How to Create Your Perfect Journey to the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany Using Credit Card Rewards, Insights from a Financial Expert

Surrounded by mountains and sea, the Amalfi Coast is renowned for its stunning landscapes, quaint villages, exquisite dining, and breathtaking views. This allure makes it one of the most sought-after travel spots globally, leading to large crowds and elevated prices, especially in peak summer. While escaping the throngs of tourists may be challenging, you can still turn dreams of savoring spaghetti in Sorrento or wandering through Ravello's gardens into a budget-friendly reality. The same goes for the ever-beautiful Tuscany, from the vineyards of Chianti to its cultural center and largest city, Florence.

Tori Dunlap, a financial expert and the founder of Her First $100K, recently took a trip to the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany, primarily funded by credit card points. Keep reading to discover her strategies — and grab some advice for planning your own budget-friendly dream vacation to Italy (or anywhere else for that matter).

“I didn’t use points for everything, but I reserved them for major expenses like flights,” Dunlap explains. “My partner and I flew from Seattle to Frankfurt in business class, utilizing Alaska Airlines points I earned as a loyal frequent flyer, which I then transferred to Condor.” Without using points, that flight would have set us back about $4,000 per person. Her top travel advice? Stick with one airline to accumulate frequent flyer miles — it truly pays off.

A rental car is crucial for exploring specific regions of Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast and the Tuscan countryside. Dunlap reserved a rental car for a week (picking up in Naples and returning in Florence) for 62,000 points, which saved her around $1,100. Regarding lodging, summer in Italy brings steep prices. If you have points to use, it's an excellent opportunity to enjoy luxurious hotels like Terme di Saturnia, which Dunlap adored, without overspending.

You can certainly use points for much more than just travel. Many credit cards allow points to be redeemed for experiences like guided tours or museum tickets, which can be booked via the card's online portal. Dunlap booked a Tuscan cooking class for six for only 11,000 points, which would have normally cost around $900.

Dunlap accumulated her points by charging all her purchases to credit cards. “Every single item I buy, from my electric bill to meals and business costs for Her First $100K, is put on a card. This allows me to earn points on every dollar spent. I utilize multiple credit cards to maximize my points and rewards, selecting those that fit my spending habits and offer the best benefits for travel and everyday expenses.” It took her about a year and a half to gather enough points to cover a significant portion of her trip. Start saving now, and you could be enjoying an Aperol spritz with a view of the Bay of Naples next summer.