How TPG team members are using points for their Fourth of July getaways this year

Just like everyone else, the TPG crew is excited to hit the road again, making the most of the points and miles we've accumulated from home over the past year. With the Fourth of July approaching, we wanted to share some of our team's travel plans for the extended weekend.

If you haven't planned any trips yet, we hope these examples spark some ideas for your summer adventures. With more Americans traveling and cash prices increasing, now might be a perfect time to make the most of your points and other rewards.

All-inclusive getaway in California

Editor-at-Large Zach Honig has mapped out a road trip along the California coast, featuring stops at several renowned hotels, including one of Hyatt's premier properties in North America, a newly opened Hyatt, and a family-friendly Hilton just outside downtown Napa. Thanks to his points, he even enjoyed a luxurious flight there.

"I typically don't plan trips a year in advance, but I realized I needed to secure my dates well ahead of time to redeem a stay at Ventana Big Sur for just 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night. This included a spacious king room with a fireplace and all our meals -- even room service and poolside snacks.

After that, I used another 30,000 points per night for the Alila Napa Valley and two Hilton credit card certificates for a weekend at Napa's Embassy Suites.

I booked my flights using cash, costing just under $100 each way, but I successfully redeemed my United PlusPoints to secure upgrades to Polaris business class." — Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large

A staycation in Florida

You don’t have to go far to maximize your points or rewards. Cards Editor Juan Ruiz is saving a substantial amount by booking a weekend escape just about a two-hour drive from his home.

"I used two complimentary night certificates from my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to enjoy a stay at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa. With holiday weekend rates exceeding $700 per night, the Aspire card consistently offers outstanding value and pays for itself year after year." — Juan Ruiz, Credit Cards Editor

The details regarding the Hilton Aspire card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

A cross-country road trip

At the start of the year, TPG's Director of Marketing and Communications, Becca Manheimer, left New York to spend a couple of months in California. Now it's time for her to road trip back home. While she has several Hilton stays lined up, she plans to primarily stay at World of Hyatt properties to fully utilize her newly-acquired Globalist status.

Beginning in Los Angeles, Becca intends to spend her first night at the new Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World, booked for 70,000 Hilton Honors points. Next, she'll head to Zion National Park in Utah to hike The Narrows and spend a night at the nearby Cliffrose Springdale, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton (80,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

After that, she’ll stay at the Hampton Inn Richfield for a night (30,000 Hilton points per night) before spending a few nights in Denver — likely at the Grand Hyatt Denver for 12,000 points per night. The rest of her itinerary is still in development but will include two nights at the Thompson Chicago (15,000 points per night) and a night at the Hyatt Place Ann Arbor (12,000 points per night).

"Kicking off my road trip back to the East Coast -- staying in points hotels all the way! I earned my Globalist status during my road trip West, so I’ll be primarily at Hyatt properties, with a few Hiltons mixed in!" — Becca Manheimer, Director of Marketing and Communications.

A weekend getaway in the Berkshires

The all-inclusive Miraval Berkshires made quite a splash upon its opening last year, but it comes with a hefty price tag — both in points and cash. Fortunately, that’s not the only World of Hyatt option in the vicinity. Reporter Chris Dong intends to spend his weekend at the more affordable Wyndhurst Manor and Club right next door.

"I booked three nights at the Wyndhurst Manor and Club in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. I redeemed 25,000 Hyatt points per night, which is a bargain compared to the 65,000 points per night required at the Miraval next door." — Chris Dong, Reporter

Final thoughts

As more than 50% of American adults are now fully vaccinated, this holiday weekend is poised to be the busiest travel period since the onset of the pandemic. While cash rates have risen, you might still snag a last-minute getaway using your points and miles without facing the same surge in prices. At the very least, we hope these stories from TPG team members inspire your summer travel plans.