Andrew shares today’s reader success story about how he used points and miles to book a milestone family trip to Spain. Here is his story:
Travel has always been a priority for our family, but with two young boys—one of whom faced unexpected medical challenges—we weren’t sure when our next adventure would happen. Thanks to points and miles, we were able to rebook a dream trip to Spain, celebrating our youngest son’s health milestone in Barcelona and Madrid—all while saving thousands on flights and luxury hotels.
Andrew and his boys in front of the Sagrada Familia.
Why Spain?
Spain was a natural choice for us. My wife studied abroad there, and we loved revisiting a place with such personal significance. Additionally, February is an off-peak season, making it an ideal time for flights and accommodations using points. Plus, we’d read that Spain is incredibly family-friendly, which we found true—the people were warm, welcoming, and always eager to engage with our little ones.
How cute are these two buddies?
The Unexpected Detour
We originally booked our trip in February 2024, but a month later, we learned that our youngest son would be born with Pierre Robin Sequence, a congenital condition affecting breathing and feeding. We canceled part of our trip at one point, thinking we wouldn’t travel again for a long time. However, after finding a specialist in Palo Alto and completing an innovative treatment, we were able to rebook everything with points and miles to celebrate this milestone.
Booking Our Flights: Maximizing American Express Membership Rewards®
We used a combination of American Express Membership Rewards® and transfer bonuses to book our flights, making sure every mile stretched as far as possible:
MIA → CDG → BCN (Air France, Economy): Booked via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club using a 20% American Express transfer bonus, lowering the total points required.
Taxes, fees, and seats paid: $522.50
BCN → MAD (Air Europa, Economy): Booked via Flying Blue (Air France) with American Express Membership Rewards® points.
Taxes, fees, and seats paid: $268.90
MAD → MIA (Iberia, Economy): Booked via British Airways Avios after transferring Membership Rewards® points.
Taxes & fees paid: $394.80
This strategic use of
transfer bonuses cut our out-of-pocket costs significantly, making the trip even more rewarding.
Bassinet on board.
Luxury Hotel Stays with Hyatt Points
As Hyatt Globalist members (achieved through a corporate challenge in Spring 2024), we maximized our status to enjoy exceptional perks like suite upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkouts.
Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower
Madrid: We stayed at the
Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid and used 69,000 Hyatt points and a Suite Upgrade Award for five nights. Again, Pam’s email template came through and helped secure a premium suite.
Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid
Sweet gifts for the boys.
Gifts for mom and dad.
Being able to book high-end accommodations for free—and stay in upgraded suites—allowed us to fully enjoy our destinations without worrying about the budget.
Experiencing Spain as a Family
Our itinerary was a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun activities for young kids.
Barcelona Highlights:
- Montjuïc & Park Güell – Stunning views and open spaces for the kids to roam.
- Sagrada Familia – A breathtaking visit, even with little ones.
- L’Aquàrium de Barcelona – A perfect stop for toddler-friendly entertainment.
- Barceloneta & Gothic Quarter – Enjoying the seaside and historic streets.
Madrid Highlights:
- Museo Nacional del Prado – A cultural experience with a quick visit to see iconic works.
- Mercado de San Miguel – A must-visit for tapas and an easy way to try various Spanish dishes.
- Royal Palace of Madrid – A great way to immerse ourselves in Spain’s royal history.
- Sobrino de Botín – Dining at the world’s oldest restaurant, a unique highlight of our trip.
Churros are always on the menu in Spain!
Spain truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best family destinations. Everywhere we went, people were incredibly accommodating and kind to our little ones, making the journey even more special.
Total Savings Using Points & Miles
By strategically using points, miles, and transfer bonuses, we saved thousands of dollars on what would have otherwise been a very expensive trip.
Key Takeaways & Advice for Other Families
1. Use Transfer Bonuses Wisely: The 20% Membership Rewards® transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic bonus helped us book flights for fewer points.
2. Leverage Hotel Status & Suite-Upgrade Strategies: Using Pam’s email template helped us get free suite upgrades in both cities.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Cancel and Rebook: Life happens, but if you use points and miles, it’s easier to adjust plans without losing money.
4. Spain is a Fantastic Family Destination: The warm, welcoming culture made traveling with two young kids a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a celebration of resilience and milestones for our family. Thanks to the tools from Travel Freely and the inspiration from Travel Mom Squad, we turned our dream of visiting Spain into reality without breaking the bank. If you’re a parent considering family travel with points and miles, go for it! With the right strategies, you can create unforgettable experiences for your little ones for next to nothing—just like we did.
Andrew, thanks for sharing how points and miles helped you enjoy a milestone family trip to Spain! We are so happy to hear that your son reached this milestone and hope you have many more memories to make with your family!
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