I need to plan spring break for 2 months from now, but, things are really up in the air in our lives. I can’t know now if we can actually go on the trip I’m planning.
So, I’m looking at things where we can drive easily, and where I can get a relatively inexpensive hotel reservation with my stash of Chase points. We also have a store of Marriott points, but it’s a lot less. And I want to be able to cancel the reservation if necessary and get the points back.
Unfortunately, the card I have with Chase doesn’t allow me to transfer at all. I had no idea until recently. I don’t really want to open up another Chase card just to transfer points.
I’ve had decent luck with their travel portal, but I’ve never needed this much flexibility. If I make a “refundable” reservation, does that mean Chase will give me the points back if I have to cancel? I know I need to ask them, and I will, but I wanted some intel first.
Also, a likely choice for us is Busch Gardens Williamsburg, which we went to one day once and which is near family we’d like to visit. My one qualm is that I’ve seen reviews saying it’s awful over spring break b/c of crowds. I’d be willing to pay extra for the skip the line thing maybe. Our one day there was a random summer day, maybe in an August. We’d probably do 3 partial days there. some of us don’t have the stamina to do all day anymore. THis is 2 parents and 3 teens. One teen is 18 so could I suppose chaperone the others.
Might also consider a brief stay at Great Wolf Lodge there, if I could get a points reservation. But I’m not sure b/c of reviews saying that the water is colder than it used to be and was uncomfortable. That would keep me away b/c I can’t handle cold water like that. But most people I know have wonderful things to say about Great Wolf.
Thanks for any info. I feel almost silly booking anything with how chaotic things are right now. But if things stay the course we need a break and it’s my oldest child’s last spring break with a guaranteed timing the same as the other 2 kids. BTW the spring break is the week before Easter.