Member Success Story: $10,000 Saved on Milestone Birthdays in Morocco
When Travel Freely member Vanessa and her husband hit milestone birthdays — his 50th and her 40th — they wanted to celebrate in a way that felt exotic, luxurious, and unforgettable. Their eyes turned to Morocco, a place that perfectly blended their love of beaches, food, culture, and history.
With the help of Travel Freely and a well-planned points strategy, they turned a bucket list trip into reality — flying business class and enjoying amazing stays without breaking the bank.
Here’s how Vanessa made it happen — and why Morocco turned out to be their most memorable adventure yet.
Tell Us About Yourself
Hi! I’m Vanessa, and I live in California with my husband, who is an accountant and an avid surfer. I work as a massage therapist, and I’ve been lucky to travel the world since my 20s — but back then, I was on a much tighter budget. Now that we’re in a different stage of life, we look for comfort and unique experiences, especially for longer trips.
We’re both drawn to beach destinations, amazing local food, textiles, handicrafts, architecture, and places that have rich historical and spiritual significance. Morocco had been on our dream list for a while, and with 2 milestone birthdays to celebrate, it felt like the perfect time to make it happen.
Tell Us About Your Trip
Last year, we set off on a 3-week adventure across Morocco to celebrate our birthdays. Our itinerary took us through Marrakesh, Casablanca, Essaouira, and Taghazout, giving us the best of both Morocco’s bustling cities and its laid-back coastal towns.
We began in Marrakesh, staying in a traditional riad (a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard or garden) where we dove headfirst into the chaos and beauty of the medina, the old part of the city. The colorful souks, aromatic spices, and winding streets were a sensory overload in the best possible way. From there, we headed to Casablanca, where we marveled at the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque and soaked in the city’s unique blend of old and new. Our next stop was Essaouira, which was a refreshing change of pace with its relaxed vibe and friendly locals. We loved strolling the quieter medina and exploring the laid-back beach scene. Finally, we made our way to Taghazout, a surfer’s paradise, where my husband fulfilled his dream of surfing the iconic Sidi Kaouki waves.
To wrap up the trip, we spent 2 nights at Le Méridien Marrakesh using Marriott points. The property was gorgeous, with orange trees, a beautiful fountain, and plenty of comfortable spaces to relax. The breakfast buffet was absolutely incredible, and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to end our adventure.
What Kind of Points Did You Use for This Trip?
I focused on a mix of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points and Marriott Bonvoy® points.
Flights: We used Chase Ultimate Rewards points, transferring them to Air France during a 30% transfer bonus. This allowed us to book round-trip business class flights for 110,000 points per person. Our flights even included free surfboard transport as part of our checked luggage — such a nice bonus!
Hotels: For accommodations, we redeemed Marriott points for our stay at Le Meridien in Marrakesh.
How Much Money Did You Save Using Points and Miles for Your Trip?
We saved about $10,000! The business class flights alone were valued at around $3,800 per person, meaning we saved approximately $7,600 just on airfare. The Air France experience was fantastic from start to finish. The crew was warm and attentive, the food and snacks were top-notch, and we were kept well hydrated with a mix of champagne, espresso, herbal teas, and more. We had a 7-hour layover at Paris Charles de Gaulle, but thanks to lounge access, the time flew by in complete comfort.
We also used Marriott Bonvoy points for our stay at Le Méridien Marrakesh, which gave us a luxurious and relaxing end to our trip without the out-of-pocket cost.
What Advice Would You Give Someone Interested in Booking a Trip Like Yours?
There were so many memorable moments on this trip that it’s hard to choose just a few.
In Marrakesh, we were blown away by the stunning architecture and the rich details of the old city, especially the beautiful patina on the doors and the maze-like medina.
Casablanca offered us a glimpse of Morocco’s religious and cultural grandeur with the Hassan II Mosque, which left a lasting impression.
Essaouira stood out for its slower pace and laid-back coastal charm. We spent time wandering the medina, chatting with mellow shopkeepers, and enjoying fresh seafood by the beach.
Taghazout, of course, was a highlight for my husband, who loved every minute of surfing at Sidi Kaouki. Personally, one of my favorite moments was playing soccer with a group of local boys on the beach — there’s nothing quite like connecting through the universal language of soccer, no matter where you are in the world.
I was also fascinated by the Berber language and script we saw throughout Morocco, which added to the sense of being somewhere truly unique and culturally rich.
What Advice Do You Have for Someone Just Starting with Points and Miles?
My biggest piece of advice is to be strategic and stay organized. When I first started exploring points and miles, I wasn’t sure if flying business class on points was even possible. But once I committed to learning and planning, everything started to fall into place. Be patient with yourself, too. You are learning a new language (the language of points and miles!). It takes time, organization, flexibility, and financial responsibility in meeting the signup bonuses. Travel Freely made it so much easier by helping me track my cards, deadlines, and bonuses.
Start with Chase cards because they offer great flexibility and have strong airline and hotel partners. Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses — they can make a huge difference in stretching your points. And most importantly, don’t get discouraged if it feels overwhelming at first. With a little patience and planning, you can absolutely make your dream trip happen.
How Has Travel Freely Helped You Achieve Your Free Travel Goals, and What Do You Like Best About the App?
Travel Freely has been a huge resource throughout my points and miles journey. The app made it incredibly simple to stay on top of my cards, track important dates, and plan my next moves. I also loved the newsletters and success stories, which kept me motivated and inspired. What stood out most was the personal support — I was able to email the team with my specific questions and always received thoughtful, helpful responses. That kind of personal touch really made me feel seen and supported, which gave me the confidence to take the leap into this world of travel rewards.
Final Thoughts
Vanessa and her husband’s milestone celebration in Morocco was everything they dreamed of — an inspiring mix of luxury, adventure, and authentic cultural experiences. From the lively medinas of Marrakesh to the serene beaches of Taghazout, their journey was filled with meaningful moments and new discoveries that made it truly unforgettable.
Looking back, Vanessa shared, “Travel Freely gave me the confidence to navigate the points world and made the entire process so smooth. The organizational tools and personal support were game-changers for us.”
Her experience is a reminder that with a little planning and the right resources, dream trips don’t have to stay dreams. Whether you’re a beginner or already working toward your next big adventure, Vanessa’s story shows that turning points into priceless memories is absolutely within reach.
Cards that helped Vanessa make this Moroccan adventure a reality:
Our #1 personal card we recommend most often. Hands down the single best "starter card" for beginners and the MVP card for free travel.
A no-brainer, great business card. Your choice to receive 1.5% cash back or 1.5x points.
Great signup bonus for a business card with no annual fee, now with an extended timeline for hitting the spend requirement. Great for carrying a balance. 5x earning categories, and if paired with a premier Chase credit card (one that carries an annual fee), your points are worth even more.
Elevated offer on this no-fee card for Marriott enthusiasts. This card comes with 5 Elite Night Credits per calendar year.
