How we saved over $30,000 on a Epic Bucket list trip around the world

Everyone dreams of that epic, around-the-world adventure-a journey spanning continents, luxury hotels, and bucket list destinations. But what if you could do it for less than 10% of the retail cost? That’s exactly what Tim and Cindy from Keene Adventures achieved, turning a $36,000+ dream trip into a reality for just over $4,200 out-of-pocket.

Here’s how they did it, and how you can apply the same strategies for your own unforgettable journey.

The Route: 12 Countries, 65 Days

Their itinerary reads like a travel lover’s fantasy: Lisbon, Amsterdam, the Maldives, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, the US, and the UK-all in just over two months. From direct flights to five-star stays, this was not a budget backpacking trip, but a premium, comfort-filled adventure.

The Secret: Maximizing Points, Miles, and Travel Perks

Flights:Instead of shelling out for expensive airfare, Tim and Cindy used a combination of American Express, Alaska, and Chase points to book flights. For example:

• Lisbon to Amsterdam: $430 retail, but just $56 in taxes and fees with points.

• Maldives: $1,726 retail, paid $389 in taxes and fees thanks to points.

• Multiple Asia flights: Routinely paid under $200 in taxes and fees for flights retailing at $400-$700.

Hotels:Their hotel strategy was even more impressive. By leveraging credit card sign-up bonuses, free night awards, and loyalty program perks, they will stay in some of the world’s top hotels for a fraction of the cost:

• Hyatt Amsterdam Airport: Paid with points.

• Hilton Maldives: Six nights for $1,200 (retail $8,896).

• Park Hyatt Cambodia: Five nights for $0 (retail $1,500).

• Crown Plaza Singapore: Two nights for $0 (retail $523).

• Park Hyatt Kyoto: Three nights for $0 (retail $7,649)-a nearly impossible-to-book luxury property.

In total, their hotel stays have a retail value of $27,635, but they paid just $2,652-less than 10% of the sticker price.

Other Savings Tactics:

• Brand Explorer Bonuses: Staying at multiple brands within The World of Hyatt hotel chain to earn extra free nights.

• Credit Card Free Night Awards: Using annual free night certificates from cards like Hilton Surpass, IHG, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

• Timeshare Offers: Sitting through a 90-minute timeshare presentation in Orlando netted them three nights for $145 (retail $1,422) plus 100,000 Hilton points for future use.

The Numbers: Breaking Down the Savings

Expense	Retail Cost	Paid Out-of-Pocket
Hotels	$27,635	$2,652
Flights	$9,098	$1,575
Total	$36,733	$4,227

That’s a savings of over $30,000-while staying in some of the world’s most coveted hotels and flying between 12 countries.

Is It Worth the Effort?

Absolutely, if you’re willing to plan ahead, maximize credit card rewards, and be flexible. Tim and Cindy’s experience proves that with the right strategy, even a luxury, once-in-a-lifetime trip can be within reach for a fraction of the cost.

“We are staying in amazing hotels… Park Hyatts, Intercontinentals, the Maldives… these are going to be fabulous resorts without a doubt. And we’re paying less than 10% of the retail price.”

Tips for Your Own Bucket List Adventure

• Start Early: Accumulate points and miles through responsible credit card use and loyalty programs.

• Be Strategic: Use sign-up bonuses and free night awards for high-value stays.

• Mix Cash and Points: Sometimes, paying taxes and fees or booking a cheap night out-of-pocket is worth it for the overall savings.

• Look for Promotions: Timeshare presentations and Special Hotel bonuses can add significant value.

• Plan and Track: Keep a spreadsheet of your points, bookings, and savings to maximize your rewards.

Conclusion

With careful planning, savvy use of points, and a willingness to learn the travel rewards game, that bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime trip doesn’t have to remain a dream. Tim and Cindy’s upcoming journey is living proof: the world is waiting, and you don’t have to break the bank to