Jen sent us this reader success story to Washington D.C. She and her husband had a fun getaway as a couple and also realized they’re both totally on board with this hobby of points and miles. Here is her story:

My husband and I took a leap of faith with our first card in January 2023. We’re very much “pay cash/no credit” kind of people, so it was a tough sell at first, especially for my husband. But after our first trip last October, we’re both completely sold! 

Using Credit Card Points and Miles as First-Timers

We went to Washington, D.C., over fall break. My husband grew up there, but I had never been.  We booked our flights using points from JetBlue for 37,000 points round-trip for both of us and our hotel using points from Hyatt. We had used the card_name to earn the Chase Ultimate Rewards® that we transferred to those two travel partners.

We stayed at the Hyatt Place, Washington DC/National Mall. The staff was amazing, and the breakfast was really good. It was near both the National Mall and The Wharf, a fun little area with restaurants and shops. Our hotel room itself was nothing spectacular, so I’d probably try a different property if we went back. It was only 9,000 Hyatt points per night, though, so very economical!

Activities in Washington D.C.

We didn’t rent a car while in D.C., which was a good move! It’s very walkable, and the metro is super clean and easy to use. Get a pass for however many days you’ll be there. It’ll be cheaper than paying each time you use it. There is also a free bus system that you can use around the perimeter of the National Mall.

Several things were under construction—including the Lincoln Memorial—but everything was still open, except the Mall Visitors’ Center. I wish we’d booked our trip sooner so we could have gotten tickets to some key sights. We were too late for a White House or Pentagon tour, but we still saw so much! The Holocaust Museum was a definite favorite.

After four days in the capital, we rented a car and drove south to see some friends. We stayed with them, so no hotel was needed, but we saw Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown. Both were worthwhile, in my opinion, although a little pricey.

Trip Highlights

The trip’s highlights were the Lincoln Memorial, Ford’s Theater, the Holocaust Museum, the beef pot pie at Jamestown Pie Company, seeing friends, and especially knowing that our only expenses were food, a three-day rental car, and entertainment. Thanks so much, Travel Mom Squad!!!