This weekend (3 nights) I had the pleasure of visiting My Alma Mater, Morehouse College, for the 150th Homecoming Celebration and also my 10 year reunion!  I was able to reconnect with some of my best friends I graduated with from Morehouse College ‘07.  As always, my goal while traveling was to enjoy a luxury vacation, without spending the money typically needed to do so.  Here is how I did it!

I have racked up so many airline points through my Chase Southwest Credit Card that essentially anywhere I travel, is free.  The round trip flight from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA cost me 17,921 Southwest rewards points and $11.20.  Also, I have a companion pass for Southwest.  One of my guys flew with me (round trip) for $11.20.  That’s 2 people round trip for $22.40! Don’t forget on Southwest 2 bags fly free!

Once we arrived in Atlanta, I picked up my rental car from Hertz.  I wanted to be a little flashy for the occasion so I rented a 2018 Camaro SS Convertible.  Thankfully, being  American Express Platinum Card member I was able to get a pretty good discount.  My total was $307 w/insurance for the 3 day weekend.  The car was awesome, fast!  

We rented out an amazing home on AirBNB.  My split was $250, There were 5 of us.  

I had some other expenses here and there which I will list below, some I will not list.  But other than that, this was an affordable trip for me! Definitely Ball’d on a budget.

 

TheBlackPointsGuys Expenses:

Flights for 2- $22.40

Hotel- $250

Food and Drink- $200

Transportation-$307

 

TheTypicalGuys Expenses:

Flights for 2- $750-$1000 depending on dates

Hotel- $199 a night, roughly $600

Food and Drink- You decide

Transportation- You decide

This Labor Day weekend (3 nights) I had the pleasure of experiencing my first trip outside of the US. I went to Montego Bay, Jamaica! This was my first international trip and stamp on my passport needless to say I was extremely excited.  My goal while traveling was to enjoy a luxury vacation, without spending the money typically needed to do so.  Here is how I did it!

One of my greatest credit accomplishments, The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass.  I have racked up so many airline points through my Chase Southwest Credit Card that essentially anywhere I travel, is (almost)free.  The round trip flight from Chicago, IL to Montego Bay, Jamaica cost me 33,896,212 Southwest rewards points and $135.11.  Also, I have a companion pass for Southwest.  My special guest flew with me (round trip) for only the $135.11 which covers airport fees and taxes.  That’s 2 people round trip for $270! Don’t forget on Southwest 2 bags fly free!

I booked our trip through my Costco membership, which was also the first time using them for a vacation.  Once we arrived in Jamaica, we were greeted at the Airport with “Bob Marley’s”, one of the most common drinks in Jamaica.  We rode to our resort in a shared shuttle which was provided through the vacation package.  

We arrived at Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, which is an all-inclusive resort.  When I say we were VIP. I mean VIP.  We were in the Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim out! Check out the website to look at the room.  Epic!  Along with the room we were also assigned a Butler, “Gary The Butler” which is what he asked us to call him.   This man was there whenever we needed him and whatever we needed him for.  Definitely felt like the Fresh Prince of Jamaica.  This entire trip was awesome.  Food, Resort, Guests, Climate, everything was perfect!  The trip total was $1848.  We also spent about $100 tipping the staff for the entire stay.  Not only is that a great deal but included with the Costco package, got a $400 Costco gift card!  

 

TheBlackPointsGuy Expenses:

Flights for 2- $270

Hotel for 2- $1848

Tips- $100

Transportation-$0

 

TheTypicalGuy Expenses:

Flights for 2- $1500-$2000  depending on dates

Hotel- booking directly with resort, for the same package. $2763 and no $400 Costco gift card.  

Tips- You decide

Transportation- You decide