October 17, 2025

Reader Success Story: Anniversary Trip to Cancun

Pam

Booking Award Travel, Mexico, Reader Success Stories

Anna sent in her reader success story about her anniversary trip to Cancun. She started using points and miles seriously in August of 2024 after watching the TMS Webinar. This was her first big redemption, and it was an unforgettable trip—and she’s already planning the next one. Here’s her story:

 

Our Points-Fueled Anniversary Trip to Cancun

For our ten-year anniversary, my husband and I traveled to Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, an adults-only all-inclusive resort near Cancun, Mexico. It was our first major trip booked almost entirely with points—and now we’re hooked!
 
 
 
 

 

Flights to Cancun

 
We flew from Spokane to Dallas, using Alaska miles transferred from Hawaiian Airlines (though that loophole is no longer available since the merger). I purchased 20,000 Hawaiian miles with a 100% bonus for $500 and topped off my account with 3,900 additional miles. We originally booked that segment with 25k miles + $36 in taxes, but rebooked it directly with American Airlines for $244 each when the price dropped.
 
From Dallas, we flew to Cancun in business class for just 30k Alaska miles + $121.26—our first time flying business class, and it was such a fun upgrade!
 
Our return flight was on Southwest® through Denver, paid in cash ($720), and we splurged on priority boarding to get seats together after missing early check-in. We also had our first experiences in Capital One Lounges, thanks to my card_name. The lounges in both Dallas and Denver were beautiful, relaxing, and came with complimentary food and drinks—a total game-changer for airport travel!
 
 

Anna and her husband at the Secrets resort!

 

Lodging

For lodging, we spent one night at the Hyatt Regency DFW using 9,500 World of Hyatt points (transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards®). I mentioned it was my husband’s birthday, and the hotel surprised us with a suite upgrade, champagne, and Star Wars-themed treats!
 
We stayed five nights at Secrets Playa Blanca, booked with 200,000 Hyatt points (also via Chase Ultimate Rewards®). We booked a Preferred Tropical Junior Suite but were upgraded to an Ocean View Preferred Club Suite upon arrival. Cash value: ~$4,000—and we paid $0 in taxes or resort fees.
 
We also spent on some extras: private airport transfers ($160), a Bali bed at the pool ($95), an Isla Mujeres tour ($310), and dinner in Dallas ($200).We saved over 60% of the total trip cost using Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Venture Miles, and the Alaska/Hawaiian programs.
 
Thanks for your story, Anna! We’re so happy you had a wonderful anniversary and wish you many more points-fueled trips in the future!
 
 

Related Posts

How to Visit Cancun on Points

Hyatt Ziva Cancun on Points

Impression Moxché by Secrets—A Luxury Stay on Points

Help for Beginner Points and Miles Enthusiasts

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a Travel Mom Squad advertiser, but we always show the best public offer even when we don’t earn a commission. Terms Apply. 

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