In October, I had the opportunity to visit my friends in Poland. I spent a summer studying in Poland at one point in my life, and I have lovely memories from my time there. So I searched for tickets and found a great deal to travel to London and return from Warsaw. I also decided to visit Wales and Slovenia for the first time. I traveled for 10 days, 9 nights for a total of $831.75.
The Flight
I found a roundtrip ticket to Europe from Dallas flying United Airlines and its partners for $488.45 and decided to purchase it instead of using my miles. I landed in London and returned from Warsaw.
Transportation
I purchased roundtrip bus tickets from London to Cardiff, Wales, for $48.74. I bought a flight from London to Ljubjana via British Airways for $72.60 and then used 8800 United MileagePlus miles and $24.60 in taxes to fly to Warsaw. Out-of-pocket expenses for transportation were $145.94.
Lodging
When I travel on my own, I often stay at hostels. It’s a great way to meet other travelers and make new friends. Some hostels also have planned activities, shuttle buses, and events. I understand that staying at a hostel doesn’t work for everyone, but they have worked for me most of the time, and I’ve met some fantastic people on my trips. For this trip, I stayed at Bunkhouse in Cardiff for two nights for a total of $104.24 and three nights at Hostel Celica in Ljubljana (this place was amazing, a former prison!) for $68.07. In Warsaw, my friends welcomed me, and I stayed with them. I had a long layover in Frankfurt on my return flight to Dallas and stayed at the Meininger Hotel (extremely convenient), a walkable distance from the airport. My total lodging expenses were $197.36.
Ljubljana 
University of Warsaw 
Cardiff 
Alley in Cardiff 
Ljubljana
Perks Used
The Platinum Card from Amex: This credit card has one of the highest public annual fees, $695. It’s not a good fit for everyone; however, you can undoubtedly maximize its value if you are a frequent traveler. Centurion lounge access and Priority Pass enhance your airport experience. Some of them have better service than many restaurants. I used lounges at the airport in Ljubjana, Warsaw, and Frankfurt. I value each visit at $30, the average price of a meal and glass of wine at the airport. I got $90 of value from the American Express Platinum on this trip.
Chase United Airlines Business: This credit card provided me with 75,000 miles after spending $5,000 as a signup bonus. I used 8,800 to pay for my Ljubjana-Warsaw trip. The annual fee is $95.
Conclusion
Paying less than $500 for a roundtrip ticket to Europe from the United States is always a great deal. A total of $831.75 to visit three countries, great friends, and new memories is entirely worth it.
If you still need help maximizing your points and miles and planning your trips, you can contact me at consulting@culturaiq.com.