How We Booked a $20,000 Vacation With Points

Description

Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the easiest long-haul trips from the West Coast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/ Partner Deals Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna. Gelt: ⁠Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Thrive Market: ⁠30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: ⁠Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Superhuman: ⁠Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Hotels & Resorts Hotel Upgrade Program The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Conrad Bora Bora Nui The Brando Le Taha'a Nanuku Resort Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Products Monopoly Deal Health & Sauna Research Bryan Johnson — Is Sauna ACTUALLY Good For You? (90-Day Experiment) ATH Podcast #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins #287: Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together (03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations (13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji (14:59) Booking The Westin