France Anniversary Trip: $32K Saved with Points

by Zac Hood | Jul 14, 2025 | Member Success Stories
A collage titled Trip Report: France shows photos of a couple at French landmarks, on an airplane, and by the sea, with travel-themed icons and a French flag on a blue background.

Share with friends who are paying retail price for their travel!

Business Class, Croissants, & Full Circle Moments: Our Anniversary Trip to France

Hey there, free travelers! This summer, Virginia and I went on a trip 15 years in the making — back to the exact spot where we got engaged in the South of France. That original trip was made possible by my very first credit card bonus… and this time, we returned with a lot more points and a lot more style.

In this report, I’ll share how we used points and miles to fly business class, stay in 5-star hotels, and revisit one of our favorite places on the planet — Menton — with stops in Milan and Paris along the way. It’s one of our most luxurious trips ever, and thanks to rewards programs, we saved over $32,000 on flights and hotels alone.

This is a photo journal-style report to inspire your own travel dreams — whether you’re new to points or a seasoned pro. Let’s dive in!

Flights

Emirates Business Class – JFK to Milan
We transferred Amex points to Emirates to book 2 business class tickets directly on the Emirates site — 87,000 miles each (174,000 total). The flights retail for $8,060 per person, so the total value was $16,120!

Screenshot of a Google Flights search showing an Emirates flight from JFK to MXP for $8.00, highlighted in green and circled in pink. Other flight details and filters are visible on the page.

There’s no way we would have paid this much for our flights!

Our ticket granted us access to the Emirates Lounge in JFK, which was spacious and featured some incredible food and drinks. It really set the tone for the luxury that was to come.

A woman sits at a table with a red rose, dessert, and a magazine in a spacious, modern lounge filled with tables and people dining. Large windows line one side of the room, letting in natural light.

The business class experience on Emirates did not disappoint! From the food to the space to the ability to lie down flat and sleep. And, I was finally able to get rid of my travel blogger imposter syndrome by visiting the Emirates bar lounge in the sky for the first time.

A man with a black backpack boards an Emirates airplane, handing his ticket to a flight attendant wearing a beige skirt, white shirt, and red hat near the aircraft entrance.

A man in a blue shirt smiles while seated in a luxurious first-class airplane seat, with wood paneling, a drink, a menu, and a blanket, next to large windows.

Below: One of my favorite photos from the trip. It captured Virginia’s “giddiness” — the feeling we get when we get on a plane and realize we’re going to be in business class.

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a cream sweater and brown pants, sits in a luxurious first-class airplane seat near a window, smiling at the camera. A travel amenity kit is on the seat tray in front of her.

A person lies comfortably under a blanket in a luxurious airplane first-class suite, wearing headphones and a sleep mask on their head, smiling and giving a thumbs up. The cabin is lit with soft blue and purple lighting.

Below: Who feels like a million bucks and finally got a photo to prove he’s a legit points and miles guru? This guy below. This seems to be about the most photographed spot in the points and miles world. So, I can finally say I made it. What was most interesting to me was watching them set up the bar. It was completely empty and they had to bring out several carts to set it all up.

A man in a blue t-shirt stands holding a drink at an airplane bar, while a bartender in a vest prepares a drink. Another passenger sits on a curved couch in the background. The bar area is lit with colorful ambient lights.

JetBlue Mint – Paris to Boston
For our return, we flew JetBlue Mint (business class) from CDG to BOS. We transferred 160,000 Amex points to Etihad (a partner of both Amex and JetBlue) and booked the same JetBlue flight for 80,000 miles per person. Booking directly with JetBlue would have required 152,000 points each! With that one little trick of knowing which partner to use, we saved 144,000 points. =)

Retail cost? $5,495 per person = nearly $11,000 in value. Insane.

Below: Retail Price… no thanks!

Google Flights search results showing a one-way business class flight from Paris to Boston on JetBlue for $5,495. Departure at 11:15 AM from CDG, arrival at 1:23 PM at BOS; price is circled in pink.

Below: 152,000 points on JetBlue… no thanks!

Screenshot of a JetBlue flight search. The flight from Boston (BOS) to Paris (CDG) is highlighted, showing 152,000 points needed for a nonstop flight, with flight times and other points amounts listed.

Below: 80,000 Etihad points for the same JetBlue flight… yes please!

Screenshot of Etihad Airways flight search results from Paris to Boston, showing flight times, airlines, and mileage costs. One business class option is circled in pink, displaying From Miles 80,000 + EUR 358 and marked as available.

Below: Transferring 160,000 Amex points to Etihad in just a few clicks…

A webpage confirms the transfer of 160,000 points to Etihad Guest. It states that 1,000 points equal 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles and explains transfer processing times. Buttons for visiting Etihad Guest and closing the window are visible.

We didn’t have lounge access at CDG, but we did stop at the Sapphire Lounge after the flight during our layover in Boston — which was a relaxing treat before heading home.

A woman with headphones around her neck and a backpack stands smiling in front of a sign that reads Sapphire Lounge by The Club inside an airport or lounge area.

JetBlue Mint was definitely a great experience. I’m not someone who would ever nitpick a business class seat. But there were some differences between JetBlue Mint and Emirates Business Class. The main difference was, while Emirates had a traditional luxury feel, JetBlue had a really cool and modern luxury feel. The seats were also huge and tons of room to lie down and sleep. I certainly had no complaints about anything on either flight. =)

A woman sits comfortably in a spacious, modern airplane business class seat with a table holding travel items, under blue ambient lighting. Other passengers are seen in the background.

The Trip: Hotels & Highlights

Milan, Italy — Park Hyatt Milan

We kicked off the trip with a stay at the Park Hyatt Milan, just steps from the famous Duomo and located right next to the Galleria Vittorio. We booked 1 night for 45,000 Hyatt points (transferred from Chase). With Globalist status, we enjoyed an upgraded room, a sweet welcome gift, and an incredible breakfast — all complimentary.

Retail price? $1,718.96. Crazy!

The location was magical — nestled right next to the Duomo and the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

View of the entrance to Park Hyatt Milano, featuring an arched window above the doorway, two lantern-style lights, greenery above, and the hotel name displayed above the entrance.

A luxurious restaurant with a glass-domed ceiling, elegant seating, and a large abstract artwork on the back wall. Natural light fills the space, and diners are seated at tables with blue accents. Staff are serving guests.

A well-lit hallway with patterned carpet, white walls, two framed abstract artworks on the left, and a plant on the right. The corridor extends into the distance with doors on both sides.

A marble table with two plums, two macarons on a tray, two bottled drinks, an open gray box, a postcard of a cathedral, and a folded note.

Modern hotel bathroom with green marble floor and counters, double sink, large mirror, glass shower, bathtub, and a person partially visible in the reflection, holding a phone. Towels and toiletries are neatly arranged.

A bathroom counter displays neatly rolled white towels, toiletries, a bar of soap, tissues, and a potted plant, all arranged on a dark marble surface.

Milan gave us a beautiful soft landing in Europe. We toured the Duomo — including the rooftop and archaeological remains of a 4th-century church tied to Ambrose and Augustine. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get Last Supper tickets (next time!).

We walked around town, had espresso, sampled Milanese risotto and veal, and just soaked in the elegance of Italy.

A smiling couple poses inside a grand, ornate shopping arcade with mosaic floors and a glass-domed ceiling. Behind them are Dior storefronts and several people walking around.

Below: A famous café that overlooks the Galleria Vittorio. Reminded me of the relaxed, Italian version of the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.

Three bartenders in white shirts and black bow ties work behind a bar lined with glasses, bottles of liquor, and an espresso machine under a striped ceiling.

A large crowd of people walks and gathers inside a grand, glass-roofed shopping arcade with ornate architecture and colorful mosaic floors. Sunlight streams through the vaulted glass ceiling.

Below: From outside the Duomo.

A man and woman smiling in front of the ornate facade of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) on a partly cloudy day. The cathedrals intricate architecture is visible in the background.

Below: On top of the Duomo overlooking the city. It was really cool as I’ve never been at the top of a cathedral with spires with such intricate details.

A woman in a striped dress smiles at the camera while standing on the rooftop of the Milan Cathedral, surrounded by intricate Gothic spires and other visitors exploring the landmark.

Below: Underneath the Duomo where a 4th century church was. The baptismal font behind me is where Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, baptized Augustine.

A man in a blue shirt stands among ancient stone and brick ruins beneath a modern concrete ceiling with spotlights, creating a blend of historic and contemporary architecture.

Below: Virginia seen here not as pumped as I am about archeology. But to be fair, she had some jet lag to deal with.

A woman sits on a bench inside an underground archaeological site with exposed ancient brick walls and ruins. In the background, two people look at displays and artifacts under concrete ceilings.

Below: Mission accomplished on an amazing Italian meal before moving on to France.

A man sits at an outdoor restaurant table with a plate of scallops on green puree, a cocktail, and other diners in the background, set against a cityscape and greenery.

Menton, France

Taking the train from Milan, we returned to the town where I proposed to Virginia 15 years ago — Menton. It’s perched right on the border of France and Italy and might just be our favorite town in the world.

This part of the trip was pure bliss. We relaxed on the beach, explored colorful alleys, and returned to the church where I proposed.

Our Airbnb had floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the sea and mountains. The apartment was high up in the old part of town, and while the walk up involved some very steep stairs, the view was undeniable.

A bright, modern living room with large open windows overlooking a blue sea and mountains. Theres a round table with flowers, chairs, a rocking chair, and shelves and cabinets along the walls. Sunlight fills the space.

Large windows open to a scenic view of the sea, mountains, and sailboats. A vase of pink flowers sits on a table inside, with natural light brightening the airy, inviting room.

Airbnb “On Points” Tip: While you can’t directly use points to book an Airbnb, there is a work-around. If you want to use points for an Airbnb, many people opt to use Miles from a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Cardholders use the card to pay for the Airbnb. Then, once the charge appears on your credit card statement online, you can use miles to reimburse the cost of your stay at a rate of 1 cent per mile. So, every 10,000 miles = $100. (Read more on this strategy in our Capital One Miles Guide.)

Below: The walk up was steep, but our Airbnb was literally on this street!

A man and a woman stand smiling in a narrow, colorful European street lined with tall, orange and yellow buildings with green shutters. The street is paved with stone tiles and lit by a wall-mounted lamp.

Below: One of our first stops was the church courtyard where we got engaged!
A man and woman stand smiling in front of wide, yellow-orange terraced steps leading up to a historic church with a tall bell tower in a European town. The sky is light blue with some clouds.

Below: The view from the top.

View between two tall, colorful buildings with green shutters, looking toward a beach, palm trees, and mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky. A zigzag ramp leads down to the promenade.

Below: Flashback to 2010 when I proposed. Thanks to my friend Scott for the epic photo!

A person stands in the center of an ornate, patterned courtyard at night, near a large, illuminated building with steps. In the background, a few people and lit buildings overlook a dark waterfront.

If you want to read more about the proposal, here’s my original post.

Most days, we would walk to a café for coffee, then to the market, and finally relax on the beach.

Outdoor café with red umbrellas, green chairs, and potted plants in front of pastel-colored buildings with shutters and balconies on a sunny day. People are sitting and relaxing at the tables.

A smiling woman in a sun hat and sunglasses sits next to a man in a white shirt and sunglasses on a sunny pebble beach, with colorful buildings and palm trees in the background.

A woman in a white top walks past a flower stall with colorful blooms under a red awning. A white van is parked nearby, with palm trees and a crosswalk visible in the background on a sunny day.

Bouquets of colorful flowers wrapped in plastic are displayed for sale outdoors, each bunch labeled with handwritten price tags. The flowers include roses, lilies, gerberas, and other assorted blooms.

A cheerful vendor stands behind a shop counter decorated with lemons, bottles, and jars. The shop, named Le Mentonnais, displays fresh lemons, products, and signs in French. The ambiance is bright and inviting.

Below: A restaurant around the corner from our Airbnb. Not much needs to be said on the deliciousness here. One of the coolest benefits of using points and miles is re-allocating your travel budget towards spending you may not have been able to afford. I’m quite frugal when it comes to food and dining out. However, thanks to our savings, we could afford to order anything on the menu for a few meals, given the amount we had saved. It feels weird to say it, but this amazing Brie and prosciutto focaccia bread appetizer was made possible by points. =)

A wooden table set with a plate of bruschetta topped with prosciutto and cheese, a glass and bottle of water, a glass of rosé wine, and a white plate, in an outdoor cafe beside old stone buildings.

A roasted small bird, possibly a Cornish hen, is served on a white plate with a side of mixed sautéed vegetables including carrots, zucchini, and greens. Glasses of water and utensils are in the background.

Below: In a medieval village up on the hillside and looking down on the sea. The golden hour in Southern France is an incredible mix of colors in the sky and sea.

A woman and man stand together in front of a black railing overlooking a coastal town with mountains and the sea in the background, under a pastel-colored, cloudy sky at sunset.

A coastal town with red-roofed houses sprawls along a lush, tree-covered hillside overlooking the calm blue sea, with boats anchored offshore and mountains in the distance under a hazy sky.

Below: The restaurant was at the very top, but nestled into the side of a medieval fortress.

People dine at outdoor tables in a lively restaurant set against rocky cliffs and old stone buildings, with greenery and evening lights creating a cozy atmosphere.

A woman sits at an outdoor restaurant table with plates of colorful salad, bread, drinks, and a map display behind her. She looks at her phone while the street and buildings are visible in the background.

We did take a half day to take the train West — past Monaco and Nice to Antibes. Antibes felt much more touristy, but was beautiful and charming in a different way.

Below: We also visited the nearby village of Valbonne, which exuded a strong Provence vibe, so it was cool to get a taste of Provence.

A smiling couple wearing sunglasses takes a selfie on a sunny, narrow street lined with colorful buildings and plants. The scene suggests a charming European town.

A narrow European street lined with colorful buildings and balconies, featuring a flower shop with abundant plants and blooms outside. People stroll and sit at a café, creating a lively, charming atmosphere.

A plate of salad with prosciutto and mozzarella is on a café table outdoors, next to a basket of bread. People are dining under large umbrellas on a sunny patio with cobblestone flooring.

Below: Here’s one of my last photos from Menton. I remember hoping and willing myself back here as soon as possible while taking this photo. For me, there’s nothing more peaceful than sitting on the beach right next to the crystal clear water. But even better is when sunset hits, when the sea is like glass running into the horizon with pinks and blues and oranges in the sky, with the nearby mountains running into the sea. It’s incredibly peaceful, and it feels as though time stands still.

A calm bay with palm trees and sandy beach, bordered by a promenade. The sun is low over mountains, casting a golden light across the tranquil sea and marina, with boats visible in the water.

Paris

Paris was the cherry on top — a 1-day dream finale. Why not?! We took a short flight from Nice to Paris to position ourselves for our flight home.

Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme

Our final night was a dream. We stayed at the iconic Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme for 45,000 Hyatt points (again, transferred from Chase). The room we were upgraded to — the Park Suite King — felt like a room in a palace. I remember thinking that this room probably cost more than our house.

A hotel reservation confirmation for Zachary Hood at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, with the address, phone number, and options to cancel or change the reservation. The top features a green leaf background and greeting message.

Below: Retail cost would have been almost $3,000. Yikes.

Screenshot of a hotel booking summary for Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. The total cost per room is $2,245.00, circled in pink. The subtotal is $2,187.50, with additional taxes and fees shown.

Entrance of Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme, featuring ornate stonework, two bronze sculptures holding globes, a wooden door, and a glass canopy with metal rings above the entrance.

Everything about the room was so elegant – sculptures in the room as lights and door handles. Even the shower had a sink in it (a first for me!), and the champagne and welcome gift were super cool. One fun twist: Despite being in a very busy city away from Southern France, the hotel team member who showed us to our room was a young woman who grew up in Menton! (Thanks, Charlotte!)

A modern hotel room with a large bed, white linens, dark wood accents, and gold trim. An adjacent open bathroom area has a robe hanging, a shower, and a vanity with a mirror. Natural light enters through a window.

Elegant hotel room with a modern bathroom in the foreground, featuring a large mirror, sink, and toiletries. The bedroom area has a cozy bed, chairs, a desk, and tall windows letting in natural light.

A round table with a plate of mixed berries under a glass dome, two empty wine glasses, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, folded napkins with cutlery, a card, and a hat placed nearby.

During the day, we zipped through the city on e-bikes, crossing bridges, passing Notre-Dame and the Louvre, and enjoyed lunch near the Eiffel Tower.

It goes without saying that we were already feeling the glow of an incredible vacation so far. Then like a secret surprise, we got to visit Paris?! Being able to see the sights and sounds and tastes was an awesome gift.

Below: Virginia really wanted to eat at a restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower. And, she couldn’t hide her excitement. It was really cool to see her reaction when we sat down. It definitely surpassed her giddiness of the Emirates seat. I love creating special memories, and I definitely won’t forget this one anytime soon.

A smiling couple poses in front of the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day, surrounded by green trees and blooming flowers. The woman wears a striped dress and hat, while the man wears a black shirt and shorts.

A woman with blonde hair, wearing sunglasses and a blue-and-white striped dress, sits and smiles at an outdoor cafe table. She has a white crossbody bag and a smartwatch. Buildings and greenery are visible in the background.

For me, my favorite Paris moment was e-biking around for 30 minutes, where we got to see so many quintessential sites — from artists’ booths to the Seine to the Louvre, and the cobblestone streets in small alleys.

A smiling couple takes a selfie near a river with historic buildings and a bridge in the background under a sunset sky.

That night, we enjoyed dinner near our hotel and soaked up our final evening in Europe.

The next morning, our Globalist breakfast featured amazing pastries and treats — the perfect sendoff.

A luxurious breakfast buffet features pastries, bread, fruit, yogurt, and spreads neatly arranged on wooden trays and bowls, with a mirrored wall reflecting the elegant display.

A man sits at a table with coffee and pastries in an elegant, well-lit café with plush seating, wooden floors, and large windows. Other patrons dine in the background.

Point Breakdown + Total Savings

Here’s the full breakdown of points used and retail value:

  • Emirates Business Class (JFK → Milan): 174,000 Amex points to Emirates = $16,120
  • JetBlue Mint (Paris → Boston): 160,000 Amex points to Etihad = $10,990
  • Park Hyatt Milan: 45,000 Chase points to Hyatt = $1,718.96
  • Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme: 45,000 Chase points to Hyatt = $2,845

Total savings: Over $31,600 in travel expenses — all booked with points. If you add the food and drinks from the lounges plus the free breakfasts at the Park Hyatt, I think we’d come out right at $32,000.

Final Thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about luxury flights or 5-star hotels. It was about coming full circle — returning to a place that helped spark this whole journey, and realizing how far we’ve come, both in marriage and in life. From the Duomo in Milan to the quiet streets of Menton to biking through the heart of Paris, we were reminded that travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about what it gives you. Rest, cultural experiences, perspective, joy, connection.

And in our case, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for what this points and miles lifestyle has made possible. There’s just no way we’d be anywhere close to being able to do this trip or any others without the use of points. And that “attitude of gratitude” is one of the sneakiest benefits of using points and miles. When you don’t pay for it, a business class flight or a 5-star hotel stay has all the feelings of being a 5-year old on Christmas morning. And if the skies aren’t perfectly blue on a trip that others pay thousands of dollars to experience, you barely even think about it.

I hope this trip report inspires you to chase that dream destination — wherever it might be in the world — and with family, friends, or totally on your own.

It’s not just possible. It’s doable. And it can happen faster than you think. We know so many Travel Freely members who have already taken their own dream trips — and that’s what makes this community so special. It’s really fun for me to share one of my stories with you in the middle of celebrating so many others as well. Thanks for following along. We can’t wait for our (and your) next trip. =)

Want to build a trip like this? Check out some of the cards below and our guides:

Learn How to Apply >>
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn As High As 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points for $8,000 spend within the first 6 months of card membership (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

An ultra-premium card loaded with benefits and perks, especially for the frequent traveler. Terms apply.

Learn How to Apply >>
Learn How to Apply >>
American Express® Gold Card
Earn As High As 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points for $6,000 spend within the first 6 months of card membership (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

A must-have for anyone who loves Amex Points. Some of the highest returns (4x!) for spending at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S). Definitely worth a spot in your wallet. 

Terms apply.

Learn How to Apply >>
Learn How to Apply >>
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
60,000 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.

Our #1 recommended personal card. Hands down the single best “starter card” for beginners and the MVP card for free travel. Note: New application rules as of June 2025 may affect your eligibility—click to learn more before applying.

Learn How to Apply >>
Learn How to Apply >>
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
90,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in the first 3 months.

One of the very best business cards. A highly recommended business card for an incredible signup bonus and 3X categories.

Learn How to Apply >>