How I booked 4 nights in Toronto on points and miles
The 4th of July weekend is a perfect time to get away, thanks to points and miles. I have never been big on traveling over holidays. It can be expensive, but thanks to this hobby, I found a great deal! This year, we are heading to Toronto. Our trip to Toronto is almost free. We only paid for the taxes and fees for flights and the few excursions we booked.
FLIGHTS
Before we ultimately decide on a trip, I start running searches for trips based on the points we have. I have been cruising a lot lately and wanted to do something different. It gets so hot in the south, I knew we would like to go north to beat the heat. When I started searching for flights from Nashville, I was pleased to see that you can fly non-stop to Toronto. Not only that, but it was affordable with points.
I went to point.me and entered my dates and Toronto as my destination city. I saw that I could use Air France miles to book WestJet tickets to Toronto. I transferred my American Express Membership Rewards to Air France to book this flight. These direct flights from Nashville were 19,000 points for two plus taxes. If I had bought these tickets with money, they would have cost $420. On our return flight, we used our Delta miles and saved $500.
Note From Julie
** When I book award flights after searching for them on a site like point.me, I always double-check everything on the actual website and confirm availability. I did this for our flights home from Toronto. I saw that I could add them to my cart, and then move the other points I needed for my flight to Toronto.
I was shocked when I realized I could not check out with the two tickets in my Delta cart. I looked up the error code I kept getting (after using multiple browsers) and noticed it meant sold out. I missed out on the tickets to fly home. Luckily, I had plenty of free night certificates, and we could get the flights I wanted the next night. So even though I did my due diligence and checked everything, things still happened. I was glad we were able to pivot so quickly and still get the trip booked. **
Our 4-night trip to Toronto from Nashville would have cost us $2100 for flights and lodging. Instead, we paid $150 for taxes and fees for our flights.
Hotel
We recently received 5 free night certificates for Hyatt from a credit card sign-up bonus. Earlier this year, the Chase Hyatt card had an offer where if you spent X amount of dollars, you could get 5 free Night Certificates. We love Hyatt, so I jumped on this deal as soon as I saw it. I was pleased when I realized I could use my free night certificates at the Hyatt Regency Toronto. Since I knew I could get free rooms, I proceeded to look at flight dates.
We used 4 of our 5-night certificates for this stay. If we had paid cash, it would have been over $1700 (CAD)
Activites
I’ve met many nice Canadians this past year while I have been traveling. While hanging out in Amber Cove by the pool in February. I met the nicest lady from Toronto. She gave me notes on what she would do. I took those notes and looked at Viator, and I found an excursion that did everything she recommended I do in one day!
I booked a Niagara Falls Day Tour Includes Boat Cruise, Winery Stop & Lunch
This tour looks amazing. Here are the details from Viator:
Discover one of Canada’s most remarkable natural spectacles—and leave all the travel logistics to someone else—on this premium, full-day Niagara Falls tour from Toronto. Travel by air-conditioned coach from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake as your guide shares stories about the region, and stop en route to visit a winery and sample Niagara-on-the-Lake's top-rated wines. At Niagara Falls, enjoy a 3-course lunch overlooking the falls, go on an in-season boat cruise, and have free time to sightsee independently.
This premium, full-day tour includes a winery visit and a 3-course lunch
Learn all about the region with commentary from your guide
Take a thrilling boat cruise along the base of the falls (in season)
Round-trip transit from your downtown Toronto hotel is included
The Hyatt Regency Toronto wasn’t included in the pickup locations. However, as soon as I booked, the tour operator reached out to let me know. They also gave me the location and time when I can meet them. It looks like an easy walk from our hotel. They will reconfirm the day before.
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