Like many people, I’ve been watching the Olympics this week. The power and pure athleticism on display are simply hard to comprehend. I’m in awe of these athletes.
I had no plans for the final week of the Olympics, so I decided on a whim to check for award availability. I was shocked at the amount of Air France business-class space available for 50,000 and 72,000 Flying Blue miles, so I decided to book a last-minute trip.
I had a stash of American Express Membership Rewards points from my American Express® Gold Card — I earn 4 points per dollar on spending at U.S. supermarkets* and restaurants, which is a great way to ramp up your earnings. The Amex Gold card was just refreshed, and while I’m not a fan of the new monthly credit offerings or the higher annual fee, I can still easily offset that by using the newly added biannual up-to-$50 Resy statement credits.**
If you need Flying Blue miles, there’s also a brand-new transfer bonus to Flying Blue from Citi ThankYou Rewards — you’ll receive 25% more miles when you transfer points through Aug. 17.
But the award availability didn’t stop there. I was also able to book the Waldorf Astoria Versailles — Trianon Palace. The equestrian events are happening at the Palace of Versailles nearby, and as many of you know, I’m a big horse-jumping fan. I’ve also never been to Versailles, and what better time to make a first visit than to see show jumping?
In Paris, there were a lot of different points hotels with availability, like the Prince de Galles and the Westin Paris — Vendome, but I decided to splurge on the Waldorf Astoria. Olympics tickets weren’t exactly cheap because I had to buy them through resellers like Ticombo, but the process was relatively easy. I’m excited to also see diving, beach volleyball and possibly rhythmic gymnastics. I’ve never been to an Olympics before, and the power of points, especially at the last minute, is something I want you all to never underestimate.
So follow along on Instagram as I share the experience at my first Olympics.
Have a great weekend,
BK
* U.S. supermarket purchases earn 4 points per dollar up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases and restaurants up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar. ** Eligible at U.S. Resy restaurants and other eligible Resy purchases; enrollment required.
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