for sharing miles through October 15th. The cost goes down to a little over a cent a piece, but you have to have miles in your account to begin with.
Generally the program is not a great fit for a middle class family of 4, because it doesn’t allow one way redemption. But it might make sense in certain situations. I am debating on this one. “View from the wing” has an excellent post on it: CLICK
6) IHG has a sale on certain properties, with discounted award prices. Act fast, it ends tomorrow morning. CLICK
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
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