Who doesn’t love a good deal, especially when it comes to traveling? This is the story of my recent trip to Paris, where I managed to snag an amazing award ticket using Flying Blue miles and squeezed in a stylish stay at a Hilton hotel without breaking the bank.
Unlocking Award Tickets with Flying Blue Miles
A dream trip to Europe always involves a touch of family magic. My European escapades often intertwine with visits to my family in Israel, and this trip was no different. My itinerary involved a quick stop in Israel before heading to the City of Lights with my hubby. This time, I discovered that I could combine my love for travel with a little bit of mileage magic.
Since I typically book award tickets using United MileagePlus miles or Air Canada Aeroplan points, I was surprised to find that neither program had any seats available for my desired dates. Fortunately, Air France’s Flying Blue program had a spot open, but the route wasn’t exactly ideal. It required me to change airports in New York City, a bit of a hassle. But I was traveling during the bustling spring break season, so I decided to book the ticket and not wait for something better to come along.
Who knew that flying to Israel could be so affordable? Flying Blue categorizes Israel as part of its Europe region, so whether you’re heading to Paris or Tel Aviv, you’ll be paying almost the same price in miles. I ended up snagging a round-trip ticket for 55,000 Flying Blue miles, including a domestic connection on Delta Air Lines from my home airport. And there’s an even better secret! American Express often offers transfer bonuses of 20% to 30% to Flying Blue, and Flying Blue itself runs Promo Rewards with discounts up to 50% on select routes. Stacking these discounts can lead to incredible savings—like the time I rebooked my return flight for 43,500 miles after Air France announced a surprise sale.
Lounge Life and Hilton Hospitality
Let’s face it, airport lounges are a traveler’s haven. My trip started at the Air France Lounge, where I decided to freshen up before my flight. The lounge itself felt a bit outdated, but it did offer showers, so I could feel refreshed and ready to explore the city. But if you crave a bit more peace and quiet, head upstairs. The food and drinks remain the same, but you’ll find fewer people on the second floor.
And when it comes to finding the perfect hotel, there’s no place like home (or at least a home away from home). I’m a big fan of Hyatt, especially the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, which was a great deal a few months ago. But it has since climbed in category, so I decided to save my Hyatt points for another trip. Instead, I used a couple of free night certificates from Hilton for a stylish stay at the Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero. The location was fantastic, with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop terrace. And the nearby Trocadero metro station made getting around the city a breeze.
Navigating Paris: Getting Around and Avoiding ATM Fees
Paris is a city that’s best explored on foot. But for longer distances, the Paris metro is a quick and affordable option. I recommend buying a pack of 10 single tickets for the most economical commute.
A word of advice: be wary of Euronet ATMs. These ATMs are often found throughout Europe, but their high fees and unfavorable exchange rates can make them a costly mistake. I learned this the hard way at Orly Airport, where I was forced to use an Euronet ATM to get some local currency. My Charles Schwab Bank Debit Card did reimburse me for the withdrawal fee, but I learned my lesson: carry some euros with you to avoid these hidden costs.
My trip to Paris was an unforgettable experience—from the thrill of finding a great award ticket to the convenience of using my Hilton free night certificates. And while every traveler may have their own unique experiences, I hope my journey will inspire you to embrace the magic of exploring the world without breaking the bank.
