One day in Europe: How (and why) I spent 345,000 points for 36 hours in Rome with two friends

My schedule is very strict as a college swimmer.

We don't get more than 36 hours out of the pool in six months. I get to accumulate a ton of points through welcome bonuses and everyday spending and redeem them in the spring and summer months before swim season starts again, even though my travel is limited.

In order to buy a new computer, I earned 21,662 points.

When I can't get on the road, I try and go all-out. I flew myself and two friends to Rome using 345,000 points and miles. The memories were priceless, even though it was a lot of points. It helped me redeem my points from canceled trips during the peak of the coronaviruses.

We're going to take a closer look at our trip, how I booked it and what I would do differently the next time.

Planning the trip

I had 165,000 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles when I put off homework on a Sunday night.

If you travel frequently, you know how dangerous it can be for a large amount of points to be sitting unused. Some currency are subject to expiration if you don't earn and redeem miles often enough.

Keeping your points and miles from expiring is related.

I had a few things to consider when booking a trip.

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I needed award availability for three business class tickets that had lie-flat seats that left after my last class. I needed the flights to price out to 55,000 Flying Blue miles each on the flight out and wanted to go to a city I had never been to before. The return flight could be business class.

I could explore a new city and get a full day of rest before I left for Europe. It would put my Flying Blue miles to use.

I was able to find award tickets to Rome for only 55,000 Flying Blue miles per person. There was a direct flight home with award space for three and it fit all of my other criteria. Booking a few days in advance is a good idea.

Are you planning on going to Italy? Here is how to get there.

Booking flights and hotels

I was able to book the last three award tickets on the flight for 55,000 Flying BlueMiles each with moderate taxes and fees.

I found United economy award space on a direct flight to Washington Dulles International Airport and booked my friends in economy for 30,000 lifemiles. The 60,000 miles were transferred from American Express Membership rewards to my account. It took them home quickly and in time for class the next day.

I would join them on that flight as well. Around the time of our trip, the A340-600 was put back into service by Lufthansa. It's an old plane that could be pulled from service once newer planes enter the fleet, so I had to fly it.

I spent 63,000 Lifemiles for a business class flight on the A340. I booked a last-minute Southwest flight to return to the Washington D.C. area after taking my itinerary from Rome to Boston.

There is a reason why you need a large amount of Avianca LifeMiles.

Booking a hotel in Rome

Being a Marriott TitaniumElite member, it made sense to stay at Marriott for free breakfast, room upgrade and other perks.

I wanted to spend a little bit with my friends.

I did this because of a few things. It was within walking distance to all the Rome sites, I knew I could take advantage of breakfast benefits, and it was reasonably priced.

I spent 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for the one night we stayed, but the price may be different now that Marriott has removed award charts. During Marriott's Week of Wonders sale, the lowest price I can find is 74,500 points per night.

I already had the points in my account, so there was no need to transfer them.

I wasn't interested in what they offered as I couldn't afford it on a student budget A night at the property cost $740 on a random November date.

You can increase your Marriott Bonvoy balance by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express® Card, which has a 125,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months. If your card is open and in good standing, you'll get Gold Elite status.

There are 7 ways to maximize Marriott Bonvoy redemptions.

The trip

Ryan Pitterson is from The Points Guy.

The trip went smoothly.

We boarded our beautiful KLM A330 bound for Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, had a great meal, and got a good night's sleep. We were able to get to Rome just before lunch.

We did not plan anything in advance. We didn't get to see the Pantheon or the Colosseum because they were all sold out.

We made our way around the city on foot and decided to stop at multiple gelato stalls for a refill. Next time, we'll make plans further out from departure to be able to see more of the city, but the gelato made us feel better.

It was as easy to go home as it was to get there. While my friends traveled home on an earlier flight, I was able to relax and catch up on sleep. The delay didn't stop us from getting ready for swim practice on Monday.

Business class versus economy is the subject of a video.

Was it worth it?  

Was it worth it to burn 345,000 points? It's absolutely true.

I was able to treat my friends to an amazing weekend in a city that we had never been to before. For the first time, they had to experience business class, and we have some amazing memories to show for it. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I were given the chance.