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The Dream
My husband has been a man with a dream for seven years. Starting with the 2017 eclipse, he was determined to be in the path of totality for this April 2024 Eclipse. So, as soon as reservations opened up, we started booking. Thanks to points and miles, it was really easy to do this. We did not know if we would drive a camper, or stay in a hotel, so we booked both to start, and made decisions from there.
Transportation
For the longest time we were planning to drive. Even starting a year ahead of time, the flight prices were exorbitant. I was just not willing to spend even the amount of points they wanted for a flight out there. Then, a month ahead of time, some cheap points flights opened up from Denver to Houston, and I decided I would rather drive 2 hours with my kids than 14. We booked the Houston flights, and a rental car and we were off to the races, or so we thought…..
Southwest Airlines Flight
14,836 points x 3 = 44,508
2 Companion Passes
Total Cost: $56.00
The rental car was pricey for a 3 day rental it was $501. Thankfully we had the $300 travel credit from Capital One, bringing our total to $201.
The Hotels
We were flying into Houston Hobby Airport. Which, in my opinion is one of the most fun airports for kids. They have at least 2 playgrounds, a Chick-fil-a, and a video game spot that is covered on some credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve. We decided to stay further from the airport on the night we arrived, and utilize one of our new favorite tricks on the way home, and stay at a hotel near the airport.
Hyatt Place Houston Galleria – 6,500 pts
Springhill Suites Houston Hobby – (with airport shuttle) 18,000pts per night
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines – 2 rooms for 2 nights @ 25,000 points per night = 100,000 points per night
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
This hotel is a destination I was very eager to try. They have an expansive property with pools, lazy river, slides, horseback riding, archery, etc. Spending a nice warm weekend here sounded amazing while it was still in the 30’s in Colorado.
To stay here it cost 21-29,000 points per night for a standard room.
You could also pay 36-44,000 points for a junior suite.
The Result
Total Cost: $257
When I tell you years of planning went into this, I do not exaggerate. However, we got to the week before the eclipse and Austin weather just wasn’t looking good. Despite our best efforts to find other places we could fly into, we had to come to terms with the fact that it wasn’t going to work for the whole family to make this trip. I’m so thankful to have points and miles that made it easy to cancel everything and receive full refunds.
The husband though, was undeterred, and will road trip at any length, and road trip he did. He chased the cloud cover maps to find the perfect spot to watch.