Researching destinations and booking trips give me great joy. But, not every trip I book ends up working out.
My husband and I recently celebrated our 20 year anniversary. We had planned a short trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico as a couple. Unfortunately, some issues came up, and we were unable to travel.
Cancelling Santa Fe Trip
I almost always book refundable hotels. I had no issues cancelling our room at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, and my refund was immediate.
Cancelling our flights was just as easy. I had booked first class flights on American Airlines using British Airways Avios while taking advantage of a transfer bonus (see this post from last year). Our Avios were refunded, and we only lost the $5.60 in taxes for each flight.
Rebooking Anniversary Trip
I would have loved to rebook this trip for later this year. However, our oldest son needs to be home while we’re gone, so we need to wait until next summer. And as long as we’re having to wait another year to go on this trip, I decided we would “go big or go home.”
Instead of Santa Fe, we’re heading to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Specifically, we’re going to stay at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for 3 nights. This will be quite a splurge.
I’m not using points to book this hotel. But, as an Accor Live Limitless member (free to sign up), I received 5% off the public rate.
I plan to use miles for our flights. Our best option is a nonstop from DFW to Calgary on American Airlines. We have Alaska miles and BA Avios we could use for that flight. My next choice is to fly from Houston on WestJet (using Delta miles transferred from Amex) or on United. It’s good to have options.
Final Thoughts
I’m bummed we couldn’t go on our anniversary trip this year. But, I’m not devastated. We still went out to a special local restaurant. And, to be honest, I’m more excited about visiting Banff than Santa Fe. Fingers crossed that this trip will happen next year.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Just be prepared that you may not see the exact scenery that is in those photos. When we were there, it was hazy with wildfire smoke. So just alter your expectations!
@PT That’s good advice. Sorry your view was hazy!
Happy celebration! The scenery looks spectacular, reminds me of Lago Grey in Patagonia…
@Aleka Lago Grey looks nice! I still need to go to South America one of these days.
Sorry to hear about the cancelled trip as well, but what an awesome “replacement” trip indeed! We spent a week at Fairmont Lake Louise as part of our honeymoon nine years ago and its one of our favorite spots as well. (This was back when Chase still had the Fairmont Credit Card and the entire stay was via those points. I miss that card!!!). The drive up from Calgary is a georgous drive and I highly recommend grabbing a meal at The Station Resteraunt in Kale Louise if you can find the time (off property, but one of the best meals we had while in town and P2 loved the fact its in an old train station with lots of history displayed).
@Dan Thanks for the restaurant reservation! We’re leaning towards renting a car to have more dinner options.
Sorry your plans didn’t work out, but man, that’s a worthy replacement! We had lunch at this hotel and the scenery is stunning. To this day, my husband considers Lake Louise to be the most beautiful place on earth, even ahead of Bora Bora.
We are celebrating our 26th anniversary in a few days, and my plan is to use my $50 Resy credit from Amex Gold for a dinner on the coast. No hotel stays, but that’s ok.
@Leana I remember reading your post “Canada is no America Jr.!” 🙂 Happy Anniversary! I hope you enjoy your dinner.