I Booked a 10-Day Family Trip for $500 Using Credit Card Rewards

I recently used rewards, perks, and a campground membership to take my family to Washington, D.C., and Walt Disney World on a 10-day trip.

In late April to early May, we flew from Houston to Baltimore, spent 3 nights in Washington, D.C., near the National Mall, and continued on to Orlando, Florida, for 6 nights. Our total out-of-pocket cost for flights and lodging was low, with the rental car in Orlando being our single biggest expense.

All in, we spent just over $500. Without points, miles, and benefits, this trip could have cost us more than $4,000 cash — and realistically, we probably would have stayed home instead.

Washington, D.C., has long been on my family’s travel bucket list, and we got to visit Disney World for one of my favorite events. For the price we paid, this trip was an all-around win. Here’s how I booked it.

Flights Cost About $150 Total

I originally planned to visit Washington, D.C., for an event and then head home, but I didn’t like the return flight options to Houston. Then I wondered: What if we didn’t go straight home? Planning to leave D.C. at the end of April, I wondered whether we’d get more value by continuing on to Orlando instead and sticking around for May the Fourth at Hollywood Studios.

With a quick search, I found what I was looking for: a Frontier Airlines flight with a low miles cost from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Orlando International Airport (MCO), which put our 10-day plan into motion.

Frontier flies between my home airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and all 3 Washington, D.C., area airports — BWI, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — but BWI had the best fares (in both cash and miles).

I booked 3 one-way flights with Frontier. I paid for the first 2 with miles, and our flight home had an ultralow cash cost.

• IAH-BWI: 50,000 miles plus $28 in taxes and fees ($619.90 cash cost)
• BWI-MCO: 50,000 miles plus $28 in taxes and fees ($699.90 cash cost)
• MCO-IAH: $91.32

Our flight total was 100,000 Frontier Miles and $147.32 for all 5 of us. I had a hefty chunk of Frontier Miles from opening the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard^® last year, earning the 50,000-mile welcome bonus offer, completing a Frontier Miles Platinum status challenge, and flying frequently with the airline.

I didn’t have quite enough miles to cover all 3 flights, but the flight home was under $100 total, so it was a clear choice to pay cash for that one. Had I paid cash for all of the flights, it would have been more than $1,400. We saved $1,319.80 by booking with Frontier Miles.

Frontier Elite Status Saved Us Even More

Frontier fees can add up quickly, especially for families. Thankfully, my Frontier Platinum elite status included complimentary seat selection, carry-on bags, and Group 1 boarding. That saved us from paying the extra fees that often make ultra-low-cost carriers feel far less “budget-friendly” by the end of checkout.

Because I booked all one-way flights, I wasn’t able to use the Kids Fly Free benefit I get with my Frontier Discount Den membership. However, Kids Fly Free applies only to direct round-trip flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and I couldn’t find any for our trip, anyway.

Flying in and out of BWI was less convenient than either of the other 2 airports would have been, but we took a MARC commuter train both ways, and honestly, it worked out fine. It was about a 40-minute ride, though the commuter train has limited midday service, so we waited about an hour for our ride into the city.

We had plenty of options for the morning ride from Washington, D.C., to BWI. My kids are still impressed by train rides, and we got to see Washington, D.C.’s Union Station along the way.

We Paid $0 for Lodging

With numerous points hotels in Washington, D.C., and a Thousand Trails Cabin Pass membership, we had no out-of-pocket costs for 9 nights spent away from home.

Washington, D.C.: Hyatt Points Near the National Mall

For our 3-night stay in Washington, D.C., I wanted to be near the U.S. Capitol Building and the National Mall for a congressional event and family sightseeing. I have stashes of Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt points and searched for both, finding numerous hotels to choose from.

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall, which is south of the National Mall and within easy walking distance. It’s just down the street from NASA Headquarters, which has a small interactive area open to the public, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the National Mall and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

Our stay at the hotel cost 54,000 points, which I earned with The World of Hyatt Credit Card.

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

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The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Up to 60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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World of Hyatt

With my automatic Discoverist status, we were upgraded to a room with a city view. Rates at this hotel vary by season, but they were about $485 per night when we visited. We would have paid about $1,455 for 3 nights.

For this trip, I was seeking practicality. I wanted a walkable location and enough room for all of us, with breakfast included, so we could get out the door each morning without spending $50 or more.

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall checked all those boxes — and we felt extra safe because there was a fire station in the same building. Being close enough to walk to the National Mall meant we didn’t need to rent a car and could use ride-hailing services when it made sense.

Orlando: A Cabin Stay Through Thousand Trails

In Orlando, we stayed in a cabin at Encore Lake Magic, which is part of the Thousand Trails campground collection. Our roomy cabin had plenty of space, including a full kitchen that helped us save on meals. The washer and dryer came in clutch for midtrip laundry so we could pack light for our Frontier flights and skip baggage claim. It was about a 20- to 35-minute drive to the Disney World parks, depending on when we left and which park we visited.

We pay $1,795 plus tax annually for our Thousand Trails Cabin Pass, which we can use to book stays of up to 7 nights at various Thousand Trails locations with no additional cost. Before this visit, we’d spent 18 nights in Thousand Trails cabins during our membership year, so the membership had already more than paid for itself. We considered this a bonus stay.

A 6-night stay at a Lake Magic cabin costs about $1,356, depending on when you book. Not paying anything beyond our membership for this stay was a huge savings for us.

Bottom Line:

With World of Hyatt points and our cabin membership, we stayed in Washington, D.C., and Orlando with no out-of-pocket costs.

Discounted Rental Car

Our largest out-of-pocket expense for the trip was a rental car in Orlando. When we stay at a Disney World resort, we use Disney transportation and don’t need to rent a car. However, staying at the campground was a different story. I once successfully used a ride-hailing service to meet my family at the parks from a Thousand Trails cabin, but we probably would have spent more on ride-hailing than on a rental car for the whole trip.

I always rent from National Car Rental at MCO because I get Emerald Club Executive status with my Platinum Card^® from American Express upon enrollment.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.  

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

 

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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With my status, I can choose any car in the Emerald Aisle but only pay the midsize rate on my reservation. That helps us get out of the airport quickly, skip the rental car counter, and get a vehicle — usually an SUV or minivan — that fits our family. I also get up to 20% off on rentals with my Amex Platinum card.

We paid $397 for a 7-day rental, including the discount from my card. My Amex Platinum card also has rental car loss and damage insurance, so I didn’t need to purchase the rental company’s collision damage coverage.

What We Paid vs. What the Trip Actually Cost

Using rewards, benefits, and our cabin pass membership, my family saved more than $4,000 on this trip compared to the cash cost we would have paid.

That total doesn’t include meals, gas, ride-hailing apps, activities, or the annual cost of the cards and membership I used. But for a 10-day family trip with 3 flights, 3 nights in Washington, D.C., 6 nights in Orlando, and a rental car, I consider $500 a stellar deal — especially because I would’ve paid for those cards and memberships whether we took this trip or not.

Miles handled most of the flights, Hyatt points covered the city hotel stay, Thousand Trails covered the Orlando lodging, and credit card benefits made the rental car cheaper and easier.

Bottom Line:

Smart travel strategies kept this trip within my family’s budget, cutting it from more than $4,600 to about $500.

Best Strategies for Booking Cheap Family Trips

I booked this trip using a combination of rewards and benefits for a multistop itinerary, so every piece of the puzzle had some sort of discount. This exact combination won’t work for every family, but the strategy is repeatable: Stack travel tools rather than relying on a single program to cover everything.

Here are the biggest lessons from this trip:

• Be flexible with airports. I would have preferred a closer airport than BWI, but flying through there made the miles cost attainable. There was a trade-off with additional transportation, but it was worth it for us, and I planned ahead for the extra time.
• Don’t ignore low-cost carrier miles and benefits. I opened a Frontier Airlines World card primarily for the benefits, but earned enough miles along the way to cover flights to Baltimore and Orlando. The benefits I got with my card (and the status I earned) saved us on seat and baggage fees.
• Use hotel points for painful cash rates. I don’t think I could have stomached paying nearly $500 per night for a Hyatt Place stay, even with the hotel’s convenient location and free breakfast. But I was happy to spend the points.
• Stay where amenities offer savings. Our hotel with free breakfast saved us on food for 5, and so did our cabin with a kitchen. The cabin’s washer and dryer also helped us pack light, saving us hassle and baggage fees.
• Pay cash when the price is low. Our flight home from Orlando to Houston was the cheapest of the 3 flights we took, so I used miles for the 2 more costly flights and paid cash for the flight home, which was under $100 for all 5 of us.

Final Thoughts

This sort of trip is exactly why I collect credit card rewards and pay attention to travel benefits. It made a fantastic family trip possible that would have been beyond our budget otherwise.

I used Frontier miles to cover costly flight segments, World of Hyatt points for a D.C. hotel, a cabin membership for nearly a week in Orlando, and credit card benefits for a cheaper rental car. None of those pieces would have paid for the whole trip on its own, but they came together to turn a $4,600 trip into one we booked for just over $500 out of pocket.