Help Strategize: Dec 2022 Family holiday! Got 350k AMEX MRs + 400 Travel credit + Accor benefits

[tOrnad0]

Disclaimer: I'm a total newbie to this forum, so please excuse if this has been covered before or somewhere else.

We're first-time parents to a one year old; and haven't really had the time to research and book our Dec 22 get away. Pressed for budgets, looking for a way to use up our points to fly overseas [Asia or Africa] on a preferably luxurious stay (either all inclusive or atleast breakfast included). We're looking for stays of 5 to 7 days. Ofcourse I'm happy pay extra for what points don't/can't cover.

I'm hoping to seek help/guidance to the best strategy to use-up our points. Not sure, if we're too late to effectively use up our points, but your thoughts, criticisms are welcome.

Points: 353,000
Travel Credit: $400
Accor Hotels benefit: 1 night free (I believe).

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF @tOrnad0 .

Travel on points overseas in December this year is going to be a bit tricky as availability I think will be pretty low.

For the use of MR points for flying I’d strongly suggest you use Award Flight Assist, a related group to AFF. I can’t post a link right now but just google award flight assist and I’m sure you’ll bring up the website.

For a small fee they search and find appropriate award flights for you to suit your itinerary using MR and and then present results for you, ready to book. They don’t do the booking themselves. Just remember to be as flexible as you can when telling them where and when you want to fly.

EDIT: Here they are: Award Flight Assist - Frequent Flyer Solutions

 

[Dr Ralph]

Not sure, if we're too late to effectively use up our points, but your thoughts, criticisms are welcome.

Points: 353,000
Travel Credit: $400
Accor Hotels benefit: 1 night free (I believe).

Even before COVID I'd say looking 5 months out to use points for a December booking was not recommended. Now post COVID I'd say it's close to impossible.

 

[aikman]

I don't suppose you live in Cairns? You have enough Amex points to convert to Velocity and spend a week in Singapore over the New Year break, and even fly business class in one direction (2 adults & 1 infant)!

 

[knagelli]

Disclaimer: I'm a total newbie to this forum, so please excuse if this has been covered before or somewhere else.

We're first-time parents to a one year old; and haven't really had the time to research and book our Dec 22 get away. Pressed for budgets, looking for a way to use up our points to fly overseas [Asia or Africa] on a preferably luxurious stay (either all inclusive or atleast breakfast included). We're looking for stays of 5 to 7 days. Ofcourse I'm happy pay extra for what points don't/can't cover.

I'm hoping to seek help/guidance to the best strategy to use-up our points. Not sure, if we're too late to effectively use up our points, but your thoughts, criticisms are welcome.

Points: 353,000
Travel Credit: $400
Accor Hotels benefit: 1 night free (I believe).

Probably good to share your origin city and if you have status with any of the airlines which will help others in suggesting based on their experience. Having the elite status sometimes help in getting ahead of the queue in rewards booking waitlist and also may be help prioritize the allocation.

As others have mentioned 5 months out is little too late however you still have few decent options based on where you are from.

Good luck !!